Selective Schools- chances of getting in? (1 Viewer)

[blessthehead]

Hi guys!
Its around the time of year when applications need to be written, sent in etc. and I`ve been thinking about trying out for a selective school. However, my grades have been deteriorating since last year (Issues with my current school) so I don`t know if I still have a chance for next year or if I should try again in 2014 (when I get my grades up to scratch). The schools I was considering are at the moment Penrith, Parammatta, Fort Street and Girraween (in order of importance/accessibility)
My latest school report went as such (compared to the yearly report from last year):

English-A (Last year-A)
Maths(Advanced)-A (Last year-A)
Science-B (Last year-B)
HSIE-C (Last year-C)
Commerce-A (Last year: D&T-B and Music-B)
Visual Arts-A (Last year-A)
Religion-B (Last year-C)
PDHPE-B (Last year-B)
Overall my average comes to a total of approx. 80% (or 79.625 to be specific) so I`m a bit worried about that

Along with that, My year 7 NAPLAN has 1 in Band 8(high), 2 in Band 9 (1 high, 1 low) and 2 in the triangle at the top. Year 9 NAPLAN results haven`t come out yet, so I can`t put those.
I know that awards and extra-curricular activities come in handy, but the only ones I could find in recent years were a certificate for T.O.M (Tournament of the minds), 2 Sleek Geeks Participation awards, a Premiers reading challenge certificate (and a gold award for 4 consecutive years), a Peoples Choice Award for Best Artwork (for our schools art exhibition), The Year 8 Girls English trophy and a Science Week award (active participation in planning/writing/directing, being on the committee etc.) .
I have a tentative place on our Mock Trials team (for next year), as I`m not sure whether I`ll be continuing at my current school (though I really hope I won`t). Former member of choir (before it was cancelled), and other minor stuff.

So, after all that I decided to ask you wonderful people if the above would be enough to get me into a selective school (or at least be put on the waiting list), as I don`t have the time or the money to apply only to discover I didn`t really have a chance to begin with -.-
Thanks!

 

[Lalaloop]

Hey there! Well, after considering what you have written above, I strongly suggest to go with with! Fort Street and Girraween both have exams (henceforth a better chance to get in if your reports aren't all A's). What year are you in anyway? Year 11 has the most spots (for a majority of schools; not all) for entry while all junior school years probably have 2 to 10 spaces open (maybe at best?). I really don't have much experience with this (as I am applying this year as well), but trying to help you out isn't a bad thing, I presume. Besides, what's the worst that can happen? Go ahead with the application, the worst these schools can say is no, right? Give it a go!

 

[blessthehead]

Thanks for the feedback I`m in year 9 currently(2013), so I`m trying to get into year 10 next year.
Though Girraween and Fort Street would be easier to get into (maybe?) my parents really want me to get into Penrith or Parramatta, because they`re easier to travel to. But honestly, I`ll be happy to get into any of them.
Thanks again!

 

[Lalaloop]

HAHA. No worries, but are you sure you want to go Parra High? I've heard that partially selective schools mix their selective and non-selective streams in senior years... Defeats the purpose of going to a selective school... Yeah, go for it! I'll cheer you on! See you a the exam date?

 

[blessthehead]

Well...I`m not too sure about Parramatta, that mostly my parents-.- Thanks a lot! I`ll be there, probably.

 

[Verify]

I'm going to be realistic and say that your grade aren't exactly eye-catching, you've got an A in the 'important' subjects so that's good . Just remember, you're trying to apply for a Year 10 position and the chances of making it are slim (they accept very few).

Despite that your extra-curricular activities are definitely something and thanks to your outgoing nature I think you'll have a good chance. Just try to ace that entrance exam - it's probably the most important factor considered by the selectors.

 

[blessthehead]

Thanks for the advice Verify!
I think I might drop Penrith for now, and see if I can do well enough on the tests to get into Girra or Fort Street.
And if I don`t get in, there's always next year?
Better get studying anyway, haha.

 

[nerdasdasd]

Thanks for the advice Verify!
I think I might drop Penrith for now, and see if I can do well enough on the tests to get into Girra or Fort Street.
And if I don`t get in, there's always next year?
Better get studying anyway, haha.

Hehe, that's correct. It's not the end of the world if you don't get in this year.

 

[Purple2013]

It really depends on the rank of ur current school? Say if ur school is ranked 3rd and u want to try out for ruse which is ranked 1st then it shouldn't be a problem. Also include ur achievements in unsw/westpac competitions wish u the best of luck

 

[blessthehead]

Sorry for the late reply! I've been pretty busy >.>

The 2010 ranking of my school was around 415-420 (I can`t seem to find the 2012 ones, but I'm sure they weren't good.) Are the rankings really that important?