<![CDATA[How many DSA schools did you apply to?]]>Just a fun poll while the applicants wait for emails and calls from the schools for GAT, subject tests, interviews, CCA trials and auditions etc.


Why not share with us the schools you applied to as well and cheer each other on. πŸ™‚

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/37679/how-many-dsa-schools-did-you-apply-toRSS for NodeThu, 03 Sep 2026 05:36:23 GMTFri, 06 Jul 2012 11:00:54 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:04:27 GMT]]>Did apply for DSA. Would rather spend time helping my kids in their studies cos it’s nvr a good idea to count the chickens before it hatches.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/820986https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/820986Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:04:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:45:58 GMT]]>

mummy so kiasu:
little kiasu:

[quote=\"BeContented\"]:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


Original didn't plan for any cos' wasn't pinning any hope, think waste of time.

Kenna scolded by friends so ok lah, try RV....good school and near home.
Later, decided to try NUSH since DS likes Maths and already planning to DSA, 1 and 2 makes no difference.

Then go HCI open house and realised, really like HCI and would prefer it as 1st choice. DH likes HCI too & insisted I try too. Get it good, dun get....experience loh.

Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

From plan zero to FULL of unrealistic hopes.....what an irony :roll:

Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......

same here.... didn't plan ... end up 4 :oops:

DSA interview & tests are held during Prelim period, apply for too many schools might give the kids a lot of stress.[/quote]Thanks for advise. My ds apply under sport domain ... interview & tests finish quite early .... he seem to enjoy DSA as he got excuse to play more time... πŸ˜‚

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/820971https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/820971Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:45:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:38:58 GMT]]>

little kiasu:
BeContented:

:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


Original didn't plan for any cos' wasn't pinning any hope, think waste of time.

Kenna scolded by friends so ok lah, try RV....good school and near home.
Later, decided to try NUSH since DS likes Maths and already planning to DSA, 1 and 2 makes no difference.

Then go HCI open house and realised, really like HCI and would prefer it as 1st choice. DH likes HCI too & insisted I try too. Get it good, dun get....experience loh.

Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

From plan zero to FULL of unrealistic hopes.....what an irony :roll:

Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......

same here.... didn't plan ... end up 4 :oops:

DSA interview & tests are held during Prelim period, apply for too many schools might give the kids a lot of stress.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/807147https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/807147Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:38:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:27:03 GMT]]>

MotherHen:
sautille:

DD applied to RGS and NYGH. Told her to work hard for PSLE to build a good foundation for secondary school work.


DD applied to RGS and NYGH too πŸ˜„ . Similarly, have told DD that she has to work hard for PSLE, irregardless of whether she gets CO or not.

All the best for your DD's interview. While I have not heard from NYGH, RGS started GE domain interview a couple of weeks ago.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793893https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793893Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:27:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:26:44 GMT]]>

sautille:
DD applied to RGS and NYGH. Told her to work hard for PSLE to build a good foundation for secondary school work.

DD applied to RGS and NYGH too πŸ˜„ . Similarly, have told DD that she has to work hard for PSLE, irregardless of whether she gets CO or not.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793597https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793597Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:26:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:16:43 GMT]]>

nansk:
jtoh:


SJI International and ACS International are co-ed schools. Their school fees are very high, about $18k pa. Not to be mistaken for ACS Independent and SJI which are local schools.

Gotcha! Thank you.

Other possibility is to wait and try for Year 5 as both SJI and ACS(I) will take in girls then.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793587https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793587Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:16:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:52:44 GMT]]>

jtoh:

SJI International and ACS International are co-ed schools. Their school fees are very high, about $18k pa. Not to be mistaken for ACS Independent and SJI which are local schools.
Gotcha! Thank you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793556https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793556Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:52:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 04:04:29 GMT]]>

nansk:
jtoh:

[quote=\"nansk\"]
Hi,
Are there any IB schools for girls or co-ed like ACSI for boys?

Local schools - MGS (starting next year for their Sec 1 & Sec 3 batches) and SOTA. The rest are international schools (like SJI International, ACS International etc, plus other international schools like UWC etc)

Thank you. I looked at the MGS web site just now, but could not find the relevant info. I wonder what the fees will be like for the IB programme.

I suppose SOTA is for children inclined towards the arts? My dd does not have a single artistic bone in her body. 😞

SJI, ACSI - aren't these for boys only?

UWC et al are out of our affordability range.[/quote]Fees at MGS should be the same whether you're doing the IP (leading to IB) or O level track, ie independent school fees in the range of $200-300. Don't know exact amount.

SOTA is for those who are talented in performing and creative arts.

