Average CAPs for acceptances to universities of interest.
Berkeley: 4.68
UCLA: 4.13
Caltech: 4.76
Cambridge: 4.65
Cornell: 4.64
Duke: 4.55
Edinburgh: 3.81
Harvard: 4.76
UIUC: 3.72
Imperial: 4.18
JHU: 4.46
King's: 4.41
UCL: 4.28
MIT: 4.66
NTU: 3.74
NUS: 3.78
Princeton: 4.76
Queensland: 3.54
SMU: 3.82
Stanford: 4.59
Sydney: 3.63
Warwick: 4.13
Yale: 4.76
Make your own conclusions about these average scores. Please remember that this is only for the the first batch; it is a very small batch, and just about no school received more than 10 applications (besides the local universities) from our school. The acceptance rate is even lower, so the average scores are just indicators.
I have the full range of stats for all these universities including acceptance rates and average SAT scores. If you would like to see the list, please email me, tell me your connection to NUSH (student, parent, etc), and give me some proof, and I'll send it back to you. Alternatively, NUS High students, you can always go into Naviance and access this list yourselves.
Data on the lowest accepted CAPs are available for some of the universities but they aren't all conveniently located on one page, so if you would like the data please specify which school you want it for. Thanks.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Scholarships
Information on how NUSH students fared in the major scholarships coveted by our students.
Public Service Commission
Total of 84 scholarships awarded.
2 from NUS High
Other stats: 39 from RJC, 15 from Hwa Chong, 6 from ACS(I), 5 from TJC, 5 from Dunman High, 4 from NJC, 3 from VJC, 2 from ACJC, 1 from CJC, 1 from JJC, 1 from AJC
NUS High scholars: Ang Ying Zhen, Lau Kang Ruey Gregory
A*STAR NSS(BS)
Total of 45 scholarships awarded.
6 from NUS High
Information for other schools not yet available. We have to wait for A*STAR to release an updated list of school statistics.
NUS High scholars: Ang Moh Lik Roy, Jiang Yuheng, Le Ngoc Phuong Lan, Lim Yujing Vivian, Lim Yuxian Lillian, Zhai Weichao
DSTA does not release its list of scholars. I don't know about the stats for other scholarships, public sector or otherwise. If you have more info please leave a comment and we will update this post.
With regards to their Graduating CAPs/class of diploma, all of those scholars listed above graduated with a High Distinction (CAP > 4.5) except for 2 who graduated with a Distinction (CAP above 4.0 but less than 4.5).
Public Service Commission
Total of 84 scholarships awarded.
2 from NUS High
Other stats: 39 from RJC, 15 from Hwa Chong, 6 from ACS(I), 5 from TJC, 5 from Dunman High, 4 from NJC, 3 from VJC, 2 from ACJC, 1 from CJC, 1 from JJC, 1 from AJC
NUS High scholars: Ang Ying Zhen, Lau Kang Ruey Gregory
A*STAR NSS(BS)
Total of 45 scholarships awarded.
6 from NUS High
Information for other schools not yet available. We have to wait for A*STAR to release an updated list of school statistics.
NUS High scholars: Ang Moh Lik Roy, Jiang Yuheng, Le Ngoc Phuong Lan, Lim Yujing Vivian, Lim Yuxian Lillian, Zhai Weichao
DSTA does not release its list of scholars. I don't know about the stats for other scholarships, public sector or otherwise. If you have more info please leave a comment and we will update this post.
With regards to their Graduating CAPs/class of diploma, all of those scholars listed above graduated with a High Distinction (CAP > 4.5) except for 2 who graduated with a Distinction (CAP above 4.0 but less than 4.5).
Friday, July 24, 2009
Teacher recommendations/references
Teacher references. Please ask your teachers early and give them at least two months to write. Don't procrastinate or you'll end up like me, feverishly hoping the teacher would agree (thank goodness she did).
Official policy on teacher references: You can ask any teacher in the school. For teachers who have left the school, I've asked Mr Allan Uy and this is what he said. They can write for you up to one year after they left.
US requires you to ask someone who's officially taught you in Year 5/6. UK asks for someone who can comment on your post-16 education, which is generally Year 5/6 as well. No one's stopping you from asking a reference from someone who taught you before that, but it's always better to get more recent examples.
For the UK, you will only need one teacher reference. You should ask for someone who taught you in the area you're applying for (i.e. physics, ask a physics teacher). If you're applying for subjects that weren't offered in school, try to get someone as close to the subject area as possible.
For the US, you will need two references. One from math/science, one from anything else (languages, humanities, music & art).
It is important you pick someone who can actually write about you. Not just your achievements (those are already in your testimonial after all), but also about your character, motivations, independence, abilities, etc. This means you should start talking to your teachers. In our school it's easier compared to other JCs. The teacher-student ratio is much lower, our teachers are younger, and we still have classroom learning all the way to Year 6 while others have mass lectures.
Here are some pointers to help you to start, because this is often the hardest part:
1. Recognise that teachers have lives outside of school. They don't exist just to teach you (or bore you, or flood you with homework, whatever). They also have likes, dislikes, interests, opinions etc.
2. Our teachers are, for the most part, quite friendly. You can always start a conversation with something as simple as asking their opinion about the class as a whole, or how they feel about some recent school event. For new teachers, asking what they think about the school, the culture, the attitude of the students, etc, is very effective. If you know the teacher has kids, ask about them.
In general, use what you know to talk about their life outside teaching the syllabus. And when you ask the question, be sincere in wanting to know what they really think.
3. Once they give you a reply, don't just nod! Continue the conversation with something the teacher mentions in the reply. Engage them in discussion with questions that are more opinion-based, rather than fact-based. For example, something like this could happen:
Student: So, Ms X, are you looking forward to the school holiday next wednesday?
Teacher: Yes, of course, it's definitely going to be a good break for all of us.
Student: Why do you say that? Is teaching in this school very stressful?
The teacher will either say yes or no (most will say yes), and probably elaborate a little bit. From there you can pick up on the elaboration and continue. Like if they talk about the module syllabus, ask them what's the hardest part of designing the module. Or you can ask if teaching here is ultimately rewarding or not.
4. Many of our teachers are quite young. You can always ask them what they did in university, what are their future career plans, do they plan on teaching forever, this kind of thing.
5. Don't expect that one conversation is enough. In order to write a good reference for you, the teacher needs to understand how you think. Usually in discussions with teachers, try to express your opinion as well. Of course you need to be talking about things that are "discussable" in the first place.
6. After you break the ice, you can usually ask more personal questions. For single teachers, ask if they plan to get married (this is assuming they didn't tell you about it when they introduced themselves). For those who are married, ask about potential kids. Safe things like that. Be careful of how you react, though, especially if the answer is very different from your views. Ask about what they do in their spare time, any holiday destinations, etc.
7. Topics safe to ask about: school culture, stress level of both students and teachers, differences between their school life and yours, why they chose to teach, what they did in university, their current interests and hobbies, student attitudes, school controversies, what they do during school holidays, their life in army, future plans, childhood ambitions, their opinions on current affairs, their views on the noisy drilling in school, etc.
Topics to tread carefully: their family background, their significant others.
Topics to avoid: anything insanely personal, things that aren't appropriate to be spoken at the dinner table/in polite company. Their age, excessive details of their romantic life, religion, politics (including staff room politics)... you know what I mean.
It really depends on how much the teacher is comfortable with telling you. As with other interactions, look for body language and tone.
8. If they ask you questions about yourself, answer them. This could range from your ambitions to your feedback about class teaching. When teachers ask you something, they probably really want to know. Besides, this is the most direct way of giving them the background info they need to write your reference.
