With the 'O' Level results set to be released in less than a week from now (on 12 January 2018), the number one question lingering in the minds of those who sat for the examinations last year would probably be their choice of institution post secondary school: junior college or polytechnic? Numerous factors must certainly be considered in tandem - academic aptitude, future aspirations, the individual's emotional and social temperament among others. A significant number of folks who have been there, seen that, done thatdescended upon Reddit Singapore to narrate their personal experiences, and dispense advice on how to go about making a properly informed decision. While sharing is indeed caring, one should also bear in mind no single perspective can account for a wholesome prediction of things to come. Regardless, hard work is still required for eventual success.
By CatAct:
"If you feel inclined to settle for a polytechnic, do make sure that it's because you are pursuing a course you enjoy. I know it's hard, especially given that many students do not explore their interests but you should try and REALLY spend time thinking about such stuff anyway. Do not pay attention to those who tell you to take up a particular course because it can make you rich or for other superficial reasons-- it's hard to keep your GPA up in a discipline you do not find interesting...
And speaking of GPA, not everyone thrives under the GPA system. Take me for example... I've always been a last minute student. I've always liked to do my own shit outside, be it finding interesting work or working on a personal project. I'm also good at taking tests, so that means I wouldn't study until a few months before the exam (I attempted my 'O' Levels with only 3 months of studying, and fared pretty all right). I'm hardly unique in this regard, however if you're like myself, perhaps you should consider studying at a JC. Everything turned out quite okay for me in the end, but point is, attending a JC would've been much easier.
If you're considering the JC route, keep in mind that it might be your big break even if you didn't do very well for the 'O' Levels (I'm talking about a L1R5 score of perhaps 14~19; I'm not terribly familiar with the JC cutoff points so don't let my ballpark figure offend you). I know people who did horribly for their PSLE and the 'O' Levels, yet go on to shine at the 'A' Levels after having attended one of the less prestigious junior colleges. Once you have attained your 'A' Levels, no one cares about how crappy your 'O' Level and PSLE scores previously were. At least for the aforementioned people, JC was their big break. If you somewhat surmise a late bloomer possibly lurks within the deep recesses of your being, going to a JC might just do wonders for you.
More at http://www.domainofexperts.com/2018/01/choosing-between-junior-college-or.html
By CatAct:
"If you feel inclined to settle for a polytechnic, do make sure that it's because you are pursuing a course you enjoy. I know it's hard, especially given that many students do not explore their interests but you should try and REALLY spend time thinking about such stuff anyway. Do not pay attention to those who tell you to take up a particular course because it can make you rich or for other superficial reasons-- it's hard to keep your GPA up in a discipline you do not find interesting...
And speaking of GPA, not everyone thrives under the GPA system. Take me for example... I've always been a last minute student. I've always liked to do my own shit outside, be it finding interesting work or working on a personal project. I'm also good at taking tests, so that means I wouldn't study until a few months before the exam (I attempted my 'O' Levels with only 3 months of studying, and fared pretty all right). I'm hardly unique in this regard, however if you're like myself, perhaps you should consider studying at a JC. Everything turned out quite okay for me in the end, but point is, attending a JC would've been much easier.
If you're considering the JC route, keep in mind that it might be your big break even if you didn't do very well for the 'O' Levels (I'm talking about a L1R5 score of perhaps 14~19; I'm not terribly familiar with the JC cutoff points so don't let my ballpark figure offend you). I know people who did horribly for their PSLE and the 'O' Levels, yet go on to shine at the 'A' Levels after having attended one of the less prestigious junior colleges. Once you have attained your 'A' Levels, no one cares about how crappy your 'O' Level and PSLE scores previously were. At least for the aforementioned people, JC was their big break. If you somewhat surmise a late bloomer possibly lurks within the deep recesses of your being, going to a JC might just do wonders for you.
More at http://www.domainofexperts.com/2018/01/choosing-between-junior-college-or.html