This is probably one of the most debated issues in Singapore
education.
I invite everyone to share their views and opinions, no right or
wrong answer.
JC
Route
The “traditional” way of going to local university and getting a
degree.
Introduction
For those who wish to enter NUS, NTU or SMU should go to JC and get
a GCE A Level certificate. However, it depends on what course you
wish to take and your ability. I do know of many students who
struggled in JC, retained and eventually quit to attend
polytechnic. But I also know of students who managed to struggle
through A Levels, but did badly or moderately who went to
polytechnic eventually.
Bear in mind that if you only attained average A Level grades, you
may not get into the dream course you want in local universities.
You may end up going overseas universities/polytechnics or private
institutions.
Commitment to your A Level
You should ask yourself these questions before committing yourself
into JC. Am I able to handle the stress in JC? Am I able to work
extremely hard with few hours of sleep daily?
If you are an average student, you definitely need to work
extremely hard to catch up with JC. If you are already struggling
in O Levels, then JC is definitely not for you. I understand from a
JC student that JC curriculum is extremely long, from 7am – 10pm.
Ordinary school curriculum, CCA and self-study. If CCA ends at
10pm, it does not mark the end of the day; you still have to do
your own self study and homework.
If you have the ability of going JC, then go ahead. If you are
having doubts, then you are taking a risk of not doing well in A
Levels which may result in you being rejected by the local
universities; retaining in JC 1 or eventually dropping out. If you
are an average student, ask yourself if you can compete with top JC
students like RJC, HwaChong JC, VJC, TJC etc. These JC students are
also competing for a place in NUS, NTU, SMU, especially hot courses
like law, medicine, accountancy and business administration
etc.
To sum up: Be prepared to work like you have never worked
before in JC.
Polytechnic
Route
Poly is often perceived as being an “alternative” route of JC. Some
may think poly is slack. Poly's syllabus may not be as tedious as A
Level, but definitely not slack if you want to get to a local uni,
read on.
Introduction
In recent years, polytechnics are becoming hot choices for O level
students as well. There are students scoring distinctions, single
pointers with L1R4 as low as 6 choosing the diploma route. O Level
students should understand that JC and Polytechnic is VERY
different. In JC, the environment is very similar to secondary
school life, but with extremely in-depth focus in academic areas.
On the other hand, polytechnic is very specialized and focused into
the industry of your diploma.
Polytechnic Curriculum
Most polytechnics’ diploma curriculum is held over a period of 3
years and a total of 6 academic semesters. Each semester is
INDEPENDENT of one another. For example, if you study
Macroeconomics in Year 1, semester 1 (Semester 1.1), you take the
exams and do the project in that particular semester. It is not
like you study for 3 years then takes it at the 3rd year like
secondary school.
Your performance is assessed through a system called Grade Point
Average (GPA). In secondary schools, you have L1R5 and L1R4, but in
polytechnics and universities, it is GPA. GPA is upon a total score
of 4. So the best grade you can get is 4.0. Cumulative GPA (CGPA)
is the accumulation of your 6 semesters’ GPA. So if you did very
well in Year 1 but do very badly for Year 2, your CPGA will be
affected.
Therefore it is very important to either improve or maintain your
CGPA as this is the one which you will be using to apply to
Universities. For most polytechnics, it is not compulsory for
students to have a CCA. But it is highly recommended for those who
wish to build up their portfolio to apply to local universities
(especially SMU, which takes into account of both academic and
non-academic areas). But the main criterion is still your
CGPA.
Further Studies Prospect
Perhaps the most concerned issue of students. It is possible for
poly students to go to local universities and even popular courses
like law, medicine, business etc. BUT the percentage is very low.
Though I do not have the statistics with me, but the standard GPA
to secure a place in uni is 3.5. However, as time passes, it gets
really competitive and even if you have a GPA of 3.7 may not secure
you a place in university. You have to understand that there are
students scoring perfect GPA score of 4.0 competing with you.
International students are also competing for places in
universities.
In addition, JC students are given priority over poly students in
admissions.
Many may ask “I want to get my degree but local universities
wouldn’t accept me!”
If local universities don’t accept you, it doesn’t mark the end of
your education route. I know of many poly students who further
their studies overseas, private institutions etc. Yes, it may be
expensive, but you must understand that there are currently only 3
universities in Singapore. With the 4th university coming up which
caters for especially poly students, hopefully more diploma holders
can move on to get their degree.
In a nutshell, no matter which path you choose, you have to
work hard.
Hope this gives O Level students who are in a dilemma to make a
wise choice during their JAE.
Word of advice: It is best to consult your teachers/ parents or
seniors in JC/Polytechnic and make your choice wisely!