SPS Admissions 2022

Thank you for considering the Special Programme in Science (SPS) as part of your university endeavours. SPS offers an exciting multidisciplinary curriculum that encompasses research, active peer-learning, and student mentorship. In many ways, SPS is more than just a classroom; we are a close-knit community that works hard and plays hard!

We are interested in individuals with a passion for science and a dedication to learn. All applicants will be required to go through a 25-min interview with the SPS Mentor body. Through this interview, we hope to understand you better and decide if SPS is the right programme for you.

The application is open only to NUS College of Humanities and Science students matriculating in the upcoming academic year (AY 2022/23).

Disclaimer: All year 1 SPS modules have a pre-requisite of any two passes in the following A level subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Further Mathematics. SPS students who do not have these-pre requisites or equivalent would need to clear their respective bridging modules, leading to some variations from the SPS Workflow.

Applicants are required to complete the following as part of the SPS Admissions process:

1. Submit an application form
2. Attend an interview
3. Confirm their acceptance of the enrolment offer, if one is given

1. Application portal is open till 22 July 2022
2. Interviews are held between 29 June 2022 and 27 July 2022
3. Results of SPS Admissions are released between 29 and 30 July 2022

All applicants will receive their results via the email address provided in the application form. As the results will be released after the university’s module registration exercise, please register for your modules as though you are accepted into SPS (ie register for the two SPS modules). Upon acceptance, further instructions on the module management would be issued.

In the event that you are not able to register for BOTH SP2271 and SP2274 due to ModReg issues, please email SCI ModReg Enquiry (scimr@nus.edu.sg) using your NUS email (Exxxx@u.nus.edu) to drop your pre-allocated CHS modules.

Please prepare the items in the list below before starting the application. You will not be able to save your responses if you need to leave the application form partway. Please apply as soon as you are ready as interviews will be offered on a rolling basis as applications are submitted. Waiting till the end of the Admissions window may lead to difficulties scheduling an interview for you.

• Grades certificate for your degree of highest qualifications  (PDF), NRIC / FIN removed or censored (you may do so via Microsoft Edge on windows or Preview on MacOS)
• Passport photograph (JPG / PNG)
• A write-up 250 characters or less about your personal hobbies/interests
• A write-up 500 characters or less about why you are applying to SPS

Each applicant is required to attend a 25-minute interview face-to-face at the SPS room (6 Science Drive 2, Block S16, #03-02) OR online via a Zoom Meeting (a web conferencing tool). The interview will be recorded for administrative purposes. Details regarding the interview format are as follows:

• • • Interview Format
      There are four segments to the interview.
      • • Introduction (~5 minutes)

      This segment aims to allow us to get you better, such as your academic background, interest in science and research and reasons for applying to SPS. Other details such as commitments and hobbies will also be discussed.

      • • Science Topic Presentation (~10 minutes)

      This segment involves a presentation about any topic in the natural or mathematical sciences by the candidate. Candidates will be asked to share one or more topics that they are interested in, in a manner digestible by laymen audiences or people otherwise unfamiliar with the subject.

    • Do note there is NO NEED to share about a science that is outside your primary field, but you are welcome to do so if you wish.

    • There is also NO NEED to prepare powerpoint slides, you are provided a whiteboard and marker to illustrate your points 🙂

      • • Q&A (~5 minutes)

      This segment involves a scientific discussion between the candidate and the interview panel about the presentation. This segment aims to allow us to assess your critical thinking abilities, communication skills, passion in research and scientific knowledge.

      • • Clarifications and Administrative Debrief (~5 minutes)

      This segment offers a chance for you to ask questions or clarify any aspects of the SPS Admissions that may be unclear to you. Some administrative details will also be provided.

    • Interview Scheduling

  Someone from the scheduling team will call you within a week of the receipt of your full application to schedule an interview with you between 29 June 2022 and 27 July 2022. Details of the interview date and time, and Zoom meeting link (if online) will be emailed to you. The interview will be held during working hours from 9am to 6pm. If you need to reschedule after an interview slot has been offered to you, please email us at applications@sps.nus.edu.sg.

  • Interview Etiquette (Face-To-Face)
    
    1. 1. Dress appropriately. Smart casual is recommended (There is no need for a suit and tie).
  • Interview Etiquette (Online)
    1. 1. Please arrive at the Zoom waiting room at least 5 minutes before the scheduled interview is stipulated to begin.
       2. Video is to be turned on.
       3. Dress appropriately. Smart casual is recommended.
       4. Ensure surroundings are quiet. Find a quiet spot where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Place mobile phones and desktop notifications on mute.