KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

hildangirl wrote:If you chose the academic path for DSA, does the student have to apply separately for Eng, maths or MT?

Yes. For RGS you have to indicate the specific subject you wish to DSA through and support that with achievements and take a test if necessary.

Hi jtoh,

I tend to observe too that the percentage of girls from RGPS successfully DSAed into RGS is higher than other GEP centres. My DD's not from RGS and from what I've gathered, for her school, in the past 2 years, half of the girls in each cohort successfully got a CO from RGS while the other 50% did not. Assumption is that all the girls have applied for RGS' DSA.

DD has been able to maintain at least 80% (85% in P4, 84% in P5) and so she should be able to skip GAT for both RGS and NYGH.

For RGS, she will probably go under English Domain and hopefully, will be granted an interview. However, I am not confident of her being selected as I heard that RGS tend to offer CO's for girls with something additional to offer the school as the school is confident that those with pure academic ability should be able to gain entry into RGS based on their PSLE T-score anyway. My DD falls under this category as besides academic (been getting book prize for English and selected for CAP), she has little to offer RGS (not student leader, not active in CCA, have not won competitions like Commonwealth Essary Writing).

For NYGH, I understand that there are GEP students who successfully DSAed without going through both GAT and interview round. DD will probably be able to skip GAT but likely to be called up for interview since she does not take HCL.

So looks like her chance for both schools are around 50-50

jtoh wrote:TREX8, my answers are in blue:

1. Is it true that there is separate DSA for GEP and mainstream kids? GEP kids can submit DSA applications in April? In that case, the SA1 would not be over yet, so kids use their Pri 5 GEP results? I have always the impression that DSA is in July/Aug, and kids need to submit their P5 and P6 SA1 results.

There isn't a separate DSA for GEP, just that the RGS deadline for GEP students is earlier than that for mainstreamers. The interviews for GEP students also takes place before that for mainstreamers. In the event that a GEP student has to take the GA test, she will take it together with the mainstreamers in June. During the application process, you submit your P5 results first, then the P6 SA1 results as soon as that is available.

2. I understand that generally, DSA for GEP kids tend to be easier but somehow, RGS is very stringent even in granting DSA to GEP kids. A parent was saying that success rate is less than 50%. Anyone has experience to share? RGS is DD's top choice and I thought better to manage her expectations if the success rate is low so that she can take it better should she be rejected by RGS.

For GEP students, I would say that RGS' DSA selection criteria is more stringent than NYGH. In my dd's batch, almost everyone who applied to NYGH was offered DSA. The number of successful applicants at RGS was lower than NYGH, but still very good - more than 80% were accepted into RGS via DSA. I understand that the success rate for students from some other GEP schools was lower, about 50% as you mentioned.

Which school is your dd from?

TREX8 wrote:Hi jtoh,

I tend to observe too that the percentage of girls from RGPS successfully DSAed into RGS is higher than other GEP centres. My DD's not from RGS and from what I've gathered, for her school, in the past 2 years, half of the girls in each cohort successfully got a CO from RGS while the other 50% did not. Assumption is that all the girls have applied for RGS' DSA.

DD has been able to maintain at least 80% (85% in P4, 84% in P5) and so she should be able to skip GAT for both RGS and NYGH.

For RGS, she will probably go under English Domain and hopefully, will be granted an interview. However, I am not confident of her being selected as I heard that RGS tend to offer CO's for girls with something additional to offer the school as the school is confident that those with pure academic ability should be able to gain entry into RGS based on their PSLE T-score anyway. My DD falls under this category as besides academic (been getting book prize for English and selected for CAP), she has little to offer RGS (not student leader, not active in CCA, have not won competitions like Commonwealth Essary Writing).

For NYGH, I understand that there are GEP students who successfully DSAed without going through both GAT and interview round. DD will probably be able to skip GAT but likely to be called up for interview since she does not take HCL.

So looks like her chance for both schools are around 50-50

jtoh wrote:TREX8, my answers are in blue:

1. Is it true that there is separate DSA for GEP and mainstream kids? GEP kids can submit DSA applications in April? In that case, the SA1 would not be over yet, so kids use their Pri 5 GEP results? I have always the impression that DSA is in July/Aug, and kids need to submit their P5 and P6 SA1 results.

There isn't a separate DSA for GEP, just that the RGS deadline for GEP students is earlier than that for mainstreamers. The interviews for GEP students also takes place before that for mainstreamers. In the event that a GEP student has to take the GA test, she will take it together with the mainstreamers in June. During the application process, you submit your P5 results first, then the P6 SA1 results as soon as that is available.

2. I understand that generally, DSA for GEP kids tend to be easier but somehow, RGS is very stringent even in granting DSA to GEP kids. A parent was saying that success rate is less than 50%. Anyone has experience to share? RGS is DD's top choice and I thought better to manage her expectations if the success rate is low so that she can take it better should she be rejected by RGS.

For GEP students, I would say that RGS' DSA selection criteria is more stringent than NYGH. In my dd's batch, almost everyone who applied to NYGH was offered DSA. The number of successful applicants at RGS was lower than NYGH, but still very good - more than 80% were accepted into RGS via DSA. I understand that the success rate for students from some other GEP schools was lower, about 50% as you mentioned.

Which school is your dd from?

