Ryse Insights

As November's open house season approaches, families can visit many secondary schools over the next four weekends. These are more than tours. They are opportunities to experience each school's culture firsthand. Parents should ask critical questions about subject availability at upper secondary levels and CCAs, as these choices will impact eligibility for JC subjects, polytechnic courses and university majors.

Passing AEIS is just the start for international students. Singapore’s education system uses three key exams as gatekeepers: PSLE, the new SEC (replacing O-Levels and N-Levels from 2027) and A-Levels. Early entry allows students develop better language skills and more time to adapt and excel. Understanding these stages helps families plan effectively and support children’s success and integration into Singapore’s rigorous academic landscape.

SkillsFuture is transforming education in Singapore by promoting lifelong learning and skills mastery. For students, portfolio building complements strong academic foundations, helping them demonstrate practical skills alongside grades. This balanced approach prepares them for competitive admissions and future job markets, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and creative application for holistic success.

Join us for two community sessions designed to guide families through critical education decisions. Learn about post-PSLE secondary school selection (AL scores vs DSA pathways) on Nov 1 at Siglap South CC, and university admissions strategies for local, US & UK institutions on Nov 23 at Thomson CC. Open to all parents and students seeking expert guidance on Singapore's education system.

Singapore may wish to ease its focus on grades, but the truth is global universities still demand them. For ambitious students, standardised exams like the A-Levels remain a crucial leveller as a way to match brighter peers and reach top institutions. The challenge is not to deny grades, but to expand success to include networks, presence, and purpose as launchpads for lasting careers.

NTU's career support is welcome, but let's be honest: Singapore's open economy means graduates compete globally for local jobs. Most desirable industries offer minimal citizen advantage. Success now requires uniquely human skills (creativity, empathy, cultural intelligence) that our academic system undervalues. Students need strategic guidance on becoming irreplaceably human in an AI-driven, globally competitive market.

The US new proposal on 4-year cap on F-1 student visas ends decades of 'duration of status' admissions, creating unprecedented uncertainty for international students. With 80% of Asian students relying on informal guidance, professional educational consultants like Ryse Education become critical for navigating policy volatility and developing strategic alternatives across Asia's rising education destinations.

A Primary 5 student from Maris Stella became a medallist at the International History Olympiad even though history isn’t taught in primary schools in Singapore. This highlights how educational consultants help students access and prepare for prestigious global competitions. With the timeline right, this student is well-positioned for P6 DSA next year under the humanities track, showcasing how competitions complement self-initiated projects in DSA preparation.

A student stands out by launching a science journalism contest funded from his own high school scholarship award, empowering youth and boosting science literacy. His initiative exemplifies authentic leadership and community impact. This are qualities that top universities like MIT and Harvard seek in outstanding student portfolios. It’s a powerful example of how real-world action and generosity create lasting impressions beyond grades or accolades.

Singapore’s universities are more competitive than ever, with 36,800 applicants vying for 18,500 places in 2024, a 2:1 ratio, and NUS College seeing 10,000 applicants for just 400 spots. Holistic admissions now require portfolios showcasing achievements beyond grades: research projects, leadership roles, creative and technical works, and personal statements. Early preparation, diverse experiences, and DSA-style practice are essential to stand out in this selective landscape.

A portfolio isn't just a ticket to your next school, it's a mirror of who you're becoming. At Ryse, we see portfolio building not as a task, but as a training ground for life-long skills: clarity, resilience, and personal leadership.

In Singapore’s competitive academic scene, standout recommendation letters make a difference. Start early, be upfront with teachers, and have backup options so you secure strong, personal endorsements for your university application.

Discover insider tips from an ex-SUTD and ex-SIT professor on how polytechnic students can boost their chances of getting into Singapore’s top universities. Learn about GPA cut-offs, diploma relevance, the role of portfolios and interviews, and why early planning with educational consultants like Ryse can make all the difference.

Starting early is key for students aiming at top universities like Oxbridge or the Ivy League. Read how I guided my student Jay from Secondary 3 at ACSI, helping him build a strong academic and super-curricular portfolio, win competitions, and grow in confidence, leading to his Cambridge Engineering offer. Discover why early, holistic preparation matters in today’s admissions landscape, and how you can map your child’s journey too.

When Harvard closes its gates, Singaporean students must rise with strategy, navigating global shifts with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

O-Levels open doors, but strategy determines which ones you walk through. Here’s why engaging a personal educational strategist can transform your JC or Polytechnic journey — and your future.