Results for the A-Levels 2023 cohort will be released on 23 February 2024.

Although your teen is entering adulthood, they will still need your support to navigate the uncertainties about their future. After speaking to teens in our network, we’ve learned that some questions on their minds include:

• What if I can’t qualify for the course that I want, at my preferred university?
• What if my results are unexpectedly poor?
• What if I can qualify for my preferred university, but only for courses that I’m not interested in?
• If I don’t do well, what will others think of me?
• What if I prefer to study abroad?

Below, we’ll delve into these concerns, exploring options that you and your teen might not have considered. We hope you find the following insights useful!

When the First Choice Isn’t An Option

It’s vital for teens to have a clear sense of their university course eligibility. For Singapore universities, teens can use a point calculator to estimate their chances for getting into popular universities like National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and the Singapore Management University. 

However, do remember that there are options beyond these institutions. To explore alternatives, your teen can attend university open house events, typically held in late-February or March 2024.

For locally based degree programmes, here are some open house events worth checking out:

• National University of Singapore (NUS)
  2-7 Mar (online), 9 Mar (on campus)
• Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)
  2 Mar (on campus)
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
  24-25 Feb (on campus)
• Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
  24-25 Feb (on campus)
• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
  24 Feb (on campus)
• Kaplan
  23 Mar (on campus)

For international universities, your teen can explore an even wider array of choices. Many foreign universities offer different criteria for admission, and often, they value skill sets and experiences beyond academic grades. To begin, your teen can research university rankings and course offerings on global education portals. Attending international education fairs, which are frequently held in Singapore, is another excellent way to gather information directly from university representatives.

Additionally, consulting with experts in overseas admissions can benefit teens. These specialists provide customised guidance on applications, scholarships, and visas, tailored to your teen’s interests and qualifications. But be mindful of the consultation fees, which can reach five figures depending on the duration of the engagement. If affordability is a concern, online webinars and virtual university tours are cost-effective alternatives for insights into a school’s selection process and campus culture.

When Results are Unexpected

Even for resilient teens, dealing with disappointing A-Level results can be painful. Here’s how you can offer guidance and support to your teen:

• Encourage perspective: “This isn’t the end of your journey, so let’s use this experience as a stepping stone. What are some schools with courses that align with your strengths and interests, which we haven’t talked about?”
• Promote resilience: “I know these A-Level results aren’t what you hoped for, and that’s really tough. But you know what? This is a chance to show how adaptable and resourceful you can be. Let’s look at all your options and make a plan.”
• Affirm their worth: “Exam results are just one aspect of the work that you’ve done. Your creativity in art and your problem-solving skills in everyday situations are just as significant and showcase your potential.”
• Introduce flexible thinking: “Your goals are still valid, but the path to them might look different now. What alternative routes can we explore together? Or are there other interests you might like to develop?”

By offering this encouragement, you can assist your teen in handling their emotions with a more positive and proactive mindset.

For context, about four in five A-Level and International Baccalaureate graduates will enrol in Singapore’s six autonomous universities every year. If your teen is unable to secure a place in a local university with their A-Level results, and there are budget constraints that prevent your teen from pursuing a private or overseas education, the polytechnic route is worth considering. 

According to past estimates, about 200 A-Level graduates have taken up diploma studies every year. Interested A-Level holders should apply directly on the relevant polytechnic’s website — depending on the course that they are selecting, they should be able to enter the polytechnic within the same year, and they may also be able to secure course exemptions of between six months and a year. 

For male students who need to serve National Service for two years, this will be an additional factor to weigh. Some have opted to take a diploma course after completing their two-year conscription.

There is also the option to retake the A-Levels, but readmission into junior colleges happens on a case-by-case basis, and it can be challenging to be a private candidate without access to school resources. If your teen’s junior college tutors are willing to offer support, that would be ideal. Otherwise, you can look for tuition centres that have a good track record with similar students. For a different outcome, your teen also needs to be fully aware of what they can do differently to prepare for the exams.

It may help your teen to read stories about those who overcame disappointing A-Level results, to find reassurance and inspiration from diverse journeys. Better still, look for real-life examples of such individuals in your social network, and connect them with your teen.

