Early bird: 4 tips to secure a spot in poly with EAE

Straits Times

3 days ago

Ms Shaanthinii Chandramogan (far right) took on the role of a producer during her internship at Resorts World Sentosa at Halloween Horror Nights 12 on Nov 2, 2024. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHAANTHINII CHANDRAMOGAN
Early bird: 4 tips to secure a spot in poly with EAE The TL;DR: An ITE graduate who succeeded in the poly Early Admissions Exercise says it's critical to take advantage of every experience – even the bad ones – to make your application shine.
During her final year at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Ms Shaanthinii Chandramogan got a second shot at securing her polytechnic placement via the E arly A dmissions E xercise (EAE), and made it count.
In Secondary 5 , she successfully applied for Ngee Ann Polytechnic's early childhood development and education course through the EAE, but had her conditional offer revoked after failing to meet the admission criteria.
She went to ITE instead. For two years, Ms Chandramogan was enrolled in the Higher Nitec in hospitality operations course and hoped to continue pursuing it in polytechnic.
In 2021, she was offered her first choice – Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) diploma in hospitality and tourism management – through EAE.
Current final-year ITE students can apply for the 2025 EAE from June 12 to 18.
Ms Chandramogan, now 23 and set to start university soon , shares four tips on how to strengthen your EAE application.
1. It's good to prepare a portfolio, even if your desired course doesn't require one.
Although a portfolio was not compulsory for her diploma, Ms Chandramogan created a simple website and Google D rive featuring photographs, certificates and reflections from past activities – such as her secondary school Girl Guides co-curricular activity (CCA) and community service leadership programme Mission X in ITE .
'Hospitality and tourism courses have a large chunk of event planning involved, so I wanted to show that I already had some relevant exposure.
'Even for non-art courses, you can still create a portfolio about your CCAs and experiences.'
Ms Janice Neo, assistant director of communication and outreach at NYP, said: 'ITE students usually graduate with valuable hands-on experience and practical skills.
'They should showcase any course-relevant projects, internships, or work experience from their time at ITE in their application and interview.'
At NYP, portfolios are mandatory only for all School of Design and Media courses.
2. No activity is too small when it comes to demonstrating your interest.
Relating her experiences to the hospitality and tourism management industry, Ms Chandramogan listed a variety of roles in her application. These included leadership positions, participation in fund-raising projects, emceeing and volunteer work.
'For hospitality, people will also say that they helped their family host a dinner party, which might seem small, but it's the little things that add up.
'Even helping to design a poster for your classroom shows your genuine passion for the course.'
She also recommended LinkedIn as a platform for ITE students to list their skills and knowledge.
Ms Neo said : 'Students with relevant background have a great advantage, but unique experiences and passion can make any application stand out just as much.'
3. Be ready to elaborate on any points highlighted in your application.
Ms Chandramogan focused on supplementing responses to possible questions about her portfolio. 'Whatever you include, be ready to substantiate it,' she said.
Apart from talking about her six-month internship working at a hotel, she recalled having to briefly describe how she prepared for past emceeing gigs and overcame nervousness.
She recommended formulating responses to potential interview questions in advance, but cautioned against having 'memorised' answers.
Ms Shaanthinii Chandramogan delivering a speech during her polytechnic graduation ceremony in May 2025.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHAANTHINII CHANDRAMOGAN
Despite applying to different polytechnics and courses, Ms Chandramogan and her twin sister, who both participated in the EAE in 2021 , would exchange feedback on their application write-ups, portfolios and interview answers.
She noted that the way she spoke and presented herself during the interview mattered as well. 'Try not to use Singlish – the interviewers don't expect you to be perfect but make sure you get the basics right.'
4. Don't be afraid to talk about your flaws or negative experiences.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted solo or in groups. For Ms Chandramogan, it was an online meeting with two lecturers and around five other applicants from ITE.
When requested to recount either a good or bad aspect of their internship, most of the other interviewees opted to share a favourable experience.
'It was the safe choice, so I almost did it too,' said Ms Chandramogan.
However, she made the quick decision to bring up a difficult interaction she had with a customer who accused the hotel staff of stealing her wallet. Ms Chandramogan talked about how dealing with the customer over a phone call helped her become a 'better hospitality worker '.
She recalled seeing the lecturers smile at her after hearing her response and felt that she stood a stronger chance afterwards. 'Don't shy away from talking about experiences that show growth.
'Lecturers also have experience in the industry so they appreciate the honesty and reflection over a perfect answer.'
Ms Neo said: 'ITE students have solid foundations in skills-based learning and are encouraged to show their strong technical skills, good problem-solving abilities, and the ability to apply what they've learnt in real-world situations.'
What you need to know about EAE applications
Offers are given before the O-level examinations or the release of the final g rade p oint a verage (GPA) for Nitec or Higher Nitec.
However, they are conditional – students must fulfil certain requirements to confirm their admission.
Applicants must meet a net aggregate score (ELR2B2) of 26 points or better for all diplomas outside of nursing for the O-level examinations, as well as the minimum entry requirements of the course they are offered.
Meanwhile, final-year ITE students have to attain a final net GPA of 2.0 or better for Higher Nitec, or 3.5 or better for Nitec .
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