Originally posted by knt:Thanks for your reply! In that case, i was wondering whether the Govt scholarship agencies will be able to access the raw scores. Appreciate your reply. Thanks again!
Yes, they do (though not all will use it).
Originally posted by Ken@kofishop:Hi, my son just got his A level results its like medium range… cannot go NUS biz, only engineering,,, can go SMU biz…he has no particular/specific interest career wise yet.., something to make use of his forte ..Maths.
SMU biz or NUS Engineering ? SMU degree like not well recognised… Then NUS more recognised but engineering degree …nowadays like not so valuable…many FT competition..
I’m out of job market for very long time …so not in good position to advise him…we having headache on this matter… Any advice/opinions from members???
NUS Engineering better.
And more than half of all engineering degree holders are not doing engineering as a career, but other stuff such as business, teaching, etc.
The degree is less useful per se these days....its how you sell yourself....and your degree that matters far more.
Plenty of engineers do not do engineering work....but what they learn do provide a good base for many jobs in the market, as are many "general" degrees out there like Economics and Statistics etc etc.
78% of my H2 physics students got an A :)
With more tablets and mini computing devices coming, in retail, in medical and in many areas of our life, I do think there's hope for electrical engineering.
Provided of course you know what to do with the knowledge gained ;)
The big leap after the As
The PEI route may be more suitable for you
A MOMENTOUS phase in a student's life when the big decision on one's future career needs to be made.
The routes are quite clear, but what choice to make that's hard part.
Experts we consulted offered some advice:
• Students who prefer more structured learning styles may be more suited to local university studies or overseas, while those who want to get their degrees quickly and prefer a mix of structured and experiential learning may be more suited for the private school route.
• Students should choose a course only after researching the repute of the qualifications offered and that of the education provider.
• Students should talk to industry practitioners to find out about the rewards and challenges of the job they are aiming for, the qualities required for success, and criteria that will help them advance in the industry.
While a place in a local or overseas university, is still the first choice for most, the PEIs have a strong case to be considered too, and it's a path that's becoming increasingly popular.
Here are some reasons:
• The opportunity to study courses not available at local non-private universities
• Being able to pursue a degree course although the A-level results are not good
enough to get admitted to a local university
• Getting a degree from a prestigious overseas university at a lower cost and
without leaving Singapore
• Being able to graduate with a degree in a shorter time than their peers in local or
overseas universities.
As you flip through the pages of this A level GO Guide, the sixth in the series, you will come across a range of success stories of several students who have taken the PEI route. SAA Global Education's Kenny Lim is one.
He did not allow himself to be deterred by a lacklustre A level performance. Instead, he pushed himself and ended up an award winner, receiving the annual Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore Outstanding Achievers Award for excelling in his exams.
PASSION
lt's worth taking note of what he has to say: "Some people think attending a local
university or going overseas is always the best choice, even it they don't get to study
what they really want to.
"I think you shouldn't give up on your passion. You can still strive hard to excel and get a good degree at a private institute."
Agree? Then check out this guide for more detailed information on the how, what, why of pursuing your further studies in a PEI.
For many, the big leap into the future could be through the private school route. The PEI Advantage may make the difference.
More than what local unis offer
Private schools aim to go beyond uni spectrum to fulfil missions, job needs
AS PART of their aim to provide a wider range of academic choices to students, private education institutions (PEIs) offer some courses that are not offered by non-private universities. (This list does not include UniSIM, which is the only private university in Singapore).
Ms Yeo Ai Ling (left), Head of Business and CAT Programme, SAA Global Education (SM-GE), said: "We introduced the University of Plymouth courses as the university is ranked among the top 10 modern universities in the UK and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. lt also has an up-to-date and practice oriented curriculum, involving consultancy simulations and real life business case studies, among other things.
"The Singapore Qualification Programme (SQP) for professional accountants will be launched later this year. Under this framework, it allows degree holders to enter the profession.
"So doing the top-up degrees awarded by the University of Plymouth enables them to leap ahead of their peers."
Dr Lissy Vadakel (right), Head of School, MDIS School of Life Sciences, said: "At the MDIS School of Life Sciences, our aim is to provide the opportunity for our graduates to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue life-long careers in the Life Sciences sector. Advances in Biotechnology have been following an upward trend for several years now."
She added that the courses complement science courses offered in the universities here.
"In Singapore, Novartis has just announced the setting up of a US$500 million ($620m) state-of-the-art biologies plant in Tuas, highlighting their plans for 250 new hires for the plant that is expected to commence operations by 2016.
Said Dr Vadakel: "This follows an earlier announcement by Amgen in January to build a US$200m biologics plant in Singapore.
"With at least 500 new job prospects in biopharmaceutical manufacturing expected to be created over the next few years, Biotechnology graduates could look forward to rewarding careers in this burgeoning sector," she said.
Why they pick private education
Course choice, chance to work with overseas faculty members among the reasons students give
PRIVATE education institutes are becoming more attractive for many A-level holders. Here's why some choose to study there.
CHOICE OF COURSES
JCU Singapore offered a unique fast-track course that was more suitable for me. Many business entities have a growing awareness for the environment. They are concerned abou reducing their carbon footprint and cutting down on environmental pollution.
