Admissions test - Journalism

[lulu_bucket]

Have an admissions test this week for a Uni place to read Print Journalism. I have to write a News story and short essay - test lasts about an hour - any tips welcome. Thanks

[SRH]

Hope I'm not too late - only just spotted your post.
Make sure your English and grammar are spot on, keep to the point, don't waffle.
In the first sentence, try to sum up the whole story - while keeping it short and sweet. Then let the story unfold (good reason why journalists refer to reports as 'stories' - you've got to initally get the attention of the reader then keep them reading along).
Don't miss out any vital information, and keep the story simple and easy to read - you might be a Grade A student, but most newspaper buyers aren't!
Best advice is to read loads of papers and follow their style. I hate the politics of it, but the Daily Mail is a pretty well written and middle ground paper. Follow their style and it should get you through.
For more advice on newspaper courses see the NCTJ website... and don't hesitate to get in touch with me for more advice (I'm a journalist and have worked on all sorts of publications, from The Times and The Sun to Cosmo and local weeklies - now senior editor on a large daily regional). Good luck!