#macrobentry

[qwedfas]

How had macrob been life changing for you guys? Any special experience you think macrob has to off? (year 8 going into year 9)

Hey there,

Of course, every student will have a different experience at Mac.Rob and where some consider the experience life changing, there will also be some who are underwhelmed by the experience. Just remember there is no right or wrong – simply just experiences. Below are some of our experiences :)

FAM Member 1: My outlook on life has changed. Sounds a little much and probably cheesy but hear me out. I think studying at MacRob has been a really good move for me. At my old school, I remember not caring about leadership, being unmotivated to do well, never putting my hand up for things because I always made excuses not to. The MacRob environment however, is made of students who always put themselves forward, students who strive to do their best, and there are so, so many opportunities to do…whatever you want to achieve! I love this support from peers and teachers and going to macrob has turned my life into an uplifting one. While I know this won’t last forever - I am graduating this year after all - I hope to keep this mindset of being the very best that I can throughout my life.

FAM Member 2: Similarly to FM1, my outlook on life has changed as well. I’ve taken so many life lessons from being at MacRob! Being at MacRob has really helped me find myself and has made me feel comfortable in my own skin as everyone is so warm and welcoming. MacRob gave me many opportunities I wouldn’t have had at my old school, such as Adelaide Exchange which is something I really enjoyed participating in in my years here at MacRob. Again, it’s so cheesy but MacRob helped me come out of my shell and I’ve been able to really branch out and make a lot more friends and expand my friendship circles!!

We hope this gave you some insight :)

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Is it possible to request for a principle's discretion for Year 8 entering into year 9? Thanks :)

Hey there,

This was taken from the Victorian Gov education website:

[Principal's discretion

The principal of each selective entry high school has the authority to accept up to 5% of the Year 9 enrolment through the principal's discretion category.Applicants for this category will be notified by the individual school and invited to apply.Following this, applicants will be short-listed and interviewed by the principal.An invitation to apply for a principal's discretion place is not an offer for a place at the school.]

It seems that unfortunately, you can’t request for principal’s discretion, rather you are offered a chance for a place. Best of luck!

Love,

FAMxx

[qwedfas]

i need some encouragement since i didnt get into macrob and my parents are mad at me. Please tell me i have a high chance of getting in. I did the jac tests and i usually got around 60%. urghh i feel soo badd

Hi there,

Unfortunately we can’t say for sure what the probability is of your chances of getting into Macrob. There is no benchmark number of superiors we can tell you because it depends on the group of people sitting the exam. You yourselves will set the benchmark and that information is not attainable to us so we can’t tell you. We’re sorry that you feel this way and it just darn right sucks being in a situation like this. Please take care of yourself during this time. Remember to eat and sleep at appropriate times. If you want to let off some steam or cry do exactly that. We’re sorry that your parents are angry because it is just a sucky situation in general. You are not a disappointment no matter what people or you yourself say. We all encounter hiccups in life and this is just one of them. It is temporary. Perhaps try to turn all your feelings into motivation to try again. Go over your mistakes, study consistently and not just in one huge chunk. Do more practice tests to garner even more speed and practice your handwriting as well so it’s legible.

I did JAC tests as well and I failed so hard at the beginning. I had a mini freakout when I did my first couple of tests. I was also not consistently on the top, very average sometimes lower sometimes higher. Though I did improve after a while and started to place fairly consistently in the higher percentiles. However I’m pretty sure that I fell slightly just before the exam. This is just my experience though and please please remember that it is dependent on the pool of students you are sitting in the exam with. I hope this managed to console you even the smallest bit and just know that I wish I could alleviate you of your problem.

We are all rooting for you!

Love,FAM xx :))

[qwedfas]

Is there a hair / jewellery / nail policy? Does hair have to be tied? Is jewellery allowed? What if it’s religious? Is nail polish allowed? What about makeup? Entering Year 10 in 2019, can’t wait!!!