Hi TREX8,

As your dd's in GEP, she'll be applying under GEP domain, not English domain. But make sure you include all her English accolades in her application. Given her good results in P4 & P5, she will be called for an interview assuming there are no changes in selection criteria. Once she's at the interview it's up to her to sell herself.

Yes, for NYGH, GEP students who perform well and do HCL are offered DSA without test nor interview. Those who don't take HCL will be called up for interview.

It is true that RGPS girls have a higher success rate at DSA than other GEP schools. I think part of it has to do with the standard of the girls, who as a cohort tend to do better than the GEP average. Secondly, I've heard feedback that RGPS girls perform better at interviews than other schools - more poised, confident and articulate.

Tks for the information. jtoh, that DD should apply under GEP domain and not English. Had the idea that there is a need for GEP kids to specify which area are they good at when applying for RGS DSA.

Looks like the interview component for DD will be the determining factor for her success at DSA. DD's articulate, has her own ideas and dare to speak her mind. However, she takes a long time to warm up to people, prefers to be an observer rather than a participant and may come across as aloof. So alot depends on the interview set up and the interaction between her and her interviewers.

Does anyone have any idea what is the interview for RGS and NYGH like? One-on-one, or one-to-many? Formal or informal setting?

jtoh wrote: Hi TREX8,

As your dd's in GEP, she'll be applying under GEP domain, not English domain. But make sure you include all her English accolades in her application. Given her good results in P4 & P5, she will be called for an interview assuming there are no changes in selection criteria. Once she's at the interview it's up to her to sell herself.

Yes, for NYGH, GEP students who perform well and do HCL are offered DSA without test nor interview. Those who don't take HCL will be called up for interview.

It is true that RGPS girls have a higher success rate at DSA than other GEP schools. I think part of it has to do with the standard of the girls, who as a cohort tend to do better than the GEP average. Secondly, I've heard feedback that RGPS girls perform better at interviews than other schools - more poised, confident and articulate.

The interview setting at RGS is a few girls being interviewed by a panel. I think your dd should do fine as she's articulate and dares to speak her mind. Good luck!

TREX8 wrote:Tks for the information. jtoh, that DD should apply under GEP domain and not English. Had the idea that there is a need for GEP kids to specify which area are they good at when applying for RGS DSA.

Looks like the interview component for DD will be the determining factor for her success at DSA. DD's articulate, has her own ideas and dare to speak her mind. However, she takes a long time to warm up to people, prefers to be an observer rather than a participant and may come across as aloof. So alot depends on the interview set up and the interaction between her and her interviewers.

Does anyone have any idea what is the interview for RGS and NYGH like? One-on-one, or one-to-many? Formal or informal setting?

jtoh wrote: Hi TREX8,

As your dd's in GEP, she'll be applying under GEP domain, not English domain. But make sure you include all her English accolades in her application. Given her good results in P4 & P5, she will be called for an interview assuming there are no changes in selection criteria. Once she's at the interview it's up to her to sell herself.

Yes, for NYGH, GEP students who perform well and do HCL are offered DSA without test nor interview. Those who don't take HCL will be called up for interview.

It is true that RGPS girls have a higher success rate at DSA than other GEP schools. I think part of it has to do with the standard of the girls, who as a cohort tend to do better than the GEP average. Secondly, I've heard feedback that RGPS girls perform better at interviews than other schools - more poised, confident and articulate.

Just wonder do the kids do the portfolio for DSA themselves or the teacher will guide them along

hildangirl wrote:If you chose the academic path for DSA, does the student have to apply separately for Eng, maths or MT?

If I understand correctly, GEP students must apply through GEP domain for RI and HCI (RGS and NYGH?). Not sure if this requirement is the same for other IP schools. Any parents care to share their DSA experiences with other IP schools?

vlim wrote:Just wonder do the kids do the portfolio for DSA themselves or the teacher will guide them along

My son did his own portfolio - no guidance from his school. However, from my observation, neither RI nor HCI paid too much attention to the portfolio...sets me wondering how important is the portfolio in the DSA process...

Well, I've casually asked one of the P6 GEP teachers in DD's school on some guidelines on how to go about with the portfolio as I thought it would be a good idea for DD to work on her portfolio during the year end hols. However, she said that the requirements for the portfolio lie with the Secondary school that DD wants to DSA to and not for the primary school to determine. In other words - do it yourself.

Just to echo jtoh's observation about RGPS girls being more confident and articulate, I think some GEP centres (maybe RGPS and NYPS) really do take the DSA exercise for GEP students seriously and guide their students along.

DD's centre has a more laid-back culture. From informal conversations with other GEP parents in DD's school, the school informs parents about procedural stuff (when to do what). Students are left very much on their own with regards to portfolio and interview skills.

vlim wrote:Just wonder do the kids do the portfolio for DSA themselves or the teacher will guide them along

Any parents would like to share how important is the portfolio for RGS/NYGH?

I have discussed the portfolio with DD and we thought of approaching it like writing CV for job application - basically, give general personal information, followed by strengths, awards/competitions, maybe a section that is more personal - eg. reflection on GEP years Sounds ok? On the right track?

sautille wrote:

vlim wrote:Just wonder do the kids do the portfolio for DSA themselves or the teacher will guide them along

My son did his own portfolio - no guidance from his school. However, from my observation, neither RI nor HCI paid too much attention to the portfolio...sets me wondering how important is the portfolio in the DSA process...