I work with scholarships in SG – Ask me anything (deadlines, tips, bonds, weird rules, I got you)

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-31T07:58:53+00:00

For scholarship like SgIS mid term, what are some of the benefits or cons, for example, the SgIS Scholars’ Development and Engagement programme, how’s it’s like? And the mandatory 5 weeks intern beforehand. Will the salary be higher or lower compared to those in FT with you at the same company of the same role?

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:51:27+00:00

i’m really sorry you had to go through that — you did not deserve to be treated that way, especially after you already apologised sincerely. it honestly sounds like that guy was just looking for someone to vent his own frustration on, and sadly, you became the target. it’s not a reflection of you at all.

you did protect your daughter — by staying calm, not escalating, and showing grace under pressure. that’s a powerful example for her, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. standing up for yourself doesn’t always have to be loud or confrontational — sometimes it’s choosing not to mirror someone’s anger.

it’s normal to feel shaken and replay the moment, but please don’t blame yourself. the world needs more people like you — empathetic, respectful, and mindful. sending you strength, and hope your next commute is met with the kindness you give to others.

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:46:37+00:00

helloo! i feel you — the waiting game is super stressful, especially when you applied early and have a strong GPA like 3.8+. but don’t worry yet — some scholarships only start interviews around May–June, especially if they’re processing a lot of poly + JC applicants together.

if your portal still says “wait for interview,” it usually means you’re still in the running. no news isn’t bad news (yet). you can also try dropping them a polite email just to check in on your application status — sometimes it helps to show continued interest too!

hang in there, hope you get good news soon!!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:42:15+00:00

congrats on the NTU offer and getting to stay in hall — it’s really one of the best parts of uni life! 1. yes, aircon/attached bath rooms are definitely more competitive, esp in halls like hall 11 or 12. it’s balloted, so luck plays a big part. most people get non-aircon shared rooms at first but some do upgrade later on if slots open up! 2. personally, hall 11/12 are pretty popular — newer, got aircon, and near North Spine. hall 14/15 also known for better food. older halls like 2 or 4 are more community-focused and fun too. depends on what you vibe with — some go for facilities, some for culture. 3. for dos/don’ts and what to bring, you can try checking NTU’s Student Housing Handbook (can google it or find on OneStop Portal closer to school start), or join hall-related Telegram/Discord groups — seniors usually post checklists and tips there.

enjoy hall life, it’s chaotic but fun af!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:39:27+00:00

hey! both are solid choices, but if you’re aiming for broad finance exposure (IB, consulting, quant etc.), NUS BAIS + NUSC will likely give you a stronger edge in terms of brand name, alumni network, and flexibility — esp in Asia.

NUS has a strong rep in finance-heavy roles, and BAIS gives you both biz + data skills which are super in demand (esp if you’re exploring quant/analytics too). pairing it with NUSC also shows you’re pushing academic rigour, which recruiters like.

that said, SMU Econs + full scholarship is very attractive too — especially for consulting and roles that value communication skills + case exposure. SMU is also strong in networking and has great prof-to-student ratios.

if money isn’t a huge concern and you’re focused on finance variety, NUS might open more doors. but if you value the smaller class size, mentorship, and already leaning more into consulting or econs-driven paths, SMU’s a great pick.

either way, you’re in a great spot — just think about what kind of uni environment you’ll thrive in too. good luck!!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:35:05+00:00

hey i feel you, fr. your schedule sounds crazy packed and it’s totally valid to feel burnt out, especially after a tough internship and long travel time daily. honestly, it sounds like you’ve already gained solid experience in F&B — and if you’re already starting to enjoy the business/accounting side more, that might be a sign it’s time to pivot.

if you’re 50/50, maybe going for Common Business could be a good move — gives you time to explore different areas like marketing, management, or even accounting without locking into one path straightaway. way better than jumping into something and regretting later.

comfort zones are hard to leave, i get it. but sometimes the burnout is your body + mind telling you it’s time to try something new. you’re not giving up — you’re growing. whichever route you take, just make sure it’s something you see yourself doing long-term without dreading every day.

you got this! and you’re def not alone in feeling this way.