With a degree in Business and Environmental Science, I will beat an advantage compared to just a Business degree (holder). I can work as a
business consultant for environmental science-related industries, like fisheries or horticulture. Alternatively, I can work with government bodies on conservation projects.
-Mr Nicholas Chew Ken Min,21, formerly from Temasek JUflior College and now a second year undergraduate in the Bachelor af Business and
Environment Science programme at
JCU Singapore.
FLEXIBLE TIMETABLE
I have had a keen interest to work in the media industry. since I was young. I feel that going to a private education institution helps me achieve this goal faster.
In addition, SMF Institute's flexible timetable enables me to stUdy and work at the same time to gain work experience.
-Miss Sng Wan Chin, in her 20s, an A-level holder from Tampines Junior College, who is pursing a Diploma In Mass Communication at SMF Institute of Higher Learning.
SHORTER COURSE DURATION
I chose Kaplan as I wanted to pace my learning the way I wanted.
I am getting a quality education in a much shorter time than if I had gone to a local university.
I was also thrilled that Kaplan offered a degree in Psychology which is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and recognised by Australian Psychological Society.
This was what I had wanted to pursue.
- Miss Cherly Tan, 22, an A level holder who is pursuing a Diploma in Communication Management at Kaplan Singapore.
CONVENIENT LOCATION
After finishing my A levels, I applied for the Business Studies course at Nanyang Technological University.
Unfortunately, I could not get into the course and qualified for Sociology instead. To
choose a course I was interested in, I rejected the offer and decided to go to a private
school.
One of my friends studying at SAA Global Education (SAAGE) told me about the course she had taken there. I chose SAAGE because it offered the course I wanted and is also conVeniently located in town.
- Miss Joanne Tan Feng Chun, in her 20s, is an A level holder from Tampines Junior College. She is in the Bachelor af Science (Honours} in Economics and Management programme offered by the University of London at SAA-GE.
FACULTY FROM OVERSEAS CAMPUS
After getting my A-level results, I visited the various Open Houses to learn more about their programmes, rather than just focus on the ones offered by local universities.
When I wentto the one at SIM Global Education (SIM GE), I discovered its partnership with University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.lt left a deep impression on me.
lt gives me the prospect of working with faculty members from the US campus, research opportunities, an interaCtive and flexible academic programme and accessibility to graduate studies in the US.
- Mr Goh Jia Hao, who is in his 20s and studying for a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), awarded by the University at BUffalo, The State University of New York at SIM GE.
STUDY WHAT YOU LIKE
I chose private education because my A-level results were not good enough. SAA-GE's classes are small, the location is central, and the lecturers are approachable and willing to give us their email addresses.
My advice to all A-Level holders is that if you don't get a place at a local university, don't be discouraged. And don't study something you don't like just because you want to go to NUS or NTU.
Employers look at your abilities and grades. Study something you like so you won't regret it later.
- Mr Kenny Lim Chuan Kai, 23, an A-level holder from lnnova JC who is in the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Accounting and Finance programme offered by the University of London at SAA-GE.
Go Guide Beyond A Levels, The New Paper, March 1 2013, Pg 2-4
r.e.a.l.l.y.
Poor chaps like myself with shallow pockets will never be able to afford that route.
Period.
Usually it is RJC or HCI. It is a close fight between them. You also need to look at value-add, as some go in with 2 points in L1R5 and graduate with A levels BBBB/C.
I would say Engineering if you want to work hard and create.
Take up Business if you've got the gift of the gab and can foster connections.
Singapore is really lacking in good programmers (not software enterprise solutions and other kinds of management fluff) and that's the next big leap. Engineers are well trained to that area if they are serious in their studies.
Business will prep you for the workplace though. Office politics, smoozing... which wasn't my cup of tea.
they got teach how to handle office politics?
Originally posted by FireIce:they got teach how to handle office politics?
Not in class but the class environment...
Either that or its my luck. The bizad peeps I met were all super bitchy or were constantly trying to sell themselves... Maybe I'm just unlucky
I have a questions for those who've been already students: did you pass the whole preparation process on your own or applied for help?
u oredi answered ur own qn
NUS
First thing first, congrats on your score. Its pretty good.
Secondly, go to NUS/FASS if you appreciate freedom of learning and academic depth.
But be forewarned that SMU has the edge in biz fluff, because their focus is less on those qualities I just mentioned. And that SMU way-of-learning is also useful in itself. So it depends on what you want.
You have any idea what Econs in NUS is like?
Its math, math and more math. With the exception of a couple of professors, the vast majority love to bamboozle students with math.
Absolutely nothing like JC Econs. Be forewarned again!
Good thing that I warned you then.
Its a pity that its taught this way at NUS. But it can still be a rewarding experience because the econometrics modelling and the crazy algebra can be complemented by the other social science modules offered by FASS.
And, one more thing, do not think for a moment that the "soft" sciences have zero math.
Regression and statistical analysis is common-place even in sociology, geography and even political science.
good lang skills is impt in fass bcos there are tons of essays to do