2010 DSA(Direct School Admission)

[snowz]

Thanks Mathsparks. I will wait patiently for the post.


Is the DSA application process very time consuming and tedious? Anyone has any experience on DSA application while in a good full school? Is it worth trying or rather spending the time on the studies? Thank you for sharing.

[phankao]

snowz:

Thanks Mathsparks. I will wait patiently for the post.


Is the DSA application process very time consuming and tedious? Anyone has any experience on DSA application while in a good full school? Is it worth trying or rather spending the time on the studies? Thank you for sharing.

My boy was from a good full school. He didn't have to spend alot of time on DSA. Just go and do whatever they wanted, lor. He was quite happy with what he got.

[turquoise]

snowz:

Is the DSA application process very time consuming and tedious? Anyone has any experience on DSA application while in a good full school? Is it worth trying or rather spending the time on the studies? Thank you for sharing.

DSA is not that time consuming. Essentially there are just the following steps, for most schools:

1. Online application: Have your results and awards on hand for easy reference.

2. Preparation of portfolio: Photocopy and certify your results, awards, certificates etc as required by the school. Check with the school for their requirements.

3. Submission of portfolio to school: Some schools ask you to bring it with you during the interview, some schools require you to submit it before the interview, others don't require your portfolio at all.

4. Written Test (required by some schools, not all).

5. Interview (required by some schools, not all).

The key thing is to identify the schools you want to DSA for and apply only for 1 -3 at most. That way, you minimise time spent on tests and interviews. Note also that some schools share the test results so you only need to sit for one test while applying to two schools.

[turquoise]

Just to add, some school like NUSH and NJC conduct camps as well. So plan carefully. Especially as some DSA test dates coincide with each other. Last year, NUSH and NJC had their tests on the same day.

[mathsparks]

snowz:

Thanks Mathsparks. I will wait patiently for the post.


Is the DSA application process very time consuming and tedious? Anyone has any experience on DSA application while in a good full school? Is it worth trying or rather spending the time on the studies? Thank you for sharing.

What's a good full school? Time consuming/tedious anot is subjective. Attending of open house is optional, though highly recommended so the child can be inspired to work hard for his psle. As for portfolio, you prepare a single copy, then duplicate them.

Other than that, submission is online.

For GEPERS:
1) For RI, if your psle midyear scores >80, you skip the tests and go straight to interview.

2) For HCI, there's the free response test and interview to attend.

3) For DHS, application is free and no tests/interview. Your child will be accepted.

For NUSH, there's no diff if you're geper anot. All have to go thru a selection test, then camp.

Take the interview process as developing your child's confidence.

For mainstream students, they've to take a General Ability Tests which I think if you've taken at RI, you can skip the one at HCI. So if he can spare the time, go for it. But of course, limit it as psle preparation is still his topmost priority.

[tankee]

It might be useful to compile a list of DSA schools that require interviews and or require written tests.


Parents planning DSA this year may find this information useful.

[vlim]

my boy this year p5, so not too kiasu to go to dsa open house this year right :?

[mathsparks]

vlim:

my boy this year p5, so not too kiasu to go to dsa open house this year right :?

if he can spare the time, go for it. there's lots of fun activities for kids.. science experiments/maths puzzles/etc. It can also reinforce the idea that he has to work hard if he wants to join that school.

[vlim]

mathsparks:

vlim:

my boy this year p5, so not too kiasu to go to dsa open house this year right :?

if he can spare the time, go for it. there's lots of fun activities for kids.. science experiments/maths puzzles/etc. It can also reinforce the idea that he has to work hard if he wants to join that school.

will they 'stop' us from entering or participating since my boy only p5 :?

[mathsparks]

nope vlim, it’s an open house. I’ve seen ppl turning up with siblings, maids and grandparents too. I suspect its the free food.


I wanted to bring mine when he was in P5, but he was too busy.