Help: Quitting Polytechnic To Study In JC

Dear Mr Koh,

                         I am writing to you today to seek more information regarding your tuition services. First of all, let me share a bit about myself. I am 17 this year, and was formerly a student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic-Banking and Financial Services. I left the school after spending just 2 months there, mainly because I have lost interest in my course and definitely wouldn't want to pursue a career in that discipline upon graduation. Owing to my lack of research,I also probably made the wrong choice of picking a polytechnic over a JC despite me wishing to study at NUS eventually - I am now aware that polytechnic students are severely disadvantaged compared to their junior college peers when it comes to applying for entry into a local university. Furthermore, I have yet to discover my preferred occupation in the future, entering a JC would therefore allow me more time to do so.I have scored a raw L1R5 score of 11 for my 'O' Levels last year and plan to enrol in TPJC next year.

With a year already wasted, I do not wish to redo JC1 (or perhaps even end up having to retake the 'A' Levels down the road) so I am prepared to work extra hard in order to excel. With the vast amount of spare time I have on my hands now, I hope to start preparing for the JC syllabus before school starts, as such I am keen to engage your tutoring services. I live at Location X. Here are the 'O' Level scores for my respective subjects: English - B3, A Maths - A1, E Maths - A1 , Pure Physics - B3 , Chemistry - A1, Combined Humanities(History + SS) - A1, Chinese B - Pass. I plan to offer H2 Maths,Chemistry ,Physics and also H1 Economics for my 'A' levels. Please do also let me know about your tuition fee rates.

Thank you for taking time to read my email.

Sincerely,

Student X

Hi, 

          Thanks for your mail. Indeed it would be rather tough on you to make such a major transition, however if you have truly made up your mind about where to go from here, proceed ahead and don't look back. Chance favors the bold and brave. Given your reasonably good O level grades, I reckon the barriers of entry into a junior college wouldn't be much of an issue, though it is definitely recommended you consult the relevant admission departments on the necessary switching procedures involved.  

         I noticed you made mention of having previously taken Additional Maths in secondary school (and scoring a distinction for it), so pursuing H2 Maths wouldn't be problematic administratively speaking. However, be warned life isn't going to be a bed of roses as there is an enormous gap between the content/style of the H2 Maths and A Maths syllabi. You have to remain constantly motivated and cannot afford to feel discouraged for prolonged periods despite all the potential setbacks you shall possibly encounter during your learning journey. Hang in there regardless, and you will eventually see light at the end of the tunnel. 

       Bear in mind these days competition for places in the local universities is extremely fierce, so scoring well in Mathematics alone will not count for much. Inject sufficient time and effort into ensuring you become equally proficient in all other subjects. To my existing knowledge, H2 Chemistry in particular is becoming a great pain for a large number of students, so do keep a watchful eye on it and seek assistance the moment you feel you are slipping.               

      Should you wish to engage my tutoring services, please be advised my current rate is $----/hr. Feel free to discuss with me any other concerns you have, and I will try to address them to the best of my abilities. Good luck, and god bless.

Best Regards,

Mr Koh