Hey,

Once you get your school diaries at the beginning of next year, all details concerning uniform are outlined in the introductory pages.

In summary though:

Hair does not need to be tied back unless in science and sport, so long as it’s not bothering you or the people around you

Jewellery is not generally allowed – though some religious exceptions may apply

Simple studded earrings or sleeper earrings can be worn (i.e. nothing flashy)

Nail polish is not allowed (unless it is clear)

Makeup is not allowed – you may wear a thin layer of foundation if you really want to wear makeup but basically nothing too noticeable or colourful

Hopefully this answers your question!

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

I’ve been selected for a pd category and I’m a bit stuck on it. How did you write yours?

Hey there,

Sorry this is so late, but for reference next time check out the posts here: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/search/pd

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

do any of you have any experience in accelerated french or any other accelerated languages? i was considering applying for it next year when i move to macrob

Hello there,

Generally people studying accelerated languages do so outside of school (external languages) but there are a few people who take year 10 in year 9, thus ½ in year 10 and so on in the school. No one in FAM has done so but there have been a few year 12s who have taken accelerated languages:

A few people have taken year 9 French and skipped year 10 straight to French ½ in (then ¾ in year 12). Generally you have to demonstrate aptitude in the language during year 9.

I know of one person who gained entry into year 10 French in year 9.

Another person went straight into ½ Japanese upon entry into year 10 in Macrob because she was able to show her skill and prior experience in the language.

There’s not much to it besides taking a VCE subject earlier than usual which many people do anyway (taking a ¾ in year 11). Give it a try, however keep in mind that you cannot repeat a VCE subject (but you don’t have to take four units of a vce subject consecutively).

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

hi !! i currently see a counselor at my current school, but i'm moving to macrob next year and was wondering what the wellbeing and support is like?

Hey there,

We have quite a strong support network at the school with some really caring, supportive teachers and students. We have a wellbeing centre where you can find our school counsellors as well as careers counsellors. We have a couple of counsellors and currently our wellbeing coordinator is Ms Gillian Baldock. When you come to Mac.Rob, be sure to pay her a visit and she’ll get you sorted to ensure you’re healthy and happy at our school.

Hope this helps.

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

hey !! i'm going to macrob next year and i was wondering if there were school laptops you buy or it's a bring your own device school? thanks !!

Hi!

The school currently has a BYOD (bring your own device) system and so doesn’t have a set device that students must buy. If you have your own laptop, tablet, or other device that you use, within the first couple days of school you’ll receive instructions on what to do. If you don’t have your own device, the school has some devices that can be loaned out during the day.

Hope this helps!

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

i'm moving to macrob next year and was wondering if phones are allowed or not?

Hey,

Yes, phones may be used during the school day but not during classes, unless your teacher has said otherwise.

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Does macrob take in a few late spots?? (talkin about the yr 9 enterance) umm do u think there is a high chance??

Hey,

Macrob always has late intakes but the number varies every year. FAM doesn’t know too much about the numbers or chances, as it seems to be quite secretive. We hope you make it though!

A note to make, during 2015 they offered places to 4 people even in December, in which one of them was me, so please don’t cut yourself off :) You never know you may get a surprise in your inbox. That was in December, so before that, there may be even more second round offers, considering they’ve added a 9J?

All the best to you, whichever school you study at ;)

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hey guys, would you be able to make a masterlist of info regarding year 11 entry?

Hey,

We’re very sorry but no one from year 12 this year was from year 11 entry, so we can’t share any personal experiences concerning the test or the interview! But feel free to check out the information regarding Year 11 entry, on our school website at: http://www.macrob.vic.edu.au/enrolment-information.html

However here are some tips for VCE!

Starting VCE can seem a little daunting but it really is just being stricter with yourself, have better time management, etc. Perhaps the thing people have the most problem with is how they study. Here’s a list of links that’ll direct you to our previous answers relevant to Year 11.

