By Deng Jirui (23J02)
Before 2026, students studying in Singapore are required to take up 3 H2 subjects and 3 H1 subjects in order to meet the prerequisites in applying for a local university.
However, from 2026 onwards, students only need 3 H2 subjects and H1 General Paper to apply for a local university. Furthermore, from 2024 onwards, H1 Project work will be graded with either a pass or a fail and will no longer be considered in the calculation of rank points. To add on, the fourth subject in a candidate’s combination will only be considered if it raises their rank points.
This significant change to Singapore's university admissions system has brought about a multitude of benefits for students entering JC1 from 2024 onwards. For example, they have the freedom to choose the 4th content subject based on their interest rather than how well they think they might do in the subject.
Also, lowering the stakes of all H1 subjects except General paper will certainly make their academic journey less stressful, as well as give them more time to pursue their hobbies and interests. Learning will certainly be more enjoyable and less stressful for future candidates.
RV athletes playing a game of basketball
Students like Chai Wei Lin (23J02) feel optimistic for the newer batches of students who will undergo these changes: “I believe that the new university admissions system will be able to reduce the academic burden on students, as well as allow them to direct more time and effort on a smaller pool of subjects, thus enabling them to learn better.”
Mr Reuben Ng (Bio Department) also commented, “I think it’s a step in the right direction because it allows more free time for the students to pursue their interests.”
“The next major step we will need to take is to figure out how to encourage students to use their free time productively because they tend to see it as something productive only if it helps their academics or future career. Most importantly, I believe that everyone should embrace the joy of learning by itself,” he added.
RVians studying along the walkway outside the senior high lounge
To quote Zhongli from Genshin Impact “Every journey has its final day. Don’t rush.” While grades are important, we should not emphasize too much on it. Instead, I urge every student to enjoy the process of learning on its own. While school life can be very stressful and overwhelming at times, we should not rush things and take some time to relax, and savour every moment of learning. After all, we learn more from the journey than the results.
As a JC1 student who will be taking A levels in 2024 and applying for university in 2025, I can’t help but feel a little salty that I still need 3H2 subjects and 3H1 subjects to apply to a local university. However, I am truly happy that my junior RVians will feel less stressed and pressured when the time comes for them to enter JC.
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