Present to you
DSA/EAE Workshop Summary
Mr Louis Puah's Sharing:
1. No matter which education route taken, everything ends with life learning & work
2. Students should have a rough idea of what they plan to do in the future
3. What are the admissions exercises focused on?
- - EAE — Students with strong abilities and interests
- - DSA — Students with talents in sports/non-academic aspects (not reflected in O’s)
4. Why were these admissions exercises put into place?
- - To have different paths to the various institutions
- - To accommodate to the different schools’ objectives (e.g. academics, sports or arts)
- - To improve the school’s reputation (i.e. when the students achieves something)
5. What to include in your portfolio:
- - Information that is relevant to the course/school (e.g. applying to business school — include a business venture you might have embarked on)
- - Avoid simply saying, “I am passionate about this”. Elaborate on it, include proof of it. Could be in terms of CCA, online learning or passion projects you’ve undertaken.
- - A clear goal you are passionate about, not just to get into a “good” school.
- - Information about yourself that sets you apart from other candidates, maybe you care deeply about a societal issue.
Some Case Studies
Sharing Panel
EAE - Gayathri (SP Diploma in Engineering with Business)
1. Found interest in Physics, Maths and Business
2. Portfolio Suggestions:
- - Testimonials
- - Relevant certificates & documents
- - Other documents that demonstrate your interests and skills
3. In 600-character write-up:
- - Relevant interests and strengths
- - Personal experiences (i.e. her father helping bring out her interest in Engineering)
4. In 1000-character write-up:
- - Achievements in CCA
- - Contributions to school and external organisations
- - Leadership positions held previously
5. Written Test (before interview)
- - Mostly questions related to physics and math — EAE into engineering course
6. Interview (Questions asked):
- - Tell us about yourself
- - Share any of your accomplishments you are proud of
- - Do you have any business ideas you would like to implement in SP? (DEB is focused on technopreneurship)
- - Which aspect of our course interested you? (read up on school & course’s website prior to interview to answer)
DSA — Nguyen (HCI via Academics)
1. Included the following in DSA application:
- - Achievements in Math & Science Olympiads — HCI seems to prefer Singaporean Olympiads
2. Why HCI?
- - Liked the academic rigour, especially the training for Olympiads
3. How he decided on his domain:
- - Interests
- - Strengths & Background
4. In DSA Essay:
- - Avoid re-stating your achievements
- - Emphasise on what is not included in your application
- - What you wish to achieve in the school
- - What you can contribute to the school
5. DSA Interview Tips:
- - For teachers to assess your suitability for the school, and if you are seriously considering the school
- - Google to anticipate what the interview expects
- - Craft your answers specific to the school, don’t be too generic
- - Do a few mock interviews prior to the interview
- - Interesting question: “Did you choose RI too? And why do you want to come to HCI?”