8. Most importantly, you can treat them as friends, but always maintain a level of respect. Don't talk to them in the slang you use with your classmates. Don't curse in front of them (even if they curse in front of you). Also, there's a difference between giving feedback and complaining. We may accidentally cross the line at times but try not to do it so often, I guess.
You will find that most teachers, though strict in the classroom, are actually quite nice to talk to outside. They're living, breathing, dynamic people, not just lifeless robots created for you to see a few hours a week.
When you ask them for a reference, ask them politely and be aware that they may say no. If they have any concerns about their suitability, address them appropriately or find someone else. Don't just say "I'm sure it'll be okay". Also, please be a good student in class. Hand in your work on time. Make constructive comments and ask relevant questions.
Most of them will work with you to write the best statement for you, so don't think it's as simple as asking and then getting the statement sent when it's due. Most likely you'll have to talk to them in the process.
That's why it's better for you to already have a friendly (not just cordial) relationship with the teacher. It will make the experience a whole lot more pleasant, and the reference will usually turn out better and more unique to you.
Official policy on teacher references: You can ask any teacher in the school. For teachers who have left the school, I've asked Mr Allan Uy and this is what he said. They can write for you up to one year after they left.
US requires you to ask someone who's officially taught you in Year 5/6. UK asks for someone who can comment on your post-16 education, which is generally Year 5/6 as well. No one's stopping you from asking a reference from someone who taught you before that, but it's always better to get more recent examples.
For the UK, you will only need one teacher reference. You should ask for someone who taught you in the area you're applying for (i.e. physics, ask a physics teacher). If you're applying for subjects that weren't offered in school, try to get someone as close to the subject area as possible.
For the US, you will need two references. One from math/science, one from anything else (languages, humanities, music & art).
It is important you pick someone who can actually write about you. Not just your achievements (those are already in your testimonial after all), but also about your character, motivations, independence, abilities, etc. This means you should start talking to your teachers. In our school it's easier compared to other JCs. The teacher-student ratio is much lower, our teachers are younger, and we still have classroom learning all the way to Year 6 while others have mass lectures.
Here are some pointers to help you to start, because this is often the hardest part:
1. Recognise that teachers have lives outside of school. They don't exist just to teach you (or bore you, or flood you with homework, whatever). They also have likes, dislikes, interests, opinions etc.
2. Our teachers are, for the most part, quite friendly. You can always start a conversation with something as simple as asking their opinion about the class as a whole, or how they feel about some recent school event. For new teachers, asking what they think about the school, the culture, the attitude of the students, etc, is very effective. If you know the teacher has kids, ask about them.
In general, use what you know to talk about their life outside teaching the syllabus. And when you ask the question, be sincere in wanting to know what they really think.
3. Once they give you a reply, don't just nod! Continue the conversation with something the teacher mentions in the reply. Engage them in discussion with questions that are more opinion-based, rather than fact-based. For example, something like this could happen:
Student: So, Ms X, are you looking forward to the school holiday next wednesday?
Teacher: Yes, of course, it's definitely going to be a good break for all of us.
Student: Why do you say that? Is teaching in this school very stressful?
The teacher will either say yes or no (most will say yes), and probably elaborate a little bit. From there you can pick up on the elaboration and continue. Like if they talk about the module syllabus, ask them what's the hardest part of designing the module. Or you can ask if teaching here is ultimately rewarding or not.
4. Many of our teachers are quite young. You can always ask them what they did in university, what are their future career plans, do they plan on teaching forever, this kind of thing.
5. Don't expect that one conversation is enough. In order to write a good reference for you, the teacher needs to understand how you think. Usually in discussions with teachers, try to express your opinion as well. Of course you need to be talking about things that are "discussable" in the first place.
6. After you break the ice, you can usually ask more personal questions. For single teachers, ask if they plan to get married (this is assuming they didn't tell you about it when they introduced themselves). For those who are married, ask about potential kids. Safe things like that. Be careful of how you react, though, especially if the answer is very different from your views. Ask about what they do in their spare time, any holiday destinations, etc.
7. Topics safe to ask about: school culture, stress level of both students and teachers, differences between their school life and yours, why they chose to teach, what they did in university, their current interests and hobbies, student attitudes, school controversies, what they do during school holidays, their life in army, future plans, childhood ambitions, their opinions on current affairs, their views on the noisy drilling in school, etc.
Topics to tread carefully: their family background, their significant others.
Topics to avoid: anything insanely personal, things that aren't appropriate to be spoken at the dinner table/in polite company. Their age, excessive details of their romantic life, religion, politics (including staff room politics)... you know what I mean.
It really depends on how much the teacher is comfortable with telling you. As with other interactions, look for body language and tone.
8. If they ask you questions about yourself, answer them. This could range from your ambitions to your feedback about class teaching. When teachers ask you something, they probably really want to know. Besides, this is the most direct way of giving them the background info they need to write your reference.
8. Most importantly, you can treat them as friends, but always maintain a level of respect. Don't talk to them in the slang you use with your classmates. Don't curse in front of them (even if they curse in front of you). Also, there's a difference between giving feedback and complaining. We may accidentally cross the line at times but try not to do it so often, I guess.
You will find that most teachers, though strict in the classroom, are actually quite nice to talk to outside. They're living, breathing, dynamic people, not just lifeless robots created for you to see a few hours a week.
When you ask them for a reference, ask them politely and be aware that they may say no. If they have any concerns about their suitability, address them appropriately or find someone else. Don't just say "I'm sure it'll be okay". Also, please be a good student in class. Hand in your work on time. Make constructive comments and ask relevant questions.
Most of them will work with you to write the best statement for you, so don't think it's as simple as asking and then getting the statement sent when it's due. Most likely you'll have to talk to them in the process.
That's why it's better for you to already have a friendly (not just cordial) relationship with the teacher. It will make the experience a whole lot more pleasant, and the reference will usually turn out better and more unique to you.
Testimonials
I am in Year 6 Sem 2 now, my last semester of school. Which means I'm currently in the process of sorting out my uni apps, and I'd just like to share about some aspects of my (currently limited) experience.
Testimonials. Start writing your testimonial early. For those of you who don't know, a testimonial is written by your mentor and included in your graduation package. It's basically a list of all your achievements in prose form, and some good comments about your character.
In Year 6 Sem 1, teachers will start telling you to write up a list of the achievements in the past few years that you feel are the most important and beneficial. This will be used later by your mentors to write your testimonial. Some mentors will allow you to write your own testimonial, because it makes their job easier, they just have to edit it.
Whatever it is, write it before the end of Sem 1, because it not only gives you good practice, it's also the simplest "essay" out of the way. If you think writing your testimonial is difficult, trust me, application essays are much worse.
Testimonials are also a very good way for you to reflect on what you've done in the past few years, which will make it easier when you write your essays later on, because the examples will be fresh in your mind and you can use to them show your interests.
If you have a lack of material to write in your testimonial (it should be about 3/4 page long), then it's good to start doing something to put in it. This is another reason why you should do it early, because if you wait until Sem 2 to do it, you'll realise you have no time left.
In summary, a testimonial is one of the easiest things you have to write. Yes it seems difficult at first because most of us find it difficult to blow our own trumpet, which is basically what you're doing in a testimonial. But it will definitely make it easier for you to write about yourself in your essays for uni applications, so do start early, and give your mentor enough time to edit it.
Testimonials. Start writing your testimonial early. For those of you who don't know, a testimonial is written by your mentor and included in your graduation package. It's basically a list of all your achievements in prose form, and some good comments about your character.
In Year 6 Sem 1, teachers will start telling you to write up a list of the achievements in the past few years that you feel are the most important and beneficial. This will be used later by your mentors to write your testimonial. Some mentors will allow you to write your own testimonial, because it makes their job easier, they just have to edit it.
