DSA-JC and EAE-Polytechnic: Factors to Consider When Deciding On Your School of Choice

Making the right choice for your further education is extremely important.

With the DSA-EAE exercise coming up, you may be conflicted on how to choose a school to apply to. Whether you are a student choosing to apply this year or simply trying to figure out your next steps, read on to find out the factors to consider for the DSA-EAE exercise when deciding on your school of choice for post-secondary education.

1. Culture and environment

The school culture plays an important role in shaping your experience. Consider if the school’s overall culture and values resonate with you – what do they place emphasis on? What is the overall school environment like? What are the values they wish to impart to their students? Different schools have different reputations and strengths, and it is important to find a school that best suits your interests. A supportive and encouraging environment aligned with your interests can contribute significantly to your growth in your talent area and your overall experience.

Consider the learning style and academic reputation of the school to see if its learning environment suits your academic strengths and pace. Especially for polytechnics, some may employ a problem-based learning approach with daily assessments, while others might have a more traditional lecture-based system combined with projects and continuous assessments. Different schools may also have established reputations and strengths in specific areas and subjects, so it is important to research which school is well-regarded for the course or combination you are interested in. 

2. Resources and opportunities

When you apply to a school via DSA-EAE with a specific talent area, consider the school’s strengths in that specific area – do they have experienced coaches, dedicated facilities, or specialized programs that can help you further develop your skills? Especially for the DSA-JC exercise, different JCs offer DSA in various talent areas such as sports, performing arts, specific academic subjects and leadership. Research on the available programmes within the school, finding a JC that recognises and nurtures your specific talent. For example, if you excel in Chinese Orchestra, identify JCs with a strong Chinese Orchestra Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) that has a track record of achievements. A JC with a Science Research Programme may also be a good choice if you are applying through a science-related talent.

Furthermore, when choosing a school to apply to, consider if the facilities are suitable for your area of specialisation and if they can meet your needs. Explore the facilities and resources available at each school that are relevant to your interests and/or talent area. Examples include specialised labs, equipment, studios, workshops, and technology. Are they able to support your learning and further develop your talent? Consider if the school can provide you with opportunities such as competitions, internships or research attachments to maximise your potential in your chosen talent area and to further develop your strengths/interests. Some schools offer strong industry connections and internship opportunities, as well as career guidance to help you develop your skills in preparation for your career paths.

3. Extracurricular activities

If your DSA talent is linked to a specific CCA, research the CCA’s achievements in the school, their training rigour and the opportunities it provides for competitions and development. If your DSA is through a specific talent unrelated to CCA, consider the range of other CCAs the school offers and if they appeal to your interests. A vibrant CCA scene and culture plays an equally important role in shaping your experience in the school.

If you are applying to join the school through leadership for DSA-JC applicants, explore the leadership structures and opportunities available in the JC, such as student council or CCA leadership roles. For some schools, house/faculty leadership positions as well as class leadership positions may be considered in their leadership structure, providing opportunities for more students to hone their leadership skills. 

4. Courses available

When choosing the school to apply to, research the detailed curriculum and subjects you are interested in. Especially for students considering applying in the EAE-Polytechnic exercise, consider if the school has modules or subjects that cater to your interests/area of talent. Understanding the modules, learning outcomes and teaching methodologies is important to ensure that you will enjoy the modules offered and its usefulness in the long term. For students looking to apply in the DSA-JC exercise, ensure that the JC offers the subject combinations you are interested in pursuing for your A-Levels. Some specialized areas/fields might have recommended or required subject combinations. For example, only selected JCs offer H2 Computing or H2 English Language and Linguistics as a subject.

In conclusion, we know that choosing a school to apply to is no easy decision to make, as it concerns the next few years of your education. Visiting the schools’ websites and attending their open houses can provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision. Alongside our tips and factors for consideration above, we hope you find the school for you that can maximise your potential. All the best in your applications!