Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Direct School Admission: Spotting Questions



There are many, many questions worth spotting in a Direct School Admission (DSA) interview. Spotting questions and providing a 'model' answer for your prospective teachers may not secure you a spot in your desired secondary school/institution but it will give you an edge above those who do not do so. Of course, spotting these very common questions will also give yourself a confident boost during the interview.

Some very common questions which do come up in DSA interviews most of the time include the following. We have classified them into three main categories, school-relatedpersonality-related and interest-related.

School Related

1) What do you hope to achieve when you come to our secondary school?
2) What do you like about the facilities in our school?
3) Have you ever considered what CCA or special programme you would like to join upon joining our school?
4) What makes you choose our school instead of another?
5) Did you apply to get into another school through DSA?
6) What do you think are your chances of getting in into our school through DSA?

Personality Related

1) Describe yourself.
2) What are your studying habbits?
3) What is one of your best characteristics?
4) What about yourself do you want to improve on the most?
5) If you were given one special power, what would that be?
6) Is studies or giving to the community more important?

Interest Related

1) What are some of your hobbies?
2) What was the last book you read?
3) Any movie you really enjoyed?
4) Do you go explore further in your interests or even participate in competitions?
5) How do you think our school can support your interests?
6) Would you compromise on your interests or passion because of a busy study schedule our school may give you?

These are just some of the questions which our students have told us about and we think that it would be useful for the next generation of students going through DSA to consider. While this may not be a very comprehensive list, we hope that these can help you prepare a little and give yourself a confidence boost. Remember that in an interview, the interviewing teachers love to see a calm and confident student, these are the people who will truly stand out from the rest.



Registration for our July DSA Workshop has started. Please see below for more details:

DSA interview skills workshop:




If you are interested, please call or text us, drop us an email or fill in the contact us form below.
For other schedule for the DSA interview skills workshop please call or email to register your interest.

Alternatively, you can opt for individual coaching. Please call 96701894 to find out more.

For more posts related to Direct School Admission, please click DSA.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Direct School Admission 2014 - How to Prepare DSA Portfolio

Myth: You need to present from your portfolio.
Truth: Your portfolio may not even be looked at during the interview session!
Another Truth: But that does not mean you do not need a prepare your portfolio.

Yes, that is right. Based on the experience of students who took the DSA interview at various tops schools, this is the disappointing truth. However, we urge students not to compromise on the quality of the portfolio you compile. Reason being that a portfolio shows to the interviewing teachers that YOU are well-prepared and interested in joining the school as a future student. Having a portfolio by your side also allows you to refer and show the interviewing teachers what you have achieved in your Primary school years if they ask.

In case you were wondering what a portfolio is, it is basically a compilation of awards, certificates, transcripts and if you wish, teacher's recommendations are good too. A summarized copy of your CCA involvements, competitions and CIP projects are good to include in your portfolio too. 

Essentials

There are a few essentials that should be included in every portfolio you bring to a DSA interview. Depending on your academic strengths, your portfolio should/may include some/all of the below listed. Of course a good-looking folder to contain your documents is also recommended. 
- Transcripts (P4 to Early P6)
- Competitions
- Participation in camps
- Leadership roles in schools
- CIP and CCA involvement
- Personal Statement (Compulsory for some schools but not all)

Registration for our July DSA Workshop has started. Please see below for more details:

DSA interview skills workshop:

If you are interested, please call or text us, drop us an email or fill in the contact us form below.
For other schedule for the DSA interview skills workshop please call or email to register your interest.

Alternatively, you can opt for individual coaching. Please call 96701894 to find out more.

For more posts related to Direct School Admission, please click DSA.