Mainstream & DSA 2011

[Pen88n]

Hi,


I saw a thread started by a GEP parent on GEP and DSA. Thot the mainstreamers should also band together to share info about DSA. Understand there is a different submission and possibly even different test / interviews for mainstreamers going thru’ the DSA route.

Would appreciate any parents who have gone thru’ this to share your experience, esp. on specific sec schools so that we can learn from you. Also please share the domain of application (via CCA, Sports, Academic, etc.) what are the differences.

I know there is a DSA thread, but going thru’ >200 pages is tedious, with mostly relating to GEP. I’m sure majority kids who are not in GEP would also want to know what are their chances and how to go about DSA route. Appreciate any sharing here.

[Brenda10]

Yes Pen88n. Thank you for your thoughtful and we are interested to know what to be done if our children want to try for DSA.

[Pen88n]

Can some parents who have gone thru’ the journey please advise on DSA process (how many rounds and what is each round about? specific domains required? estimated intake in past year?)


Let me start by listing what I understand from DSA thread (pls correct inaccuracies):
NJC
3 rounds: 1st round GAT, 2nd round day activities, 3rd round interview
Specific Domain required: Not sure
Estmated intake: up to 50% (~100)

RI
2 rounds: 1st round GAT, 2nd round subject test
Specific Domain required: by subject or sports
Estimated intake: up to 50% (~220, about 150 taken up by GEP)

HCI
x rounds: 1st round GAT…
Specific Domain required: ???
Estimated intake: up to 50% (~220, about 150 taken up by GEP - some overlap with RI)

NUSH
3 rounds: 1st round Maths & Sci test, 2nd round camp, 3rd round interview
SPecific Domain required: Maths & Sci
Estimated intake: up to 90% (~150?)

Will read to extract more if I’ve time…so much for now. Parents who have gone thru this process before, please share your experience and give us some guide. Thanks

[aqeqiq]

Thanks for starting this thread. I would like to know what type of achievements are required or expected for DSA applications via academics. Are awards essential for the applications? Please include info on rgs for all of us who have dd’s. Thank you in advance.


Cheers.

[sautille]

aqeqiq:

Thanks for starting this thread. I would like to know what type of achievements are required or expected for DSA applications via academics. Are awards essential for the applications? Please include info on rgs for all of us who have dd's. Thank you in advance.


Cheers.

I heard that Math domain applicants with SMOPS Platinum/Gold award are highly sought after.

[phankao]

Let me update what I know - there are changes made below in green.


NJC
3 rounds: 1st round HAST, 2nd round day activities, 3rd round interview
Specific Domain required: No specific domain-general
Estmated intake: up to 50% (~100)

RI
2 rounds: 1st round GAT, 2nd round subject test
It can be selection test first BEFORE GAT. The child may not get to do GAT if not shortlisted from the domain selection test.
Specific Domain required: by subject or sports, art/music elective
Estimated intake: up to 50% (~220, about 150 taken up by GEP)

HCI
x rounds: 1st round GAT......plus many subject tests, plus trials/auditions.
Specific Domain required: Yes, several domains like Sports, GEP, math olympiads.
Estimated intake: up to 50% (~220, about 150 taken up by GEP - some overlap with RI)

[phankao]

I am interested to hear any sharings on DSA experiences at RVH and DHS.

[Pen88n]

phankao:

I am interested to hear any sharings on DSA experiences at RVH and DHS.

I heard RVHS has to sit for test. For DHS, my fren's kid got in simply by application submission - no test or interview.

[aqeqiq]

sautille:

aqeqiq:

Thanks for starting this thread. I would like to know what type of achievements are required or expected for DSA applications via academics. Are awards essential for the applications? Please include info on rgs for all of us who have dd's. Thank you in advance.


Cheers.

I heard that Math domain applicants with SMOPS Platinum/Gold award are highly sought after.

Thanks sautille.

There is a lot of emphasis on math but i recently learnt there was such a thing as science Olympiad and for those strong in english, there is the commonwealth essay competition (not sure). Can anyone advise if these are well regarded for dsa? Thank you.

[Pen88n]

sautille:

aqeqiq:

Thanks for starting this thread. I would like to know what type of achievements are required or expected for DSA applications via academics. Are awards essential for the applications? Please include info on rgs for all of us who have dd's. Thank you in advance.


Cheers.

I heard that Math domain applicants with SMOPS Platinum/Gold award are highly sought after.

Of course these will be sought after - the number of SMOPS Platinum / Gold awarded is rarer than GEPpers!!! Yearly they award only <60 Platinum and <100 Gold. Moreover, it is usually acknowledged that those who excel in Maths are usually brighter and faster in their thinking.