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DSA 2017

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 11:17 am
by coast
Creating this thread upon the request of some parents.

For parents with kids taking PSLE in 2017 and are considering DSA, this may be a good time for you to post your queries here while it is still fresh in the memory for those involved in DSA 2016. All the best!

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2016 8:37 am
by Busybugz73
Thanks for starting this thread, Coast. Which school is your DS or DD at now and which school(s) are you looking at for the DSA next year?

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2016 9:16 am
by sleepy
I posted this in 2016 thread. Sharing this here too. My top takeaway based on my twice dsa experience :wink:
sleepy wrote:Time is very precious to P6ers. Going for GAT,written test, camp, interviews - $ aside, all these are very time consuming and took time away from prelim and psle preparation.

Personally I feel that the maximum number of schools to apply for is 2, provided the child is relatively neutral between the 2 schools. Even if there is a slight preference over 1, it is fine too because it is only natural to have some slight preference.

However, if there is a clear and distinctive choice, one and only ideal school, then child should just apply to that one school.

No point wasting a P6er's precious time especially if one has no intention of choosing a 2nd or 3rd or even 4th choice school, before psle.

Sometimes I feel that parents are the ones who feel insecured (I can totally relate to that) and become over zealous during dsa application process. Parents do play the biggest role in deciding how many schools to dsa to and which to apply.

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 11:25 am
by Fabbymum
Hi there,

I would like to ask is it really necessary for kid to attend DSA preparation (like interview, etc) camps before any attempt for DSA application is made?

Such courses are time consuming and can be expensive.

Thanks.

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 2:43 pm
by Oh My Gosh
Fabbymum wrote:Hi there,

I would like to ask is it really necessary for kid to attend DSA preparation (like interview, etc) camps before any attempt for DSA application is made?

Such courses are time consuming and can be expensive.

Thanks.
IMHO, while it helps that such courses make the kids more self confident, it is not a fool proof course. I heard of GEP kids with lots of awards, speaks well but was rejected by NYGH and RGS. The point is the selection criteria of respective schools are not very transparent, ,and no one knows for sure what "X-factor" they are looking for. Most importantly, it depends on the competition you are up against - the stronger the cohort, the tougher the DSA process and selection criteria.

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:18 am
by Fabbymum
Thanks Oh My Gosh :)

My ds is currently in GEP program and we are looking at RI or Catholic High for DSA next year. Do you know where and how we could get more information about the requirements? Reason for the schools is just proximity to our home. Never been involved in DSA before as this is our first child.

Thanks in advance for any advice at all.

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 9:03 am
by Oh My Gosh
Fabbymum wrote:Thanks Oh My Gosh :)

My ds is currently in GEP program and we are looking at RI or Catholic High for DSA next year. Do you know where and how we could get more information about the requirements? Reason for the schools is just proximity to our home. Never been involved in DSA before as this is our first child.

Thanks in advance for any advice at all.
Fabbymum, I only did one DSA for DS a couple of months ago... haha, so cant be "deemed" to be experienced but will help anything within my knowledge. The best place to know all information of a school is via its Open House. Most Sec schools will have their annual Open House around May (after their SA1). Do go and take a look and see if your DS likes the culture. Good thing about your DS being in GEP, he probably does not need to do the GAT paper (usually in June/ July) as long as he meets the minimum marks requirements.

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 9:29 am
by Yngmng
Fabbymum wrote:Thanks Oh My Gosh :)

My ds is currently in GEP program and we are looking at RI or Catholic High for DSA next year. Do you know where and how we could get more information about the requirements? Reason for the schools is just proximity to our home. Never been involved in DSA before as this is our first child.

Thanks in advance for any advice at all.
Before i applied for my dd dsa this year, i read the dsa 2015 thread. You could do that. From the dsa 2016 thread, you will know who are the parents whose child successfully dsa to RI or Catholic High. You can pm them on their child profile. They may share with you. Besides the 2 schools, have you considered Dunman High. If you stay around Bishan, circle line is quite convenient.

Like what Oh My Gosh mentioned, attending open house is very useful. All the best to you and your ds!

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 9:52 am
by Fabbymum
Thanks so much Oh My Gosh and YngMng! Yes, I will definitely look into that soon :)

Re: DSA 2017

Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2016 10:17 am
by ImMeeMee
Where to find information on DSA for Singapore Sports School.

TIA for pointing me a direction.