Hello, I’m an ex-RGS and ex-RJ student, currently studying Medicine in Singapore.

My sister was from NYGH and I have friends in both schools so perhaps I can share my perspective on this.

Regarding the ‘higher COP scores’ for NYGH, please note that it is not true since NYGH includes HMT scores. Considering that most people either get 2 or 3 points for HMT, this means that the COP for RG was still higher until last year.

Being in the Raffles system naturally makes me more aware of its pros and cons so I may be a bit biased here.
From what I recall of my RG days, there were constant examinations. But if you put in consistent effort, they were not that difficult to get an average to good score in. Also the ‘sisterly culture’ is very strong, so notes sharing is also a thing. There was a lot of emphasis placed on alternative assessment methods, meaning things like Alternative Assessments or Performance Tasks, essentially graded mini projects. This is a very good way of training students to research online to produce a product (either a physical item or presentation or report etc). They can be overwhelming at times (there was one point in Sec 3 i had 7 of them going on at once, on top of normal pen and paper exams) which will be very stressful, but are ultimately one of the best learning tools and very useful in the future for stuff like PW.

The IP programme is also very different from OLevel syllabus (this applies to both schools & other IP schools), which is good and bad. It gives a headstart for the A Level syllabus, so it is much easier transitioning into JC. However, for certain standardised tests like BMAT required for entry into Medicine at LKC and certain UK universities, which require OLevel knowledge, we certainly lose out.

About the stereotypical personalities of a RG/NYGH girl, it’s mostly true for the majority but definitely very dependent on individual personalities. RG has sooo many class presentations though, which definitely helps train you in public speaking and to be more confident. I also think we have more school pride haha.

More importantly (imo), choosing a secondary school like RG and NYGH is akin to choosing your JC. Only a handful (about 3?) per batch from RG do not go to RJ. (They either choose HCI for the Humanities Programme or ACSI.) This means that most RG girls go to RJ, which is quite important as RJ is still the JC that sends the most students to MedLaw and the top overseas universities. I think it’s pretty easy for most of us to get into top UK universities since we have the grades they look for. It’s also easier to qualify for a H3 (which may be helpful for uni apps) compared to HC.

According to my HC friends, HC is very supportive of the student if they are talented. Meaning that if you’re good in something, they’ll really give you lots of opportunities to develop that area. (whereas in RG/RJ, you need to grab that chance yourself) They also generally have a friendlier culture and most students seem to be less arrogant. And their Mandarin is also definitely way better.

My personal opinion will be that choosing RG to get into RJ is a more logical, practical choice to get into your desired Uni course. And isn’t that the end goal of all this?