I'm planning to sit the Year 9 entrance exam for Normanhurst. Do you have any tips or recommended prep materials? Also, what are the chances of getting in?
I'm also considering preparing for the North Sydney Boys entrance exam—any advice on that one as well?
Hello legacyt,
I've sat the Normanhurst examination before (not in year 9 however in previous years. the tests were very similar in both years in my experience), my advice (double check this with other ppl in the forum bc it might have changed) for that is that you practice answering comprehension PEEL/PETAL questions and creative writing for english (if you want practice papers use Module C HSC past papers as they are mostly similar, note that you should skip questions that are not creative writing or comprehension related) and do math past papers (try develop an understanding of the stage 5 content in the syllabus as some selective schools can learn stuff that is a year ahead nevertheless within stage 5).
North Sydney Boys' test is similar to Normanhurst, however I remember maths being significantly easier in contrast with normanhurst. However the comprehension for that is a bit more tough. In one of the years however, I remember NSB for 7-9 making the students sit an exam made by Edutest. (to prep you can use the Victorian Selective Past Papers). However this may have changed, more information will probably be provided in june this year probably.
Apart from preparations, I would also encourage you to partake in extracurriculars or activities (i.e Duke of Ed, Band, etc.) as they also help with your application.
Both schools are incredibly difficult and competitive to get in as there are very limited spaces, however more spaces open in later years such as year 11. Some years may be luckier than others as it comes down to how many people are leaving the selective school. However dont let that discourage you from applying, there's always a chance.
I hope this information helps, if you have any questions please let me know, I wish you all the best with your preparations.
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