NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[daisyt]

Hi fxchow, I fully understand your feeling


My opinion is, if she is very close to NUS High requirement, no harm trying. If not, its quite risky because she would suffer when she is there. Although thru DSA, they won't look at your result, it is still best that you are already very strong in your study. Once you are in thru DSA, they expect high contribution from you for that talent you get in. Its not easy to juggle both well if your basic foundation of study is not strong. Of course, also depends on the child's character and thinking, you should know better than anyone else :lol:

[Mandarin]

My son went for NUS DSA last year and he was successful in getting a place. Perhaps, I can share my experience here with you, but you would have to find out if there is any change in process through the school’s website nearer to date.


From my memory, this is the first school to start DSA process each year and the first step is to sit for a Maths and Science paper test. There were any candidates, I believe it was close to 2000 last year and the test was conducted in several venues. From there, around 400 (if my memory does not fail me) were selected for the 2 half-days camp conducted over 2 Saturdays within the school. The range of activities is quite comprehensive, including lab work for Physics, Biology and Chemistry and also a Maths paper test (not something from the usual Primary school syllabus). My son enjoyed the camp very much, you have to pay for it though.

About 150 confirmed places were offered after the camp. There were some waitlist offers but I do not know the number.

As my son did not choose that school to continue his sec education, I can’t tell you how studying there is like.

Hope this helps.

[daisyt]

hi Mandarin, out of curiosity … why he did not choose this school to continue his sec since he was successful in getting a place ?

[Jenn]

Some additional info on NUSH:

1.\tThe school admits 170 students each year. DSA consist of selection test and camp. Last year 1700 students sat for the selection test and 400 were selected for the camp. Then 150 were offered places.
2.\tOut of these 150 are students who did extremely well in Math Olympic competitions (like getting a platinum in the hwa chong math Olympics). They were offered guaranteed places in NUSH before the selection test.
3.\tStudents admitted thru DSA do not need to get PSLE 250+ and A* in math and science. MOE criteria is the same for all IP schools: students admitted thru DSA must get a PSLE score that gets them into the express stream.
4.\tIn the camp, expect questions that may be out of the norm. This question appeared last year: NUS+HIGH+SCH=RIGHT Each letter represent a number 0-9. Solve the letters. There is simply no way to prep for the test and camp. However, most kids with a passion for math and science appeared to have enjoyed the camp.
5.\tThe NUSH DSA selection gives equal opportunity to both GEP and non GEP students. All of them have to sit for the same test and camp. In some other IP schools, GEP students seem to have an advantage in the DSA process. They are given exemption from the tests and go straight to the interview round.
6.\tIn NUSH, GEP and non GEP students are placed in the same class. In other IP schools, there are special classes for GEP students.
7.\tStudents applying thru PSLE results need to have at least 250 and A* in both math and science. Last year cut of point was 260. Previous year was 262.
8.\tNUSH students do not need to sit for the ‘A’ levels. I think this is an advantage over the other IP schools. When you have to sit for A levels, the program in year 5 and 6 inevitably focuses on exams preparation. After all, these IP schools are out to prove that IP students can do as well as non IP in the A level exams.
9.\tSome of the other IP schools will advocate against specialising in math and science at too young a age. Parents have to make that decision based on passion of kid for math and science and character/ability of kid for independent learning.

[Mandarin]

My son was lucky enough to have secured an offer from ACS(I) too. As he was from ACS(Primary), he has great affinity to continue his education with ACS. Furthermore, many of his friends have chosen to go to ACS(I) while only a handful chose to go NUS High, so there is a little of this ‘friends influence’ here.


During the selection stage, I went through the program offered in each school with him and he was certain that he prefers ACS(I). My son is strong in Maths but struggles with Languages a little. I was keen to let him develop his strength but at the same time believe that it is better for him to have a more holistic education to handle the future challenges. I respected his decision, knowing that he will be more committed to his study if he is part of the decision making.

So far, his term 1 results is reasonable which averages in the mid 70s, though both English and Chinese are still weak. He just told me last night that he will put in more effort in his languages to pull up his average, I am waiting to hear his action plan.

I am just keeping my finger crossed that we have made the right decision.

[fxchow]

Hi All,


Thanks for all of your valuable input :lol:

I will let her read thru this info and see how.

[MdmKS]

shriradh:

Hai,My daughter is in P6 this year.Please share your experiences about NUS High School. Thanks! Shriradh

Heard their Maths and Science are quite difficult. They are more to cultivate future local scientist working in a research environment. It will be good if your child has demonstrated such passion at young age.

[shriradh]

She is in GEP and is interested in Maths and Science.So wanted to try NUS High School

MdmKS:

shriradh:

Hai,My daughter is in P6 this year.Please share your experiences about NUS High School. Thanks! Shriradh

Heard their Maths and Science are quite difficult. They are more to cultivate future local scientist working in a research environment. It will be good if your child has demonstrated such passion at young age.

[MdmKS]

shriradh:

She is in GEP and is interested in Maths and Science.So wanted to try NUS High School

From what I gather, GEP students were selected based on their English and Maths and not Maths and Science. Furthermore, whether GEP or not, they both have to go thru the same selection test for Maths & Science and the selection camp. Then again, there is no harm trying.

[Jenn]

The selection test consist of 2 parts – Math and Science. In the past, most math Olympic awardees found the math part relatively easy. But the Science part appeared to be very difficult for most students. Many of the science terms and terminology were new to the P6 kids unless they had read widely. Format is in multiple choice but answer wrongly you get points deducted.


Many of those who got selected for the camp seem to have won math awards or have scored distinction/high distinction in the UNSW science papers. However there are surprises where award winners did not make it thru and vice versa.

So no harm trying even if kid did not score in the math competitions and science papers. But be prepared to pay the fees - $60 for the selection test and $100 if going for the camp. The total fees is probably the most expensive among the IP schools DSA. But one would appreciate the amount of time and resources they have put in when they conduct the 2 half day camps. The NUSH website only stated 1 day for this year camp so they may have changed something. Parents can probably find that out when they attend the NUSH admission talks.

Also, track the dates of the other IP schools DSA activities if you kid is also applying for other school DSA. Last year, the NUSH camp dates clashed with some DSA activities of RI/RGS, NYGH and HCI. So even though you have paid the fees for both schools, you will be asked by both schools to choose one to attend. They are not going to refund you the fees.

Good Luck.