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Yes, coursework-centred education (as opposed to examination-centred) is generally a plus (which is why the IBP was championed over the A-levels).
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<p>the IB diploma is an exercise in the liberal arts. it -cannot- compare to a poly diploma. they're completely and utterly different in terms of both content and purpose.</p>
<p>I think screwitlah is just trying to be realistic. It's not impossible, but the chances of a poly student vs JC student, admittedly, is significantly lower.</p>
<p>But are there any specific examples other than the 20+ year old Stanford guy???</p>
<p>actually, i dont get the point of comparing a JC student to a poly student, both have their own pros and cons. both can still get into american universities and graduate, be it transfer, freshman application or whatever.</p>
<p>on another note, if say i am a poly drop-out, will community colleges accept just my O levels? how many ideally should i apply to? how about if i graduate from poly? any difference?</p>
<p>cheers.</p>
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actually, i dont get the point of comparing a JC student to a poly student, both have their own pros and cons. both can still get into american universities and graduate, be it transfer, freshman application or whatever.
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<p>Actually, the question was TOP american universities, so there's the difference.</p>
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<p>i actually said both transfer and freshmen applications. so are you saying poly students cannot get into TOP american universities via transfer?</p>
<p>Message #685 by Pennaspirant.
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hmm so can a poly student get admitted to top US unis???
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<p>So I was answering that question.. Not yours, sorry... But anyway, I believe the answer will be more or less the same; it's not impossible but it'll be harder than, say, transferring from NUS.</p>
<p>galoisien, i see that you're an SGer based in SPME, so chances are u've not attended a poly and your comments are most likely based on your observations....while i'm not a poly student, i have many poly frens hence i hope i can offer a more accurate picture of typical poly students and their chances at US colleges</p>
<p>while it is true that poly is more of a coursework centric, hands-on education, it is not exactly the kind of novel, alternative academic institution full of motivated students passionate in their concentrated pursuits that many of us, and which adverstisements have duly influenced us to, envision it to be</p>
<p>my poly frens personally dispelled such a "myth"....according to them, while poly does have its fair share of outstanding students (concentrated in business, communications, law, accounting), the general mentality of poly students and the atmosphere on campus is one of academic apathy, fun-indulging and run-of-the-mill mindset....simply put, while they're not exactly unmotivated students, most of them arn't that passionate either, they just want to do the minimum of wats necessary to get their diploma, hopefully to continue on to college, and if that fails get a decent job, and all the while leading fun (fulfilling according to some definitions) lives....that IS the case in general</p>
<p>and with regards to the language requirements of the SAT, i can safely assure you that most of the JC students will have problems coping with it, and thats with compulsory essay-writing and critical reading components in their curriculum for 2 years (and if they're in the arts stream, 2 full years of writing and analysis and nth else), what more w/o it? and amongst the few students who can cope with SAT (2100<), even fewer can craft an outstanding admissions essay to compete with the MANY equally qualified internationals (if not more) for that elusive spot</p>
<p>while screwitlah does come across as a little blunt in his statements, i think that he's just trying to paint a realistic picture here, that admissions to US colleges for internationals is extremely difficult and competitive....and of course to voice his discontentment about ppl thinking that its a run-of-the-mill thingy, esp since it was such an ardous journey clawing his way to princeton =)</p>
<p>hi there, i'm an american citizen but grew up in singapore. i'm from an average JC and don't possess really amazing grades for my As. I've got accepted into NUS but i intend to study overseas. I intend to complete my undergrad programme in the states/canada. I got ABC for A levels a B in gp, and 5As and 1B for O levels. Screwed up my SATs first time(i prefer not to reveal my result considering the fact that it was super terrible, i'll study hard and retake it). what schools would you guys out there recommend me to go to? (i'm not looking for ivy league schools because i'm not that good.) Are american universities more lenient when admitting local students? And do candian schools like toronto require SATS as well?</p>
<p>hi guys! im currently a j1 but the problem is im not in rjc or any top jc and my olvl results are not that good. on top of that,i need financial aid to study in us/uk overseas. i know that it is going to be hard for me to secure scholarships but i just want a rough idea on what do these unis look out for. if it is just o levels, should i retake my Os? and how about ECs? Those who have managed to secure places in these unis or managed to secure scholarships , what ECs were you guys involved in? I dont think we have ECs such as Honor Society etc.. Please advice. Thanks alot guys! Have a happy holiday! :)</p>
<p>oh yes, and is it true that they only look at your SAT scores? If so, what's the point of O levels and A levels? :)</p>
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<p>oh yes, and is it true that they only look at your SAT scores? If so, what's the point of O levels and A levels?
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<p>firstly, what scholarships are you talking about? singapore based ones or US based ones? please know it is incredibly extremely difficult to apply and successfully gain FA from the US.</p>
<p>of course, unis look out for a range of things like your application, essay, ECs, financial standing etc etc. but you have to do well for your A levels at least if you want to get into a good US uni. your O levels will also be considered, so i hope its pretty alright.</p>
<p>to answer your question about the SATs...no, they dont only look at your SAT scores. the SATs can only save a dying man, but cannot resurrect a dead one. i hope you get what i mean. you should aim to do well for your A levels at this moment in time.</p>
<p>is it that hard to get FA from US?</p>
<p>Yes, it is very hard to get FA for internationals.</p>
<p>No, a good SAT DEFINITELY won't save you if you don't have good enough grades. Your As and Os results are equally important, if not more, than the SATs. Of course there's still essays and teacher recs and ECs too..</p>
<p>ECs are basically CCAs here in Singapore. You can join anything you like, but show true interest and dedication. Quality is better than quantity. Leadership positions will be great as well.</p>
<p>thanks alot lisieux! i guess i have to really do well for my As to cover up the damage done in my O levels :P</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, are you studying overseas now? :)</p>
<p>Not to worry, A Level is more important than Os anyway! </p>
<p>My grades weren't really stellar myself, but I think I made up for it with my essay. So you know, can't stress the importance of the "less quantifiable" components (essays, teacher recs, ECs) more!</p>
<p>Answering your question, yes and no, Not yet. I will be heading to UVA this fall. Yay. :D</p>
<p>What ECs did you take btw</p>
<p>Well, another thing to consider is that A level grades won't be out by application deadlines. So it's important to do well for promos, prelims, not only A levels. </p>
<p>Valour - Don't retake your O's. Waste of money. Try to excel in your JC, such as being elected into exco of CCA. Academic excellence is also important. Anyway, some schools you might want to consider are small LACs like Reed, Macalaster, Bowdoin, Grinnell... The top schools are mostly full of RJC straight-A types (typical mugs XD)</p>
<p>It is important to get good predicted results, since promo and prelim grades at top JCs (HC/RJ/etc...) are very ugly compared to US high schools, even for top students.</p>
<p>you mentioned about predicted results, are u referring to us or uk unis? what if i apply after my a levels?</p>
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It is important to get good predicted results, since promo and prelim grades at top JCs (HC/RJ/etc...) are very ugly compared to US high schools, even for top students.
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<p>But US high schools have grade inflation ....</p>