Whatever it is, write it before the end of Sem 1, because it not only gives you good practice, it's also the simplest "essay" out of the way. If you think writing your testimonial is difficult, trust me, application essays are much worse.
Testimonials are also a very good way for you to reflect on what you've done in the past few years, which will make it easier when you write your essays later on, because the examples will be fresh in your mind and you can use to them show your interests.
If you have a lack of material to write in your testimonial (it should be about 3/4 page long), then it's good to start doing something to put in it. This is another reason why you should do it early, because if you wait until Sem 2 to do it, you'll realise you have no time left.
In summary, a testimonial is one of the easiest things you have to write. Yes it seems difficult at first because most of us find it difficult to blow our own trumpet, which is basically what you're doing in a testimonial. But it will definitely make it easier for you to write about yourself in your essays for uni applications, so do start early, and give your mentor enough time to edit it.
An Open Letter from the PSC Chairman
A letter from Mr Eddie Teo, PSC Chairman, about the PSC interview. It's a very very good read!
http://www.pscscholarships.gov.sg/An+Open+Letter+from+the+Chairman.htm
http://www.pscscholarships.gov.sg/An+Open+Letter+from+the+Chairman.htm
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Financial aid follow-up
Hello, all readers! I'm Fiona Foo, NUSHS graduate '08. This fall I will be attending Harvey Mudd College in California, on HMC's International Student Scholarship.
Q. Why did you choose Harvey Mudd?
A. I'm interested in both teaching and research, and Harvey Mudd's generous bond-free scholarship allows me to explore my interests over four years of university. It wouldn't be fair to myself or the sponsoring agency if I committed myself to a scholarship without knowing if it's right for me.
Q. Why did you choose Harvey Mudd?
A. I'm interested in both teaching and research, and Harvey Mudd's generous bond-free scholarship allows me to explore my interests over four years of university. It wouldn't be fair to myself or the sponsoring agency if I committed myself to a scholarship without knowing if it's right for me.
Q. Harvey Mudd is a need-aware school. How difficult is it to get FA from a need-aware school?
A. It's not impossible! Your chances depends on how much the school wants you versus the amount of funds they have. However, since the US economy is tanking, schools are becoming strapped for cash and hence competition for available funds is becoming stiffer. For example, Middlebury, a well-known LAC, recently reverted to need-aware admissions for internationals. So, if you're set on applying FA, you need to have a good alternative (e.g. Singapore unis) and be prepared to end up at that alternative.
Q. OK. I've decided I wanna apply financial aid. Which colleges should I choose?
A. Comparing the different types of US universities, publics usually don't provide FA for internationals--their goal is to educate residents of their state. Private universities and LACs are more generous, but each college is different.
UK and Aus universities do not give much financial aid since tuition revenue from international students are major sources of income. For Oxbridge, I have only heard that Trinity College in Cambridge sponsors a limited number of students. For Australian National, the ANU alumni association (not the ANU itself) sponsors scholarships for a few students.
Q. I thought FA is to help the needy pay for college. But I have an atas friend who managed to get his tuition and room+board all paid for. Huh?
A. There are two types of financial aid, need-based and merit-based.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Stanford Open Office Hours: Richard Shaw
Stanford Open Office Hours: Richard Shaw
Dean Richard Shaw is answering your questions about undergraduate admissions, financial aid, academics, and student life. Post questions and comments in the thread below; we will upload Dean Shaw’s response video next week.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=625320365813&ref=mf
Dean Richard Shaw is answering your questions about undergraduate admissions, financial aid, academics, and student life. Post questions and comments in the thread below; we will upload Dean Shaw’s response video next week.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=625320365813&ref=mf
Inside the Admissions Game
Inside The Admissions Game
Who Holds The Keys To Elite Schools Like The University Of Chicago? How Do They Choose? An Exclusive Look.
Do we really want Rebecca? Almost any college would offer a seat in its honors program to lure such a talented applicant. But this is the choosy University of Chicago, where the 12 members of the admissions committee can't even decide whether to let her through the door. With seven applicants competing for each of 1,011 slots in the class of 2003, Chicago clearly doesn't need Rebecca. Rick Bischoff, her advocate on the committee, argues that she has strong leadership skills. He recalls being so impressed when he first met the young woman that he muttered, "I sure hope she's smart." In fact, her transcript is very good. And yet Chicago has already rejected hundreds of applicants with better grades. Bischoff tosses on the cluttered conference table a Kelly-green folder that sums up Rebecca in 32 pages. "Look at the way her teachers write about her," he urges. "Plus, she doesn't like 'Dawson's Creek'."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/87965
A bit old, but still interesting.
Who Holds The Keys To Elite Schools Like The University Of Chicago? How Do They Choose? An Exclusive Look.
Do we really want Rebecca? Almost any college would offer a seat in its honors program to lure such a talented applicant. But this is the choosy University of Chicago, where the 12 members of the admissions committee can't even decide whether to let her through the door. With seven applicants competing for each of 1,011 slots in the class of 2003, Chicago clearly doesn't need Rebecca. Rick Bischoff, her advocate on the committee, argues that she has strong leadership skills. He recalls being so impressed when he first met the young woman that he muttered, "I sure hope she's smart." In fact, her transcript is very good. And yet Chicago has already rejected hundreds of applicants with better grades. Bischoff tosses on the cluttered conference table a Kelly-green folder that sums up Rebecca in 32 pages. "Look at the way her teachers write about her," he urges. "Plus, she doesn't like 'Dawson's Creek'."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/87965
A bit old, but still interesting.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Food for thought for the juniors.
The reason for this title is because amidst the wonderful impression that everyone has been getting about our school, I want to raise some points so that you arent misled thinking that everything is nice and rosy if you are slack and merry.
Okay the post may sound as though I am attacking the school but I am not. I just want to paint a realistic picture for our juniors out there, in the midst of the wonderful stuff, there is some stuff that I feel you should know and again, this is my own opinion, not anyone else's, and I write this not with the mindset of criticizing our school (we are a new school after all) but to tell you of some potential pitfalls that can come about. These are just some points for you to think about.
5 things for our juniors to note:
1. Dont assume that it is easy to get into top universities just because our admission statistics seem to say so.
If you are wondering, yes the 2 people who got admitted into Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, etc were the same 2 people. So not many people from our school really got in - please remember that we have a small pool of people = small talent pool, compare to RJ/HC which have larger pool of people = larger talent pool. You are fighting against these people, so please try to stand out.
2. Do not underestimate the value of NUS modules.
I regretted not taking NUS modules. NUS modules can help in your college application and during college days, when you can transfer credit etc to fulfil the requirements of a major. This is especially valuable if you want to do > 1 major but despite maxing out the units of classes you can take in 1 quarter/semester you still cant fulfil the requirements.
3. READ THE NEWSPAPERS. YES PLEASE READ THE PAPERS THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Often said, rarely followed. Dont throw your Time/Newsweek aside after they hand them around during English lessons. How would you like to be caught in a situation where they ask you about things out of academics and the only reply you can muster is "I dont know"? You will be surprised at the number of top students in my batch who have admitted they cant hold a conversation about current affairs.
4. Dont assume that just because people see us as an 'elite school', we are really up there.
Fact is that we are still a new school and yes, we will work our way to be up there, but we are not there yet. And getting up there depends on you! That's why it is important to be humble and work hard. Please dont assume the world revolves around you, go out there and interact with more people from other schools and you will find that you learn a lot more.
5. Languages are important.
Just because you think you can speak English doesnt mean that it shows. In top schools, 2200+ in SAT is the norm. Some juniors from our school (if you arent one of them, I am sorry) apparently think that if you get 2200+, you are crazily good. My response to that is that everything is relative and that you should compare yourself against the rest of the big fish in the big pond. If you think that the essays that you get now in school is tough (the revised 'GP' style essays), please remember that this is what others do on a regular basis.
