DSA 2017

[iFirefly]

Estéema:

I'm not even sure if I shld get my DS apply DSA. Sounds like it's real far fetch.

He's got only a silver for Mathlympic & Bronze for NMOS. Tho he participated and won Gold for Destination Imagination & qualified for Odyssey of the Mind. His scores for Eng, Math & Science >95 but MT only >85. Tried to get him active in sports, but he's only keen in recreational swimming, chess, soccer & tennis. Nothing at school or competition level. He did earn bronze for swimming test though.

Shld I just focus him on academic & PSLE route? Any parent can adv? :scratchhead:

It depends on your DS' dream school. If his dream school is RI, my advice is not to try DSA but to focus on PSLE.

However, if your DS' dream school is another school (eg. NUSH, ACSI etc), then it's worthwhile to try DSA. Most schools set their own selection tests and they don't really care too much about those awards/medals from external competitions. It seems that in recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on the performances of applicants during interviews.

In any case, if your DS fails to receive CO from his dream school, the experience he gains during the DSA process is invaluable. Most importantly, he can still work hard to join his dream school via PSLE.

All The Best !

[Estéema]

iFirefly:

It depends on your DS' dream school. If his dream school is RI, my advice is not to try DSA but to focus on PSLE.

However, if your DS' dream school is another school (eg. NUSH, ACSI etc), then it's worthwhile to try DSA. Most schools set their own selection tests and they don't really care too much about those awards/medals from external competitions. It seems that in recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on the performances of applicants during interviews.

In any case, if your DS fails to receive CO from his dream school, the experience he gains during the DSA process is invaluable. Most importantly, he can still work hard to join his dream school via PSLE.

All The Best !

iFirefly,

You're really persuasive!

DS' desire to progress to ACSI whether via DSA or PSLE score, will be strongly supported by mummy here.

If base on yr opinion that DSA moving towards emphasis on interview performance. My DH just dissuaded fr using our DS' OMDI (Odyssey of the Mind) achievements even achieved gold coz we're not sure if he's still into OM.

So, likely we'll let him submit his NMOS & Mathlympics (shld be well considered as conducted under ACSI) & just recall he's got his NSW results under top 10% of his cohort for English, Math & Science, as well as his award under Edusave top 10% of cohort award (not sure if this means anything to ACSI). Knock this mummy's head can forget some of his achievements. :slapshead:

He's quite eloquent in expressing himself & can be chatty at times. He did well in doing presentations on his own & formulate persuasive ideas to target audience.

ACSI do HAST & Interview only? If so, then not so stressful for DS hopefully? We believe he shld be able to handle himself. We're not keen to go extent of getting professional help to \"train\" for interviews. Just let it be if he doesn't make it. Will counsel him before he embarks on DSA (if I'm closer to understanding how it works now) and prepare him how he shld respond to success or disappointment. One may not achieve everything in life, but good to make effort. He can still work on his PSLE.

Did I miss any impt considerations?

[pirate]

Estéema:

Did I miss any impt considerations?

What exactly is the point of applying for DSA to ACSI when, as pointed out by Jetsetter, the COP for ACS affiliates is already quite low? Look at this from both your DS, and the DSA selection panel's, point of view.

[anxious.01501dad]

pirate:

Estéema:

Did I miss any impt considerations?

What exactly is the point of applying for DSA to ACSI when, as pointed out by Jetsetter, the COP for ACS affiliates is already quite low? Look at this from both your DS, and the DSA selection panel's, point of view.

Affiliation point is only applicable to ACSI 'O' level track. Thus, it may still be worthwhile to DSA for the IP programme.

[Estéema]

Thank you anxious.dad. It's exactly coz if can do IP programe, so as to ensure max stretch for DS. He'll be bored if things are not challenging for him. He used to complain everything is so boring during lower primary! :snooze: Used to be perplexed & irritated by his constant complaint of boredom. Lol. :frustrated:

[iFirefly]

pirate:

Estéema:

Did I miss any impt considerations?

