l3E SMU Publication: TODAY, p 10 Date: 10 June 2009 Headline: Students launch preemptive strike

VARSITY APPLICATIONS

Students launch pre-emptive strike

THE process, normally, is that stu- dents appeal to the local universi- ties after they do not get admitted to the courses of their choice. This year, some students have been ap- pealing even before their applica- tion results were released.

Such pre-emptive appeals are an example of the possible impact of greater transparency in admis- sions, say academics as the annual process draws to a close.

University hopefuls have the "cut-off' grades to guide them for the first time, and although the In- dicative Grade Profiles of last year's cohort may not be a surefire indi- cation of admission - or omission

- for each course this year, it dean of admissions Lalit Goel. seems some students are tak- "However, this may not ing them seriously indeed. be solely dependent on the

The National University availability of the grade pro- of Singapore Business School file information," he said, and (NUS Biz) has seen a drop in described any changes in the applications at the lower end of grade profiles of applicants as the grade spectrum, and more "not very significant". applications at the higher end, "Applicants should apply for said its dean Bernard Yeung, programmes they are interested who described it as "more ef- in and maximise their choices, ficient self-selection". even if their grades do not quite

The situation is similar at fit the previous year's profile." Singapore Management Uni- Students whom TODAY versity, which saw a four per spoke to agreed; personal in- cent drop in applicants with terest still came first. grades below the "cut-off'. "Even if I didn't meet the

SMU director of undergrad- cut-off grade, I'd still apply if it's uate admissions Alan Goh said: a course I'm keen on because "Principals 1 have spoken to have there's always a chance I get found the cut-off points to be shortlisted for an inte~ew," said useful in helping their students Mr Julius Em, 20, who will be ap- apply intelligently. I t also serves plying for university next year. as a motivation for applicants Underscoring this, Mr Goh in future years to work toward pointed out that SMU takes into securing the minimum grades account a student's achieve- for their desired courses." ments outside the classroom.

Generally, NUS and Nanyang "Therefore, meeting grade pro- Technological University report- files does not guarantee admis- ed that popular programmes in sion. Applicants who fall short engineering continue to attract of the grade profiles are also not quality applicants. always turned away."

When asked where the NUS' Mr Rajaram added: gradeprofilesmayhavebeena "The competitiveness of a factor, NUS Office ofAdmissions course varies each year and director R Rajaram said there consequently, would result in was a "sizeable increasen in the changes in the requirements." quality and number of applica- Indeed, as Mr Goh Kian tions in the Arts and Social Sci- Yong found out, fitting into last ences and Science faculties. year's profile was no guaran-

"(The grade profiles), togeth- tee of admission. The 20-year- er with the current economic old polytechnic graduate was conditions, we believe, are key confident that his Grade Point factors that will influence stu- Average of 3.6 would be good dent decision," he said. enough to get into the business

At NTU, some programmes school of his choice, but that was that were "not so much in de- not the case. "I think more infor- mand" last year, but are popular mation, like what else schools this year, showed some improve- are looking for, would prepare ment in their profiles, said its applicants better," he said.