SJI International and ACS International are co-ed schools. Their school fees are very high, about $18k pa. Not to be mistaken for ACS Independent and SJI which are local schools.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793467https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793467Wed, 11 Jul 2012 04:04:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:26:43 GMT]]>

jtoh:
nansk:


Hi,
Are there any IB schools for girls or co-ed like ACSI for boys?

Local schools - MGS (starting next year for their Sec 1 & Sec 3 batches) and SOTA. The rest are international schools (like SJI International, ACS International etc, plus other international schools like UWC etc)

Thank you. I looked at the MGS web site just now, but could not find the relevant info. I wonder what the fees will be like for the IB programme.

I suppose SOTA is for children inclined towards the arts? My dd does not have a single artistic bone in her body. 😞

SJI, ACSI - aren't these for boys only?

UWC et al are out of our affordability range.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793416https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793416Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:26:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:59:54 GMT]]>

nansk:
BeContented:

:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


...Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......

Hi,
Are there any IB schools for girls or co-ed like ACSI for boys?

Local schools - MGS (starting next year for their Sec 1 & Sec 3 batches) and SOTA. The rest are international schools (like SJI International, ACS International etc, plus other international schools like UWC etc)

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793378https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793378Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:59:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:57:07 GMT]]>

Sun_2010:
nansk:

Hi,

Are there any IB schools for girls or co-ed like ACSI is for boys?

Mgs - I think for Sec3 from 2014 onwards

Thanks! I will check out the MGS web site.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793374https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793374Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:57:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:51:07 GMT]]>

nansk:
BeContented:

:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


...Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......

Hi,
Are there any IB schools for girls or co-ed like ACSI for boys?

Mgs - I think for Sec3 from 2014 onwards

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793370https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793370Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:51:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:42:34 GMT]]>

BeContented:
:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


...Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......
Hi,
Are there any IB schools for girls or co-ed like ACSI for boys?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793363https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793363Wed, 11 Jul 2012 02:42:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:19:01 GMT]]>You may look at the All About DSA thread http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=157 or http://www.moe.edu.sg/education/admissions/dsa-sec/


While for the intention and selection criteria, you may look up secondary schools that offer DSA as each of them has a different one.

List of schools offering DSA http://www.moe.edu.sg/education/admissions/dsa-sec/participating-schools/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793291https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793291Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:19:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:06:04 GMT]]>

firefly38:
BeContented:

:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


Original didn't plan for any cos' wasn't pinning any hope, think waste of time.

Kenna scolded by friends so ok lah, try RV....good school and near home.
Later, decided to try NUSH since DS likes Maths and already planning to DSA, 1 and 2 makes no difference.

Then go HCI open house and realised, really like HCI and would prefer it as 1st choice. DH likes HCI too & insisted I try too. Get it good, dun get....experience loh.

Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

From plan zero to FULL of unrealistic hopes.....what an irony :roll:


Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......

Since already applied for 4.. why not make it 5?
Why not RI? (wow, it rhymes! πŸ˜‰ )

Btw, did you & DS attend RI Open House?

Ha ha...I have quite a few asking me why not RI?
Guess I'm still rather practical/realistic.....all those schools that I have DSA are already a stretch.....so I kinda limit the farthest is HCI (I stay in West).

Din attend RI open house....too far lah....chances also low anyway. πŸ˜‰

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793277https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793277Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:06:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:05:15 GMT]]>Did anyone discuss about the administration of the DSA program avywhere before? What I don’t understand are the following:

i. Why administer the admission exercise before PSLE results are out? Why have parents do the unnecessary when they do it out of insurance?
ii. What is the intention of the DSA? To attract bright and CCA-rounded individual or to reach out to potential-national team squad who probably can’t get into these schools otherwise?
iii. Anyone knows what are the selection criteria from these schools? Are these criteria transparent and consistent? What attributes are they looking for? Is it really all non-academic (and hence DSA scheme)? If so, why do the kids need to got for entrance tests and interviews?

Appreciate parents who know more to contribute here thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793276https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793276Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:05:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:50:01 GMT]]>

BeContented:
:oops: I also end up trying for 4 schools - RV, NUSH, HCI, ACS


Original didn't plan for any cos' wasn't pinning any hope, think waste of time.

Kenna scolded by friends so ok lah, try RV....good school and near home.
Later, decided to try NUSH since DS likes Maths and already planning to DSA, 1 and 2 makes no difference.

Then go HCI open house and realised, really like HCI and would prefer it as 1st choice. DH likes HCI too & insisted I try too. Get it good, dun get....experience loh.

