* Raffles Institution (RI) - Year 5-6
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Edureach:
I'm fairly sure Sec 3 students can participate in the Science Mentorship Programme (Organized by MOE Gifted Education Branch) or the Nanyang Research Programme.
What twilight had mentioned is that u hve to demonstrate concrete evidence of yr outstanding knowledge in a particular science field via academic or national competitions. At sec 3, there's nothing to talk about science research.
If yr intention is not the above nor future scholarship applications(early cycle), then i would recommend NJC and Anderson jc as alternative choices, both of which are famed for their science programmes. In fact unless u also good in yr other subjects and with all the above aspirations if not do consider the alternative jcs.
I don't particularly recall NJ and AJ as having very outstanding science programmes vis a vis other schools like VJ, TJ, ACJC etc (although AJ has very formidable math papers indeed) but then again I was an Arts students. I don't see how OP's ability in his other subjects relates to his JC choice though - he would still have to take them regardless of where he goes, unless you're implying that they are more challenging in RJ.
I can't find any information regarding RI(JC)'s DSA admission policies and criteria, but looking at HCI's, for sciences (academic), they consider either a) Olympiad results + research or b) Personal portfoilo + achievements/ awards in competitions. The former is probably more impressive, but I think the latter is easier to achieve because you have more options. I'd definitely go for building a portfolio to show a strength in sciences rather than an all-round approach (although you do need decent grades in other subjects too). -
Hi micko07!
Prospective jc student is inquring about dsa criteria to RI so let us stick closely to this premier institution instead of giving HCI as an example. Just don’t want to be out of pt.
Personally i feel your opinion of building one’s porfolio centered on physics in this instance is a rather risky one even for a high ability student just for the sake of entry to RI. Both of us knw that for entrance to local unis, an applicant is assessed base on the score of 4 content subjects + GP +PW. How on the earth is he/she going to be admitted to their course of choice even if one has scored a distinction for the H3 module? This student will likely be pawned by many students vying for the same course. Moreover, no one really knows exactly how much weightage RI will be giving to the portfolio. There are approximately 300 places available in RI via the jae and succesful applicants are expected to hve nett of 2 pts, meaning only those with HMT n distinction in cca will be admitted the rest hve to appeal even it is 9 straight A!s!
The word ‘research’ is loosely use by many nowadays. Personally what u hve outlined earlier are strictly speaking junior internship programmes. As for the science programme in NJC n Anderson jc, i consider they are pretty gd at least more than adequate in preperation for A-level exam. U just hve to take a look at their 2010 A-level exam results, both are value added schs. Base on value added, they compare favourably to all the others u had mentioned. In this instance, we are also addressing the issue of proximity whereby both NJC n Anderson jc are closer to RI than all the others u had mentioned.
In conclusion, much as to the young student expires to be admitted to RI, there are many other considerations which are just or even more critical. -
Edureach:
Thanks for your information, and yes i wish to study h3 physics, and currently i have already finished learning the O-levels physics by myself and have already started reading up on A levels physics, my current combination is triple science..how many slots do you think is reserved for students without HMT? As for science researches i think i have participated in some this year, but didn't really won anything..bandmate:
Hi everyone, I'm going to try for RJC next year after my O levels, as far as I know, the cop is 3 points so does it mean that RJC only admits students with HMT? I'm very concerned about this as I don't have HMT as my subject combination..apart from that, does anyone know how the academic dsa for RJC is like? Do they pick students strong only in all subjects tested or strong in one particular subject(like physics) and the ability for this subject is displayed in one of their DSA test? I think I'm much stronger in physics and I hope I can be admitted base on this strength. Help please, thanks a lot.
What twilight had mentioned is that u hve to demonstrate concrete evidence of yr outstanding knowledge in a particular science field via academic or national competitions. At sec 3, there's nothing to talk about science research.
COP for RI, jc1 level science stream is generally 2 pts, ie 6-2-2, 3 is meant for arts and that's partial only. All those without HMT and wish to study there hve to score a minimun of 7 A1s at 0-level including english and place RI as their first choice in jae. At this juncture, is worth to note that by taking this initiative, u must be prepared to choose another jc as yr 2nd choice as HCI(JC) would not entertain yr appeal if its institution is not placed as yr top choice.
