We had the option of moving to a guaranteed 2C spot few years back and stuck with the balloting option for ACSJ. The regret comes in when you consider the possibility of not getting the ballot and then so close to being not chosen on the actual day. It’s not a good feeling and I agree with zac’s mum that some will (and probably should) choose a safer alternative like SJIJ to avoid the angst and anxiety.

Orb:

Assuming parents (<1km) want to avoid balloting in ACS and goes to SJIJ, that leaves the parents still registered at ACS a higher odds of entering the school whether balloting or not. Its really a case of who blinks first.

When my DS was one of the remaining five balls to be drawn for two, I definitely regretted not registering for SJIJ in that very “long” moment... ask yourself if you can live with not only not getting in ACS but also possibly another school outside of your 1km vicinity.

sunny_side_up:

Do we need to bring tenancy agreement if our property is rented? It doesn't state in the letter.

Nope as long as the address of the rented property is reflected on the ID.

sunny_side_up:

Do we need to bring tenancy agreement if our property is rented? It doesn't state in the letter.

Nope as long as the address of the rented property is reflected on the ID.

muthusamy:

Managed to ballot in!!! HOORAY! There were 2 sets of twins, balloted in too. That makes the vacancies fall from 64 to 62.

My number was only called at the 57th roll. Imagine the stress!!!

Now that you reminded me; mine was the 2nd last to emerge from the cage... truly exciting...

ngpetert:

Essentially it will come down to the last day and hour of the phase. You may have friends or family members who situate themselves at each school to WA the numbers. Be prepared for very last minute swing in numbers, whether by withdrawal or registration

Truly exciting right down to the last few minutes!

While me and my kids are not beneficiaries of the alumni route, I believe in some merits of it. At least this reg year, I saw how the kids of my friends from less privileged households and HDB dwellers were able to get into the sought-after schools eg Ai Tong, ACS by virtue of their parents’ (my friends) association with their alma mater. This route at least provides an additional choice for those who are not able to compete in the property market. Yet just as some here are frustrated with the many options that the rich seemingly have, be glad that mere mortals albeit few are also given a chance.

gpliu3:

Thanks all, can I consult fellow parents on another topic?


Both my wife and I are salaried employees, but we managed to afford a 3beds Newton condo.
I heard there are many rich kids in ACS, can ask is it suitable for us to send kids into ACS? e.g. When comparing to Pei Hwa?

The Pros for ACS in my eyes are: affiliated schools, strong alumni, more exposure other than academic
Pros for Pei Hwa is: better mix of students, better Chinese

Thanks all again.

I considered application from a different angle - would really like my kids to grow up in a Christian environment (at least more-inclined). Thought it spoke really well of the school when the admin asked us to pray just before cut-off time.

Guess my point is what matters more to you for the above.

gpliu3:

zac's mum:

Both schools will be conducting balloting next Wed.


Final numbers <1km:
ACSP 24 vs 20 seats
ACSJ 52 vs 49 seats

Hi zac's mum, thanks for the valuable information.
Can ask for ACSJ, why there are so many (65-52=13) applicants who are >1km, so got ZERO chance, but choose to stay?
Also we can see <1km applicants was already ~49 at ~3:30pm, so by right they should know they have no chance then already, and should use the final one hour to escape.

Is it because they don't have the latest information? (So still think they have hope)
Or because the withdraw/reapply takes time and even 1 hour is not enough?
Or because they are betting some <1km applicants will withdraw so they'll have chance?

Thanks a lot!

Or because the withdraw/reapply takes time and even 1 hour is not enough? There was a couple who wanted to pull out at 4:15pm but was advised by the admin lady that they might not have sufficient time to apply at the next school hence they stayed. The 50th person only came in around 4:10pm. By then it would have been too late to withdraw and move somewhere else (given parents can't park at the compound).

What's interesting is the excess number (7) for ACSJ/ACSP would have easily consumed the balloting number at SJIJ (>2km). If the 7 has gone over to SJIJ, there might not be any balloting for the 3 schools.

KSSY:

Dilemma... If i withdraw from acsp to avoid ballot but end up ballotting at acsj, would be very silly Sjij might be a safer option to re-register.

Just wondering, when would be the best time to decide to withdraw and register in another school. Reckon lot of parents are in the same situation. Afraid might miss the 4.30pm cut-off. Thanks.

The struggle of my neighbor is becoming so real; they also pulled out of ACSJ last year for SJIJ to avoid a ballot on the last day (which they mentioned to secure). My turn this year and the deja vu feeling returns in another form.