<![CDATA[Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels]]>

schweppes:
slmkhoo:


Thanks. But DPA is for those with special strengths and talents, right? Not sure my daughter qualifies!

You'll never know. Your girl might pleasantly surprise you. If your girl is unsure (she's definitely not alone as many teens are clueless at this age), u can help to scope for her the areas which you think she can excel or has an interest in.

If time permits, have a look through some poly websites to have a general idea of what's out there and you can give her some pointers. And even if she doesn't proceed to poly after A lvl, your efforts are not in vain as you would probably have given her some ideas what she can hope to achieve in her life.

Yes, we plan to go into these things more closely, probably at the end of this year. By then, we should have a clearer idea whether university or poly is more suitable. Thanks for the tips!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/82571/applying-to-polys-with-a-levels-but-without-o-levelsRSS for NodeWed, 21 Oct 2026 13:10:15 GMTMon, 20 Apr 2015 01:05:57 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:09:11 GMT]]>

schweppes:
zeemimi:


You are right, dpa is very much like dsa. They are also looking for people with exceptional abilities and leadership profiles.

Not necessarily so. Depends on the courses applied for. Student must show keen interest and desire why they want to study in this particular course.

For example, a student wants to study vet science in poly. Apart from good grades, it's not enough to say, \"I love animals\" or \"I have 3 dogs/cats/...\" Anybody can say \"I love animals\". So, if the student goes one step further by showing that he volunteers at SPCA or some animal welfare organisation, then this student stands out from the rest. The interviewers and selection committee are looking for more than textbook answers. Action speaks louder than words here.

In another example, a student with average grades is successful in her application for gerontological studies via dpa. The students proves her worth because she does volunteer work. Interviewers recognises her efforts and her charitable personality that is necessary to work in the geriatrics field. Mom is happy because her kid is happy in the course as there is a personality and role fit.


:goodpost: my friends's dd got into poly through DPA and she has average results but she does community job. Currently , community job is important for application of JC, Poly and Uni too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492779https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492779Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:09:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:18:15 GMT]]>

zeemimi:

You are right, dpa is very much like dsa. They are also looking for people with exceptional abilities and leadership profiles.
Not necessarily so. Depends on the courses applied for. Student must show keen interest and desire why they want to study in this particular course.

For example, a student wants to study vet science in poly. Apart from good grades, it's not enough to say, \"I love animals\" or \"I have 3 dogs/cats/...\" Anybody can say \"I love animals\". So, if the student goes one step further by showing that he volunteers at SPCA or some animal welfare organisation, then this student stands out from the rest. The interviewers and selection committee are looking for more than textbook answers. Action speaks louder than words here.

In another example, a student with average grades is successful in her application for gerontological studies via dpa. The students proves her worth because she does volunteer work. Interviewers recognises her efforts and her charitable personality that is necessary to work in the geriatrics field. Mom is happy because her kid is happy in the course as there is a personality and role fit.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492665https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492665Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:18:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:31:06 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:

Thanks. But DPA is for those with special strengths and talents, right? Not sure my daughter qualifies!
You'll never know. Your girl might pleasantly surprise you. If your girl is unsure (she's definitely not alone as many teens are clueless at this age), u can help to scope for her the areas which you think she can excel or has an interest in.

If time permits, have a look through some poly websites to have a general idea of what's out there and you can give her some pointers. And even if she doesn't proceed to poly after A lvl, your efforts are not in vain as you would probably have given her some ideas what she can hope to achieve in her life.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492630https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492630Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:31:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 06:12:32 GMT]]>

zbear:
Just being curious, have you discussed your plans with yr DD?


Is she happy with this arrangement?
She is the type who does't really know what she wants, and is usually willing to be guided by us. We have told her our thinking about the various options, and we will definitely \"force\" her to make the final decision in the end, but this is still early days. She is not the motivated, competitive type and would probably just hang around at home forever if we allowed it. I wish she would push herself a bit harder!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492305https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492305Sun, 19 Apr 2015 06:12:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 03:46:14 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:

Thanks. But DPA is for those with special strengths and talents, right? Not sure my daughter qualifies!
You are right, dpa is very much like dsa. They are also looking for people with exceptional abilities and leadership profiles.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492248https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492248Sun, 19 Apr 2015 03:46:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 02:07:59 GMT]]>Just being curious, have you discussed your plans with yr DD?