Mother Tongue may not seem important (not in terms of submitting your applications etc), but I will tell you that it can be a sore thumb in the midst of a wonderful application, e.g scholarships, etc. If you are a person deciding whether or not to admit someone and you see that this person cant even speak/do well in his own native language, what is the impression you get?
5 things I wished a senior had told me before:
1. Science is not always the best policy.
While science is indeed very flexible and there is that argument that if you take science you can still go back to arts but not vice versa. But if you know that you dont want to pursue a career in research/medicine/engineering/whatever else, is a science major really better than an econs major? Personally, as someone who doesnt intend to go into research, I have yet to find more than 3 practical jobs that require a degree in chemistry. That said however, most jobs dont require you to use what you learnt in your degree anyway.
2. Being good at subject =/= passion
Important to make this distinction clear when you decide what kind of career and course you want to pursue in future. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life doing chemistry research even though you are good at it? More food for thought.
3. It is better to be a specialist in one area, than a jack of all trades and master of none.
Joining an activity for > a few years = committed
Jumping around from one activity to another = uncommitted
At least, that's how it is interpreted (not by me, but by the people deciding the status of your application).
4. Be proactive
If you see something that you are interested in, enquire about it. Asking about it doesnt just give you more information about how to achieve what you want, but also signals your interest in the event to the teacher i/c.
If that is not a good enough reason, think of it this way. I cant see how being quiet about what you want helps you in any way.
5. Be careful
Be careful. About what? Everything, from the things you write about to the type of opportunities you seek, to the work that you do.
Be careful about what you write in your blog and what you upload on facebook, because once uploaded, you can never be sure if you can ever erase it away permanently (many sites have the policy that once you upload stuff they get to keep a copy in their cache).
Be careful about the type of people that you work with outside too, especially for those doing internships and sourcing for your own. I had the unfortunate experience of working for a company that employed many morally questionable practices, and when things dont go right, you only have yourself to blame for not being more alert early on.
Be careful about the quality of work that you hand up, because every piece of work is reflective of your character. A teacher would probably be more pleased to write you a recommendation letter if you always hand up work that show that you have put in some effort.
Last but not least, to end off this post, be careful about what you tell your classmates, because you never know who are your friends and enemies. Word spreads quickly, and you dont know who it spreads to. Sounds political, sad but true in the competitive school environment of ours. I can only count myself lucky that I made a few true friends whom I can count on in our school, and I also count myself lucky that I learnt this lesson when I was in school than when I am not. I have heard of friends who tried to discredit me without me doing anything, friends who make accusations about me to teachers/etc, even some who tried to sabotage my college applications.
Of course I dont know if they are really true or not since they wont come and tell me and that's what I heard, but my point is please watch what you do and what you say and how you act.
Try to be genuine to everyone you meet, and remember the Chinese saying "真金不怕火". It translates literally to "real gold isn't afraid of fire".
Okay the post may sound as though I am attacking the school but I am not. I just want to paint a realistic picture for our juniors out there, in the midst of the wonderful stuff, there is some stuff that I feel you should know and again, this is my own opinion, not anyone else's, and I write this not with the mindset of criticizing our school (we are a new school after all) but to tell you of some potential pitfalls that can come about. These are just some points for you to think about.
5 things for our juniors to note:
1. Dont assume that it is easy to get into top universities just because our admission statistics seem to say so.
If you are wondering, yes the 2 people who got admitted into Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, etc were the same 2 people. So not many people from our school really got in - please remember that we have a small pool of people = small talent pool, compare to RJ/HC which have larger pool of people = larger talent pool. You are fighting against these people, so please try to stand out.
2. Do not underestimate the value of NUS modules.
I regretted not taking NUS modules. NUS modules can help in your college application and during college days, when you can transfer credit etc to fulfil the requirements of a major. This is especially valuable if you want to do > 1 major but despite maxing out the units of classes you can take in 1 quarter/semester you still cant fulfil the requirements.
3. READ THE NEWSPAPERS. YES PLEASE READ THE PAPERS THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Often said, rarely followed. Dont throw your Time/Newsweek aside after they hand them around during English lessons. How would you like to be caught in a situation where they ask you about things out of academics and the only reply you can muster is "I dont know"? You will be surprised at the number of top students in my batch who have admitted they cant hold a conversation about current affairs.
4. Dont assume that just because people see us as an 'elite school', we are really up there.
Fact is that we are still a new school and yes, we will work our way to be up there, but we are not there yet. And getting up there depends on you! That's why it is important to be humble and work hard. Please dont assume the world revolves around you, go out there and interact with more people from other schools and you will find that you learn a lot more.
5. Languages are important.
Just because you think you can speak English doesnt mean that it shows. In top schools, 2200+ in SAT is the norm. Some juniors from our school (if you arent one of them, I am sorry) apparently think that if you get 2200+, you are crazily good. My response to that is that everything is relative and that you should compare yourself against the rest of the big fish in the big pond. If you think that the essays that you get now in school is tough (the revised 'GP' style essays), please remember that this is what others do on a regular basis.
Mother Tongue may not seem important (not in terms of submitting your applications etc), but I will tell you that it can be a sore thumb in the midst of a wonderful application, e.g scholarships, etc. If you are a person deciding whether or not to admit someone and you see that this person cant even speak/do well in his own native language, what is the impression you get?
5 things I wished a senior had told me before:
1. Science is not always the best policy.
While science is indeed very flexible and there is that argument that if you take science you can still go back to arts but not vice versa. But if you know that you dont want to pursue a career in research/medicine/engineering/whatever else, is a science major really better than an econs major? Personally, as someone who doesnt intend to go into research, I have yet to find more than 3 practical jobs that require a degree in chemistry. That said however, most jobs dont require you to use what you learnt in your degree anyway.
2. Being good at subject =/= passion
Important to make this distinction clear when you decide what kind of career and course you want to pursue in future. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life doing chemistry research even though you are good at it? More food for thought.
3. It is better to be a specialist in one area, than a jack of all trades and master of none.
Joining an activity for > a few years = committed
Jumping around from one activity to another = uncommitted
At least, that's how it is interpreted (not by me, but by the people deciding the status of your application).
4. Be proactive
If you see something that you are interested in, enquire about it. Asking about it doesnt just give you more information about how to achieve what you want, but also signals your interest in the event to the teacher i/c.
If that is not a good enough reason, think of it this way. I cant see how being quiet about what you want helps you in any way.
5. Be careful
Be careful. About what? Everything, from the things you write about to the type of opportunities you seek, to the work that you do.
Be careful about what you write in your blog and what you upload on facebook, because once uploaded, you can never be sure if you can ever erase it away permanently (many sites have the policy that once you upload stuff they get to keep a copy in their cache).
Be careful about the type of people that you work with outside too, especially for those doing internships and sourcing for your own. I had the unfortunate experience of working for a company that employed many morally questionable practices, and when things dont go right, you only have yourself to blame for not being more alert early on.
Be careful about the quality of work that you hand up, because every piece of work is reflective of your character. A teacher would probably be more pleased to write you a recommendation letter if you always hand up work that show that you have put in some effort.
Last but not least, to end off this post, be careful about what you tell your classmates, because you never know who are your friends and enemies. Word spreads quickly, and you dont know who it spreads to. Sounds political, sad but true in the competitive school environment of ours. I can only count myself lucky that I made a few true friends whom I can count on in our school, and I also count myself lucky that I learnt this lesson when I was in school than when I am not. I have heard of friends who tried to discredit me without me doing anything, friends who make accusations about me to teachers/etc, even some who tried to sabotage my college applications.
Of course I dont know if they are really true or not since they wont come and tell me and that's what I heard, but my point is please watch what you do and what you say and how you act.