Finally, friend (teacher in ACSI) 'brainwashed' us that IB is a very good programme.....so end up also applied. πŸ˜“

From plan zero to FULL of unrealistic hopes.....what an irony :roll:


Next year probably another year of 'dilemma' cos' it's DD turn. Choice of schools all different......
Since already applied for 4.. why not make it 5?
Why not RI? (wow, it rhymes! πŸ˜‰ )

Btw, did you & DS attend RI Open House?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793269https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793269Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:50:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:49:57 GMT]]>

Imp75:
So does it mean once child secured a place through DSA, psle doesn't matter and therefore it's ok? I really don't understand parents intention here? Why deprive someone else of a place who needs it more? Are we saying we don't have confidence in our kids who have been consistently showing excellent performance or is it kiasu ism at play?

Based on my understanding, once the child is offered a CO and accepted it, the child needs to be able to obtain a PSLE pass that allows them to go to express stream before they can join the school.

DSA so far we hear from parents in KSP are parents aiming for top schools. In our case, I am actually targetting at schools around 230 to 240 range. Considered DSA (my kids only P5 and P4) because what if they don't do well enough during PSLE and only got 220+ where secondary school selections are rather \"limited\"? So it's more like a insurance. But on the other hand, if the child did better then they just got to stick with their choice.

CCA for us is another important consideration. My kids are passionate about their CCA. So if they can actually pursue the same CCA in the secondary school (that excels in this CCA) and contribute that would be a win win situation.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793268https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793268Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:49:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:47:45 GMT]]>

Imp75:
So does it mean once child secured a place through DSA, psle doesn't matter and therefore it's ok? I really don't understand parents intention here? Why deprive someone else of a place who needs it more? Are we saying we don't have confidence in our kids who have been consistently showing excellent performance or is it kiasu ism at play?

It's a matter of chances that we need to take. I myself don't see \"deprive someone else of a place who needs it more\", as DSA is also not that easy unless you have outstanding ability in the 'field' that needed by the secondary school. Everyone with an outstanding ability will have the equal chance although as I mention in another thread that LUCK is also playing a part of it and maybe also 'Coach Favour' in Sport DSA :evil: If DS/DD choose the school that gave them CO, then they are not eligible for Sec 1 posting. And as I know, since last year, no appeal could be made once you had make you choice. So I don't see anyone place being deprived. πŸ˜„

You may say this is kiasu ism or you may say that we don't have confidence in our kids who have been consistently showing excellent performance but who would guarantee that our DS/DD would score extremely well or who would guarantee that our children would not score better than ours. So this DSA is just like buying 'insurance' as some parents said.

Parents who could guarantee their child would score extremely well then they might not opt the DSA but some as myself would need it and give it a try although we might not succeed the DSA too. That's why in the page before there was one applying 6-7 DSA :scared:

Cheers

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793267https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793267Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:47:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:05 GMT]]>So does it mean once child secured a place through DSA, psle doesn’t matter and therefore it’s ok? I really don’t understand parents intention here? Why deprive someone else of a place who needs it more? Are we saying we don’t have confidence in our kids who have been consistently showing excellent performance or is it kiasu ism at play?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793249https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793249Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:50:48 GMT]]>Nothing is 100% guranteed. So here we go to try to get an 'insurance' by using DSA route πŸ™‚

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793244https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793244Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:50:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:44:06 GMT]]>Why go the DSA route if kids are definitely going to do well in psle? Is DSA about using cca to get to the sec school? Am I missing something here?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793242https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793242Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:44:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:37:09 GMT]]>None for DS. Tr wanted them to apply as many but I think it’s a waste of time, just to have CO as back up. Told DS tt he has to be secure if end up as the only 1 in class without CO. We wanted him to go to a sec sch tt best suits him base on his psle results, so just concentrate on preparing for it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793055https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793055Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:37:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to How many DSA schools did you apply to? on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:29:27 GMT]]>

BeContented:
MMM:

[quote=\"little kiasu\"]same here.... didn't plan ... end up 4 :oops:


Sure or not???? Don't plan can try for DSA???

On a serious note, my impression is that DSA is something that requires planning early regardless which area you are targetting for??? Or do I have a misconception?

I started filing up my kids stuff since kindergarten. Dunno if they will want it next time, but they can have it as remembrance in future. So from their progress card, holiday programme pics/reviews/certain etc, I kept them in chrono order. (I even kept their milk teeth πŸ˜‰ )

This habit continued till now, so naturally, whatever report book, certs, awards etc ...all are filed. Guess this weird habit ends up as blessing in disguise, cos pulling out stuff for DSA was relatively easy πŸ˜„
The only thing left was to get teachers' testimonial which I managed to chase for during their extra class on 1st week of Jun holidays.

Other than that, zap & certified them, compiled & stapled. That's all right?!?! Anyway, the rest is fate liao. Hope the best, expect the worst. PSLE will still be the main focus. DSA is a dessert....good if have[/quote]Yes.. you are right PSLE will be the main focus... my ds' form teacher is the one ask me to try, so she prepare for me the testimonial πŸ˜‚

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793054https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/793054Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:29:27 GMT