The purpose of u going RI is to position yourself to hve the opportunity or undertaking an intern research programme at A* or alternatively to take up a H3 module in \"essential of modern physics\" as RI/HCI are rather liberal in granting permission for their students to take up H3 module vs-a vs other jcs. If yr intention is not the above nor future scholarship applications(early cycle), then i would recommend NJC and Anderson jc as alternative choices, both of which are famed for their science programmes. In fact unless u also good in yr other subjects and with all the above aspirations if not do consider the alternative jcs.
In summary, only the best 0-level students should study in RI(JC) for the above purpose. If yr sole objective is to secure a spot in yr chosen course in one of our local unis, my recommendation is not to go RI. In the meantime, go and concentrate to secure all yr As. -
Edureach:
Wow lol, sounds that my chances are quite low, quite disappointing but i'll still try though, i'll hope for the O levels next year will be harder so that they'll consider my score, hopefully..
There are approximately 300 places available in RI via the jae and succesful applicants are expected to hve nett of 2 pts, meaning only those with HMT n distinction in cca will be admitted the rest hve to appeal even it is 9 straight A!s!
In conclusion, much as to the young student expires to be admitted to RI, there are many other considerations which are just or even more critical. -
So, from what i’ve seen above so far, is my current strategy useful into gaining a higher chance into RI?
This is my strat:
All A1s for my subject combination of Triple science +double maths +combhum+ CL+EL
And also a strong personal portfolio + good performance in olympiads.
Query: Does presentations or representations of school count in personal portfolio? Does it help to let the RJC know that i’ve participated in lots of presentation and this shows that i’ve quite some skill in it? What does good performance in olympiads stands for? Is it a necessity to get gold for these olympiads to be known as having good performance in science/math olympiad? thanks. -
Oh yeah forget to add somemore info to my strat. My CCA is band, and i’m also trying to use this to DSA into RJC. Does anyone know what in specific are the criteria for admission to RJC using band? For example, how many scales, do i have to prepare an audition etc. I know that RJC has a really strong band, and honestly speaking i don’t come from a band that is on par with RJC’s band (my band got bronze for syf). Any information about this will be very helpful to me too. If I’m not wrong, i remember some time back in this year there’s detailed information about the criterias, it’s 8 major scales and 2 contrasting pieces, but it isn’t there now, and i didn’t save it so i would like to confirm with all of you. Thanks a lot to everyone for your help!
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Edureach:
Like I've already said, I've tried to look for RI(JC's) information but it's not available online. Hence, I've looked at HCI's for comparison purposes because I figured that they would probably employ a similar criteria for selection. It is not for lack of due diligence that I didn't use RI's criteria in making suggestions.Hi micko07!
Prospective jc student is inquring about dsa criteria to RI so let us stick closely to this premier institution instead of giving HCI as an example. Just don't want to be out of pt.
Personally i feel your opinion of building one's porfolio centered on physics in this instance is a rather risky one even for a high ability student just for the sake of entry to RI. Both of us knw that for entrance to local unis, an applicant is assessed base on the score of 4 content subjects + GP +PW. How on the earth is he/she going to be admitted to their course of choice even if one has scored a distinction for the H3 module? This student will likely be pawned by many students vying for the same course. Moreover, no one really knows exactly how much weightage RI will be giving to the portfolio. There are approximately 300 places available in RI via the jae and succesful applicants are expected to hve nett of 2 pts, meaning only those with HMT n distinction in cca will be admitted the rest hve to appeal even it is 9 straight A!s!
The word 'research' is loosely use by many nowadays. Personally what u hve outlined earlier are strictly speaking junior internship programmes. As for the science programme in NJC n Anderson jc, i consider they are pretty gd at least more than adequate in preperation for A-level exam. U just hve to take a look at their 2010 A-level exam results, both are value added schs. Base on value added, they compare favourably to all the others u had mentioned. In this instance, we are also addressing the issue of proximity whereby both NJC n Anderson jc are closer to RI than all the others u had mentioned.