Try to be genuine to everyone you meet, and remember the Chinese saying "真金不怕火". It translates literally to "real gold isn't afraid of fire".
Monday, July 13, 2009
An update on NUS modules
Hi all, I just heard from a HOD that your NUS module grades will now be counted into your NUS CAP, if you go there in future.
That makes more sense, don't you think?
Cheers.
That makes more sense, don't you think?
Cheers.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Filling up the Cambridge Supplement (or the overseas application form)
Given that Cambridge applications (and the supplement) are due in a few months time, I thought that I will share what I wrote in my supplement and what I did. You can get a copy of the cambridge supplement in the college counsellor's office (it was there the last time I went to school).
If you need it for reference now, you can view it at http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/apply/forms/coaf.pdf.
So as always, I will do a runthrough component by component. I assume most of you are doing natural sciences at Cambridge? Again I will bold the responses that I filled up. (Cambridge does not have "chemistry", "biology" by itself per se, they are all under a category called natural science where you specialize in these fields in your 3rd year. Oxford however has such subjects, that's why some people go to Oxford for science instead - they know that they want to do , for eg chemistry for 3 or 4 years and they dont want to do anything else)
Personal: Self explanatory.
Proposed course at Cambridge: Natural Sciences
Further subject details: Biological or Physical if that's what you wanted
College: Homerton College
Address: Self explanatory
Interview: Would I be considered for interview overseas? Yes
Would I be available in November/December for interview? Yes
Are there any aspects of the course at Cambridge that attracted me to apply there? Talk about why you want to go to Cambridge. Unfortunately I cant remember what I wrote in this box and I dont have the soft copy.
Year of entry, have I applied to Cambridge before... deferment (for the NS boys)
Career plans: Talk about what you would like to become. I spoke about working for the Singapore government.
Fees and funding: All rather easy to fill until "sources of funding". If you are aiming for a scholarship, write "Local scholarships".
Skipping all the self explanatory parts again...
About how many students were in your class this year and last year? Fill up the subject and write the number of people in your cohort. For level, I think (please check, I am not sure) I wrote "NUS High School Diploma.
Please outline briefly the MAIN areas/topics you have already covered in each of your AS level and A level/IB (or equivalent) subjects:
Aha for this part, under subject, write the subjects (yes, like math, english, etc). For level, write "NUS High School Diploma". For areas/topics covered, fill up as many module titles as you can in the boxes and then write "please see attached" or "please see transcript" since you have to attach your school grades anyway.
Can your school or college provide extra lessons, or other help if needed, to support preparation for Cambridge applicants? No
English language qualification: None for me
Qualifications completed: My APS and O level grades for HCl and Cl. And any NUS modules that you have completed
Qualifications not yet completed: I think you can fill in the NUS modules that you are taking here.
SAT results: Fill in your SAT grades, dont superscore, just fill in all the grades that you had from the times that you took.
Modular A/AS units taken: Dont apply to us.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Enclose, with this application form, a copy of your personal statement as prepared for your UCAS application. If there is anything additional to this statement, particularly relevant to your application to Cambridge, please write this in the box below.
Yes I filled this up (optional almost always means compulsory, leave empty at your own peril). I wrote about why Cambridge was a good fit for me.
Reference: Get your referee to fill this up for you.
Okay now to highlight some important instructions from the COAF:
Those who wish to be considered for interviews overseas must submit the COAF to be received in Cambridge between 1 June and the final date of 20 September. The COAF must be signed by you and your referee, and accompanied by a copy of your personal
statement as prepared for the UCAS application, a copy of the reference prepared for the UCAS application, and a copy of the email you receive confirming payment of your application fee (see below).
The completed Cambridge Overseas Application Form should be accompanied by an application fee of £55. You can pay the application fee using our debit/credit card online payment system. For further details consult www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/howtopay/ or contact CAO. Your application will not be considered unless payment is received.
For payment, you can either pay online (check out http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/howtopay/) or you can apply for a bank draft, which was what I did before they allowed payment online. If you apply for a bank draft, do note the name of the college and address before you make a trip to the bank.
After all that is done, you can submit your form to your respective colleges by mail. Singapore Post (speedpost) costs about $2 and takes about 1 week for delivery, if you are a last minute straggler you can opt for the faster Speedpost service which is more expensive, or you can opt for UPS or FedEx.
If you need it for reference now, you can view it at http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/apply/forms/coaf.pdf.
So as always, I will do a runthrough component by component. I assume most of you are doing natural sciences at Cambridge? Again I will bold the responses that I filled up. (Cambridge does not have "chemistry", "biology" by itself per se, they are all under a category called natural science where you specialize in these fields in your 3rd year. Oxford however has such subjects, that's why some people go to Oxford for science instead - they know that they want to do , for eg chemistry for 3 or 4 years and they dont want to do anything else)
Personal: Self explanatory.
Proposed course at Cambridge: Natural Sciences
Further subject details: Biological or Physical if that's what you wanted
College: Homerton College
Address: Self explanatory
Interview: Would I be considered for interview overseas? Yes
Would I be available in November/December for interview? Yes
Are there any aspects of the course at Cambridge that attracted me to apply there? Talk about why you want to go to Cambridge. Unfortunately I cant remember what I wrote in this box and I dont have the soft copy.
Year of entry, have I applied to Cambridge before... deferment (for the NS boys)
Career plans: Talk about what you would like to become. I spoke about working for the Singapore government.
Fees and funding: All rather easy to fill until "sources of funding". If you are aiming for a scholarship, write "Local scholarships".
Skipping all the self explanatory parts again...
About how many students were in your class this year and last year? Fill up the subject and write the number of people in your cohort. For level, I think (please check, I am not sure) I wrote "NUS High School Diploma.
Please outline briefly the MAIN areas/topics you have already covered in each of your AS level and A level/IB (or equivalent) subjects:
Aha for this part, under subject, write the subjects (yes, like math, english, etc). For level, write "NUS High School Diploma". For areas/topics covered, fill up as many module titles as you can in the boxes and then write "please see attached" or "please see transcript" since you have to attach your school grades anyway.
Can your school or college provide extra lessons, or other help if needed, to support preparation for Cambridge applicants? No
English language qualification: None for me
Qualifications completed: My APS and O level grades for HCl and Cl. And any NUS modules that you have completed
Qualifications not yet completed: I think you can fill in the NUS modules that you are taking here.
SAT results: Fill in your SAT grades, dont superscore, just fill in all the grades that you had from the times that you took.
Modular A/AS units taken: Dont apply to us.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Enclose, with this application form, a copy of your personal statement as prepared for your UCAS application. If there is anything additional to this statement, particularly relevant to your application to Cambridge, please write this in the box below.
Yes I filled this up (optional almost always means compulsory, leave empty at your own peril). I wrote about why Cambridge was a good fit for me.
Reference: Get your referee to fill this up for you.
Okay now to highlight some important instructions from the COAF:
Those who wish to be considered for interviews overseas must submit the COAF to be received in Cambridge between 1 June and the final date of 20 September. The COAF must be signed by you and your referee, and accompanied by a copy of your personal
statement as prepared for the UCAS application, a copy of the reference prepared for the UCAS application, and a copy of the email you receive confirming payment of your application fee (see below).
The completed Cambridge Overseas Application Form should be accompanied by an application fee of £55. You can pay the application fee using our debit/credit card online payment system. For further details consult www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/howtopay/ or contact CAO. Your application will not be considered unless payment is received.
For payment, you can either pay online (check out http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/howtopay/) or you can apply for a bank draft, which was what I did before they allowed payment online. If you apply for a bank draft, do note the name of the college and address before you make a trip to the bank.
After all that is done, you can submit your form to your respective colleges by mail. Singapore Post (speedpost) costs about $2 and takes about 1 week for delivery, if you are a last minute straggler you can opt for the faster Speedpost service which is more expensive, or you can opt for UPS or FedEx.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Filling up the PSC scholarship application form.
