Description
Decoding DSA is self-explanatory as a complete parental guide to deconstructing the complexities of the Direct School Admission (DSA) process. Delivered in a frank (and sometimes irreverent) parent-educator authorial voice, the text imparts strategies, techniques, and skills both parents and candidates can harness to secure admission to Singapore’s most popular schools.
As a functional DSA road map, it illustrates and dissects the entire process, and serves as a handbook to the entire admission process.
As an Integrated Programme (IP) guide, it delivers insights into the value systems of popular schools that parents can reference as part of their decision-making while candidates can use it to draw focus on their applications.
As a skills manual, it breaks down each component of the candidate screening and selection process and gives structured guidance specific to each sequential stage.
Sample models are included as illustrative concept prototypes.
As a parental guide, it offers personal reflections, analysis, and commentary on the educational landscape from the perspective of a kiasu parent. It outlines strategies for parents to lead their children through the labyrinth of critical-juncture choices to their educational end goals.
Coverage of the DSA process components include:
- The GAT – Detailed, process-oriented analysis of the “gatekeeper” test.
- Personal statements – Genre features, literary elements, and writing techniques presented, explained, and demystified. Archetypical personal statements included for inspiration.
- Candidate interviews – Goal-oriented analysis and situational strategies for candidates.
- Candidate-customisable “model” answer building blocks for FAQs included as templates.
