Should I drop out of poly and go for A levels instead?

HerbSeller SG

Enrolled into poly this year, I hated what I am currently studying(still got As & Bs for most of my module) to make things I stay at relatively far from the poly I am currently studying in(2hrs to reach school without being late).

I am considering studying A levels as a private candidate, prefer to manage my time and study at my own pace.

Side note: I still have not served NS yet.

UltimaOnline SG

Yes, taking A levels as a private candidate is certainly an idea worth considering. Choose your A level H2 and H1 subjects wisely (based on NUS / NTU / SMU / SUTD requirements for various Uni courses).

Also be sure you personally check with MinDef regarding your NS enlistment date (tell them you're taking A levels as a private candidate), to avoid being charged in the event of a misunderstanding. It will be likely that you'll only have 1 year (as opposed to 2 years for JC students) to prepare for your 2016 A level exams, before you'll be forced to enlist for NS.

jurongresident SG

the limit is 4 years; 17 - 21. after 21 years old, cannot enter JC.

if your secondary school is four years, must transfer to JC before 18 years old. which means if you are 17 this year, next year JAE to JC.

if your secondary school is five years, must transfer to JC before 19 years old. which means if you are 18 this year, next year JAE to JC.

secondly, you have to look at your L1R5. if l1r5 is JC-elligible, can really consider.

maybe for now can refresh a bit. eg. hire private tutor, go for O level "crash course", etcetera.

HerbSeller SG

i actually dont mind finish serving my NS, then continue with my studies.

I have NIE in mind, quite passionate in teaching, felt that teaching is more than a job :D

HerbSeller SG

the limit is 4 years; 17 - 21. after 21 years old, cannot enter JC.

if your secondary school is four years, must transfer to JC before 18 years old. which means if you are 17 this year, next year JAE to JC.

if your secondary school is five years, must transfer to JC before 19 years old. which means if you are 18 this year, next year JAE to JC.

secondly, you have to look at your L1R5. if l1r5 is JC-elligible, can really consider.

maybe for now can refresh a bit. eg. hire private tutor, go for O level "crash course", etcetera.

I don't intend to go JC, more like self study with some tuition.

I perfer to go by my pace.

jurongresident SG

erm....... is your reason only because of long travelling time?

pros of poly:

1. next time can straightaway work.

pros of JC:

1. low cost.

well, you think about it.

UltimaOnline SG

i actually dont mind finish serving my NS, then continue with my studies.

I have NIE in mind, quite passionate in teaching, felt that teaching is more than a job :D

Yes, that's actually an excellent idea. Complete your NS first, then take A levels as a private candidate with a satisfying peace of mind (that you've discharged your patriotic NSF duty liao, and no worries about kena charged for AWOL from enlistment).

Excellent, welcome to the Teaching community. I always encourage my students who have a passion for teaching to sign up with MOE, like I did. I never regretted joining MOE as a teacher, just as (when the time is up) I never regretted leaving MOE and becoming self-employed (for many reasons including personal and medical, but not financial : afterall, most private tutors do NOT earn more than an MOE teacher*, but they do certainly get more sleep which is crucial for coping with medical conditions).

* Of course, there are always outliers in any private profession, whether medicine, real estate or banking. In contrast, the civil service is more structured but hence also more reliable in terms of financial security.

HerbSeller SG

thanks for the encouragement :D

my family quite supportive too! :D