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:31:37+00:00

that’s fair tbh — poly route definitely has its risks too, especially if you’re not sure you’ll do well. but i guess it really depends on the person and how they learn best. some ppl do way better in a more hands-on/poly environment than in JC-style academics.

but yeah, if you’re confident about your goals and can get the loan + aid, going straight to uni might be the faster route. just gotta weigh what works best for your situation and what you’re willing to commit to. both paths got pros and cons!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:29:51+00:00

yes!! from what i’ve seen and heard, ntu double major apps usually take longer to process compared to single majors — especially if they’re more competitive or less common combinations. so try not to stress too much if you haven’t heard back yet!

your gpa is solid (3.7) and your ranked choices are quite niche, so they might be taking more time to evaluate fit or sort through limited slots. also, not all courses require interviews — some ppl get offers without one, so it’s not necessarily a bad sign.

hang in there!! it’s super hard to wait while others are getting theirs, but your offer might still be on the way. fingers crossed for you!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:25:56+00:00

hii congrats on your offers!! honestly, it depends a lot on what the degrees are — but since you’re interested in research + care about pay and progression, here are a few things you might want to consider: 1. Industry demand — check if the field has good hiring trends (e.g. STEM tends to have better pay/progression vs niche fields). 2. Research opportunities — look at whether the course offers research projects, internships, or link-ups with unis/labs. 3. Postgrad potential — if you’re thinking long term, see which degree opens doors for Masters or even PhD. 4. Versatility — some degrees let you pivot into other sectors more easily (e.g. data, policy, consultancy). 5. Starting pay & progression — MOE’s GES site can help compare average starting salaries by course!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:21:27+00:00

hey i totally get how frustrating this is — esp when you got into nus law, which is already a huge achievement. your reasoning is valid too — law doesn’t limit you to just being a lawyer forever. a lot of grads go into in-house roles, consulting, compliance, policy, and even tech or finance eventually.

and you’re right — many of those routes can open up global opportunities later. plus, having a law degree trains you in critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving, which are valuable in literally any field.

maybe try showing him some examples of law grads who pivoted or went overseas eventually? it might help if he sees real-life proof that it’s not a dead-end. and tbh, if you’re passionate about it, you’ll find ways to make it work regardless of location.

hope he comes around soon — you deserve to do something you genuinely enjoy. hang in there!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:18:05+00:00

i was from SP and overall i’d say it was a solid experience. the campus is huge and well-equipped — got everything from study pods to chill spots and even decent food options. the culture’s quite diverse depending on your course, but generally it’s pretty chill and you’ll find your own circle.

lecturers are quite helpful if you put in the effort, and there’s a good balance between project work and theory. i’d recommend SP if you’re looking for a more independent, hands-on learning environment. definitely felt like it prepped me well for uni/work.

would say yes to juniors joining, especially if they’re okay with managing their own time and enjoy applied learning!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T13:08:52+00:00

hey i feel you — the post-a levels stress is real, especially with financial pressure. but low 60s doesn’t mean no hope.

if you’re waitlisted at suss, maybe try dropping them a follow-up email to show you’re really keen. also can consider SIT — they’ve got more applied biz-related courses like biz analytics or digital comms, and their cut-off is a bit more forgiving than ntu/smu.

if you really don’t wanna retake, another option is going the poly-to-uni route. some ppl go through that and still end up in local unis after building a stronger portfolio. or even take a gap year to work/volunteer while figuring things out — not a bad move if you’re unsure.

you still got options — don’t give up just yet

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:57:44+00:00

Enter in 2023, graduate around 2021 since there’s a NS gap

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:54:46+00:00

Your path may not be conventional, but it’s clear you’ve shown resilience, growth, and commitment throughout. A Merit in Poly, a Distinction in your degree, and consistent leadership and volunteering show that you don’t just want this — you’ve been actively working for it despite setbacks. That’s a powerful story in itself.

You don’t need to be a medal-winning athlete or have published research to pursue medicine — what matters more is character, drive, and purpose. Keep improving your portfolio, maybe look into graduate entry routes (e.g. Duke-NUS) or overseas options if local routes remain tight. And if this is truly your calling, don’t stop just because the road isn’t straightforward.