Beginning VCE:http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171358988257/hi-fam-just-wondering-what-is-the-jump-from-year

Studying links:

Procrastinating/Time management: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171445405767/im-such-a-procrastinator-halp-im-in-yr-12-and-sohttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170902151917/hey-fam-i-am-unable-to-get-any-work-done-inhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170864599637/how-do-you-guys-focus-when-studying-and-nothttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170789245507/i-honestly-dont-know-how-to-stop-procrastinating

Resources:http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171434157482/what-are-some-useful-apps-for-schools-andhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172053083452/what-did-you-guys-do-with-last-years-notes-whathttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171750006692/do-you-use-loose-leafs-or-notebooks-do-you-have-ahttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171404688387/what-are-some-great-topical-practice-exams-andhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171407509932/hey-what-do-you-do-with-past-testsexams-and

Tests:http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171749714827/hi-fam-just-wondering-how-do-you-guys-prepare

Self Study:http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171142228342/hey-what-are-some-effective-ways-to-self-study

Subjects links:

Year 11: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171445048297/hi-fam-im-now-in-year-11-and-i-keep-hearinghttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/173126752167/hey-fam-please-help-me-im-in-year-12-and-therehttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172549739532/hey-fam-how-many-12s-can-i-do-in-yr-11-and-alsohttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172372785302/hi-fam-is-it-possible-to-drop-a-unit-12-subject

Doing two 3/4s: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/173114909452/hey-fam-i-am-in-yr-10-and-am-doing-2-vcehttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171570407612/am-currently-in-year-11-and-doing-two-34s-how

Languages: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172306165917/how-do-you-study-for-a-language-how-to-youhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171407304437/hi-fam-for-those-doing-french-or-just-any

English: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171749245277/how-do-you-annotate-a-novelbookplay-for-englishhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170789180992/hi-fam-i-would-like-to-know-how-to-improve-myhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172955925697/hey-fam-english-is-like-literally-my-weakesthttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171125339187/hi-are-all-english-vce-exams-the-same-or-do-they

Maths: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171650154802/heyy-fam-so-basically-ive-been-having-troublehttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171126384107/hey-those-of-you-who-did-methods-last-year-do-youhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171125373137/how-do-i-become-a-maths-god

Eco: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171407422192/hey-fam-members-who-did-eco-i-was-really-set-onhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170567132817/hey-fam-im-in-year-10-and-im-really-stressed

Biohttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/173140812777/guys-do-you-think-biozone-biology-units-1-2

VET: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172709662062/hey-fam-i-just-wanted-to-know-about-doing-a-vethttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171125382402/hi-im-interested-in-studying-allied-health-next

HHD: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171219399832/hey-fam-have-any-of-you-done-both-34-accounting

Spesh: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170705344262/do-any-of-you-guys-do-spesh-maths-is-it-really

Psych: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170640123667/hi-fam-i-was-wondering-if-anyone-has-done-unithttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/173052876307/hey-avon-i-was-just-wondering-if-you-can-share

Glopol/history:http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170482898047/hey-i-was-planning-my-vce-subjects-and-i-cant

Balancing life links:

http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171917283892/is-there-anything-more-to-life-other-than-schoolhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171585133197/hi-fam-i-have-no-idea-how-to-fit-everything-into

Stress, motivation, bad feelings links:

Workload:http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171858074157/hey-fam-i-have-tons-of-work-to-do-every-day-andhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171691125447/do-you-guys-ever-feel-like-your-so-done-withhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171858074157/hey-fam-i-have-tons-of-work-to-do-every-day-and

Motivation: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/173052821112/i-feel-dead-all-the-timehttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171650036307/how-to-stop-procrastinating-and-be-motivated-to-do

Stress: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171514805747/hey-hey-i-have-my-first-sac-coming-at-up-and-imhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171620919012/ways-to-stop-thinking-about-all-the-mistakes-i-didhttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170863778962/hey-sometimes-i-cant-really-deal-with-stress

