ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

 
 
Applicant must be a Singaporean or international student who is currently studying at Sec 4 (or
equivalent) in a Singapore school. We are looking for students with outstanding achievements
in the following areas:
 
 Category for Application  Details for Each Category Eligibilty Criteria
for Prospective Students
Sports Sports Talent 1. Top achievements/Awards in
(e.g. Basketball, Canoeing, international/regional/national
Cross-country, Judo, competitions
Netball, Shooting – Air 2. Represented country or Singapore
Rifle & Air Pistol, Softball, Schools
Squash, Table-tennis,
Tennis, Track & Field,
Trampoline, Volleyball,
Waterpolo, Wushu)
Performing Arts Performing Arts Talent 1. Top achievements/Awards in
(e.g. Chinese Orchestra, international/regional/national
Chinese Dance, Choir, competitions
Concert Band, Modern 2. Gold in SYF competitions
Dance, String Ensemble) 3. Recommendation by instructors.
Academic Academic - Centre of 1. Personal Portfolios
Scholastic Excellence 2. Achievements/Awards in
 Humanities Scholars international/regional/national
Programme competitions in talent area(s)
 Art Elective Programme 3. Good Sec 3 & 4 academic results
 Language Elective  
Programme (Chinese)
 Bicultural Studies
Programme
 Science & Mathematics
Talent Programme
Academic Talents 1. At least Silver medal for
 Mathematics, Science or Mathematics, Science or Informatics
Informatics Olympiad Olympiad or equivalent competitions
 Science & Mathematics 2. Participation in research project or
Research published research paper(s)
3. Good Sec 3 & 4 academic results
 
Leadership Leadership Positions 1. Leadership position (EXCO) &
 Students’ Council or contributions
Prefectional Board 2. Good Sec 3 & 4 academic results
 CCA leaders

General Information on DSA- JC Exercise 2010

 
1.                 What is the DSA - JC Exercise?
The DSA - JC Exercise gives JCs greater flexibility in student admission.  This is to allow
JCs to use a more diverse range of measures to assess the overall merit of
applicants.  All JCs are given the flexibility to consider students with diverse abilities
 before the release of the preliminary examination results.
 
2.                 Does HCI conduct the DSA - JC Exercise in 2 phases?
No.  HCI only participates in Phase 1 of the DSA - JC Exercise.
 
3.                 How much Discretionary Places will the JCs have?
 
Type of JC Discretionary Places
Independent JCs (HCI & RJC) 20%
All other JCs 10%
 
4.                 How much flexibility is given to JCs to select their students?
In general, JCs can decide on their admission criteria, so long as they are meritocratic
and transparent.  However, students currently studying in secondary schools must
achieve GCE O-Level results that meet the eligibility criteria for admission to JCs.  If
not, these students will be withdrawn from the JCs for participation in the Joint
Admissions Exercise (JAE) to gain admission to the polytechnics, Millennia Institute or
ITEs.
 
5.                 How will the students be admitted into the participating schools?
Students who meet the JC’s school-based admission criteria will be made a confirmed
offer by the JC during each of the admission phases. Before the end of each phase, the
student will be required to accept the offer before it expires.  Once the student has
accepted the confirmed offer, he will be admitted as long as he has met the eligibility
criteria for admission to JCs.
 
6.                 Who can the schools offer “Confirmed Offers” to?
As long as the student fulfils the age requirement for the level (i.e. 16 to 18+ for JC1
admission), the school will be free to offer “Confirmed Offers” to any student that is
assessed to have fulfilled the school based admission criteria, and the eligibility criteria
for admission into JCs.
 
7.                 Can a student accept multiple offers?
No.  If the student is found to have accepted multiple offers, he will be disqualified
from the DSA - JC Exercise.  He will have to gain JC admission via JAE if he would still
like to be admitted into a JC.
 
8.                 When will the student know the outcome of his choice?
Once the student has accepted a Confirmed Offer from the school, he will be deemed
to be admitted into the school.  If he should fail to attain the eligibility criteria for JC
admission, he will be withdrawn from the JC.
 
