Hello everyone! For this post, I’m going to be talking about the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP). This is just a little guide for you if you are aiming for PFP.
I’ve gone through N levels and I managed to get a place in the PFP at one of the Polytechnics in Singapore. I scored an EMB3 of 11 points raw (really risky) and 10 nett with 4 distinctions.
There are only about 1,200 places set every year and yes, it will be really competitive. In my year, it was the dragon baby year. So naturally being that it was the baby bloom year, it was more competitive than ever.
But not to worry! I have some tips and advices for you if that is your goal in mind.
Tips for studying: These are the things I did to prepare for my N Levels. It might or might not work for you.
English - (If you are doing argumatative) Copy and MEMORIZE ALOT of essays. I memorize the essays my teacher wrote and I go online and search for model essays. Search for topics that are more likely to come out. Eg, about technology.
(If you are doing descriptive) Search for phrases to use in essay. Things such as emotions, weather, description of people etc. Read up model essays.
Oral: Think of questions that are likely to come out in each category (eg, family). Some questions that the examiner might ask you are “How do you and your family maintain a close bond?”. “What are the disadvantages and advantages of both parents working?”
This is really similar to writing an essay.
Math - Memorize formulas and do a lot of math practices.
Social Studies - pretty pleaseeee memorize your SBQ Format and SEQ. Ss is all about memorizing (a large part) and understanding. SEQ is your guide to scoring an A. It is really simple. All the answers are already in your textbook and notes. Memorize at least ¾ of your SEQ topics and do not try to guess because this will end up really badly. Remember the format of answering every question because all you need to do is plot them in.
***This is really important: If your teacher gave you SEQ notes, please do compare the notes together with the textbook. DO NOT just study the notes alone as some might be missing from the notes. (An experience of mine)
Experience: Just wanted to share with you my N Level experience while doing my ss paper xD. When everyone flipped open the paper, everyone was really shocked by the topics that came out because of some predictions by my teacher that only 1/3 came out. Lesson learnt. Please study most of your SEQ as it is just a prediction. Do not gamble. N Level is not the time.
Science - For chemistry, memorize everything. Most of the topics are all about memorizing. Understanding is also really important.
For physics, memorize formulas and understand. Practice practice practice!
I didn’t take Bio, so I can’t say for sure >.
Art - Manage your time very wisely. Do not wait until the last minute as the exam date is around the same timing as your other subjects. You have other subjects to study. So try to complete it as early as you can. Any questions that you do not know, please ask your teachers. Share with them your ideas and ask for improvements that can be made. After all, they are your ART teacher. Spam them on WhatsApp ;p (that’s what I did) but please do not constantly 24 hrs message them 😂. But do keep them updated on what you are doing. Ask them before you do something on your artwork.
- Purchase TYS as it really does help. It helps you to familiarize the N Level paper structure. There are also a lot of repetitive questions over the past few years.
- If you are eligible for PFP, you ONLY get to choose up to 5 choices which is VERY limited, so choose them wisely.
- If you are aiming for popular courses eg, business, do aim for as low as 6-8 raw as it is very competitive.
- CCA is really important. Deducting 1 or 2 points can make a HUGE difference. It increases your chance of getting into your desired course.
- Try to get your EMB3 subjects all above or equal to B3. Once any subject gets below B3, regardless of getting 8 raw, you are no longer eligible.
- STAY OUT OF DRAMA! Secondary school dramas are the worse.
- It is all about sacrificing the things you love to do for that year. Just for that year and you can enjoy not stressing over O levels ;p.
- Do not wait for EOY exams to start studying. Start at the start of the year so that you can easily grasp concepts.
That is all! I hope these tips and advices will help you. These are all my opinions and might or might not work out for you. The reason I wanted to share with you was that when I was in my N Level year, i was constantly researching about pfp/tips and there are only a few. So since I managed to get into the programme, this is me sharing with you to help out with the people who are aiming for PFP.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment or you can email me @ [email protected]. I will try my best to answer them all!
All the best for your N Levels!
