do you have any resources u can share?? that would help a lot
APOLOGIES FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS AHAHAH
I didn't save any resources to be frank with you. I kinda winged it, I can't lie and I wouldn't recommend that.
I mean if you break down the topics:
Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, Reading, Writing
It shouldn't be too hard to delve into each topic and find practice questions online.
I don't want to make this a full tutoring lesson but for writing, I generally "would" practice by finding random stimuli online for creatives and just banging out a few creatives with different era's and topics. Writing is generally something that you can maximise marks if you just do a bit of practice. I generally write for these scenarios with a "pre-determined" character whether it be: pre-determining the (backstory, conflict, skills, ambitions, attitudes). Basically, I just chuck my character into the scenario they give and mold my creative around it. For persuasives, I think it's quite self-explanatory, but choose a side and just write. lmao. But realistically it's just about pulling out strong arguments that aren't baby-like and substantiating your points with evidence or whatever. I generally think having a counter-argument that you can bring down adds gravitas to your persuasive but also it's not that deep and that's just excessive. Discursive I doubt you will have to write. Just don't be cliche.
With Maths, just know your respective syllabus for THAT year. No need to learn accelerant topics or whatever, they will legit test the BASE level of what you may know for that year in maths. Maths is respectfully the only subject that tests reasonable things. Which was quite relieving because there is an actual disparity in the marks and it's maybe the ONLY one that requires some knowledge. Albeit, the knowledge isn't very complicated it still tests some depth of what you have learnt. So if you're going into Year 10. Expect topics from Year 9, 8 and 7. You will be sitting the test in Term 3 anyways so they aren't going to go overboard.
For reading. Just read. I can't really advise you with much. Reading you want to maximise speed but also maximise accuracy without mis-reading and making silly inferences that aren't even given. Just read the questions before you skim a text. Find the answers by skimming through each text. Try not to read the whole text word for word unless you genuinely are stumped on a question.
Verbal and Numerical reasoning. Speed is key. This is something I would get questions online for. Go to some websites and do verbal and numerical reasoning practice. Maximise your vocab for some free marks in the verbal section and just be able to think outside the box, identify patterns and quickly answer questions. These two are the first 2 tests you sit which is not great because you are usually the slowest in the beginning, so get acclimatised quick and then start grinding out the tests.
how much practice did u do? how many hours per day? how many months prior to the test did u practice
With your questions. my study didn't consist of hours lmao. I wouldn't even say study. I did max like 30 mins in random bursts whenever I felt like it. But that's because I felt confident in MY abilities at the time. And regarding months prior. I think I started a solid 2 weeks or 1 week prior. So don't be like me. But too much practice will never hurt you. Just make sure you don't prioritise it over EVERYTHING else in your life. The test is not that deep so live your life and live with no regrets. If you feel unsure do the extra practise, but it's going to be different for everyone.
also how important are extra circulars............
Extracurriculars matter a lot. I know so many people who got accepted cause they had good extracurriculars. I mean transfers aren't typically the TOP of the year group they go in every year lmao. which might surprise some people. they are usually like mid to bottom. not necessarily, because they struggle but because they aren't the best in transfers in the first place. there are obviously determined transfers who move to aim to be at the top (which I implore you to be like one of them), but these transfers usually just get in cause of their extracurriculars. I mean in reality everyone to the school seems academically competent (which they aren't always), but most of these schools are very self-centred in the way that they think transfers will not be better than their students. I remember sitting down for my interview. And all the principal said was "how are you going to cope with these smart kids", "will you be able to cope with the environment". but i legit knew everyone in that grade and it was safe to say that some of them were a bit special.
so where I am going with this is. The way TO stand out from the rest is by good extracurriculars. I know a bunch of state athletes, national dancers or whatever that transfer. They aren't necessarily the smartest out of the transfers but they just have this wow factor which the school can utilise for their own benefit. This helps their application a whole lot.
aight i'm done. my bad for the rushed response. kinda just typed this out brainlessly with whatever came to mind. hopefully it helped.