"The only reason I chose the polytechnic route three years ago was because MOE (Ministry of Education) said that if you get top 10% of your course, you would definitely qualify for a spot in the local universities. However when I entered poly, I was very disappointed to find out you need a crazy GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.6 or so to even be considered," said Yi Min, 18, a second year student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Diploma in Mass Communications course.
Elliot Law, 20, a final year student from Nanyang Polytechnic's Diploma in Hospitaliy & Tourism Management course shared the same sentiments. "Right now, my GPA is at 3.5 out of 4. That means I have scored an average of B+ throughout my three years but after listening to a talk regarding further education held in my school, I realised that my GPA is the same as those who with a GPA of 2.0 or even 1.0. What's the difference? Both of us would just end up being rejected by the local universities anyway," Elliot explained.
“From the looks of it, I have to start talking to my parents about sending me overseas for my university studies. I really feel that’s only fair for all my hard work over the last three years.”
According to an article published last year in The Straits Times, “About 4,000 polytechnic graduates leave for overseas each year. Many parents clean out their retirement savings and go into debt just so as to give their children a university education abroad - at about $100,000 over two years in Britain and $70,000 in Australia.”
Unfortunately, there are students like Chia Peiwen, 20, a final year student from Singapore Polytechnic’s Diploma in Banking & Finance, who do not have the option to pursue their further studies abroad.
“My parents cannot afford to send me abroad because it is just too expensive,” said Peiwen.
Out of the 42 students that were unhappy with their prospects, 23 of them have regretted choosing the polytechnic route.
“From what I observed, the students that get accepted into the local Us (university) are the ones that score near perfect GPAs like 3.8 or even 3.99. Most of these students tend to be from courses like Engineering or Accounting where scoring full marks for an example is possible,” said Jared Leong, 20, a final year student from Temasek Polytechnic’s Diploma in Business.
“Getting such a high GPA is impossible for students enrolled in courses like mine where we have essays for our exams. How can you score full marks on an essay? If I knew I would be in this situation, I would’ve just gone to a Junior College,” added Jared.
When asked by a student regarding such low prospects, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports & Ministry of Transport and Mayor of North East CDC, said he understood how the students felt and gave an explanation.
“There is bound to be competition when you want to enter the local universities. Whether you think it is fair or not, it is up to you to decide because everyone wants to have a place in there,” Mr Teo said.
Mr Teo was in Temasek Polytechnic last Wednesday, the 20th of January, as a guest speaker for the school’s Youth Matter Series forum.
Mr Teo speaking at Temasek Polytechnic
Mr Teo also told students not to discouraged about such prospects and carry on doing their best.
“The society here is very competitive and you should turn this competitiveness into an energy where you can make a difference for yourself. Are you going to give up? Or are you going to work even harder? You should tell yourselves that if this is the environment I’m in, than I will make full use of it and make the difference out of it,” Mr Teo said.
According to Mr Teo, having the Government allocate more places for Polytechnic students in the local universities is a not good option.
“If you ask the Government to give you more, I’m sure the Government will give you more but will it satisfy everyone? No, because there will always be people asking for more still,” Mr Teo said.
anjalimehtus Said,
do you want to study in abroad today or in the next intake. reputed overseas consultancy in hyderabad we are the best and top rated study abroad consultancies in india with good visa assurance.we help you in filing the f1 visa for you in very less time. we are also help you with information needed to apply for the college university.
Posted on January 10, 2017 at 11:38 PM
taiseer Said,
do you want to study in abroad today or in the next intake. we are the best and top rated study abroad consultancies in india with good visa assurance.we help you
abroad education consultancy in hyderabad in filing the f1 visa for you in very less time. we are also help you withinformation needed to apply for the college university.
Posted on January 13, 2017 at 12:25 AM