9.             Will the student still have to participate in JAE?
No, he may not participate in JAE as long as he is successfully admitted into the school
of his choice via DSA.  If he is unable to meet the eligibility criteria for JC admission, he
will have to participate in JAE if he still wishes to seek admission into Polytechnics or
ITE.  He will know if he has met the eligibility criteria for JC admission upon receipt of
his O-Level results.
 
10.             What happens when the student wants to indicate his preference for special
programmes (e.g. Language Elective Programmes, Humanities Programme or Art
Elective Programme)?
Students who wish to apply for the elective programmes (e.g. Language Elective
 Programmes, Humanities Programme, Art Eelctive Programme) should first check if the
JC they wish to apply to offers the elective programmes.  In Hwa Chong, we offer the
Humanities Programme, Language Elective Programme (Chinese), Arts Elective
Programme and Bicultural Studies Programme (China).  You may indicate your interest in
our elective programme when you make your Online Application. 
 
 
11.      Will there be enough places for students who wish to enrol in the HCI via JAE?
As there is a cap of 20% for enrolment under DSA-JC exercise for HCI, there will still be
80% of non- IP places available for enrolment under JAE.
 
 
FAQs for Students
 
1.                 Once I am admitted through scheme, why should I work hard for the O-Levels?
 
Your O-level results will serve as a record of your academic achievement: for example,
Hwa Chong may use your O-Level results to determine your subject
combination.  Preparing for the O-Levels also hones skills that are needed for your
future academic career.  Finally, you still need 20 points and below for your L1R5 in
order to retain your conditional position in HCI.
 
2.                 How should I prepare for the selection process?
 
You will need your school academic results, CCA records, personal portfolios
(achievements/awards/scholarships/special talents), when you submit your
application.  Teachers' recommendation is optional unless you find that it enhances
your chance of admission.
 
3.                 Will I be required to go for an interview?
 
You may be required to do so, and you will be informed accordingly.
 
4.                 How would I know if I am successful in my application?
 
The school will make you an offer directly.  You should receive a Letter of Offer from
the school latest by 27 July 2010.
 
5.                 I have received several DSA-JC Phase 1 Offers.  When must I decide?
 
You are allowed to confirm acceptance of only one DSA-JC Phase 1 Offer any time
during the Acceptance Stage.  During the DSA-JC Phase 1 Exercise, all offers must be
accepted by 30 July 2010, 3 pm.  Otherwise, the offer will lapse and you will be
assumed to have rejected our offer. 
 
6.                 What must I do to confirm acceptance of the DSA-JC Phase 1 Offer?
 
You are required to complete and sign 2 copies of the DSA-JC Phase 1 Acceptance
Form and return them to HCI’s College Reception for endorsement.  The school will
retain a copy, while you retain another copy (duly endorsed by the school) for
reference.
 
7.                 I have accepted one DSA-JC Phase 1 Offer during the Acceptance Stage.  Can I still
change my mind during the Acceptance Stage to accept another Offer?
  
Yes, provided you have another valid offer and apply for a change before the end of
the Acceptance Stage.  However, if you wish to take up a DSA-JC offer from another JC
during DSA-JC Phase 1 Acceptance Stage, your Cancellation Form must be submitted
before you confirm acceptance for another school.  This must be done personally
at MOE Customer Service Centre before the end of Phase 1 Acceptance Stage.
 
8.                 Can I accept more than one DSA-JC Offer?
No.  Students who accept more than one DSA-JC offers will have all their offers
invalidated.
 
9.              Why can’t I accept more than 1 Confirmed Offer?
You should exercise responsible choice and commit to one JC.  Any offers that are not
taken up can then be offered to other deserving students.
 
10.             What happens if I accidentally accept 2 DSA-JC Phase 1 Offers?
Once you are found to have accepted more than one DSA-JC Phase 1 Offer at the end
of Phase 1, all your offers will be rendered void, unless you cancel one of them before
the end of the Acceptance Stage. 
 
11.             I forgot to accept the DSA-JC Phase 1 Offer by 30 Jul 2010.  Can I still take up the
offer on 1 Aug 2010, only one day later?
 
