Private 'A' Levels

Donnyfx91 SG

Hi, I am a poly grad with a diploma in biomedical science, GPA of 2.22. I am currently in the last few months of my NS. I am seriously considering taking up private 'A' levels, so that I may have a shot at going to university(hopefully a local one). I was wondering if i could get any reccomendations on which institutions provide good, structured classes for taking private As.

Also, what is the minimum number of subjects required to be taken and could someone kindly explain the H1/H2 system.

Thank you,

Don

Demon Bane SG

Also, what is the minimum number of subjects required to be taken and could someone kindly explain the H1/H2 system.

Thank you,

Don

I thought you may study local university with a poly diploma directly?

UltimaOnline SG

Also, what is the minimum number of subjects required to be taken and could someone kindly explain the H1/H2 system.

Thank you,

Don

H2 subjects are double the syllabus content, and thus double the weightage, of a H1 subject. Almost all JC 'A' level students take 3 H2 subjects and 1 H1 subject, and a minority (those more capable) will choose to take 4 H2 subjects, which has the advantage of choosing your weakest subject's results (ie. after you've got your exam results) and downgrading them to a H1 weighting, when calculating the University Admission Score.

In order to study BioMedical related courses in the University (assuming that's your intention), you will need to register for H2 Chemistry, H2 Biology, and H2 Mathematics. Furthermore, your BioMedical diploma would already have prepared you well for H2 Biology, so that subject would be an obvious choice. If you intend to take up engineering courses, then you will need to substitute either H2 Chemistry or H2 Biology with H2 Physics.

As local Universities (eg. NUS, NTU) require a contrasting subject (ie. non-science, if all your other subjects are science-based), you should take H1 Economics (or some other non-science subject, though Economics is generally regarded as the most commonsense, practical and thus popular).

In addition, you will require H1 General Paper, which basically tests your English, writing and language communication skills.

As for whether it's necessary to take a H1 2nd language, as well as a possible additional H1 subject in lieu of Project Work, can someone else (eg. ChemGuide) comment on this?

Do read up on all of the following to explore your options.

NUS
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/apply/local/admissionreq/BYA-admission.html

NTU
http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/UndergraduateAdmissions/Pages/ALevel.aspx

SMU
http://admissions.smu.edu.sg/apply/admissions-requirements

SUTD
http://www.sutd.edu.sg/admission_req_alevel.aspx

NIE
http://www.nie.edu.sg/studynie/admissions

Chemguide7 SG

Just to be practical, JC system and the H1/H2 subjects may arguably be tougher than poly modules. You have to take the exams at one go.

You need grades around at least ABBB/B to enter uni and entry to life science department is very competitive. The standards of A levels is being raised every year, so some university stuff are encountered in the H2 subjects.

Are you prepared for the hard work which may or may not yield results? Or think of an alternative pathway? How about PSB or MDIS uni biomedical related courses?

Seowlah SG

Also, what is the minimum number of subjects required to be taken and could someone kindly explain the H1/H2 system.

Thank you,

Don

Most private institutions in Singapore have very, very few of their "A" level students

making it to the 3 local universities.

xiiaoen92 SG

Donnyfx91,

I am a Polytechnic graduate too. My diploma is Biomedical Engineering from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I intend to sit for A level in 2015. You're welcomed to contact me if you would like to join me. (:

Email:[email protected]