KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

My DS got a 259 and I know the chance to HCI would be higher since he got distinction for Higher Mother Tongue . Is it wise for him to place RI as his 1st choice, followed by HCI? We went to RI today and the admissions officer advised us to place HCI as 1st choice but appeal for RI when posting is out.
Does anyone know what the school look for in appeal cases? DS took part in RI's Maths World contest and in Raffles Science Olympiad. He also tried DSA but didn't qualify. Will these be taken into considerations?
Thank you.

Puffer wrote:My DS got a 259 and I know the chance to HCI would be higher since he got distinction for Higher Mother Tongue . Is it wise for him to place RI as his 1st choice, followed by HCI? We went to RI today and the admissions officer advised us to place HCI as 1st choice but appeal for RI when posting is out.
Does anyone know what the school look for in appeal cases? DS took part in RI's Maths World contest and in Raffles Science Olympiad. He also tried DSA but didn't qualify. Will these be taken into considerations?
Thank you.

I think that it will be taken into consideration. You should secure a place in HCI than appeal for RI.

Puffer wrote:My DS got a 259 and I know the chance to HCI would be higher since he got distinction for Higher Mother Tongue . Is it wise for him to place RI as his 1st choice, followed by HCI? We went to RI today and the admissions officer advised us to place HCI as 1st choice but appeal for RI when posting is out.
Does anyone know what the school look for in appeal cases? DS took part in RI's Maths World contest and in Raffles Science Olympiad. He also tried DSA but didn't qualify. Will these be taken into considerations?
Thank you.

If he really wants RI, put RI as first choice and HCI as 2nd choice. If he doesn't get into RI he'll just go to HCI as his 2nd choice, provided he meets the COP. It's troublesome to go the appeal process.

Puffer wrote:My DS got a 259 and I know the chance to HCI would be higher since he got distinction for Higher Mother Tongue . Is it wise for him to place RI as his 1st choice, followed by HCI? We went to RI today and the admissions officer advised us to place HCI as 1st choice but appeal for RI when posting is out.
Does anyone know what the school look for in appeal cases? DS took part in RI's Maths World contest and in Raffles Science Olympiad. He also tried DSA but didn't qualify. Will these be taken into considerations?
Thank you.

Put ri 1st, no difference to chances for hci.

One of the difference between RI and HCI is that RI has a very rigorous CCA policy. You have to choose a "Core CCA", which is either sports, a music group (choir, band etc) or a uniform group. These Core CCA has 2-3 practices a week.

Thank you for your advice. DS is more keen to go to RI. If we opt RI as 1st choice, and Hwa Chong as 2nd, in the event that he doesn't get to RI, would he be penalised for Hwa Chong? Would Hwa Chong still consider his HMT (+3) or just on his T-score of 259? Am very worried that DS might end up with neither. There's still 4 hours to go before we make our final decision.

Puffer wrote:Thank you for your advice. DS is more keen to go to RI. If we opt RI as 1st choice, and Hwa Chong as 2nd, in the event that he doesn't get to RI, would he be penalised for Hwa Chong? Would Hwa Chong still consider his HMT (+3) or just on his T-score of 259? Am very worried that DS might end up with neither. There's still 4 hours to go before we make our final decision.

wont not affect and no impact at all. HCI still counts at 262....

Thank you Dreamgear for the prompt reply. I have heard that the choice thingy goes purely by merit. Now having a final discussion with DS. If he still prefers RI, then we would place RI as No.1 choice, followed by HCI. Our analysis between the 2 schools:
- RI has a more diverse culture with a good mix of races. DS' primary school has mostly chinese pupils, so this will serve him well when dealing with our fellow non-Chinese.
- RI mixes its pupils (GEP and others) tho most of these pupils are Geppers. HCI has pupils placed under 4 consortiums.
- Distance from home to HCI is nearer and I can afford to fetch him to HCI but not RI which is not on my way.

His Chinese seems to be very good. Personally if his dream school is RI, he should go for it! No harm anyway... put HCI as second choice. Most probably will get in. If he didn't get into RI, you can appeal. Heard that if you appeal, might have interview. Your appeal will stand a higher chance as you have the math olympiad thing... if your son in Chinese Orchestra will have a even higher chance.
I hope my advice helps. Good luck to your son!

-Rain

Puffer wrote:Thank you Dreamgear for the prompt reply. I have heard that the choice thingy goes purely by merit. Now having a final discussion with DS. If he still prefers RI, then we would place RI as No.1 choice, followed by HCI. Our analysis between the 2 schools:
- RI has a more diverse culture with a good mix of races. DS' primary school has mostly chinese pupils, so this will serve him well when dealing with our fellow non-Chinese.
- RI mixes its pupils (GEP and others) tho most of these pupils are Geppers. HCI has pupils placed under 4 consortiums.
- Distance from home to HCI is nearer and I can afford to fetch him to HCI but not RI which is not on my way.

basically its 2 very different school cultures, so important that he likes what he choose.......njc is also within his radar......