Facing the daunting O-Level exams can be extremely nerve-wrecking, and the fear of performing poorly only adds to the anxiety that most students face. It’s crucial to remember that while your O-Level results are significant, they aren’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to securing admission to your desired polytechnic course. For those who aspire to enter polytechnic, here’s an alternative route that doesn’t rely solely on your academic grades – the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE).
Important Dates
Here are the important dates to take note of if you are interested in applying to EAE.
Application Stage | 20 June to 26 June 2024 |
Selection Stage | 1 July to 27 August 2024 |
Offer & Acceptance Stage | 6 September (2pm) to 11 September (1159pm) 2024 |
Withdrawal Stage | 12 September to 11 October (1159pm) 2024 |
Step 1: Applying to EAE
For O-Level students aiming to apply for EAE, you first need to satisfy the following eligibility criteria to qualify:
- A Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident who has registered for the GCE O-Level exams this year, or
- An international student currently enrolled in a government, government-aided, or Independent School, and have registered for the GCE O-Level exams this year.
Consequently, you may submit your applications through the EAE Application Portal between 20 June and 26 June. You can select up to 3 diploma courses and submit the mandatory 600-character write-up respectively.
Reminder: Make sure you pick your top choices carefully as you’ll only get one offer – the highest-ranked course out of your three choices!
We recommend that you complete the 1,000 character write-up to present a more holistic picture of your achievements and talents. This helps to increase your chances of securing admission via the EAE process.
Reminder: Character count is not the same as word count. Characters include letters, numbers, punctuations, and even spaces!
Step 2: Interviews and Assessments
Shortlisted candidates will receive invitations to attend the interview sessions conducted by the respective polytechnics. During which, you’ll be assessed based on your portfolio, participation in Applied Learning Modules, competitions, workshops, leadership roles held in school, and work attachments or projects related to your chosen field.
The interviewers are looking out for those who demonstrate a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the course. Hence, it’s crucial that you persuade the interviewers that you belong among those individuals, so ensure you arrive on time and is well-prepared for the interview!
If you’re unable to attend the interview, promptly inform the polytechnic so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Step 3: Offer & Acceptance
Successful applicants must confirm their acceptance as a non-response is deemed as a rejection of the offer.
Once you’ve confirmed your acceptance, you are guaranteed a place in the polytechnic course, given that you meet the minimum entry requirements (a net ELR2B2 of 26 points or better) alongside your course-specific requirements.
Choosing to Withdraw your EAE acceptance?
If you have changed your mind after accepting the EAE offer and wish to withdraw your acceptance, you must submit your withdrawal online through the EAE portal between 12 September and 11 October.
Be aware that once you’ve fulfilled the conditional offer, your EAE offer will be automatically confirmed. This means that you won’t be permitted to change courses within or across polytechnics, nor will you be eligible for the Joint Admissions Exercise or any other polytechnic admissions exercise.
TLDR: Is EAE the Right Fit for Me?
Take a moment to consider the following questions:
- Have you met the eligibility criterias and each polytechnic’s respective course requirements for EAE?
- Do you understand the EAE application process (including deadlines, required items for submission, and interview procedures)?
- Have you figured out what you’re passionate about? Are you good at this subject and would likely enjoy spending a considerable amount of time on this subject?
- If you’re into design or any course that requires a portfolio, is your portfolio able to clearly show off your talents and achievements?
- Have you considered if other options like JAE would be more suitable for your goals and future path?
Ultimately, you’ll be committing the next 3 years of your life to this course of study, so don’t rush into this until you’re sure that it’s something that you really want.
We get it, it’s not easy making such a big decision at the age of 16. But digging deep into your options early on is super important so that you can be sure that you’re choosing the right path for your future.
If you’re still unsure about EAE and whether it’s the right fit for you, reach out to your teachers or someone you trust for a more balanced viewpoint.