No.  The terms of offer are clearly spelt out in the Letter of Offer. If you do not accept
the offer by 30 Jul 2010, 3 pm, you will be assumed to have rejected the offer.
 
12.             I could not accept my DSA-JC Offer in time due to extenuating circumstances
(accident/medical emergency/quarantine/terrorist act etc)?
 
If you are unable to accept an offer in time due to extenuating circumstances, you may
submit a Letter of Authorization for another adult (age 21 and above) to submit the
Acceptance Form on your behalf.
 
13.             Can I ask for an extension of deadline to consider the DSA-JC offer?
 
No.  We are unable to extend the deadline as we have to adhere to a tight schedule
for the DSA-JC exercise.
 
14.             If I have not been offered a place through the DSA-JC scheme, does that mean that
I no longer have the opportunity to join Hwa Chong Institution?
 
No.  You will be able to apply to Hwa Chong Institution through the JAE, using your O-
Level results.
 
15.             Will I be charged independent school fees?  What happens if I can't afford these
fees?
 
Yes, you will be charged independent school fees (refer to HCI website).  No student,
however, will be denied a place in Hwa Chong because of financial reasons.  Financial
support in the form of bursaries and scholarships will be provided for students who
are unable to afford the school fees.  
 
16.             When do I join the college if I am successful?
 
 Successful DSA-JC applicants will join Hwa Chong Institution at Week 4 of January 2011
if they meet the eligibility criteria of L1R5 less than or equal to 20 when O-Level results
release at Week 2 January 2011.
 
17.             Are there any restrictions as to the subject combination I can choose?
 
Those who enter the college via the DSA-JC scheme can choose their preferred subject
combination.  Students will be advised on the course of study based on their interest
and career options.
 
18.             What kinds of cultural opportunities exist in Hwa Chong?
 
Hwa Chong counts as one of its strengths its strong ties to the Chinese
community.  But ours is also a cosmopolitan environment.  We have students from a
range of racial and socio-economic backgrounds.  We are also a popular choice
amongst top scholars from China and the ASEAN countries.  Many of our 190-strong
College staff either come from different parts of the world or have spent years
studying or working abroad.  Because our staff and students bring varied experience
into the classroom and beyond, ours is a vibrant culture that responds to different
needs and interests.  Our renowned Chinese Language Elective Programme,
Bicultural Studies Programme and Humanities Programme are good examples of
“East meeting West”, contributing to the cosmopolitan culture at Hwa Chong.
 
CANCELLATIONS
 
19.             What do I do to cancel my DSA-JC acceptance?
 
To cancel your DSA-JC acceptance, you must obtain 2 copies of the DSA-JC
Cancellation Forms from MOE Customer Service Centre.  Once the forms are
completed and signed, you must submit them, in person, to MOE Customer Service
Centre.  You may keep one copy for your record. 
 
20.             After I have cancelled my acceptance, what evidence/proof/verification must I
produce to another school that I have withdrawn before I can accept their DSA-JC
offer?
 
If you have cancelled an earlier DSA-JC acceptance, you would have retained one copy
of the Cancellation Form, duly endorsed by MOE. You must produce this and show it
to the school before you accept their DSA-JC offer.
 
21.             How does the school know in the first place that I have accepted a DSA-JC Phase 1
Offer from another school and that I must withdraw from that offer before I can take
up their DSA-JC Phase 2 Offer?
 
All schools will have access to information about students’ DSA-JC Phase 1 & 2
acceptances.
 
INFORMATION ON JAE
 
22.             If I have accepted a DSA-JC Offer to HCI this year, must I still participate in
PAE/JAE?
 
No, you do not have to participate in JAE if you have accepted a DSA-JC Offer to
HCI.  You will know your eligibility for admission to JC upon receipt of your O-Level
 results.
 
23.             If I have accepted a DSA-JC Offer and want to withdraw so that I may participate
in JAE, what must I do?
 
You must withdraw from your DSA-JC offer no later than 8 October 2010.  You must
withdraw from DSA-JC by going personally to MOE, Podium Block Level 1, Customer
Service Centre.