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Many junior college and polytechnic graduates pin all their
hopes on getting into a local university, only to be refused a
place by all three.
Hearing of many students with good grades, outstanding
co-curricular activity (CCA) performance and good personal
character being rejected caused me to question the entry
requirements of these universities.
I understand factors like the vast number of applicants and
capped intake every year, but rejection solely due to 'strong
competition for places' is just not good enough.
A polytechnic student who scored below average grades with no
outstanding CCA managed to get into National University of
Singapore (NUS), it was said thanks to discretionary selection. Her
achievement was to have won a beauty pageant.
This is not a jealous assault as her grades were below average
and she had no outstanding achievement. Besides, she did not pursue
just any degree but the highly sought-after business degree.
Private universities are viewed by some as a dumping ground for
students rejected by NUS, Nanyang Technological University and
Singapore Management University.
Students try any means to get into a local university because of
its prestige. They even do so at the expense of pursuing a degree
that does not interest them.
Questions raised in forums include whether a private degree
holder can land the same job as a local degree holder and if
private degrees are good enough to get a decent (government)
job.
On top of their unpredictable future, private university
students do not get the tuition grant local university students
enjoy.
Private education is already costly, yet no subsidy is given.
Won't these students graduate and join the workforce as well? Why
is there biased treatment?
Local university students have more privileges in terms of
facilities, transport and campus life. They can buy a concession
pass for train and bus travel, but private students cannot.
Likewise, private universities have smaller buildings and fewer
facilities, which result in a less vibrant campus life.
Nonetheless, private universities model themselves on local
universities by organising activities that include sports,
performing arts and even community service. CCAs give students more
room to explore their interests. Students develop skills that allow
them to gain valuable knowledge and insight, which they will find
useful in later life.
I earnestly look forward to a change in the mindset of how
private universities are viewed.
Jacquelyn Tan (Miss)