Congratulations on finishing your O-Levels and moving one step closer to your tertiary education! As you consider your options for the Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE) or the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), you might be wondering whether Junior College (JC) or Polytechnic (Poly) is the right choice for you.
Welcome to the second instalment of our two-part series, “Which Route Should I Take?”. In today’s article, we’ll explore the Poly pathway in detail, offering insights into this potential route for your post-secondary education.
The Polytechnic Route
The perception of polytechnics as an inferior alternative to the JC route has significantly changed over the years. Today, many poly courses have cut-off points that are lower than those of some JCs. According to The Straits Times, about 52% of O-Level graduates chose the polytechnic route in 2021, with 45% of them having also qualified for JC.
A polytechnic education is particularly advantageous if you have a specific industry in mind. For example, obtaining a diploma in mass communication can open many doors within the media industry, offering more targeted opportunities compared to the A-Level certification which may not be as sufficient to get into the media industry.
The Intensity of the Polytechnic Route
Poly education involves a rigorous combination of exams and assignments, making it essential to manage both effectively. In poly, every test, assignment, and group project significantly impacts your cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). This grading system demands consistent effort from you, as each component of your coursework contributes to your overall academic performance.
Moreover, scheduling exams a week or two after project deadlines adds to the pressure. This means that students need to juggle preparing for exams while completing group projects and meeting submission deadlines. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially when exams and project deadlines fall close to each other. Therefore, students must be adept at managing their time and workload to succeed in both areas.
If your GPA falls below an ideal level, it can be extremely challenging, if not nearly impossible, to recover. Unlike in JC, where a poor weighted assessment might be considered inconsequential if you perform well in your A-Levels, in polytechnic, every module and assessment directly affects your GPA. This means that there is no opportunity to neglect any aspect of your studies without risking your overall academic standing.
The rigorous workload and constant pressure to maintain a high GPA can lead to burnout if not managed effectively. Therefore, poly students must be prepared to handle a steady stream of academic responsibilities.
Preparing for Poly
If you’ve identified an industry that interests you, that’s a great start! However, before you rush to enrol in its polytechnic course, it’s crucial to do your own research. Oftentimes, students rush into enrolling in a course that they believe they are interested in, only to find themselves burning out or losing passion a few semesters in.
Before committing, take the time to read up on the course modules, talk to seniors who have experienced the course, and attend open houses to get a feel for the polytechnic’s curriculum and learning style. The environment and academic demands are quite different from secondary school, therefore it’s essential that you consider if the teaching pedagogy of the polytechnic aligns with your interests and learning preferences (e.g., Are you more of a hands-on learner? Do you enjoy working in groups?).
One challenge that O-Level graduates frequently face is the prevalence of group work. Unlike in secondary school, where your results are dependent on your individual effort, polytechnic modules frequently involve group projects.
Achieving a high GPA is not solely about individual effort, it also depends on your ability to manage group dynamics effectively.
Group projects heavily impact your GPA, and managing different working styles is crucial. You may have heard seniors complain about the difficulty of handling a project when working with underperforming team members. Strong people skills, efficient task delegation, and clear communication are crucial for group assignment success. Developing these abilities ensures smoother teamwork.
Self-discipline is also crucial if you wish to enrol into a polytechnic. While it’s tempting to fill your schedule with parties, raves, camps, CCAs, and other extracurricular activities, neglecting your studies can hurt your GPA. Balancing enjoyment with academic responsibilities is essential, especially if you plan to pursue university after polytechnic.
Pros of the Poly Route
One of the most noticeable benefits of the polytechnic route is the absence of a uniform. Unlike in JC, where students are required to wear a uniform, polytechnic students enjoy the freedom to dress as they wish. This change can be quite liberating for those seeking a more relaxed and personal approach to their daily attire.
In polytechnics, students are given more autonomy over their studies and are often involved in collaborative projects that mimic real-world scenarios. This emphasis on practical experience helps students develop essential skills for the workforce, such as teamwork and problem-solving.
A polytechnic education also offers valuable industry-relevant internships. These internships provide hands-on experience, thus enhancing the student’s skills and making them more competitive in the job market. As a result, polytechnic graduates often find themselves well-prepared for their careers, with many securing jobs immediately after obtaining their diplomas.
Cons of the Poly Route
For students who struggle with self-discipline, the poly environment may pose significant challenges. Polytechnic education places a heavy emphasis on self-directed learning and managing multiple academic responsibilities, which requires a high level of personal motivation, organisation, and discipline. Without these traits, keeping up with the numerous assignments, group projects, and exams can be particularly difficult. The self-paced nature of courses demands that students take initiative in their studies and consistently manage their time effectively. This can be overwhelming for those who are not used to such an independent learning structure, making it crucial to develop strong self-discipline to succeed in a polytechnic setting.
Students considering this route should also remember that their tertiary education will take three years, compared to their JC peers whose journey lasts only two years.
Additionally, while the percentage of poly students making it into local universities is increasing, the total number of polytechnic graduates compared to JC graduates is still lower.
Consequently, the competition to secure a spot in local universities can be even more intense and challenging for polytechnic graduates.
Is Polytechnic the Right Fit for You?
If you’re certain of the field that you want to pursue in the future, then a diploma would be ideal for you. However, keep in mind that a diploma might limit the range of university courses you’re eligible to apply for.
Still Undecided if Polytechnic is the Best Choice for you?
If you’re still unsure whether the polytechnic route is the right fit for you, check out our previous blog post where we explored the JC pathway, an alternative that offers a familiar but intense academic curriculum for those who prefer to sit for exams over project work.