^ As indicated in the title, this post is for our students to see how you fill up the PSC scholarship application form.
I am not sure if this is the right way to fill it up, but this is what I did.
First you register an account on the pscgateway, at http://www.pscgateway.gov.sg. Next, you login using your IC number and password.
There are 2 parts to the application (a 3rd part will appear if you are eventually shortlisted). The 1st part consists of your personal particulars, while the 2nd part is about your essay.
1. Scholarship choice. I am applying for: Scholarship with GCE 'A' Level equivalent qualifications(e.g. High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Polytechnic Diploma)
2. Personal: a)Personal particulars, b)Family information, c)National service. Self explanatory
3. Education.
a) Schools attended (some of your previous schools).
b) GCE O Level: I filled in my O level results for Higher Chinese and Chinese
c) GCE A Level: NA
d) Polytechnic Diploma: NA
e) IB Diploma: NA
f) University results: NA for me, I am not sure if you can put in results of your NUS modules if you did them
g) Other qualifications
AHA this is where I put in all my results. No I didnt put in any APs eventually, if you are wondering, but I put in my subject CAPs here.
This is what I put. (I have bolded the stuff below that I had to fill in)
Institution: NUS High School of Mathematics and Science
Course details: Honours in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, and Major in Physics, 2005-2008
Qualification: Diploma (Distinction), Cummulative GPA: 4.36
Then you enter results. Instead of entering the results module by module, I just wrote:
Academic year: 2008/2008
Semester: Semester 2
Subjects and grade: I put my subject CAP. This is what it looks like.
4. Career
Preferred Courses and Countries: Fill in your preferred course of study and at what country.
Preferred type of career: Fill up your choices of ministries/scholarships. If you want an open scholarship, put public administration.
Declaration: Declare that you havent been up to no good.
Okay that's about it. Cheers!
I am not sure if this is the right way to fill it up, but this is what I did.
First you register an account on the pscgateway, at http://www.pscgateway.gov.sg. Next, you login using your IC number and password.
There are 2 parts to the application (a 3rd part will appear if you are eventually shortlisted). The 1st part consists of your personal particulars, while the 2nd part is about your essay.
1. Scholarship choice. I am applying for: Scholarship with GCE 'A' Level equivalent qualifications(e.g. High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Polytechnic Diploma)
2. Personal: a)Personal particulars, b)Family information, c)National service. Self explanatory
3. Education.
a) Schools attended (some of your previous schools).
b) GCE O Level: I filled in my O level results for Higher Chinese and Chinese
c) GCE A Level: NA
d) Polytechnic Diploma: NA
e) IB Diploma: NA
f) University results: NA for me, I am not sure if you can put in results of your NUS modules if you did them
g) Other qualifications
AHA this is where I put in all my results. No I didnt put in any APs eventually, if you are wondering, but I put in my subject CAPs here.
This is what I put. (I have bolded the stuff below that I had to fill in)
Institution: NUS High School of Mathematics and Science
Course details: Honours in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, and Major in Physics, 2005-2008
Qualification: Diploma (Distinction), Cummulative GPA: 4.36
Then you enter results. Instead of entering the results module by module, I just wrote:
Academic year: 2008/2008
Semester: Semester 2
Subjects and grade: I put my subject CAP. This is what it looks like.
4. Career
Preferred Courses and Countries: Fill in your preferred course of study and at what country.
Preferred type of career: Fill up your choices of ministries/scholarships. If you want an open scholarship, put public administration.
Declaration: Declare that you havent been up to no good.
Okay that's about it. Cheers!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Independent Research
Research is something that confuses many people; parents, new NUSHS students (I shall hence call you all freshmen) and even existing NUSHS students. I shan't endeavour to define research, but let us take a look at research in NUS High and the opportunities it provides.
I'll like to start with the history of research in NUS High School. Details are sketchy, in 2005 some forms of research did exist and it was called IPW (Independent Project Work)[Thanks to Royston for providing the information]. The projects available at that time were not very in-depth due to the lack of equipment available; e.g. proper DNA extraction was not possible. Projects then latched mainly on external resources or were simple, investigative projects.
Sometime later in 2006 the programme would come to be known as Independent Research or IR for short. More students began taking up research projects since the Batch of 2005 was in their fourth year and the move to the new campus along Clementi Avenue 1 provided enhanced lab facilities. In 2007 the programme was formalized and a curriculum (of sorts) was drawn up. It was called AXIS. In that year the first Research Congress was held to showcase students' research work. From 2008 to 2009, the programme was renamed as Da Vinci after the famous polymath and all Year 5/6 students partake in research projects, (Advanced Research Projects, or ARPs) either with external organizations, or with internal mentors.
That being said, what's in it for everyone? Firstly, an ARP is a graduation requirement, meaning that you will either have to take a project in Year 5 or Year 6 and obtain a satisfactory grade. The nature of the project can vary - Some people opt to do high level research such as Quantum Mechanics, Femtochemistry or Proteomics with external organizations. This list is certainly not exhaustive. Others opt to do research in current, familiar areas such as alternative energy or just applying concepts learnt in NUS High School. Note that the burden for the former category is significantly higher, but as with all things, you will reap rewards proportional to the amount of effort put in.
Research from Year 1 to Year 4 is a bit tricky. You will recall I mentioned that in 2005 a number of research projects existed (even for Year 1s - I did one), but as of now the Year 1 to 3 programme is such that a series of workshops and courses are conducted to familiarize students with the requirements for research. These include things like problem solving and research methodology, and you will use these things subconsciously, if not consciously, when you begin your research projects. Some Year 4s do opt to begin their own research, but due to the limited number of projects it may not always be possible (More on this later!). My tip here for Year 4s or prospective Year 4s is that if you do so and your project excels, it may be wise to contemplate converting your project to an ARP. Inquire with relevant people for the procedures.
Ok, so now we know how research is like, but what's the big deal? Research speaks you on your CV as much as any other credential. It is hard to represent time spent by receiving an award for "Good Progress", but citing your research and any awards it might have received instantly says that you have put in significant effort and speaks volumes about your analytical skills. Some scholarships and awards will ask you to demonstrate that you have the necessary aptitude in Science, and research is a good way to put it across to them. Secondly, there are many opportunities for you to shine in research. Projects can be sent to conferences or fairs, or better still, published. For the uninitiated, conferences are events where you put up a poster or deliver a speech regarding your project. As such, these conferences are normally very specific. Invited papers to international conferences, should you be honoured, are very prestigious. Fairs, such as the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), or the Singapore Youth Science Fair (SYSF), offer good awards. In particular, winning a gold at the SSEF is considered to be one of the highlights of JC Science life. Singapore's representatives to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) are selected from SSEF Gold medalists.
I will dedicate a separate section to publishing and beyond. There is no exact Science to this, but there's a general rule of thumb that publishing and applying for a patent are extremely good accolades if you are able to reach that stage. Professors normally will encourage you to write a paper if your research is promising. For that matter, think for a moment how many people under the age of 18 will have actually published papers in international journals. A patent is much more complicated - It states that you have actually invented something, and you own the rights to that invention.
Getting research to that level however, requires a good amount of time invested in it. Research, like all subjects, requires practice. It is normal that the first research project you do will be a little lack-luster, and rightfully so, because you are not familiar with the ropes and the nature of the industry. Once you get used to the rhythm of research, you will be able to progress much quickly. As a rule of thumb, if you are lucky enough to get a good research mentor, stay with him and learn as much as you can. So long you work hard, you should be able to join a higher level project with the same mentor when you start your research again.
