A link on the system National University of Singapore(NUS)

A fresh grad from NUS, she shows NUS's system, what it is and how it works. Good read for those going into NUS this semester.

http://twocentsworth.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-big-book-on-nus.html

Chapter 1: Choosing a University and a Course

Chapter 1: Choosing a University and a Course

Congratulations! Now you are now on your way to one of the best times in your life. University will clearly be one of the most memorable times in your life, not to mention the most exciting. It’s often rather overwhelming in picking a university or a course, so take your time and choose wisely.

The Course
I think it would be best to start with the course you would like to study. Sit down and think about what you would like to do. You could try this exercise, picture yourself 15 years down the road and see what work you would be doing. You could be building bridges, making townships, teaching, handling datacenters or even editor of your own magazine. From here work backwards and see what you have to do.

The Institution
Once you have chosen the path that you want to pursue, it’s time to look for your course. If you are studying locally, you can look through all the local universities and see the courses they offer. If not, try searching through some overseas universities that offer such courses. When looking at the course, make sure to look at the culture of the university, whether it is purely academic and research or it is a very practical based university. This can’t be stressed enough as it will eventually determine your mode and method of study. Universities may use the same textbooks, but their modes of instruction may vary greatly and it should a key consideration for the school of your choice. Another factor would be the subjects, pay close attention to what you will be studying and see if this is the line you want to pick up. An informed decision is a good decision.

There are many reputable institutions around, but do not always go for the name. Some people have this misconception that the better the ranking of the institution the better the school will be. It is not always true. A university education is an all round education which is not all always in the classrooms. Ever watched Dead Poets’ Society? See what is being taught and how it’s being taught. The main purpose of a university education is to expand the mind and bring it to a newer level, so that the individual can think deeper and at a much larger scale, seeing and understanding new opportunities and theories. So choosing a proper institution and a proper course for your purpose is very important, do not rush into it.

What if I cannot get into the institution or the course of my choice?
A: Because of lack of finance and B: Because of my grades

Part A

If you are in a situation where you lack the money to go and study, there are many organizations and people who are willing to sponsor or loan the money. Try and look around in your area for companies who give out sponsorships to students or banks that have education loan products that you can apply for after you get your admission. It is a matter of taking the initiative and making some relevant inquiries. Some companies may be able to sponsor the student and may give them a bond to work with them when they graduate. So basically you will already have secured a job when you have graduated, that’s 2 birds with one stone!

Part B:
You should have studied harder…That would be the normal response. But often there are students who have gotten better grades and got the place that you wanted. First thing, make sure you appeal, appeal, appeal and when you do, show the passion that you have in the subject by explaining how much you have wanted to study it. They love that! Then show how much you know about the university by explaining its culture and how it will be beneficial to you and when you graduate. Also, explain how you can contribute to the school being the person you are. Show them that even though you did not match up in terms of grades, you understand and know what you are getting into and that this is exactly what you want. It is nicer to see the fire in a person, the passion of wanting something.

If you still did not get in, you could try other institutions that teach the same courses. Ultimately, it the subject you want to learn, the university is the tool to help you. If you can inculcate discipline, such that you take the time to do more research into what you are studying, then you will be better than the average graduate at the end of the day.

And if your sights have been set on just this one particular university, then you can take up another course and try to transfer. Or you could follow this girl’s example - she did a Bachelors in Management, but she planned all her electives in such a way that by just doing one term more, she was able to get two majors, one in International Business and one in Organizational Behavior. In the end she got what she wanted, with knowledge in more than one field, making her more educated and valuable in the market.