Admissions Finding GATE Exam Practice/Samples --

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The discussion revolves around preparing for the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) exam in Western Australia, with participants sharing insights on study strategies and resources. One user expresses anxiety about the exam, comparing it to an IQ test and noting its differences from the NAPLAN test. Others suggest that success in GATE relies more on innate knowledge and understanding rather than intensive studying. They recommend utilizing math and English workbooks, as well as seeking out GATE-specific sample papers, although free resources are scarce. The conversation also touches on the high competition for selective programs and the high cost of tutoring, with one participant mentioning the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth as a more affordable alternative for advanced learning. Overall, the consensus is that while preparation can boost confidence, the GATE exam is designed to assess natural aptitude rather than rote memorization.
ISamson
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Hello.
My Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) exam is upcoming in a few months, and I am having trouble finding practice and samples.
I am in Y7 right now, exam is next year and I am trying to enter an advanced school for year 9.
I live in Western Australia, but please do not restrict an answer to this location. Most admission tests are similar and if you know/have any "similar" resources, please HELP!
I deeply value any help. Thank you.
 
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I just have to say, I think the GATE test is created similarly to an IQ test and must be very similar to a NAPLAN test which I'm sure you are familiar with.

I study in NSW and NAPLAN is the holy grail here. Only a few schools use other methods. You should easily be able to do any test just with your knowledge and some basic understanding.

That's the idea behind these gifted and talented tests. I once tried studying for a gifted and talented test, I failed. I tried again without studying, it was easy.
 
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lekh2003 said:
I tried again without studying, it was easy.

The thing is that I am stressed. I want to get in. Desperately. Don't ask why.

It is very different to NAPLAN. I have done both tests before and am quite familiar, but it was hard and am STRESSED.

lekh2003 said:
That's the idea behind these gifted and talented tests.

What idea?

lekh2003 said:
You should easily be able to do any test just with your knowledge and some basic understanding.

Does my BASIC knowledge cover pattern recognition, hight mathematical ability, writing, high language capabilities all under a very high stress of time?

Thanks for the reply.
 
You must not be so stressed. Just be confident. I know you feel that if you study you will have a higher likelihood of passing. But this is like an IQ test almost. No one expects you to pass perfectly.

If you really want material, you can go to the bookstore and find some math/English analogy workbooks. Otherwise find gate-specific sample papers online (which are paid). As far as I know there are no free practice papers.
 
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Studying makes me confident, right?
 
ISamson said:
Studying makes me confident, right?
I assume so. I don't feel confident by studying intensively. I feel more confident when I can explain very difficult problems intuitively. When I grasp the very essence of a subject and can answer anything without confusing anyone.

It's a weird method, but everybody's different.
 
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ISamson said:
@lekh2003, what do you think:
https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/competition-heats-up-for-top-school-places-ng-b88431555z
tutoring is hell expensive and competition among entrance in GATE is very high. I think practice and how prepared you are is the only way in.
What do you think?
I must agree, the selective programs in Australia are a plain rat race. It's crazy. Again, if it makes you comfortable and confident, you can study worksheets and workbooks.

I know tutoring is crazy expensive. But it will help you in exactly the way you need.

For me, instead of going to tuitions, I signed up for John Hopkins University CTY. It's cheaper than tuitions and I have been able to finish high school math and physics through it.
 
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Is there an alternative to tutoring?
lekh2003 said:
John Hopkins University CTY. It's cheaper than tuitions and I have been able to finish high school math and physics through it.
What is this program?
 
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ISamson said:
Is there an alternative to tutoring?

What is this program?
It is the Center of Talented Youth, it gives credited approved courses where you can advance your learning. You do semester like courses usually 3-6 months long.

I don't think it will be useful specifically for GATE, but it might help you if you want to learn much more advanced stuff which the school can't teach you. It is an online course with a mentor.
 
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@lekh2003, if you do not study for the GATE exam, then how are you sure that you are definitely prepared and know everything?
 
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@ISamson If you know the basic subjects you need to study and know the general areas of required expertise, you can master those areas through other conventional workbooks and studying.
 
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