When Compromise Becomes Necessary

What if your teen can qualify for a preferred university, but not a preferred course? Here’s how you can approach this dilemma with your teen:

• Discuss career goals: Does your teen have long-term career goals? Sometimes, a specific course may not be as crucial as the skills and experiences gained during university life. Talking to different people to understand how different courses can lead to the same career path can be enlightening.
• Look into course transfers or electives: Investigate if your teen’s preferred university allows transferring into another course after the first year, or if it’s possible to take desired modules as electives. This can be a strategic way to eventually move into the desired field.
• Professional guidance: Seeking advice from career counsellors or university advisors can provide a clearer picture of the options and paths available. They might suggest alternative routes, or provide insights into the job market related to different courses.
• Consider a gap year: If a compromise is not ideal, a gap year is an opportunity to travel, gain internship experience, or work on projects to benefit the community. With a fresh perspective, your teen can reassess their career and learning goals.
• Cultivate adaptability and resilience: Guide your teen to value flexibility, embrace new academic directions, and seek inspiration from real-world stories where individuals found success despite academic setbacks. This helps your teen to grow, and recognise the worth of diverse experiences beyond a fixed academic route.

When Others are Judgmental

As the majority of A-Level students will enrol in a local university, your teen may feel inadequate if they are unable to secure a place locally, or if they have few desirable choices. 

If this happens, you can work to equip your teen with these coping strategies:

• Challenge negative thoughts with evidence: Teach your teen to counteract negative judgments with evidence of their own strengths and achievements. For example, if they feel inadequate for not getting into a desired university, remind them of their accomplishments in a favourite hobby, sport, or volunteer work. You could say, “Remember how you organised that community event successfully? That shows your leadership and initiative, which are valuable beyond academic settings.”
• Develop a positive affirmation routine: Encourage your teen to practise daily affirmations that focus on their strengths and aspirations. For instance, they could start each day by saying, “I am more than my academic results. I have unique talents and potential.” This helps build a positive self-image and resilience against external judgments.
• Role-play responses to judgmental comments: Prepare your teen with responses to potentially hurtful remarks. For example, if someone comments negatively on their grades, they could reply, “I’m proud of the effort I put into my studies, and I’m focusing on how I can grow and learn from each experience.” This strategy equips them to respond confidently and assertively in real situations.
• Focus on personal goals, not comparisons: Encourage your teen to set personal goals unrelated to societal expectations. For instance, if their goal is to become proficient in a foreign language or learn a new skill, remind them to focus on these personal achievements. They can create a mission statement, such as: “My journey is about reaching my own goals, not fitting into someone else’s definition of success.”
• Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques: Introduce your teen to mindfulness exercises or stress-reduction activities to manage anxiety and pressure. This could be as simple as taking deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed, or dedicating time each day for a relaxing activity like walking, yoga, or journaling. 

When an Overseas Education Seems More Enticing

If your teen is keen on studying abroad but unlikely to get a scholarship, it’s crucial to understand the full implications. Here’s what you should discuss with your teen:

• Financial planning and budgeting: Evaluate the costs of tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. Stress the need for careful budgeting and consider student loans, part-time work, or family support to cover these expenses.
• Alternative funding sources: Research funding options like bursaries or work-study programmes. Some countries offer financial aid to international students based on criteria other than academic excellence, such as leadership qualities or community involvement.
• Academic preparedness: Evaluate if your teen is ready for the rigours of studying in a foreign education system. Discuss the challenges of adapting to different academic standards and teaching styles, and the importance of being proactive in seeking academic support when needed.
• Cultural adaptation and language barriers: Talk about the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and potentially a new language. Emphasise the importance of being open-minded and adaptable. 
• Safety and support systems: Discuss how your teen can stay safe and whom they can turn to for help, including local student services, consulates, and expat communities.
• Career opportunities and visa regulations: Understand the post-graduation opportunities and visa regulations in the host country. If your teen is interested in an overseas education but wants to return to Singapore for work, you can check our Ministry of Manpower’s list of ‘acceptable institutions’ — use this as a rough guide to the universities that are better recognised within our country, especially by government institutions.

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