JC or Poly?

[mintcc]

insider:

PS: it's challenging to be a parent when you want to match your frequency against your child's, as to whether you should lead, should guide, or should follow their thinking... Interesting...

totally agree with that...some times the parent's aspirations stand in the way of what the child truly wanted. It takes a parent with insight to support the child's own decision making esp against the peer pressure of people around you saying she should go to JC. It is also wise for your daughter to opt for what her interest is rather to conform with the crowd.

Many US universities accept transfer of credits and having a diploma in a related field can transfer many more credits than a JC cert and shorten the time for acquiring the degree significantly.

Here's a list of how the biomed schools rank :
http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/worlds-best-colleges/2008/11/20/worlds-best-colleges-top-life-sciences-and-biomedicine-universities.html

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/bio/search

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/med/search

[Jenn]

Hi Insider,


Some months ago there was an article in the straits times on Dr Lisa Ng. She followed her passion, took the path less traveled by going to the poly to do bio tech, could not get into the local uni and got her degree overseas instead. But look at what she has achieved.

This is a link to the article: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20080714-76599.html

[pinky]

Is there a COP for JC entry just like sec 1? If there is, what is the COP for NJC and Hwa Chong? Thanks.

[daisyt]

Hi … How to judge which is better, JC or Poly in terms of getting into local U. Which one serve a better chance of getting into local U ?

[schellen]

daisyt:

Hi ..... How to judge which is better, JC or Poly in terms of getting into local U. Which one serve a better chance of getting into local U ?

As far as I know, if you just want to get into uni (no specific course/faculty indicated), then JC gives you higher chances. Students who go to JC do not aim to just pass A levels; they aim to get into uni because if they only have A levels, they will lose to their peers with poly diplomas. So unis will accept more JC students (but doesn't mean that if you go to JC, you will be guaranteed a place in uni).

However, if you have a poly diploma, and you want to enter uni, you need to do very well. Back when I was a pre-uni student, if I was a poly grad, I needed to be in the top 10% (among poly grads) just to get a chance in getting a place in uni (also no guaranteed place, just a chance). Why so strict? Well, poly grads enter the uni course at Year 2; they skip Year 1.

I think this \"rule\" still more or less applies now.

[jedamum]

schellen:

Back when I was a pre-uni student, if I was a poly grad, I needed to be in the top 10% (among poly grads) just to get a chance in getting a place in uni (also no guaranteed place, just a chance). Why so strict? Well, poly grads enter the uni course at Year 2; they skip Year 1.

Do bear in mind that the selection of Poly route is no longer for the 'lesser academically inclined students'. These few years, many 'single pointers' who knows what they want to pursue in Uni, has been taking the Poly route as a stepping stone. That raise the bar for getting into the top 10% cohort.

Some still chooses the JC route as they are unsure of what they want to specialise in.

[buds]

Some poly subjects also offer those internship /apprenticeship

programmes so students have hands-on experience with the
line of work that they’re studying for… I know of a friend who
continued working with his intern employer after graduating
from poly cos didnt manage to enter uni with his dip results.
He was from SP.

[schweppes]

In fact, it is a norm for polys to offer student internship program for their students as part of the course requirements. Internship is usually 1 semester, tho this may vary from course to course. Students have to pass the internship prog - which is scheduled in Year 3 - otherwise they cannot graduate.

[Blaster009]

Dear fellow seniors,


Similar to this post, http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=29552,
I have recently completed my GCE 'O' Levels and am awaiting my results. I expect my L1R5 to be around 8-10. With a 2 point deduction from my CCA, that would be a net score of about 6-8, perhaps enough to get me into a decent JC.

I also wish to study Medicine but it is extremely difficult with less than 300 places a year. I come from a middle income group and may not have the liberty to study overseas. However, honestly speaking, I would rather achieve my goals based on my own merit than rely on my family.

Thus, I have been contemplating the alternative route to Polytechnic. I am thinking of entering the Biomedical Science Course in Ngee Ann Polytechnic which has a COP of 9. During that 3 years I am aiming to get the NYAA Gold Award whilst volunteering at local hospitals for more experience (Not sure if they would offer much experience though). I believe in holistic development as well. Interning overseas would also be another option during my second year and I would like to apply for the school's scholarship programme to improve my portfolio.

I have yet to think of where i would go if either route were to fail. For now I would just like to know which choice would actually help me achieve my goal more realistically. Thanks!!

[Phancc]

Based on your ambition your should go to a jc and ace your grades ere. Then your o level grades may be less important. Dont compromise on your dreams and trying hard.