KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

doodbug wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 3:35 pm

It is getting more difficult to generalize what each course does and how each course admits even within local universities because the rules and practices are gradually changing over the years. As MOE says, universities will set aside more and more places for aptitude-based admissions, i.e. admissions that are not solely based on A level or IB score. So in the past, it may be x% of places going to entry by score, now we know, that percentage will decrease.

All I can say is that all courses will set aside more places for discretionary admissions in that those who so not meet the academic cut off for shortlisting, more will have the opportunity to be considered based on other factors.

For courses with no further testing requirements, (such as Computing, or Science), it is true that you are admitted once you meet the academic criteria based solely on grades. There are other courses for which academic criteria gets you shortlisted for furhter tests or selection mechanisms. There arae also courses like NUS Law who will shortlist anyone who is in the top 5% of any JC or MI. Every course has their own admission policies. Its a more varied landscape now

https://sg.style.yahoo.com/nus-law-wide ... 52157.html

SG_KP1 wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 4:50 pm

I found the IGPs interesting. For example, say I take Computing in Upper Sec and again in JC, and have developed some interest and skill. But if I screw up one or two of the other A Level subjects (presumably Math and computing will be OK) I may be out (vs. AAA/A grade profile for most of the offers). Not complaining - the system is what it is...

Terrydad wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:36 pm

While NUS Computing is very difficult to get into, there are a lot more computing places available in NTU, SMU and SUTD.

Bear in mind also that it is hard to maintain a high CAP in NUS Computing. There are kids who score perfect RP who get in, but who find they have to grind day and night just to score an average CAP. Ironically enough, there are kids who get in on a discretionary basis, and game constantly, but who top the course readily.

Terrydad wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:42 pm

Nevermind the Ivy League. Which good and less high profile US universities are lowest cost?

Terrydad wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:42 pm

Nevermind the Ivy League. Which good and less high profile US universities are lowest cost?

doodbug wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 9:06 am

In terms of syllabus, better to check the NUS School of Computing website for the differences between CS and IS - particularly, the areas of specializations. The NUS School of Computing is very very highly ranked internationally - this does not necessarily mean the teaching is fantastic or what - but it does mean the faculty there are well regarded within the academic sphere.

I personally find some of the NUS options, fantastic as it may be, too intense for me. The NUS Overseas College programme is really outstanding and unrivalled - and particularly relevant to those who are doing CS/IS or IT - how else to get opportunities to be attached to startups in entrepreneurial hubs, while learning about innovation and entrepreneurship? Many of the startups are IT if not tech based. These programmes (I think even hall life actually) are however, too immersive and intense for me - I am the sort who likes my own space and own time to do things, instead of having every day and hour of my life curated for me.

Unfortunately, my kids have categorically ruled out IT as their degree choice - and there goes my tech founder dreams! hahahahah

floppy wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 9:37 am

A good friend of mine couldn't do well enough to qualify for a local university. Went to Oz and studied in the 30ish ranked university in Oz.

Perhaps due to the 'quality' around him, he graduated comfortably with 1st class honours (he only boozed once or twice a week compared to his local friends that drank 6 days a week). Came home in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis, easily found a job and did so much better compared to peers that once out-performed him in the O and A Level (but had struggled to stand out in the local universities).

His story isn't unique and he's not the only one that I know of. I think:
1. Those who drank 洋墨水 were viewed favourable in Singapore (perhaps less so today given that there are many?).
2. First class honours > the rest, never mind the 'name' value of the university. Recruitment ad says "honours class students preferred", it never says good-class university students preferred".
3. Got money, got school. No money, only got local university.

lee_yl wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:57 pm

My preference would be NUS/NTU, followed by SMU. Overseas universities only if kids get scholarships. I have already made that very clear to them very early.

If I sponsor DD1 $400k to go overseas, I will need to be fair and do the same for the younger one.

I told DD1, if she were to take a bank loan of $400k, once she starts working, she will take 15years to clear her debt. If she compares herself with her peers who say, get a bond-free local Uni scholarship, she will be poorer than her peer by $400k. By the time she comes back from overseas, she will need to slog to pay off the bank loan whereas her peers probably would have saved enough to buy a family car and downpayment for EC or even private condo.

If I can “save” on that $400k, I don’t mind using the sum as downpayment for her EC. 15 years later, she could probably earn a million from the sale of her EC. Sorry, some may disagree but I am someone obsessed with investing in properties.

For old timers here, not sure if you all remember forumer Sleepy. She once said her parents cannot get any ROI from sending her overseas for her degree as she decided to be SAHM after she gave birth.

Another thing that causes me to hesitate to send my children overseas is the consideration that if they do not need to come back to serve their scholarship bond, there is a high chance they may not want to return to Singapore. Call me selfish but I do hope my children can be around in Singapore during my twilight years.