Doing extracurricular/ exchanges/ etc links:

http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/172404517212/hey-fam-is-it-ok-to-start-a-sport-late-like-ihttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171404653717/i-always-get-rejected-i-tried-out-for-a-couple

Exchanges: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170902108662/hi-fam-so-im-in-year-10-and-i-wanted-to-do-2-34shttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/170705250817/what-is-the-best-year-to-go-on-overseas-exchange

Things specific to Year 11:

Olympiads: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171445715387/has-anyone-done-the-chemistry-olympiad-was-ithttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171445474032/what-are-some-textbooks-and-resources-do-you-guyshttp://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/171570540647/hey-fam-apparently-the-yr-11s-had-to-resit-their

These are only the links to this year’s answers - there are a many more from previous years that you can find here: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/tags

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hi. I'm looking into applying for Year 11 next year. I have never been tutored before and I won't get to be, so how can I study for the entrance exams? What do I study? What type of questions do they ask in the interview? Thank you so much.

Hey there,

We’ve answered similar questions so maybe check some of these out!

http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/157577999527/hi-so-from-the-same-girl-who-asked-about-if-the

http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/160297215632/hello-can-you-please-suggest-how-many-academic

http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/163550585452/hi-fam-could-u-help-me-with-the-interview-process

Hope that helps!

Love, FAM xx

[qwedfas]

OMG I am sooo happy that i was successful in gaining a place at Macrob. I can't wait to come to your school next year. But i am really nervous because i feel like all the people there are full on asian smart kids who study all day. Is there more to macrob then studying like is there sports and other extra curricular activities that is also a common thing? And also is it weird that there are no guys around because i have never experienced a single sex school in my life. Thanks fam

Hey love!

Congrats on getting in!!! We are super super excited for you, MacRob is a truly amazing school to be at, and I hope you love your time here as much as I have loved mine.

There’s a huge stereotype that MacRobbians are all ‘nerds’ who study all day long, but let me break that. MacRob is way way WAAAY more about just academics, in fact there is a pretty big focus on extracurriculars, more than many other schools. There are so many leadership positions up for grabs, lots of clubs that suit to your interests, and a huge range of sport for competition as well as music ensembles. House and house spirit are also a focus at MacRob, we have lots of House events each year that many students take part in. Most students take up at least one extracurricular activity each year, but of course there are also many who participate in lots! In fact, I think the huge number of opportunities that are given to us beyond the classroom is part of the reason why we do so well. MacRobbians do care a lot about how well we do at school like our grades and the rest of it, and there are many people in the library studying during free periods. But we definitely do know how to party and have fun - it’s very very hard to describe the fun and energetic vibes that surrounds the school made by the students and staff, but I promise you’ll see what I mean when you get here. Even during Year 9 Orientation I could already tell that MacRob is more than education.

It might be sort of weird at first having no guys around, but I think you’ll slowly get used to it. We also have quite a number of occasions when we get to connect with the Melbourne High boys - through music, drama, sport, etc. It seems to me over the years that MacRob and MHS students will always connect and get to know each other, so don’t worry about not having guys around! I also feel like being in a single-sex environment means that no one has to be wary of others dissing their opinions or behaviours (unless it’s actually unacceptable), in a way that a girl may feel insecure about discussing certain topics around boys at a co-ed school.

Hope this helps and we can’t wait to have you in our school next year (although we won’t be here anymore :()!

Love, FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hello (: Can you please suggest how many academic and extracurricular achievements I should have to be thought as impressive for the year 10 entry? I'm super stressed out and seriously considering taking sleeping and nausia pills on the day - what do you reccomend? (I have severe & chronic anxiety).. Pluss, how many people get into interviews? Can you please suggest how many hours a day I should be studying, and what materials to use as well. Any websites, books, resources? Thank you so much!

Hey!