A number of organizations like A*Star (do a search or look up the College Councillors) open research projects to independent students. In other words, you can apply on your own. I personally recommend that you do not do so until you are about 15 years old, i.e. Year 3, because the rigour of industrial research attachments are even higher than that of scholastic environments. People there do research for profit and occasionally race against time to beat competitors to the market. It is however, valuable experience and such projects often have potential. Always remember that the key to research is to work at the cutting-edge. No one wants to know if you found out how many times a day sheep baa, but everyone will want to know if you managed to turn sheep manure into Methanol xD.
I'll like to start with the history of research in NUS High School. Details are sketchy, in 2005 some forms of research did exist and it was called IPW (Independent Project Work)[Thanks to Royston for providing the information]. The projects available at that time were not very in-depth due to the lack of equipment available; e.g. proper DNA extraction was not possible. Projects then latched mainly on external resources or were simple, investigative projects.
Sometime later in 2006 the programme would come to be known as Independent Research or IR for short. More students began taking up research projects since the Batch of 2005 was in their fourth year and the move to the new campus along Clementi Avenue 1 provided enhanced lab facilities. In 2007 the programme was formalized and a curriculum (of sorts) was drawn up. It was called AXIS. In that year the first Research Congress was held to showcase students' research work. From 2008 to 2009, the programme was renamed as Da Vinci after the famous polymath and all Year 5/6 students partake in research projects, (Advanced Research Projects, or ARPs) either with external organizations, or with internal mentors.
That being said, what's in it for everyone? Firstly, an ARP is a graduation requirement, meaning that you will either have to take a project in Year 5 or Year 6 and obtain a satisfactory grade. The nature of the project can vary - Some people opt to do high level research such as Quantum Mechanics, Femtochemistry or Proteomics with external organizations. This list is certainly not exhaustive. Others opt to do research in current, familiar areas such as alternative energy or just applying concepts learnt in NUS High School. Note that the burden for the former category is significantly higher, but as with all things, you will reap rewards proportional to the amount of effort put in.
Research from Year 1 to Year 4 is a bit tricky. You will recall I mentioned that in 2005 a number of research projects existed (even for Year 1s - I did one), but as of now the Year 1 to 3 programme is such that a series of workshops and courses are conducted to familiarize students with the requirements for research. These include things like problem solving and research methodology, and you will use these things subconsciously, if not consciously, when you begin your research projects. Some Year 4s do opt to begin their own research, but due to the limited number of projects it may not always be possible (More on this later!). My tip here for Year 4s or prospective Year 4s is that if you do so and your project excels, it may be wise to contemplate converting your project to an ARP. Inquire with relevant people for the procedures.
Ok, so now we know how research is like, but what's the big deal? Research speaks you on your CV as much as any other credential. It is hard to represent time spent by receiving an award for "Good Progress", but citing your research and any awards it might have received instantly says that you have put in significant effort and speaks volumes about your analytical skills. Some scholarships and awards will ask you to demonstrate that you have the necessary aptitude in Science, and research is a good way to put it across to them. Secondly, there are many opportunities for you to shine in research. Projects can be sent to conferences or fairs, or better still, published. For the uninitiated, conferences are events where you put up a poster or deliver a speech regarding your project. As such, these conferences are normally very specific. Invited papers to international conferences, should you be honoured, are very prestigious. Fairs, such as the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), or the Singapore Youth Science Fair (SYSF), offer good awards. In particular, winning a gold at the SSEF is considered to be one of the highlights of JC Science life. Singapore's representatives to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) are selected from SSEF Gold medalists.
I will dedicate a separate section to publishing and beyond. There is no exact Science to this, but there's a general rule of thumb that publishing and applying for a patent are extremely good accolades if you are able to reach that stage. Professors normally will encourage you to write a paper if your research is promising. For that matter, think for a moment how many people under the age of 18 will have actually published papers in international journals. A patent is much more complicated - It states that you have actually invented something, and you own the rights to that invention.
Getting research to that level however, requires a good amount of time invested in it. Research, like all subjects, requires practice. It is normal that the first research project you do will be a little lack-luster, and rightfully so, because you are not familiar with the ropes and the nature of the industry. Once you get used to the rhythm of research, you will be able to progress much quickly. As a rule of thumb, if you are lucky enough to get a good research mentor, stay with him and learn as much as you can. So long you work hard, you should be able to join a higher level project with the same mentor when you start your research again.
A number of organizations like A*Star (do a search or look up the College Councillors) open research projects to independent students. In other words, you can apply on your own. I personally recommend that you do not do so until you are about 15 years old, i.e. Year 3, because the rigour of industrial research attachments are even higher than that of scholastic environments. People there do research for profit and occasionally race against time to beat competitors to the market. It is however, valuable experience and such projects often have potential. Always remember that the key to research is to work at the cutting-edge. No one wants to know if you found out how many times a day sheep baa, but everyone will want to know if you managed to turn sheep manure into Methanol xD.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Another new writer
Ying Zhen has asked that I introduce myself, so here goes!
My name is Kenneth and I'm a 5th year student at NUS High School. I joined the school in 2005 as part of the pioneer batch, and I'm currently doing quad honours (that's Math [Track 4], Chem, Bio and Physics) and Biology Olympiad Training. I'll be glad to demystify NUSHS in the posts to come!
My name is Kenneth and I'm a 5th year student at NUS High School. I joined the school in 2005 as part of the pioneer batch, and I'm currently doing quad honours (that's Math [Track 4], Chem, Bio and Physics) and Biology Olympiad Training. I'll be glad to demystify NUSHS in the posts to come!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Skipping a year to apply early.
Typically, our college admission process starts proper in Year 6, but some apply in Year 5. A few of those who were successful eventually go to college in Year 6, hence graduating early and skipping 1 year.
While I am by no means an expert on the psyche of admission officers, here is my take on skipping a year to apply early.
Pros:
1. If you arent successful you get to try again the next year, ie Year 6.
2. If you are successful you get to save 1 year and go straight to college - after all, there isnt very much more you need to learn in Year 6.
Cons:
1. If you are successful, you dont get to defer to go along at the same time as your friends. This means that you have to go.
2. No scholarships available for Year 5 students... (not the typical ones anyway, they want you to apply in Year 6 like everyone else)
3. If you cant go (refer to 1), you can reject them, but if you apply again to that school in year 6, I wonder if they will take in a student who rejected their offer a year ago.
4. The fact that you havent graduated may be detrimental to your chances (UPenn rejected Margaret because of that)
So to me you should apply early if you:
1. Dont have NS or commitments that may cause you to defer
2. Are prepared to pay your way through university or intend to apply for financial aid
3. If you think you are ready to make the jump into college and you dont need to spend another year in school
4. Think that your application is solid enough to make it that year (otherwise, why waste the $$ for applications)
A few kids from my batch applied early, and 2 eventually went (while we were Year 6) to MIT and Boston University (ie Margaret, who is going to UPenn this fall on a transfer after doing well in her 1st year of UG). I believe that another kid in Year 6 this year is going to UIUC (university of illinois urbana champaign) this year as well.
While I am by no means an expert on the psyche of admission officers, here is my take on skipping a year to apply early.
Pros:
1. If you arent successful you get to try again the next year, ie Year 6.
2. If you are successful you get to save 1 year and go straight to college - after all, there isnt very much more you need to learn in Year 6.
Cons:
1. If you are successful, you dont get to defer to go along at the same time as your friends. This means that you have to go.
2. No scholarships available for Year 5 students... (not the typical ones anyway, they want you to apply in Year 6 like everyone else)
3. If you cant go (refer to 1), you can reject them, but if you apply again to that school in year 6, I wonder if they will take in a student who rejected their offer a year ago.
