NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (Diploma)

[DVL]

ngbrdad:

Hi need some clarification on the DSA test.

Does it consist of math and science papers only or is English included as well ?
And are the papers mainly olympiad/GAT type or usual exam type ?

In the past, Round 1 test consists of Maths and science questions. It is quite different from the GAT type. Emphasis is on Mathematical analytical skills (questions are similar to the Olympiad type) and on scientific principles (lower sec level). Not sure if the school would change it this year.

Hope it helps.

[ngbrdad]

The round 1 test is in MCQ format right ?

[matadorepy]

ngbrdad:

The round 1 test is in MCQ format right ?

If I remember correctly from my DD, Science paper is entirely MCQ, Maths paper is structured type - meaning you have to work out your proposed answer and mark it out ocr. 1 hr for Maths and 1 hr for Science.

[vlim]

DVL:

ngbrdad:

Hi need some clarification on the DSA test.

Does it consist of math and science papers only or is English included as well ?
And are the papers mainly olympiad/GAT type or usual exam type ?

In the past, Round 1 test consists of Maths and science questions. It is quite different from the GAT type. Emphasis is on Mathematical analytical skills (questions are similar to the Olympiad type) and on scientific principles (lower sec level). Not sure if the school would change it this year.

Hope it helps.

So what the kids learn till p6, is it good enough to take the Science test? :roll:

[DVL]

vlim:

DVL:

[quote=\"ngbrdad\"]Hi need some clarification on the DSA test.

Does it consist of math and science papers only or is English included as well ?
And are the papers mainly olympiad/GAT type or usual exam type ?

In the past, Round 1 test consists of Maths and science questions. It is quite different from the GAT type. Emphasis is on Mathematical analytical skills (questions are similar to the Olympiad type) and on scientific principles (lower sec level). Not sure if the school would change it this year.

Hope it helps.

So what the kids learn till p6, is it good enough to take the Science test? :roll:[/quote]According to DS who took the test last year, there were some questions which were beyond what he had learnt in Primary School. He remembered there was a question on NaCl - I am sure this was not taught in many primary schools!

[vlim]

Oh that is a chemical name right …

[DVL]

vlim:

Oh that is a chemical name right .....

Yeah, chemical name for common salt. Not sure how many primary school kids know. Couple years ago, there was a question about whether leaving nails exposed to the air would result in 1) increase in mass 2) decrease in mass or 3) no change in mass

[jtoh]

Don’t think that many primary school kids would be aware that NaCL is sodium chloride.

[matadorepy]

jtoh:

Don't think that many primary school kids would be aware that NaCL is sodium chloride.

Beside testing their analytical and interpretation abiltity in Maths & Science, the kids are also tested on how widely they read on the areas of Maths and Science. Those who are interested or have read more than their P6 science would definitely of heard of Sodium Chloride or common salt. It is very fair assumption that if you are \"science-oriented\" you should have some awarenesss of what is NaCL (where they are found eg beach and sea-water etc) or what are atoms and molecules existing in matter.

That's one criteria to select the potential 400 students out of the 2000 students for round 1 testing.

[Vanilla Cake]

matadorepy:

That's one criteria to select the potential 150 students out of the 2000 students in round 1 testing.

Pls advise if these numbers are correct for DSA year 1 intake:

Round 1 testing: Around 400 out of 2000+ applicants aka students.
Round 2 testing: 150+ out of around 400 applicants aka students.