First of all don’t be stressed out! The staff members that sit the interviews (Ms McAlpine and Dr Meath and someone else) are super friendly and nice so they will support you and help you throughout. It’s not a matter of just adding extracurricular things to your resume, it’s a matter of finding a thing or a couple of things that you’re really passionate about and finding the time to grow that passion and be really active doing it. Just follow your own passions and don’t try to overload yourself trying to do all activities as it can be really tiring!

Some people can study fast and other take time, it’s really a matter of understanding the content and being able to answer questions really fast. Even though there were girls much smarter than me, I got into Macrob because I was able to answer questions fast. So before going to the test, I would do many practice exams just to be comfortable with working under pressure. I also know girls who came in year 10 who didn’t have as high scores as others who sat the test, so at the end of the day, the interview is what matters more.

Within the interview, mention the things you have been a part of and this will make you stand out. The school also wants to see what YOU can offer, which is not just a commitment to the school’s academic status, but in extracurricular and the culture. Our school loves accepting students who are unique and show women empowerment and that they can lead and exemplify the school’s values. Of course, be yourself too - because if you’re putting on a facade it will be easy to see if you stumble, plus it’s a lot more genuine.

Hope this helps and take care!

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Ok so the entry test is in a month (and a bit) and im rly stressing??!?!!??! I'll be honest, ive barely studied and i feel like im just freaking out over someting that probably is enough time to prepare?? help pls!!!

Hey there!

Don’t worry too much. I remember doing TT8 at James An and not being able to complete any of the practice tests because I wasn’t taught the content, but I still managed to get in. Honestly, you’ve probably prepared enough so don’t stress and take it easy. We all worry about something even if we’ve done hours of preparation and work beforehand.If you need tips, check our tag #macrobentry.

Love,

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

hi so from the same girl who asked about if the application stood out more for yr 11, could someone from the fam give a rundown of the whole process of applying, doing the exam and then the interview? like a lil timeline. like whats to be written in the application, what to bring in the interview etc etc. tbh im rly rly nervous about making the application so itd be nice to know what someone else experienced when applying for yr 11 just so i don't feel too alone;; thank u!!!

Hey girl!

I did this process TWICE!! Can you imagine? Firstly, you do the online application. I’m not sure of the specifics but when you go to enrol and pay for the exam, there’s a form at the end that has a series of questions. From my memory some are (not word for word but you get the gist): What co-curricular activities do you participate in? I think there was something about achievements - I wrote a paragraph on my awards and stuff, What you would bring as a student at Macrob, and more but it was a year and a half ago and honestly I’ve pushed that out of my brain. In the interview, they tell you to bring your two most recent reports and a photo of yourself (like a passport photo not a selfie). Honestly, I do not think they take this online application part of the application into too much depth - it seems that most of it rides on the interview (I answered the questions for year 10 and 11 exactly the same - like I wrote the answers on a separate doc and saved it for future reference and ended up using it for the same application the following year, just added more stuff). In the interview, I had it with Dr Meath (our principal) and Ms McAlpine (director of transitions). Some questions they ask in there are typical interview questions like: What would you contribute to the school as a Macrobbian?, What subjects are you doing/plan to do?, What book are you currently reading?, and a few more (sorry it was a while ago).

My biggest tip is to not freak out too much and relax a little! Be yourself, although if you’re shy I think it would be best to just attempt to push that aside and attempt to be outgoing because the two main factors they look for are people who are willing to contribute to spirit of Macrob as well as individuals who are able to fit into Macrob without too much difficulty. I think in my interview Dr Meath asked me “Do you see yourself sitting alone at lunch because you haven’t approached anybody?” or something like that. Also, during the interview they take down notes of what you say, please don’t be alarmed or nervous about that and casually keep eye contact to show you’re a confident woman!!! If you would like to talk more in depth (or more immediate response) my FAM chat hours are 6-7 on Thursday and Saturday and my email is ngu0408@macrob.vic.edu.au.

Wishing you the best of luck,

Love,FAM Xx