Aptitude-based Admissions

In recent years, local universities have been placing greater emphasis on Aptitude-Based Admissions (ABA). The universities are increasingly employing a broad set of qualitative assessments, including interviews, aptitude tests and portfolios, to assess an applicant’s potential beyond his or her grades. ABA take into account students' passions, interests and strengths. They also take into account achievements in sports, arts, entrepreneurship and volunteer work. More importantly, ABA requires students to articulate their goals effectively, which is where personal statements play a critical role. Hence, students need to carefully consider why they intend to pursuing a particular course and how it aligns with their long-term aspirations.

Find out more about ABA by clicking on the respective links below:

• National University of Singapore ABA *Applicants for ALL degree programmes will now be required to list up to four achievements, co-curricular activities, or non-academic activities (e.g. volunteering work, competitive sports) and answer short response questions.

• Nanyang Technological University ABA *Applicants are encouraged to provide details on their achievements, an essay of not more than 500 words under ABA section of the application form and submit at least 1 (maximum 2) appraisal online to support their applications. Note that NTU has a separate admission process for ABA.

• Singapore Management University ABA *SMU does not have a separate application for ABA. All applications are considered holistically.

• Singapore University of Social Sciences ABA *The SUSS holistic admission comprises both the applicant’s grades scored for Singapore-Cambridge A-level AND the applicant’s performance for the following assessment components: essay writing, cognitive exercise and programme-specific interviews. 

• Singapore University of Technology and Design ABA *SUTD assesses students holistically – academic, qualities and traits, and portfolios (including but not limited to co-curricular activities). Selected candidates may be invited for an interview with faculty to provide SUTD with additional information to assess if you are a good fit.

• Singapore Institute of Technology *SIT takes a holistic approach in selecting prospective students. Share your passion and aptitude for your chosen field in a written personal statement, while also listing your relevant work experience, awards, memberships, and qualifications. These are five key areas that they look out for: academic proficiency, passion, work experience, personality traits, interests.