Which Top School to choose for DSA?

[xxjustakidxx]

I came here after PSLE last year, to find out about different schools. So it’s not wasting time. It helped me by encouraging me to select the schools correctly. I wanted to select Commonwealth as last choice, but after that, I realised that there was this school called "Catholic High School" for me to fill in my 2nd last choice, and SJI for my last choice.

[MdmKS]

phankao:

You kids are so funny... but really, go and spend your time reading or studying lah. Come visit parenting forum....

Very strange ... :? This is SA1 week and this \"P6\" is not busy with SA1 preparation? And SA1 result is to be included for DSA.

[verykiasu2010]

and he has got more than 250 trophies from his MT competition, if i remember correctly

[csc]

phankao:

Of course I know they are having an open house and they do have every year ... but I was saying that they don't really need one bc they will not be short of applicants.

Definitely not short of applicants - BUT they are competing with the other top schools for the BEST applicants - they want the BEST of the crops -
肥水不留外人田ma!

[livewith_vanilla]

MdmKS:

Very strange ... :? This is SA1 week and this \"P6\" is not busy with SA1 preparation? And SA1 result is to be included for DSA.

Hello! I'm a p6 girl and i've been watching this forum for the past few days as a form of relaxing.I'm extremely fascinated by the topics here. Actually, there isn't much to prepare,cause my school is setting papers that test u on non-routine questions instead of the normal straight-to-the point type.Hence,i given up on revising.:P Wrong attitude,i know.:P

[tutortamil]

MdmKS:

Very strange ... :? This is SA1 week and this \"P6\" is not busy with SA1 preparation? And SA1 result is to be included for DSA.

lol

[tutortamil]

tutortamil:

lol

i think he should be studing

[traineeks]

Heartlander:

B) HCI vs NUSHS
My son is strong in Maths & Science. While NUSHS is strong in Maths & Science, HCI is also equally strong - judging from their performance in competitions like the SMO. So the real difference maybe just in perception & branding.

I am also concerned about the recognition for the NUSHS Diploma which is not as well established. Will that be a liability?

The DSA test/camp dates for HCI & NUSHS clashes (24-Jul-10). I am torn because we have to drop one option before we even try. There is always the thought that if I drop the one that would have offered the place, while the other didn't, it would be a loss. Anyone has any advice which one to drop?

I will try to provide you some information based on my understanding of these two schools.

Recognition of the NUSH diploma:
The NUSH Diploma is now recognised by leading universities in USA, UK and Australia. Students from the pioneer batch has gained admission to Standford, MIT and other overseas university. It is also recognised by all local universities. Students from the pioneer batch have also been admitted to medical school in NUS. I think the uncertainty comes to play when you are aiming for scholarships. The ministries or organisations giving out these scholarships are not familar on how to compare the grades from NUS high vs the A levels. However I think this is a problem with the first few batches. By the time your son come to that stage, things would have sorted out.

DSA:
I would suggest that you apply to both schools. In the DSA process, one is never sure of getting admission or being shortlisted. Only the platinum holders of SMOPS are more or less sure of a place in the schools they apply. To reach the test date of HCI, your son needs to be shortlisted first.. To reach the camp of NUSH, your son needs to pass the selection test first. So why not apply both first and decide when he is selected by both schools for the 24 july events.
The NUSH test and camp focuses strongly on Maths and Science whereas the HCI test and interviews covers many areas including Chinese. One of the test is in Chinese and interviews may also be in Chinese.

Good Luck.

[traineeks]

csc:

phankao:

Of course I know they are having an open house and they do have every year ... but I was saying that they don't really need one bc they will not be short of applicants.

Definitely not short of applicants - BUT they are competing with the other top schools for the BEST applicants - they want the BEST of the crops -
肥水不留外人田ma!

Yes - the schools are competing for the top top tier students. These are the ones who will most likely bring them awards in olympics, debate and other competitions in the future. Example - there are about 70 platinum holders in SMOPS each year and most are boys. They are more or less evenly spread in RI/HCI/NUSH. Each of these schools will try to get as many of these type of students as they can. This is done not during the open houses but thru other direct sessions with these students.

The open houses benefit many others who go there to get a direct feel of the the school culture and environment and information on their programs. Indeed 3/4 of those going to the school open house may not land up there. From the school perspective these open house is like a branding excercise. Many top organisations continue to advertise their products and themselves even though they do not need to. Nowadays, schools are like that - a lot of marketing, branding and listing of their awards.

[csc]

[quote]The open houses benefit many others who go there to get a direct feel of the the school culture and environment and information on their programs. Indeed 3/4 of those going to the school open house may not land up there. From the school perspective these open house is like a branding excercise. Many top organisations continue to advertise their products and themselves even though they do not need to. Nowadays, schools are like that - a lot of marketing, branding and listing of their awards.[/quote]
You are right! The open houses will be on again - on a smaller scale - after the release of PSLE results in Nov.