Singapore Expats

As my kids (plus 7 of their cousins, and counting) are now entering higher education, it is interesting to see the variety of paths they are taking.

#1 - completed A-levels at a Singapore JC and before NS was accepted at NUS; started at age 21.

#2 - completed IB at International School and was accepted into a top UC (University of California system) directly at age 18.

#3 - completed A-levels at a Singapore JC and was accepted into a top UC directly at age 19. Awarded approximately 1 year of university credits for H2 coursework in JC.

#4 - completed grade 10 at Singapore American School, passed CHSPE (California HS proficiency exam) and was accepted at a California community college at age 16. Applying for TAG (transfer guarantee) to a top UC next fall at age 18.

#5 - completed O-levels at a Singapore secondary school and was accepted at a California community college at age 17.

#6 - completed IB at a Singapore JC and during NS was accepted at a top school in the UK starting next fall at age 21.

#7 - completing O-levels at an international school and enrolling in a foundation program with a transfer path to a top university in Australia.

#8 - completing A-levels in international school and will likely study at a top college in Shanghai

#9 - completing A-levels at a Singapore JC and will likely go to NUS after NS.

I’ve been involved in one way or the other with all of them, and there are still 5 more cousins to go!

Wow! It's clear that talent for academic excellence runs strongly in your family!
Well done to each one, each path seems different but they're all very outstanding.

Yes, very different than the family I grew up in back in the states. College expectations were nil… as long as you work, you are good. Neither of my parents had a degree, but both had skilled professions.

These kids are raised to believe that there is no other path. But, I have to say, they lack street smarts and basic life skills… living in the city your whole life also a contributes to that.