What exactly is the point of applying for DSA to ACSI when, as pointed out by Jetsetter, the COP for ACS affiliates is already quite low? Look at this from both your DS, and the DSA selection panel's, point of view.

With such outstanding academic achievements, it's pretty obvious that Esteema's DS is keen on ACSI IB, which has NO cop for affiliates. A CO from his dream school (ACSI) will definitely take some stress off PSLE.

I'm sure there're ACSJ/ACSP boys applying DSA to ACSI IB every year, just like there're CHSP boys applying DSA to CHS IP. Low cop for affiliates is totally irrelevant.

[jetsetter]

pirate:

Estéema:

Did I miss any impt considerations?

What exactly is the point of applying for DSA to ACSI when, as pointed out by Jetsetter, the COP for ACS affiliates is already quite low? Look at this from both your DS, and the DSA selection panel's, point of view.

pirate: Thing is, I wasn't thinking of ACSI (IB) for Esteema's ds then, before she unraveled more credentials.

I was thinking in my heart her ds would be good for say SST or the other ACS (with SDP), which with his good results sans notable accolades and assuming he's an affiliate, he needn't have to go thru the hassle of DSA.

https://s29.postimg.org/fd5m8lnvr/Screenshot_2017_02_01_07_29_52.png\">

However, it seems that Esteema is targeting RI or ACSI (IB) for her ds. I was under the impression that ACSI (IB) falls under the same category as RI, HCI and DHS (top-tier \"Olympics\" league).

I didn't know NMOS bronze and Mathlympics silver are good enough for ACSI (IB). Some members in previous years were commenting there're numerous DSA applicants armed with gold and platinum MO medals, let alone top 10% Edusave Scholarship awards and top 10% of NSW test cohort.

It's good to know that her ds stands a high chance at ACSI (IB) with what he has in his portfolio now.

[jetsetter]

Estéema:

Hi Jetsetter : Yes. DS with ACS and his team qualified & went to US for the world/global competitions, thus their gold achievements.

I do agree with floppy, not all schools are on even keel. We hv to look at the culture, history, etc. all else equal (similar syllabus/resources, educators...

Hi esteem: OK, thanks for confirming he's from ACS If he is, isn't it easier for you, as compared to outsiders, to assess and consult ACS HODs, CCA i/c or head coaches with regard to his odds? Check with the OMDI i/c if there'd been successful precedents in the past?

Otherwise, attend ACS OH and ask many questions there.

[pirate]

Oh, I see. In that case, the most important thing is what Esteema’s ds wants.


Then again, personally I find PSLE to be less stressful than applying for DSA to the ‘Olympic league’ schools, especially when MOE seems to tweak DSA policies every now and then. It’s not like ACSI IB has a COP of 270…

[Estéema]

iFirefly:

With such outstanding academic achievements, it's pretty obvious that Esteema's DS is keen on ACSI IB, which has NO cop for affiliates. A CO from his dream school (ACSI) will definitely take some stress off PSLE.

iFirefly & Jetsetter : Thank you both for insight.

Indeed, I'm supportive of DS' choice & hope he gets a chance for DSA. Only nagging thot is he didn't achieve more than silver for his Mathlympic. I've to knock my head again, coz I started him late & both DH & I hv no ability to coach him in that area. We didn't check out on any training Centres. His FTs just selected him based on his Math results & we rush out to get a book or 2.

Hope other KSP whose kid(s) hv keen interests in Math can expose their kid early enuf. I can't regret too much either coz his time always seems no enuf!

Like Jetsetter indicated, and exactly why I'm not 100% confident for my DS try DSA.

Side thot, I was told P6 no more MO competition but was surprised he was selected for P6 & they alr started training last 2 weeks. If indeed there is P6 competition, then there's still hope for him. Good that they start early this year & DS seemed to look forward. Pray it'll be a good year for him @ competition.

jetsetter:

...

Otherwise, attend ACS OH and ask many questions there.

Jetsetter, will look out for ACSI OH & try clear all our doubts. I saw the posting on NUS High OH but can't find dates for ACSI OH. Anyone hv inside info?