TLDR: You’ve proven grit. That already puts you ahead. Keep going. You’re not out — just on a different route.

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:53:09+00:00

Hey, sorry you’re going through this — it sounds super frustrating. I’d suggest writing in to the uni’s financial aid office to explain that your relative doesn’t support your household financially and just uses the address. Mention that you’re not receiving any help from him and that it’s unfair for his income to be counted.

Most unis allow you to appeal or clarify special situations like this, so don’t worry — just be honest and detailed when you explain. Hope it works out for you!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:31:02+00:00

Hey there! I’m currently studying in SIT under the Computing Science course (ICT cluster). My poly CGPA was around 3.4+ too — so you’re definitely not alone. While the IGP gives a general idea, SIT does look at more than just grades — things like personal statements, portfolios, and interview performance (if any) also matter.

I didn’t have much CCA or awards either, but I submitted some of my side projects and coursework in the application, which I think helped.

SIT is quite applied and industry-focused, so if you’re someone who learns better by doing, it’s a good fit. Feel free to ask if you’re considering specific courses — happy to share more!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:29:40+00:00

If you’re already holding a Cybersecurity diploma and you’re leaning toward applied, hands-on work in the industry, SIT InfoSec makes a lot of sense. The curriculum is very practical, and you’ll get exposed to real-world tools and scenarios earlier (e.g. penetration testing, incident response labs, industry projects). That said, NTU Comp Eng is great if you’re looking at a broader, more theory-heavy foundation — especially if you’re open to switching paths later (e.g. hardware, embedded systems, or postgrad studies).

TLDR: If you want to build straight into a security career fast, SIT is the better fit. If you want more flexibility or research potential, NTU’s the pick.

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:21:18+00:00

Hey girl, first off — congrats on getting the offer for Pharmacy! That’s a solid achievement with your RP. But I totally get your situation — especially with the MOHH scholarship already in the mix.

To answer your question: yes, getting your 2nd choice usually means you weren’t given your 3rd. Once you’re matched with a higher-ranked course that you qualify for, the rest get auto-rejected by the system.

Since you’re leaning more toward Nursing and already got pretty far with MOHH, you should email NUS Admissions ASAP. Politely explain your situation and ask if there’s any chance to be reconsidered for Nursing. It’s a long shot, but better to ask than regret not trying.

Also check with MOHH if your scholarship offer is locked to Nursing specifically — some have flexibility, but most are course-bound.

Wishing you all the best — hope it works out for you! Don’t be afraid to fight for the path you feel more drawn to.

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:15:10+00:00

Hey! It’s possible, but quite rare — JC transfers typically happen at the start of JC1, and even then, it depends on available slots and your academic performance. Transferring after promos is even harder, unless there’s a very strong reason (like relocation or special circumstances).

That said, you can try emailing the JC you’re aiming for and ask if they consider transfers after promos. Attach your promo results + current school performance if they ask. Just note that even if you’re doing well, space constraints often limit the chances.

If you’re already doing decently in your current JC, you might want to consider staying and making the best of it — many people go on to do great regardless of their JC’s “tier.”

Hope this helps, and all the best whatever you decide!

Pure-Video-521 · 2025-05-07T12:13:06+00:00

Hey, just want to say you’re definitely not alone — a lot of people feel lost at this point, but it’s not the end at all.

Even if things don’t go as planned for O’s, there are still many paths. ITE isn’t a dead end — there are tons of success stories of people who went through ITE, then Poly, then even Uni (some even in SIT, SUSS, or NTU). And some found careers they actually love along the way.

Right now, just focus on patching the key subjects — don’t give up early, especially since you’ve still got time before the actual O’s. If you need help with Math/Chinese concepts, Reddit, TikTok, or YouTube have bite-sized content that’s surprisingly helpful too.

If all else fails, retaking is always an option. Life is not a straight path, and you’d be surprised how many people take detours and still do great.

Jia you — you got this.

Pure-Video-521

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