4. The fact that you havent graduated may be detrimental to your chances (UPenn rejected Margaret because of that)
So to me you should apply early if you:
1. Dont have NS or commitments that may cause you to defer
2. Are prepared to pay your way through university or intend to apply for financial aid
3. If you think you are ready to make the jump into college and you dont need to spend another year in school
4. Think that your application is solid enough to make it that year (otherwise, why waste the $$ for applications)
A few kids from my batch applied early, and 2 eventually went (while we were Year 6) to MIT and Boston University (ie Margaret, who is going to UPenn this fall on a transfer after doing well in her 1st year of UG). I believe that another kid in Year 6 this year is going to UIUC (university of illinois urbana champaign) this year as well.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
PSC application process.
Okay I wont be blogging very much come next week because I am going for my predeparture course for PSC. It lasts from 6th July to 25th July, including Saturdays, and I have tuition classes to teach on Sunday, so this means I will have very little time to blog!
I will try to blog as and when I can but no guarantees! I know however that you people still want to read stuff, so I have written some articles beforehand that I will publish once every few days while I am away to keep you all coming back. Haha.
So I promised a long long time ago that I will blog about the psc application process. There are a few stages to the application process:
1. Application: Apply through the PSC portal. http://www.pscscholarships.gov.sg. Try to apply by 1st January the next year, but I heard rumours that to be considered for early cycle you need to apply by 30th October (Year 6). Dont know how true that is.
2. Psychometric test: If you are shortlisted by PSC, you will have to go through a psychometric test. It's a test that tests your IQ, simple math, language and personality. No prior preparation is required.
3. Interviews: There are 2 interviews at the final stage. The 1st is a psychologist interview where they ask you questions about yourself, your family, etc. No stress or worries at this interview, just be yourself and answer everything truthfully.
The 2nd interview is a board interview where a panel of interviewers will sit in front of you and ask you questions pertaining to anything, be it your personality, your records, current affairs, etc.
4. After 5 days, you will know if you are accepted or rejected!
That's a brief overview of how things work. I am a bit tired now because its 1233 am and I want to sleep, so I just wrote a very brief overview. If you want to know more details about any of the parts please leave a message here or on the tagboard and I will get back to you.
One thing I forgot to mention however is that in June of your year 6 year, the college counsellor will recommend 30+ kids to go for the psc psychometric test. So you may either take the psychometric test in June (year 6), or take it after you get shortlisted for psc the following year if for whatever reason you werent recommended or you werent able to make it.
So a timeline may look like this:
Year 6, June - Psychometric test
Year 6, June - September - Preparing of application
Year 6, September - December/whenever you get called up - Hope for the best
Year 7, January/February - If you are considered for early cycle, you have your interview around this time
Year 7, March - If you werent called up for early cycle, you may get called up during regular cycle, about March
Year 7, April - May - Interviews for regular cycle
Year 7, June - Sign contract
Year 7, July - Predeparture course
Please dont think that the PSC is like any other college essay. I personally found it the hardest essay that I had to write. I wrote many drafts, only to throw them all out (totally, without retaining any parts) because the tone just wasnt right.
Many people also underestimate the interview, thinking that flipping through the papers once a week is enough. Please dont underestimate it, current affairs is very important, if you havent started reading the papers I suggest you do so now because it is not only helpful for your various scholarship interviews, it also makes you a more worldly person. Many people ask me what was the thing that got me in, I personally think it was the interview that clinched it (haha but I dont know if it's really the case, I guess only the PSC board members will know, this is just a guess).
I will try to blog as and when I can but no guarantees! I know however that you people still want to read stuff, so I have written some articles beforehand that I will publish once every few days while I am away to keep you all coming back. Haha.
So I promised a long long time ago that I will blog about the psc application process. There are a few stages to the application process:
1. Application: Apply through the PSC portal. http://www.pscscholarships.gov.sg. Try to apply by 1st January the next year, but I heard rumours that to be considered for early cycle you need to apply by 30th October (Year 6). Dont know how true that is.
2. Psychometric test: If you are shortlisted by PSC, you will have to go through a psychometric test. It's a test that tests your IQ, simple math, language and personality. No prior preparation is required.
3. Interviews: There are 2 interviews at the final stage. The 1st is a psychologist interview where they ask you questions about yourself, your family, etc. No stress or worries at this interview, just be yourself and answer everything truthfully.
The 2nd interview is a board interview where a panel of interviewers will sit in front of you and ask you questions pertaining to anything, be it your personality, your records, current affairs, etc.
4. After 5 days, you will know if you are accepted or rejected!
That's a brief overview of how things work. I am a bit tired now because its 1233 am and I want to sleep, so I just wrote a very brief overview. If you want to know more details about any of the parts please leave a message here or on the tagboard and I will get back to you.
One thing I forgot to mention however is that in June of your year 6 year, the college counsellor will recommend 30+ kids to go for the psc psychometric test. So you may either take the psychometric test in June (year 6), or take it after you get shortlisted for psc the following year if for whatever reason you werent recommended or you werent able to make it.
So a timeline may look like this:
Year 6, June - Psychometric test
Year 6, June - September - Preparing of application
Year 6, September - December/whenever you get called up - Hope for the best
Year 7, January/February - If you are considered for early cycle, you have your interview around this time
Year 7, March - If you werent called up for early cycle, you may get called up during regular cycle, about March
Year 7, April - May - Interviews for regular cycle
Year 7, June - Sign contract
Year 7, July - Predeparture course
Please dont think that the PSC is like any other college essay. I personally found it the hardest essay that I had to write. I wrote many drafts, only to throw them all out (totally, without retaining any parts) because the tone just wasnt right.
Many people also underestimate the interview, thinking that flipping through the papers once a week is enough. Please dont underestimate it, current affairs is very important, if you havent started reading the papers I suggest you do so now because it is not only helpful for your various scholarship interviews, it also makes you a more worldly person. Many people ask me what was the thing that got me in, I personally think it was the interview that clinched it (haha but I dont know if it's really the case, I guess only the PSC board members will know, this is just a guess).
RE: Choosing a school, Part IV
We have a comment regarding this post that I thought is relevant to bring to everyone's attention:
So, what we've heard about Duke-NUS is actually wrong (maybe not we, but at least this is what I've been hearing). Duke-NUS trains students to practise medicine either as doctors or researchers.
Something I took from their website:
We are seeking outstanding students who have completed their undergraduate (or Master's or Ph.D.'s) training in the life sciences, engineering, pharmacology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or similar fields. Students with any background other than MBBS degrees are welcome to apply.
So for those of you who think you can't make it to undergrad med, you can always take a science degree and then go on to graduate med in Duke-NUS and still fulfill your dreams of becoming a doctor.
Duke-NUS Medical School said...
Hi,
I am a representative from Duke-NUS Medical School and I would like to correct the perception of Duke-NUS that you have mentioned in your blog.
We train our students to be successful medical leaders, be it whether they pursue a physician or researcher route.
Our curriculum follows Duke University's and it is unique in Asia. Our students do their clinical rotation in year 2, 1 year earlier than a typical medical school. And in the 3rd year, our students devote 1 full year to a research topic of their choice.
We emphasize teamwork, creative and critical thinking skills as we believe these are important skills to possess as a medical leader.
If you would like more information on our school, please visit: www.duke-nus.edu.sg
or write into: info@duke-nus.edu.sg
So, what we've heard about Duke-NUS is actually wrong (maybe not we, but at least this is what I've been hearing). Duke-NUS trains students to practise medicine either as doctors or researchers.
Something I took from their website:
We are seeking outstanding students who have completed their undergraduate (or Master's or Ph.D.'s) training in the life sciences, engineering, pharmacology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or similar fields. Students with any background other than MBBS degrees are welcome to apply.
So for those of you who think you can't make it to undergrad med, you can always take a science degree and then go on to graduate med in Duke-NUS and still fulfill your dreams of becoming a doctor.
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