Is she happy with this arrangement?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492197https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492197Sun, 19 Apr 2015 02:07:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:01:32 GMT]]>

phtthp:
If apply under DPA : may specify max 3 choices of courses, in the Polytechnic

(first, identify what are your dd interests in learning, lie with which Polytechic, & which course ?)

Sample DPA worksheet (example)
http://www.rp.edu.sg/admissions/DPA_YH/ ... ksheet.doc
Thanks. But DPA is for those with special strengths and talents, right? Not sure my daughter qualifies!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492175https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492175Sun, 19 Apr 2015 01:01:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:36:31 GMT]]>If apply under DPA : may specify max 3 choices of courses, in the Polytechnic

(first, identify what are your dd interests in learning, lie with which Polytechic, & which course ?)

Sample DPA worksheet (example)
http://www.rp.edu.sg/admissions/DPA_YH/ ... ksheet.doc

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492166https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492166Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:36:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:14:14 GMT]]>Thanks for your constributions, everyone! Yes, I know that a few extra years is not a big thing, and we aren’t bothered by it, other than it means that it will take longer to get her off our hands! We’ll take all these thoughts into consideration over the next 1.5yrs and see what seems best. I’m just trying to explore the various options in advance, especially when to start the application process, so we can do the necessary in good time. It’s good to hear of others who haven’t followed the "normal" routes too. It’s all new to us as we both took the very typical route to university graduation, and our other daughter looks set to do the same, so this is a learning experience for us.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492155https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492155Sun, 19 Apr 2015 00:14:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 23:10:08 GMT]]>If poly after A levels is the way to go, then, can also consider applying under Direct Poly Admission. This is the DSA equivalent but for poly admissions instead.


Can apply for DPA sometime mid 2016 (usually June/July thereabouts… check with respective polys to find out when is the application period) for poly admission in April 2017.

Iirc, there may be another window to apply to polys in March for the A lvl students. Best to check to make sure.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492147https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492147Sat, 18 Apr 2015 23:10:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:23:25 GMT]]>Slmkhoo, what are your girl’s strengths and interests?


One possible consideration is going to a private uni after MI instead of going poly and then uni. Depending on her interests and strengths, can consider some of the programs offered under SIM’s partner universities.

Another route is to consider SIT (or Singapore Institute of Technology), Lasalle or NAFA which are under MOE’s purview.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492124https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492124Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:23:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:22:56 GMT]]>

schweppes:
There are instances where those who went to poly after A levels (am not just referring to the Health Sciences courses here), proceed to do very well in poly, even landing on the Director's List. Some choose to go to work after that or continue with uni. Takes a slightly longer route but every one gets to where they want to go to eventually.

A few years in a lifetime is not a lot. Worth it

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492123https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492123Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:22:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:14:16 GMT]]>There are instances where those who went to poly after A levels (am not just referring to the Health Sciences courses here), proceed to do very well in poly, even landing on the Director’s List. Some choose to go to work after that or continue with uni. Takes a slightly longer route but every one gets to where they want to go to eventually.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492119https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492119Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:14:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 15:23:02 GMT]]>if a student has no O level result and is from IP school, she can use her year 4 transcript from the IP school as proxy for O level


so, similarly I believe you can use her grade 10 result (overseas/UK equivalent) as a substitute for O level and you don’t have to wait for end of A level to do it. Can call up the relevant poly / dean to find out now

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492090https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492090Sat, 18 Apr 2015 15:23:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:57:20 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:

Yes, a very long route. She will be 23yo by the time she finishes poly if we go this route! It's not something I would have chosen, but she really does seem to need more time to grow up, and being in an educational institution will give her social interaction and practical training which will help her. Better to give her more time and hope it helps than to push her and watch her flounder.

We chose MI over poly when she was 17yo because we didn't think that she would cope well with the independence required in poly - lectures, group work, projects etc. Poly may be slower academically, but requires more of the things which we know would stress her much more. MI's classroom system and very supportive teachers were what attracted us, and we hoped that she might do well enough and grow up enough to possibly go to university. That is still a hope, but to be realistic, we are also exploring the poly route. Poly and MI will be different, but that could actually be better in that she won't be doing the same thing again, and will get to develop a wider range of skills. And we hope that she will be able to cope better when she is older.

