KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

Appreciate if someone can enlighten me on the differences and their benefits/future path. TIA.

Anyone knows the differences and the benefits care to shed some light please? Thank you.

Junior Colleges (JC) and Pre-University (MI) students take the GCE A Levels. JC students complete their course in 2 years while MI students take 3 years. Poly students take 3 years for a diploma.

The next consideration would be the entry to local universities. There are (slightly more than) 20, 000 students going into JCs and MIs each year but only (slightly less than) 15, 000 intakes in all the local universities combined.

There are about another 25, 000 diploma holders. A total of 45, 000 students shall vie for 15, 000 places. Points to consider, Junior Colleges aka Pre-University Courses are to prepare students for universities. Polytechnics prepare students for the work force. Who do you think would be preferred for university placement?

Polytechnics may be good too because the diploma is worth more than the A level certificate. Market value are as follows:

Diploma S$1500-S$1700 A Levels S$1200
Degree S$3200

If you want to go to local uni, then JC is the easiest route. Many poly grads with very high GPA cannot even get into local uni.

I believe the MOE policies on admitting poly grads to local uni (especially the business schools) are changing. It is getting more and more difficult for poly grads to enter local uni. And yes, there are many options available to the poly grads.

Public sectors in Singapore, especially education, only recognise local graduates.
Foreign degrees, no matter how stellar, are not recognised even the candidate is a mid-career change applicant and has stellar industry achievements. The pay scale and promotion opportunities will be according to Diploma or A-levels scale.

What are the many options available to poly grads mentioned in the earlier posts ?

Assume A-levels (can't get into local U) and Poly Diploma, which is 'easier' to get admission into better overseas university SAME programme ? Is it A-levels since the programme is more broad-based and covers the languages eg. GP, in more depth ?

pixiedust wrote: Assume A-levels (can't get into local U) and Poly Diploma, which is 'easier' to get admission into better overseas university SAME programme ? Is it A-levels since the programme is more broad-based and covers the languages eg. GP, in more depth ?

A level students with SAT scores of at least 1700 can qualify for almost all state universities in USA. Many of these universities are willing to grant exemptions for certain modules given decent results in a particular subject. SAT has 4-5 sittings a year in Singapore and cost only about S$100. It is also the preferred certification in the United Kingdom. Education in these countries however are very costly. 3-4 years of study will cost you a HDB flat.

Australian universities are cheaper and from what I hear are generally more accepting towards poly graduates. Exemptions of up to a year might even be granted for good results.

meinteel wrote:It is also the preferred certification in the United Kingdom. Education in these countries however are very costly. 3-4 years of study will cost you a HDB flat.
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depends on which faculty you looking at.

for Accountancy students from say, Ngee Ann polytechnic into NUS / NTU - it's not impossible, but a very high GPA score is required.

poly students thinking also tend to be more mature, compared to A level students. perhaps due to industry attachment exposure / actual real life working experience for projects worked on.

also, those poly students who manage to enter uni tend to be humble & willing to help fellow classmates. When poly Accountancy grad enter uni, the solid 3 yrs poly background had grounded them v well. They grasp concepts easily, compared to A level who're hearing / studying Accountancy concepts for the very first time, thus may struggle unless child very bright.

poly diploma holders had been trained for 3 solid years in a specialised field of choice, thus well trained with a ready skillset to offer employers, find jobs easier after graduation. In contrast, if A level dont make it to uni, harder to find job when compete for the same job.