Saturday, August 24, 2013

JC OR Poly?

For those who study in Singapore, you will know that after the O levels, students will have to choose between two options, Junior College or Polytechnic. 

In case you are foreign to these terms, let me just summarise each of them. In Junior College, you will take a 2-year course for your A levels, that is used for admission to the University. 

In Poly, you will take a 3-year course for your DIPLOMA. There are lots of courses in fields such as Engineering, Applied sciences, Business, etc. 



OR 



This issue about JC and Poly is debatable, some think that JC is better as majority of JC students will get into university, while in Poly, you have to be one of the top. Some think that Poly is better as the skills learnt can be used in the real world and that A levels will be useless if you can't get into a university. There's a mix of opinions in the public and it's good to have many different people thinking in different ways actually. 

In my opinion, both JC and Poly has their own advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on the person's opinion. In my group of friends, there are some who want to go to JC, and some who want to go to Poly. But poly is gaining more popularity nowadays and most of my friends actually want to go to Poly to pursue the courses of their choice, that includes me.  



So let's analyse this further and take a look at the general differences between the two: 

1) Entry to University 

Who doesn't want to get a degree? With many degree holders nowadays, you will sort of lose out if you do not have one. 

As mentioned, A level holders are prioritised in University admissions. About 90% of JC students will go on to University. As for diploma holders, only the top 20% or so will be able to get into a University. 

But here's the catch, if a JC student can't get into a University, his/her A level qualification is USELESS. He/she can then go to Poly with the A levels but that's a waste of 2 years of his/her life. 

With a Diploma, even if you can't get into a university after graduation, you can find a job and work before furthering your studies in the University using at least 3 years of working experience. 

Of course, University graduates get higher starting pays than diploma holders and have more opportunities, but that's another story so not gonna really touch on that. 

2) Subjects Learnt 

In JC, you will still be learning general subjects such as Maths, Science, Literature, Etc. 
But in Polytechnic, the subjects learnt are those related to your course/field. 

Also, in JC, the subjects are for your A levels only while in Poly, the skills and knowledge learnt can be used in the real world. 

But in my opinion, if you are interested in studying general subjects in Uni, such as History, Literature, Mathematics, it is better to go to JC. Because JC will give you a strong foundation in those kinds of subjects. 

3) Experiences you get 

In my opinion, If you want a more enriching experience, you should go to Poly. Because the courses in Poly will give you a real hands on experience on the field that you are learning. Not to mention, the attachment programmes prepares you for working in the real world. You will be exposed to the world more. 

For JC, it's mostly hardcore studying for A levels. 





In conclusion, it is really up to you to choose the one that you think is more suitable and beneficial to you. 

I think that If you already know what you want to do, Poly will be a more encouraged path as Poly will give you a real hands on experience and also give you a better foundation in the field before you go on to further your studies in University. With passion in the course, I'm sure you will do well. However if you are still pondering on what you want to do or you think JC is a safer path, then by all means, go to JC. 

P.S you have to work hard in both JC and Poly, and both are not easy to get in, so.. Just pick your path wisely and not based on which is easier. 

























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