GPA Maximum is 4 indeed.
Besides working diligently, you would also need to work smart
and seek help when needed. Sometimes you might find yourself
topping one/some of the modules, but even so, the GPA is dependent
on the overall of all the modules, so you will have to work hard
and smart consistently.
The 10th percentile means 10% of the people got GPA below 3.54,
while the 90th percentile means 90% of the people got GPA below
3.95. Please do not go around thinking that 3.54 means that your
are safe, because putting GPA aside, another major factor in play
is the amount of places available for that particular course.
If that certain course which you will like to enter was
unpopular last year, maybe someone with a GPA of 3.4 managed to get
in. But if its popularity suddenly boomed overnight, and this year,
it is one of the "hot" courses, even a GPA of 3.7 might not
guarantee you a place. This is because a lot of people with much
higher GPA are fighting for a place with you, and obviously they
will be given priorty over you.
Another thing to note is that 10% of most uni courses are
reserved for those with work experiences and outstanding
testimonials, or special certs and awards, hence the 10th
percentile more than often reflects the GPA of this group of
people, not the GPA of those who got in directly from poly.
As far as i know, the 10% special criteria ppl are NOT included
in this results compilation since they go in by merit which is NOT
purely academic. Most have to take entrance exams to qualify for
their place and for such people, its no longer their results that
matters but how well they do for the entrace exams. No uni will
accept a student who shows significant inability to handle his
studies and end up dropping out of school so regardless of
criteria, they still need to meet a certain standard of academic
ability. Do not provide the wrong info and mislead people.
Popularity of courses and annual intake are generally rather
constant and unless there is a major change in market demand etc,
its unlikely to change significantly and if it does change, do does
JC entry criteria so there is not much difference either way.
The chemical and biological science field has been popular and
has gain more popularity with S'pore's aim to become a biomedical
hub etc yet there is not very significant change in admission
criteria over the past 4 yrs since i was admitted to my course till
i'm taking it now so such things as 3.4 jump to 3.7 is impossible
over a year but slight variations of 0.1 is more practical.