DSA 2023

[floppy]

Vamos\" post_id=\"2097245\" time=\"1676096702\" user_id=\"200806:

Do schools accept DSA applicants not in their domains? Will these schools consider DS if they are the top rank & national squad? Could we approach these schools directly? Looking for kind and helpful advices.

Similar question to the previous. The answer is No.

You can choose to apply under something more generic, like leadership or choose something similar, which would be your best bet. You cannot approach schools directly (nor will it be entertained).

[AHsDad]

Vamos\" post_id=\"2097245\" time=\"1676096702\" user_id=\"200806:

Do schools accept DSA applicants not in their domains? Will these schools consider DS if they are the top rank & national squad? Could we approach these schools directly? Looking for kind and helpful advices.

Sorry it’s quite a clear No

[Vamos]

Thank you floppy and AHsDad! I tot independent schools have more freedom and leeway to admit students with special talents. Heard from someone that it could be possible.

[phtthp]

Vamos\" post_id=\"2097305\" time=\"1676114184\" user_id=\"200806:

Thank you floppy and AHsDad! I tot independent schools have more freedom and leeway to admit students with special talents. Heard from someone that it could be possible.

Vamos,

Have you ever logged into a DSA portal before ?

When u apply for DSA,
u need to apply under a specific domain. It is compulsory for P6 students to apply DSA, under a specific domain. Otherwise, your DSA application gets rejected, become void.

If u not sure,
go to MOE School Finder website, under that specific Secondary school which your child (son / daughter) is interested in, click on that Dropbox on an available listing of various domain which u can choose to apply under, then u will understand. Whether independent (eg. ACSI + MGS + SCGS / Hwa Chong + NYGH / RI + RGS ) Secondary schools or otherwise, all follow this same method set by MOE for DSA purpose -
that is,
u have to apply, under a domain.


But,
if are referring to another different group of Independent schools like (SG Sports School / the one located in Orchard road near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station that handle specialized Performance Arts talent intake / NUS High), these unique schools conduct their own in house assessments, to pick their right, suitable candidates. This one, MOE don't interfere in their selection choices. You may call up the school directly, to inquire.

[MotherHere]

Imp75\" post_id=\"2096993\" time=\"1675901174\" user_id=\"2358:

How is the sport’s achievement? If top 3, then seems like a better chance to try using the sports for RI/VS. For NUSH, Olympian achievements are very important to get the door in so perhaps can try for better achievements here during P6.

P5 NSG did get a medal for Tier 1 First place. Dont think it was the finals.
Just realised RI doesn't have the sport domain he is in, so seems like only can try Victoria for sports.

Any idea how many students will be allocated for DSA Sports?

Thanks!

[Imp75]

MotherHere\" post_id=\"2097363\" time=\"1676188927\" user_id=\"198562:

P5 NSG did get a medal for Tier 1 First place. Dont think it was the finals.
Just realised RI doesn't have the sport domain he is in, so seems like only can try Victoria for sports.

Any idea how many students will be allocated for DSA Sports?

Thanks!

Per Sch, no more than 3 or 4 per dsa sport typically.

[floppy]

Vamos\" post_id=\"2097305\" time=\"1676114184\" user_id=\"200806:

Thank you floppy and AHsDad! I tot independent schools have more freedom and leeway to admit students with special talents. Heard from someone that it could be possible.

I think your info may be partially correct.

Independent schools have full discretion in admission in terms of the number that they can admit via the DSA scheme for their IP programme (for O Level track, there is a 5% cap for schools with distinctive programmes, 10% cap for autonomous schools, and 20% cap for independent schools). It doesn't mean anyone can just write it and offer their 'special talent'. Ultimately, the talent areas that the schools are looking for are clearly spelled out either on their website or on MOE school finder.

You can refer to https://www.ri.edu.sg/admissions/year-1-admissions/year-1-direct-school-admission, https://victoria.moe.edu.sg/admissions/direct-school-admissions-to-sec-1-year-1/, etc for examples on what the schools are looking out for and the talent areas available.

[SG_KP1]

floppy\" post_id=\"2097380\" time=\"1676194045\" user_id=\"97579:

I think your info may be partially correct.

Independent schools have full discretion in admission in terms of the number that they can admit via the DSA scheme for their IP programme (for O Level track, there is a 5% cap for schools with distinctive programmes, 10% cap for autonomous schools, and 20% cap for independent schools).
...

For O Level, wasn't the cap increased to 20% for all schools starting in 2018(?)?

I think most of the IPs have been in the 30%-35% range in recent years (down from ~50% at one time). MGS had one thing that said up to 40% last year (seems a tad higher than what most say).

[floppy]

SG_KP1\" post_id=\"2097385\" time=\"1676195808\" user_id=\"188234:

For O Level, wasn't the cap increased to 20% for all schools starting in 2018(?)?

I think most of the IPs have been in the 30%-35% range in recent years (down from ~50% at one time). MGS had one thing that said up to 40% last year (seems a tad higher than what most say).

Oops. Yes, https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/direct-school-admission-exercise-cap-raised-20-all-schools-moe. MOE did standardise the cap for O Level to 20% for all schools.

I stand corrected.

[SG_KP1]

floppy\" post_id=\"2097389\" time=\"1676197842\" user_id=\"97579:

...
MOE did standardise the cap for O Level to 20% for all schools.
...

Based on this, it seems like the max total DSA intake is about 8,000+ students per year.

Actual intake the last five years and % of cohort entered via DSA is:
2018: 3,000 / 7.6%
2019: 3,500 / 8.7%
2020: 3,600 / 9.0%
2021: 3,700 / 9.5%
2022: 3,900 / 10.5%

Sales manager may say it's still an untapped market . Will see if uptake keeps growing or if it levels off here in the next few years...