Valerie Teoh:

HELLO!


I'm currently an Sec 5 N(A), O level student. As DSA and DPA and going on now (DPA starting real soon!). I was thinking should I go to a JC or Poly?

The below is my result. (PRELIM 1)
English- C5
Chinese - A1
E. Maths - A1
A. Maths - A1
Science (Physics & Chemistry) - A1
Combined Humanities (Geog) - A1
L1R5 - 10 / L1R4 - 9
CCA - A1 (So is 2 bonus points)

My CCA is St. John Ambulance Brigade, but not very strong in it. But I have public speaking talent (competitions).

I have high CIP (or VIA) hours. (about 200++) as I volunteered outside. Is it a better chance for me to DPA/DSA using this CIP as one of my applying criteria?

So, should I go into a JC or Poly? (If Poly, I might consider DPA. I've already applied DSA to several JCs). If poly, I would consider my choices as: Business & Social Enterprise (NP), Chinese Studies (NP) and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (NYP). If JC, I would choose the middle range ones I suppose. But I'm seriously wanting to get into HCI because of the hostel facilities and also the programme in the school!

Thanks!

Hi Valerie,

I feel that u can also see this choice from a longer term perspective. View this choice as something of a career choice.

What career path do you want to be in 10 years' time ?

Most people do not know about this at your age but you can be different.

To help you answer this question, think about the following:

1) What areas (skills, personality etc.) are you good at ?
2) What job do you like ?
3) Am I satisfied with the pay of that ??? job ?

You can check out websites like jobsDB / jobstreet to help you understand more.

If you can answer these 3 question decently well, you will have a good idea of a career path to embark on.

CHOOSE JC/Poly for the path that best prepare you for your future career.

centralpark:

How important is the mother tongue grade in the application process for local and overseas universities? Other than having to pass mother tongue for local uni. Not applying for any language related course. For admission to competitive faculties like law, medicine and business, does the mother tongue grade play a role when admission officials decide among candidates who are equal in other aspects?


What about for very good overseas uni? The Ivy League and top 10 in UK?

Thank you if you can share your experience!

For competitive courses, interview, essay/tests matter more than MT. In fact, I would go to the extent to say that your MT grade is irrelevant unless you are applying for courses which require strong MT ability.

Interviews usually test how suitable the candidate is for the particular course and the level of passion the candidate has for that subject area

Mother Tongue is not essential for university applications. What is more important are your grades for H2 subjects and GP.


Overseas universities dont know what "mother tongue" is. It is called ‘2nd language’ in most countries. Only Singapore calls it mother tongue for political reasons.

What is essential is your English Language ability if you are studying in US,UK or Aus. 2nd language is not needed.