How to get an offer from a polytechnic before sitting the O levels

05 Jun 2023

Article reported that the polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) is an aptitude-based process that allows students to apply for and receive conditional offers before getting their final grades. The EAE gives polytechnics the latitude to take in students based on their interests and abilities to recognise a wider range of talents apart from just academic grades. Polytechnics have the discretion to determine how they assess students, whether through portfolios, interviews or aptitude tests. RP graduand Anushka Shobi Narayanan, 20, said she was interested in doing research in biology and decided to apply for the biomedical science course through the EAE. EAE students have gone on to flourish in polytechnics. At NP, the five top graduates in 2023 were from the EAE. As the EAE is an aptitude-based exercise, parents can help their children discover and nurture their talents and interests. NYP principal Russell Chan encourages parents to join their children at parent seminars held during a polytechnic’s open house, so they can hear directly from seniors, alumni and lecturers. If shortlisted, applicants will prepare for the next stage – interviews. SP registrar Joseph Teo said that interviewers will be looking out for a demonstration of aptitude and interest for the chosen course. This could be through a portfolio. TP’s deputy principal, Ms Anita Kuan, added that interviewers would be interested to know what students learnt from their participation in various activities, including hobbies, part-time work and community service. Similar news reported in Tamil Murasu.

[The Straits Times]