We know that this is an unusual route, and it would be unnecessary for most students. But we have to work with the child we have, and if the slow route seems better for her, we have told her that we are OK with it.
23 is not that old. My classmate in university in the same year as me is 29 while I'm 23. We're both in an Arts course. So there is no defined age group in university. especially for the humanities and arts for some reason lol, they have a bigger range of ages. I agree, I think its really better if she takes her time, don't really have to rush. The pace of university is really quick. Most people equate one semester in university to the A-levels. That's 8 A-levels in 4 years.

Something you could consider is also to complete a degree in 6 years instead of the usual 4 if she qualifies for the local uniceristies. Although 4 is the most common amount of years people take, its not uncommon to see students take 5 or even 6 years. She could space out her modules such that she takes around 2-3 a semester instead of the usual 5 per semester. The load for arts/humanities is also significantly lesser. Just my 2 cents.

But if you think poly is still the way to go, then there's no harm in doing that.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492027https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492027Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:57:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:28:11 GMT]]>

zbear:
slmkhoo, thanks for sharing. So in other words, your DD will spend 3 years doing A levels and another 2-3 years doing Poly before she goes to the U? Don't you think its an extremely long route?


I am being curious - why didn't you just apply for Poly instead of MI in the first place? I think that the pace in Poly is definitely much slower n less stressful than JC. The 3 years in Poly will be just nice for her to develop her interest n skill. Furthermore what she learns in MI will be totally different from Poly. How does it help her?

Yes, a very long route. She will be 23yo by the time she finishes poly if we go this route! It's not something I would have chosen, but she really does seem to need more time to grow up, and being in an educational institution will give her social interaction and practical training which will help her. Better to give her more time and hope it helps than to push her and watch her flounder.

We chose MI over poly when she was 17yo because we didn't think that she would cope well with the independence required in poly - lectures, group work, projects etc. Poly may be slower academically, but requires more of the things which we know would stress her much more. MI's classroom system and very supportive teachers were what attracted us, and we hoped that she might do well enough and grow up enough to possibly go to university. That is still a hope, but to be realistic, we are also exploring the poly route. Poly and MI will be different, but that could actually be better in that she won't be doing the same thing again, and will get to develop a wider range of skills. And we hope that she will be able to cope better when she is older.

We know that this is an unusual route, and it would be unnecessary for most students. But we have to work with the child we have, and if the slow route seems better for her, we have told her that we are OK with it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492004https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1492004Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:28:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:29:03 GMT]]>

hercules:
slmkhoo:



We are not considering the poly courses that give a discount in time mainly because they are not in her areas of interest (she is taking Arts subjects), and as I have explained, we actually want to slow her down, not speed her up!

Hi slmkhoo

Good decision making you having here. Your girl will have a higher chance of success with your 'long winded' planning as compared to getting the possible shorter route. The process is always very important as it will make her a much more confident person at the end as compared to if you want to 'short cut' her.

Poly studies, if one wants to excel, can be more difficult to JC as it requires more application than mugging (I feel it is always more difficult to apply than to mug for most people). However, if the objective is to pass with a decent average B grade, then the journey will be more pleasant (don't need to compete in cat fights). There's a higher chance of a student feeling herself 'stupid' in a university as compared to someone who is in a poly somehow.

You are baking a great cake and you are right to bake it with patience!

:goodpost:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491974https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491974Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:29:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:26:13 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:


We are not considering the poly courses that give a discount in time mainly because they are not in her areas of interest (she is taking Arts subjects), and as I have explained, we actually want to slow her down, not speed her up!
Hi slmkhoo

Good decision making you having here. Your girl will have a higher chance of success with your 'long winded' planning as compared to getting the possible shorter route. The process is always very important as it will make her a much more confident person at the end as compared to if you want to 'short cut' her.

Poly studies, if one wants to excel, can be more difficult to JC as it requires more application than mugging (I feel it is always more difficult to apply than to mug for most people). However, if the objective is to pass with a decent average B grade, then the journey will be more pleasant (don't need to compete in cat fights). There's a higher chance of a student feeling herself 'stupid' in a university as compared to someone who is in a poly somehow.

