Hi I am a student in EBSS, set to graduate in 2016. EBSS is a science specialist school, situated in Parkville as a sub-school of University High School. If you would like to come, please ensure you have a deep interest in science and maths.
The entrance exam consists of five components; verbal reasoning, science reasoning, reading comprehension. mathematics and writing.
Verbal reasoning: based on year 9 selective examinations (50 questions, 30 minutes)
Science reasoning: the same/similar to JMSS, if somewhat harder concepts to grasp (30 questions, 30 minutes)
Reading comprehension: grammar, punctuation, analysing text (40 questions, 30 minutes)
Mathematics: quadratics, problem solving, trigonometry, linear concepts (60 questions, 30 minutes)
Writing: the writing piece i did was a personal one, it was about your future plans, ambition, how science is a part of your life and its impact and how EBSS can benefit you. You should see it as a written interview to sell yourself to them. This part could practically mean if you get an interview or not.
General note: please advance your skills for the exam as the concepts tested are one year AHEAD.
How I studied/revised for the exam:
- read science magazines and articles to update your general knowledge
- must important: know what the year level above you is learning about, get an insight into VCE standard work (this is what gets you higher than everyone else)
In my generation, I was going to be the second year level there so not much people were aware of the school then. There were exactly 112 students doing the exam and resulted in 66 students being accepted. EBSS does not intend to fill all the spaces for a larger year level, they only accept one's who fulfil their requirements and standards, and are passionate.
Following the entrance exam, an interview takes place for one's who are partially successful. Questions involved:
- clarifying information regarding the writing piece from entrance exam
- what are 5 attitudes a successful scientist must have? Why are they needed?
- why do you like a certain field of science? (favourite science subject and why?)
- why do you want to come to EBSS? Difference between JMSS and EBSS? (mention facilities, curriculum)
- what future VCE subjects would you like to do?
Some other questions you should prepare are:
- why do you want to leave your current school?
- what are your hobbies?
- what do you consider as your strengths and weaknesses?
- why is science important and how can it help in the future?
- what is your proudest achievement and why?
REMEMBER: to point out your advantages of yourself as you go! Teachers are looking for self-motivated, independent and most importantly, let your passion for science and maths shine! It is extremely important they get the message that you are passionate!
As expected, before the interview please familiarise yourself with the facilities and curriculum EBSS provides. This includes:
- University High School
- GTAC (Gene Technology Access Centre)
- Bio21
- University of Melbourne
Here in EBSS we have extended investigation. It is where you find your own research question to look deeper into and find a conclusion regarding it. At the interview they will ask you about your interest in science and your favourite field. Building on top of this, you should question yourself to have potential research questions. But don't worry too much about it, it can always change! Some questions you can ask yourself include:
1. what field do i enjoy? physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science or psychology?
2. in the field there are sub-topics. eg, interested field is biology. subtopics include genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, animals and plants etc.
3. from sub-topics, question you questions to reach a research question. To do this, using a mind-map is helpful. For example, you enjoy genetics in biology. Your research question could be how does the length of DNA impact the live expectancy of an individual and how fast he/she ages.
Interview tips:
- be passionate and enthusiastic
- dress neat and be on time
- try not to get too nervous, it leads to stress and when you're stressed you tend to loose your thinking processes
- if you get asked if you have any questions, ask anything you want to know. It would be good if you have some prepared or a good question to ask is: what do you look for in a student? After the teacher replies, remember to link/ relate it back to you to widen your chances of getting in!
My experience: Joining the EBSS community opens you up to much more opportunities. Because we are getting older, it isn't so much about the education anymore. It is also about life after VCE and your own career. EBSS gives you chances to experience a variety of fields of careers and its skills needed. The environment differs a lot for most people as team-teaching is done in a lecture style, as well as getting a personal mentor. Overall, you meet other great students who are like-minded, wishing to achieve to each person's maximum potential!
Feel free to visit the school website at:
https://www.unihigh.vic.edu.au/index.php/specialist-programs/elizabeth-blackburn-school-of-sciences Good luck everyone for your studies!
Update (2018): I'm currently in second year university and I am definitely grateful for the experiences at EBSS such as learning styles, tips and how to approach university life basically!
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