Polytechnic

School: Singapore Polytechnic

Course: Diploma in Chemical Engineering

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I am grateful to those who have supported me, along with the efforts I've put in to make it to the polytechnic and course of my choice. My experience during the 3 years of polytechnic was AMAZING! I made so many friends from different educational backgrounds (ITE/NA/EXPRESS), and I found that we weren't so different after all. 

I'm thankful for my classmates, and my clique of friends who studied together with me after school (shoutout to the TEH Delivery gang 👊 ).

Overall Personal Experience:

To start, poly isn't as daunting as you think and it isn't as "chill" as you may have heard either. I would describe Poly to be the ideal place to get a glimpse of what studying at university would be like. 

In poly, you have your lectures/tutorials/lab sessions (at least for engineering). I guess the main difference between ITE and Poly is that Poly has quite several modules that require you to work with students from different courses. 

In poly, the lecturers expect every student to take ownership of their learning. This means that lecturers will only remind you of the deadline a few times. They wouldn't even chase after you for project submissions. Oh, and speaking of projects, there are a ton of group projects in poly too! So you got to rely on your ability to communicate with your group mates to get the job done. 

The contents taught in poly might be a challenge (if you were from ITE) if you do not revise or study consistently.

Overall, I had the opportunity to travel to countries like Malaysia/Philippines/Japan as part of the school overseas trip. I also had the chance to interact with peers from different polys at the annual poly forum too. So if you're looking to build your experience/portfolio, Poly is the best place to give it a try! ✌

 

 

 

 

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Tips:

[Study (more applicable to engineering/sciences)]

1) Contents will be covered at a relatively fast pace. Don't be surprised if the lecturer covers 1 topic in a week. In some cases, 1 topic in one lesson. Because of the fast pace, it is extremely important that you consistently make notes of what was covered that day/week. My suggestion is to give yourself a maximum time limit of 1 week to make notes. DO NOT expect yourself to remember what the lecturer has taught you since weeks 1-3 if you are currently in week 13. 

Compiling notes of what the lecturer has taught you as early as possible will help you ALOT with your revision when exams draw nearer. 

Once again, I want to emphasize that copying word for word from the textbook will NOT help you study and understand the content. You will end up memorizing.

2) This applies to engineering/sciences. You NEED to understand the basic concepts before attempting tougher concepts. Sounds like common sense right? But it is very common (even I do it sometimes 😒) to not understand the contents properly, and move on just because it became a hassle to understand. DON'T. It will come back and haunt you badly. 

For example, if you are struggling to understand how to solve basic mathematical questions. Please spend more time practicing it. Because you will start to take advanced modules in Year 2 and Year 3 which will require a strong foundation in your Year 1 modules. 

Also, take note that if you perform well (score an A/A+) for certain modules in poly. You may be eligible for module exemptions in University (you will thank yourself #trust).

Here are some ways to improve and test your understanding:

- Calculations related: Do more practice papers. Listen in class because the lecturer will share with you the best way and steps to approach the problems.

- Non-calculations related: Summarize the content and try to make use of simple words if possible. A friend of mine once told me that if you can use a few simple words to explain something difficult to understand then you are good to go. Form a small group of friends and try to explain the contents to your peers. This will help both of you to learn! 

3) [VERY IMPORTANT] Simply understanding the working solutions provided by the lecturer WILL NOT help you learn. You need to pick up that pen and physically write the workings down on a piece of paper and work it out to allow your brain to "register". Reading answer sheets will NOT help you learn and understand the concepts. 

4) You might come across group mates who will not contribute to the group project as much as you. It is perfectly normal to be frustrated but it is more important to try and understand their situation first. Just be mentally prepared to "tank" and put in extra effort to complete the project if you ever have to work with such people. I feel that such a group project can help to build your character, as the experience truly forces you out of your comfort zone. 

5) If there are Past Year Papers (PYPs), PLEASE DO IT. It will help you gauge the level of difficulty that the exams/test can be. 

6) Likewise, do not be afraid to consult your lecturers if you are facing issues with school-related stuff! I frequently approach my lecturers for tutorial/project/lecture queries just to ensure that I truly understand the concepts. But please attempt the problems yourself first before going for consultations. And prepare the specific questions that you wish to consult too. 

NEVER go to a consultation (weeks before an exam/test) and say "Cher I don't understand this module sia, like idk what idk".

7) Healthy Study Group with your peers can boost your morale to study too!

8) Use a Planner (it can be physical or digital. I recommend those physical notebook with a calendar that allows you to write notes on the dates. Or you can explore "Notion" or "Evernote" which is a digital tool to keep track of your To-Dos)  to note down the exam/assignment/meeting/homework deadlines. 

You cannot memorize everything. And you shouldn't depend your peers to remind you either. Take responsibility of your learning and be aware of deadlines and submissions. Remind your friends too if need be.

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[Extras]

1) Eventually you have to ask yourself what are your plans after poly. Depending on what you have in mind (uni/work), this would shape your 3 years of poly education. So take some time to talk to seniors/lecturers to get an understanding of the options available after poly. You might also want to consider the school's career coach.

2) Like what I mentioned for ITE, poly is no different when it comes to CCAs. Sign up for CCAs and clubs (but don't overdo it) that interests you. Take note that a higher level of commitment will be expected for sports clubs due to training/competitions etc. You have to ask yourself what you prioritize the most, and whether will you be able to manage your studies well too. 

I prefer community service clubs because they offer flexible commitments and it doesn't clash with my studies often too. 

3) Look out for overseas exchange trips organized by the school. The more popular ones are trips to Japan etc. This sort of trip may require a min. GPA requirement and a good portfolio. So if you're a 24/7 mugger, it's time for you to look into club activities.

4) It is NORMAL to not perform well on certain days. It takes courage but revisit what you did wrong/poorly and make sure you do not make the same mistakes.

5) Mental health is very important. DO NO neglect your mental health. It is fine to take a break once in a while if you feel burnt out. If you're in a very toxic environment, try your best to relocate yourself to a positive one! Don't be afraid of "losing friends" just because you value friendships. Don't forget, whatever you going through, there is someone out there going through the same pain as you. You're not alone 🙂

6) Please try your best to NOT compare yourself with others. Especially when it comes to grades. It's good to have friendly rivalry/competition but not to the extent of it stealing away your happiness. Find what makes you happy and check if it's healthy for you to achieve that.

7) Take the time to build your soft skills, particularly on your self-confidence and public speaking. This will not only bring you far but also it prepares you for future job interviews. You can do so by being more active in club activities/competitions. 

Being an introvert shouldn't be the reason why you to stop interacting with others.  

 

 

 

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[What I would have done differently]

I honestly feel that I've no regrets towards my poly life. I gave my best and I am happy to have done so. I truly hope you will also be able to say "I've got no regrets in poly" on the day you graduate from poly 👍🏻.

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[For those who have plans to go uni after poly 💪]

1) Build your portfolio by participating in CCAs and holding leadership appointments. Competitions and recommendation letters from the internship supervisor/lecturer help as well.

2)  Do your best to score at least an A/A+ for the modules that can be used to apply for exemptions in uni (you'll seriously thank yourself).

3)   Having good grades and a portfolio not only increases your chance to be accepted to uni, but also scholarships/sponsorships.

4) Please try your best to attend uni open houses/events to interact with the profs/undergraduates to truly get an idea of the course you're applying for.

5)  Find out the grading system/SU system/module exemption of different universities so that you can do a proper comparison and make more informed decisions.

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