Are you a Secondary school student interested in pursuing a Polytechnic diploma? 

If so, you may have heard of the Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE), an initiative by the Ministry of Education (MOE) which offers students the opportunity for early admission into Polytechnic courses based on aptitude and interest rather than just academic grades. 

Held in June every year, the Poly EAE is an excellent opportunity for students to pursue their passions and build the foundation for a successful academic journey.

Navigating the EAE process, however, can be a daunting task. It requires meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and thorough preparation. In this article, we’ll cover everything from exclusive insider tips to essential interview questions, and equip you with the tools you need to confidently conquer your EAE interview! 

 

 

EAE Overview

Before that, here is an overview of the Poly EAE application process: 

Here are some links for further reading:
EAE main site: https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/poly-eae
Application requirements: https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/poly-eae/eligibility-criteria/
Explore diploma courses and check the aggregate score: https://www.moe.gov.sg/coursefinder?journey=Polytechnics

 

 

Pre-interview Preparation 

Before stepping into the interview room, it’s crucial to master a few key strategies. Follow these tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for the Poly EAE interview.

1) Research your course 

Google and Reddit are your best friends here. 

Explore potential career prospects, stay updated on industry news, and gain insights into the course’s requirements and expectations. Reflect on your personal experiences and aspirations, and align them with the interested course. Lastly, seek guidance from teachers, seniors, or school career counsellors to gain deeper insights into the polytechnic’s culture and environment.

2) Master the IASCP framework 

The IASCP framework will help you showcase your achievements and passion during the interview. Here’s what each element entails:

• INTERESTS: Highlight relevant interests and how you’ve nurtured them.
• ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Prepare examples of achievements that directly relate to the course.
• SUBJECTS/AEMS: Demonstrate your experience with relevant subjects or Academic Elective Modules (AEMs). If applicable, include any notable grades achieved.
• CCA: Discuss how your involvement in co-curricular activities (CCAs) relates to the course.
• POLYTECHNIC: Articulate how the polytechnic can support you in achieving your career goals.

By ensuring your past accomplishments and experiences are relevant to the course, you’ll be able to showcase your genuine interest and aptitude better.

3) Practice makes Perfect

We can’t stress this enough! Rehearse potential interview questions to build confidence and ensure clear communication during the interview. 

Focus on mastering both verbal and non-verbal cues. Verbal cues include speaking at a moderate pace, actively listening, and expressing genuine passion for the course. Non-verbal cues encompass positive body language such as maintaining good posture, establishing friendly eye contact, and offering a firm handshake.

Additionally, seek feedback from your teachers or parents to polish your speaking skills and become a more confident interviewee.

By following these essential steps, you’ll be well-prepared to ace your Poly EAE interview and impress the interviewers with your knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

 

 

Acing your Interview

While the interview questions may vary depending on the course and polytechnic, it’s important to be prepared for common questions that may arise during your Poly EAE interview. 

Here are some questions that have been asked in previous EAE interviews. The list is non-exhaustive but should give you a good idea of how to prepare.:

1) Tell me more about yourself.
2) What skills and qualities do you possess that make you a suitable candidate?
3) Why did you choose this particular course?
4) Why this polytechnic?
5) Why did you choose this course/poly as your ____ choice?
6) What are your future career goals?
7) What are your hobbies/passions? (Remember to relate your answer to the course)
8) What are your greatest strengths & weakness?
9) Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation
10) If you are rejected from this course, what other course will you consider? Why?
11) What is one value that is important or related to your course? 

These questions allow interviewers to assess your motivation and interest in the chosen course and polytechnic. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your understanding of the course, its relevance to your career aspirations, and how it aligns with your passion and strengths. Provide examples that highlight your qualities while ensuring their relevance to the course, and deliver your answers confidently and humbly.

 

 

Course-related questions

During the interview, you can also expect specific questions related to your chosen course, designed to test your knowledge and expertise in the field. 

For example, if you’re applying for a Food Science course, you may be asked to share your thoughts on the diabetes battle in Singapore. Alternatively, if you’re applying for a Business diploma, you might be tasked with analysing a problem statement with other applicants. They may also ask you which specialisation you are interested in pursuing, should you successfully enter the course. 

To excel in these questions, ensure you read up on the particular field you’re applying to, including current news and crucial statistics. This will help you provide thoughtful and knowledgeable answers.

 

 

Ask your Interviewers the Right Questions

While it’s important to prepare answers for interview questions, it’s equally crucial to ask thoughtful and relevant questions to the interviewers. 

This not only showcases your genuine interest and engagement but also allows you to gather valuable insights and leave a lasting impression. By asking the right questions, you demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to learning. Ask good questions that may not be on the poly’s website for a better impression. 

Remember as well that the interview is not only for the interviewers to assess your suitability but also for you to assess if the polytechnic and course align with your expectations and goals. Asking the right questions helps clear any doubts you may have.

Here are some possible questions you may ask:

1) Is there anything else in my application that I can provide you with or elaborate on?
2) Can you provide some examples of successful projects or initiatives undertaken by students in this course?
3) Ask questions related to your course, for example:
– Business: How does the polytechnic foster an entrepreneurial mindset and support students in turning ideas into practical ventures?
– Food Science: How does the polytechnic incorporate industry trends and advancements into the curriculum?
– Communication and New Media: How does the school prepare students for the evolving landscape of AI in digital media? 

By asking insightful questions, you showcase your eagerness to learn and make informed decisions about your academic journey.

 

 

Conclusion 

The Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE) presents an excellent opportunity for students to secure early admission into their dream Polytechnic course. 

While our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to ace the interview, lots of meticulous planning and preparation are still required for you to succeed! 

Our final tip would be to embrace the journey! Remember that you are pursuing your goals and passions, so maintain a positive attitude throughout the process and give it your all, and you will certainly achieve remarkable results.

Best of luck!