In conclusion, much as to the young student expires to be admitted to RI, there are many other considerations which are just or even more critical.
I fail to understand how admission to local unis plays any role in OP's portfolio building for admission via DSA to RJC. They are wholly separate matters and are not mutually exclusive - building one's portfolio does not mean sacrificing one's grades. OP is also not obliged (or in fact entitled) to take up a H3 module in JC - I hardly think they will make him sign a binding contract to take one up! H3s are only allowed to students who demonstrate sufficient academic ability in the first place precisely because there is an assumption that they'll be able to cope, having demonstrated sufficient aptitude for their studies. Most people who take H3s typically end up doing very well in A levels overall - and if they find that they're struggling, people will focus on the subjects that count towards UAS first (unless you need the H3 for admission to overseas universities, for example Warwick/ Imperial Maths, Cambridge Medicine). One can also strategize by picking H3s (usually Uni modules) that finish much earlier than A levels (I did Game Theory, and by end April I was done). In fact, building a portfoilo might give OP an alternate entrance route into the local unis by using the Exceptional Individuals Scheme (or variants thereof). If OP wishes to consider the option of undergrad abroad (especially the US), the portfolio is an absolute must.
I also don't understand why such research programmes are called \"junior internship programmes\". I did both SMP and an attachment to A*Star IMCB back in upper sec (now THIS would be an internship programme). For SMP, one had to write a proposal, conduct your own experiments (with guidance where necessary), write your research paper and then present it. In contrast, at my attachment, we went for seminars and did a couple of experiments that were already pre-planned. The nature of activities are inherently different. Of course, no one expects a 15 year old to write a research paper that will rival that of an undergrad student (unless said teenager is an exceptional genius) but it's still research nonetheless.
That OP is considering RI is not necessarily an indicator that he actually lives near RI itself - that is an assumption. My friends used to commute from Changi/ West Coast to HCI everyday. I've not been tracking statistics but I'll concede that value-addedness suggests that the schools are doing a fine job of preparing its students for A levels (not that the other schools don't have stellar academic track records either).
However, I caution against picking a school solely on value-addedness and over-valuing the importance of good teaching. My personal experience taking A levels suggests that the most important factor is how hard one works (and this is able to overcome even having a bad teacher). The finest teachers can only guide a student and make one's life easier. The work ultimately has to be done by the individual.
ITA that admission into RI (and more generally, the JCs which have IP feeder schools) is going to be extremely hard though. -
bandmate:
They do look at your results as well, but overall they're more interested in how you can help them gain more achievements, so yes, I would say that gold in olympiads could be their baseline in selecting DSA pupils. They don't explicitly say they're looking for gold though. When I asked, they just told me to send my portfolio and they'll look at it.So, from what i've seen above so far, is my current strategy useful into gaining a higher chance into RI?
This is my strat:
All A1s for my subject combination of Triple science +double maths +combhum+ CL+EL
And also a strong personal portfolio + good performance in olympiads.
Query: Does presentations or representations of school count in personal portfolio? Does it help to let the RJC know that i've participated in lots of presentation and this shows that i've quite some skill in it? What does good performance in olympiads stands for? Is it a necessity to get gold for these olympiads to be known as having good performance in science/math olympiad? thanks. -
bandmate
Unlike junior high, the most conventional route for top O-level students aspiring to enter RI is thru jae. Few attempt to dsa. As to how many places are allocated for non HMT students, it depends largely on the yearly intake of each cohort ie no of students with nett 2 pts choosing RI as their top choice. Generally, those with 8-9 A1s are successful in their appeals. That answers yr first question.
Yr strategy is pretty sound though u are still reminded that yr A1s must include english and combine humanities ie 6-2 and appeal base on academic achievement at O-level.
For dsa, it depends on yr merits. Best is to submit yr portfolio for them to consider. Difficult to assess yr chance in this instance. As mentioned earlier, this route is rarely taken.
Once u are in RI, yr aspiration to take a H3 module will be easily attainable as they are rather relax in granting approval. -
Thanks a lot to all of you for your help! Whether I enter RJC or not I’ll still be eternally grateful to all of you for your help and these informations are really valuable to me!
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