You are baking a great cake and you are right to bake it with patience!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491973https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491973Sat, 18 Apr 2015 12:26:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 06:40:04 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
Why are we considering poly? Mainly because our daughter is not a strong student and is, because of some learning disabilities, not very mature for her age. We are not sure that she will be able to qualify for university, and even if she can scrape in, whether she is mature enough to get the most out of a university course. We are considering an additional 3 yrs in Poly as a way to give her more growing-up time with students chronologically younger than herself, which might actually be good for her. Having her equipped with some practical job-related skills will also be a benefit. She can always consider doing a university course later on if she can qualify, or even after working for a while. We ourselves really enjoyed our time in university, academically as well as in other ways, and we think it would be a waste for her to scrape in, struggle all the time and not enjoy herself.


We are not considering the poly courses that give a discount in time mainly because they are not in her areas of interest (she is taking Arts subjects), and as I have explained, we actually want to slow her down, not speed her up!
slmkhoo, thanks for sharing. So in other words, your DD will spend 3 years doing A levels and another 2-3 years doing Poly before she goes to the U? Don't you think its an extremely long route?

I am being curious - why didn't you just apply for Poly instead of MI in the first place? I think that the pace in Poly is definitely much slower n less stressful than JC. The 3 years in Poly will be just nice for her to develop her interest n skill. Furthermore what she learns in MI will be totally different from Poly. How does it help her?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491865https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491865Sat, 18 Apr 2015 06:40:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 05:02:00 GMT]]>phttp & kitty2 - thanks! So it’s an ad hoc application. I was wondering if there was some official route.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491844https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491844Sat, 18 Apr 2015 05:02:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:44:43 GMT]]>

phtthp:
My friend rang up the Dean / Lecturer in charge of that particular Faculty / department in that polytechnic, which her son is interested in applying.


from there, the Officer in charge gave her guidance as to what they are looking for in applicants / candidates, asked her son to send in his academic results & all other supporting documents evidence, to them to evaluate, consider. From there, they feedback to my friend what is the chance of her son entering that particular Polytechnic's Faculty like.

perhaps, you may follow similar approach.
may start off with a Polytechnic, & a Faculty of study, in mind, which your daughter is interested in

Yes! Can email them too. All their emails in the poly websites

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491809https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491809Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:44:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:41:04 GMT]]>My friend rang up the Dean / Lecturer in charge of that particular Faculty / department in that polytechnic, which her son is interested in applying.


from there, the Officer in charge gave her guidance as to what they are looking for in applicants / candidates, asked her son to send in his academic results & all other supporting documents evidence, to them evaluate, consider. From there, they feedback to my friend what is the chance of her son entering that particular Polytechnic’s Faculty like.

perhaps, you may follow similar approach.
may start off with a Polytechnic, & a Faculty of study, in mind, which your daughter is interested in. Then, contact the Officer in charge, for more detailed info of requirements, application

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491806https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491806Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:41:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Applying to Polys with A levels but without O levels on Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:14:07 GMT]]>Why are we considering poly? Mainly because our daughter is not a strong student and is, because of some learning disabilities, not very mature for her age. We are not sure that she will be able to qualify for university, and even if she can scrape in, whether she is mature enough to get the most out of a university course. We are considering an additional 3 yrs in Poly as a way to give her more growing-up time with students chronologically younger than herself, which might actually be good for her. Having her equipped with some practical job-related skills will also be a benefit. She can always consider doing a university course later on if she can qualify, or even after working for a while. We ourselves really enjoyed our time in university, academically as well as in other ways, and we think it would be a waste for her to scrape in, struggle all the time and not enjoy herself.


We are not considering the poly courses that give a discount in time mainly because they are not in her areas of interest (she is taking Arts subjects), and as I have explained, we actually want to slow her down, not speed her up!

So back to my question - how does she apply? By the time the A level results come out, JAE will be over, and she doesn’t have any O level results. DSA is not the right avenue for her. She is no longer an international student or a returning Singaporean. And we’d like to know (if anyone knows) how A level grades are equated to O level grades so we can identify the courses she is more likely to get into. Any info?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491792https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1491792Sat, 18 Apr 2015 03:14:07 GMT