Polytechnic Students' University Aspirations: How Many Make The Cut?

Polytechnic students in Singapore have a few different pathways to enter university. Polytechnic students seeking admission to universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are evaluated based on their grade point average (GPA) scores. Additionally, from 2020, a new through-train programme was introduced, allowing polytechnic students to obtain a degree and secure a job, graduating up to a year earlier than their peers. This programme provides a direct pathway to a local university education for polytechnic students. It is worth noting that the university admission rate for polytechnic students in Singapore is around 30%, while the rate for JC students is higher at 75%.

Poly students can enter university a year earlier than peers with a new scheme

Polytechnic (poly) students in Singapore can now enter university a year earlier than their peers, thanks to a new scheme announced in 2019 and implemented in 2020. This innovative programme, the first of its kind in Singapore, offers polytechnic students a direct pathway to a local university, a guaranteed job, and the opportunity to graduate with a degree up to a year ahead of their peers.

Under this scheme, poly students in their third year will take at least three university modules and undertake an internship with a sponsoring company. After graduating with a diploma, they will juggle work and study, working for the company while completing their undergraduate studies. Upon graduation, they will transition into full-time employees with the same company. The entire programme is expected to take around five years.

The scheme was first offered to Temasek Polytechnic students in the building services and mechatronics sectors in partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). It will eventually be expanded to include a broader range of courses.

The introduction of this scheme is part of a broader effort to enhance work-study programmes and provide more opportunities for polytechnic students to pursue university education. In recent years, the number of polytechnic students entering universities has been on the rise. In 2019, one in three university students came from a polytechnic, up from one in four in 2012.

Polytechnic students in Singapore have traditionally faced challenges in gaining admission to local universities, with junior college (JC) students often seen as more desirable candidates. However, this new scheme, along with other initiatives, aims to address this issue and provide polytechnic students with a more seamless transition to university and subsequent employment.

While the scheme is a significant step forward, it is important to note that polytechnic students still face certain obstacles when it comes to university admissions. The competition for university places is fierce, and poly students need to work hard to maintain high grade point averages (GPAs) and build competitive resumes. However, with careful planning, a strong academic foundation, and the utilisation of resources like internships and extracurricular activities, polytechnic students can certainly enhance their prospects of securing a place in university and achieving their career aspirations.

Local universities in Singapore prefer JC students over poly students

There is a perception in Singapore that local universities prefer JC students over poly students. While it is true that more JC students secure places in local universities, with about 70% of each cohort attaining university admission, the number of polytechnic students accepted has been increasing. In 2020, one in three university students were from a polytechnic, up from one in four in 2012. This increase is partly due to universities increasing their intake of students under the Discretionary Admissions Scheme.

Polytechnic students tend to have a harder time getting into local universities, with an admission rate of around 20%-30%. However, this rate varies depending on the course and university in question. For example, it is easier for poly students to get into computing than it is for JC students. Additionally, some universities, such as the Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Singapore University of Social Sciences, do not factor in overall O-Level results for admissions, instead relying on GPA scores, aptitude tests, and relevant O-Level results for specific courses.

The perception that JC students are preferred may be due to the rigorous academic requirements and heavy workload of the A-level examinations, which prepare students well for the academic rigours of university. In contrast, polytechnic students are known for having more free time to pursue recreational activities and are taught more applied, real-world skills. While this better prepares them for the workforce, it may be seen as a disadvantage when applying to universities that favour scholastic skills.

However, polytechnic students can increase their chances of university admission by maintaining a high GPA, especially in the first semester, choosing electives they can excel in, participating in CCAs and internships, joining competitions, and obtaining strong recommendation letters from lecturers. Ultimately, both JC and polytechnic students have their own challenges when it comes to university admissions, and the decision between the two depends on individual preferences and future goals.

Poly students can increase their chances of university admission by taking internships

Polytechnic, or poly, students can increase their chances of university admission by taking internships. While poly students can gain admission to universities based on their GPA scores, internships can help them build their resumes and portfolios, making them more competitive candidates.

Poly students in Singapore, for example, have shared that they were able to secure admission to local universities by taking internships during their time in polytechnic. These internships provided them with relevant industry experience and helped them streamline their interests, which was valuable in their university applications.

Additionally, universities like Cal Poly consider work experience and internships as part of their selection criteria. By demonstrating relevant work experience through internships, poly students can showcase their practical skills and knowledge in their chosen field, increasing their chances of university admission.

Poly students can also boost their applications by participating in extracurricular activities, competitions, and obtaining recommendation letters from lecturers or mentors. A well-rounded application that showcases a variety of skills and experiences can make a strong impression on admissions committees.

Furthermore, poly students should focus on maintaining a high GPA, especially during their first semester, as this can have a significant impact on their overall GPA. A high GPA, coupled with relevant internships and extracurricular activities, can make poly students competitive candidates for university admission.

In summary, poly students can increase their chances of university admission by taking internships that provide industry experience and build their resumes. Combining internships with a strong GPA and extracurricular involvement can help poly students stand out and achieve their goal of pursuing higher education.

Poly students can enter university based on GPA scores and not O-level results

Polytechnic, or poly, students can enter university based on their Grade Point Average (GPA) scores. In 2020, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) announced that they would no longer assess polytechnic students' overall O-Level results, instead relying solely on GPA scores for admission. This change was implemented to better recognise late-bloomers and high-achieving polytechnic students, as well as to address the increasing number of polytechnic students without O-Level qualifications.

Prior to this change, an applicant's GPA formed 80% of the University Admission Score, while the O-level score constituted the remaining 20%. However, NUS and NTU are not the only universities that consider GPA scores for polytechnic student admissions. The Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Singapore University of Social Sciences also evaluate applicants based on their GPA scores, aptitude tests, and relevant O-Level results for specific courses.

Polytechnic students aiming to enter university should focus on maintaining a high GPA, especially during their first semester. They can also boost their applications by participating in extracurricular activities, internships, competitions, and by obtaining recommendation letters from lecturers or mentors. Additionally, choosing electives that align with their interests and strengths can further enhance their GPA and overall application.

While there is a perception that local universities in Singapore favour students from junior colleges, poly students can still gain admission to these universities by working hard to achieve high GPAs and taking advantage of the opportunities available during their polytechnic education.

Poly students can enter local universities in Singapore with a 30% admission rate

Polytechnic (poly) students in Singapore have a good chance of entering local universities, with an admission rate of around 30%. This rate has been increasing over the years, up from 20% in 2012. The six public universities in Singapore admitted 18,000 citizens and permanent residents in 2022, resulting in a 42% cohort participation rate.

Polytechnic education in Singapore is becoming an increasingly popular choice for students. In 2021, 52% of O-level candidates were posted to polytechnics, despite 45% of these students being eligible to join Junior College (JC). Poly is no longer seen as an institution for students who cannot get into JCs. Instead, it is recognised as a vocational institute that provides industry-relevant experience and skills. Polytechnic students in Singapore have the freedom to choose what they study and can gain practical experience through internships and exchange programs.

Polytechnic graduates in Singapore have several pathways to enter local universities. The universities have shifted to aptitude-based admissions, considering applicants' talents and interests in addition to their grades. The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) previously factored in polytechnic students' O-Level results for admissions, but from 2020, they started relying solely on GPA scores. This change was made to better recognise late-bloomers and high-achieving polytechnic students.

Polytechnic students can improve their chances of entering local universities by maintaining a high GPA, especially in the first semester, choosing electives they can excel in, participating in extracurricular activities, internships, and competitions, and seeking recommendations from lecturers.

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