Raffles Institution (Year 1-4)

[jtoh]

The Rafflesian name is well-recognized overseas by the top UK and US universities. So given similar academic and CCA records, coming from RI has its advantages. These unis have seen earlier cohorts from the school graduate from their unis and know what Rafflesians are capable of.

[zbear]

lalaland:

The recent A level results prompted some talk among my kakis - most of them have kids in Sec schools /JC.


They are saying that RI kids are expected to be good at everything. At the end, many of them are - with perfect scores and CCA records. However, because so many of RI kids are \"perfect\", it is harder for them to stand out as far as admission to premium colleges/courses and scholarships are concerned.

What do you think - would a RI graduate with x number of As be less visible compared to another with the same scores and CCA records but from a mid tier school?

In other words, would coming from RI put a kid at a disadvantage, as far as college acceptance and scholarships are concerned?

This is purely for discussion only, candid opinions from RI parents/stakeholders much appreciated.

My DD has been attending scholarships n early Uni admission dialogue sessions n the majority of applicants are dominated by RI and HC graduates.

So how can RI, the No 1 JC be at a disadvantage?

:?

[randwick]

How useful or how recognisable is the Raffles Diploma? Anyone can share?

[doodley]

zbear:

So how can RI, the No 1 JC be at a disadvantage?
:?

Why not? If we take a look at the number of 6, 7, 8 and more distinctions or perfect 90 scorers in HCI / RI, they are 3 digit figures.

Because they are in top schools, these students are just part of the school's statistics. Celebrations were rather muted in RI during the release of the A level results, lest people start bad mouthing \"what's there to celebrate in RI when they all take in top students?\" \"It's expected.\" \"so proud\" blah blah blah

So much so that it becomes a crime for RI students to do well academically. Somehow I feel that HCI take less of the brunt of the criticisms compared to RI.

If the same students were to be in a mid-tier or low-tier JCs, they will be hailed as heros, legends, an epitome of how a non-RI JC can also produce top scorer, a testament of how good that JC is.

Scholarships: Because of so much criticisms in the past, that RI/HCI students take most of the PSC scholarships, the PSC committee has to make a conscious effort to give out scholarships to a diverse student body. Whatever legit reasons the PSC gives doesn't really matter anymore. Nevermind that the RI student is better than others from mid-tier JCs. Sorry we just have to bypass you so that it is not too glaring.

Meritocracy is dead.

[doodley]

randwick:

How useful or how recognisable is the Raffles Diploma? Anyone can share?

Sorry, but i think it is useless.

[zbear]

Are there any President Scholars from low tier or mid tier JCs?

[pirated]

zbear:

Are there any President Scholars from low tier or mid tier JCs?

Recently got one from dhs and acjc but these are just below top tier JC not the low tier you have in mind

[jtoh]

randwick:

How useful or how recognisable is the Raffles Diploma? Anyone can share?

Don't think it's of much use.

[zbear]

doodley:

Why not? If we take a look at the number of 6, 7, 8 and more distinctions or perfect 90 scorers in HCI / RI, they are 3 digit figures.

Because they are in top schools, these students are just part of the school's statistics. Celebrations were rather muted in RI during the release of the A level results, lest people start bad mouthing \"what's there to celebrate in RI when they all take in top students?\" \"It's expected.\" \"so proud\" blah blah blah

So much so that it becomes a crime for RI students to do well academically. Somehow I feel that HCI take less of the brunt of the criticisms compared to RI.

If the same students were to be in a mid-tier or low-tier JCs, they will be hailed as heros, legends, an epitome of how a non-RI JC can also produce top scorer, a testament of how good that JC is.

Scholarships: Because of so much criticisms in the past, that RI/HCI students take most of the PSC scholarships, the PSC committee has to make a conscious effort to give out scholarships to a diverse student body. Whatever legit reasons the PSC gives doesn't really matter anymore. Nevermind that the RI student is better than others from mid-tier JCs. Sorry we just have to bypass you so that it is not too glaring.

Meritocracy is dead.

So what is wrong or bad if RI has the best students n produces the best results? Different JCs cater to different levels of students' capability.

Sure, the same students may do well in mid or low tier JCs but are they stretched to their maximum? Has any of these JCs produce 9A students? How many 8A students? It's the same analogy - how many students with PSLE COPs of 260 can neighborhood schools produce?

PSC needs to be fair n give out scholarships to deserving students regardless of which JCs but how many from the mid n low tier JCs received them?

If you have the statistics, pls share.

Meritocracy is definitely NOT dead in Singapore. If it is, why is everyone chasing after grades n excellence in all areas?

[zbear]

BTW, do you know of any Ministers graduating from Jurong, Yishun or Tampines JC (just to name some examples but not necessarily so).


Pls share - thanks.