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2008 Admission to the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine - FAQs

How does the School of Medicine conduct its admissions process?

In selecting students who will become the next generation of physicians for Singapore, it is necessary to look beyond academic measures. We also need to consider communication skills, emotional maturity, and the ability to be reflective about one's work. Our careful examination of this issue has involved discussion with many segments of the medical community and research into best practices from top medical schools around the world. The intake for Medicine at NUS is only 250 places, which means that admission is extremely competitive. Each year, we make difficult decisions when selecting from among the many talented and accomplished students who apply for admission.

How will admission to Medicine work this year?

Admission to Medicine in 2008 will be based on two scores: the University Score and the Faculty Score.

University Score - computed by the Office of Admissions		50% of total admissions score
Best three 'A' levels, plus GP grade	90%
Project Work	10%

Faculty Score - computed by the School of Medicine		50% of total admissions score
Two interviews, essay, and portfolio review

What subject combination must I have?

To be eligible for Medicine, candidates must have Chemistry at 'A' level and either Biology or Physics in addition to Chemistry. The 'triple science' combination is no longer required for Medicine, and candidates who present the 'triple science' have no advantage in the admissions process.

Given my 'A' level results, what are my chances of being shortlisted for Medicine?

No one can predict the cut-off point; it depends on the competition of the pool of applicants each year. NUS does not release the cut-off points from previous years.

What is the portfolio review?

All shortlisted candidates must submit a portfolio to the Dean's Office by Wednesday, 23 April 2008. The portfolio must contain two letters of recommendation, a personal statement (one page), and a resume or list of extracurricular activities (one page). This portfolio will be read by the interviewing team and evaluated by the Selection Committee.

What is the essay test?

All students who have been shortlisted for Medicine must sit for an essay on Sunday, 27 April 2008. The topic will be announced at that time, and students will have 45 minutes to write an original essay on the spot. After the essay, students will take a psychometric test. The results of this test will be used for research and validation purposes only and will not be used in the admission process.

What are the interviews like?

All shortlisted candidates go through two interviews. The first interview is conducted by faculty members. The second interview team has a more diverse representation and may include current medical students, senior nursing staff, and medical alumni. All interviewers are carefully selected and trained before the interview exercise. Any interviewer who is personally acquainted with a candidate must excuse himself or herself from that interviewer.

What if I can't appear for the essay or interview?

Candidates must sit for the essay and both interviews in order to be considered for Medicine. If you have a legitimate conflict or are ill, contact the Dean's Office immediately. Male candidates currently serving National Service will be released by MINDEF for the test and interviews.

Can my extracurricular accomplishments be considered in the admission process?

The School of Medicine will admit a small number of exceptional individuals, for up to 10% of the intake, through a route different from the process described above. Students who wish to be considered under the Exceptional Individual scheme will need to be officially nominated by their Junior College, a registered charity, or an agency such as the Singapore International Foundation, the National Arts Council, the Singapore Olympic Council, or the National Council of Social Service. The Selection Committee will identify students who have demonstrated, along with academic excellence, extraordinary achievement and sacrifice in their contributions to Singapore. These shortlisted students will be invited for the essay and interviews along with those students who have been shortlisted by the traditional route. Before applying under the Exceptional Individual Scheme (EIS), students must have already submitted a formal application through the NUS Office of Admissions by the application closing date. They must also indicate Medicine as one of their choices. The special form for the EIS must be submitted to the School of Medicine by 1 April 2008.

I came for the interview last year but was not offered a place in Medicine. Can I re-apply?

NUS policy is that a student can be offered only one chance at an interview. The exception is if the student applies and is offered an interview under the EIS.

Where can I get more information?

We welcome you to visit the NUS Open House on Saturday, 15 March, and Sunday, 16 March 2008. Talks on Medicine and Nursing are scheduled for both days at 1 pm and 3 pm at the Multi-Purpose Sports Hall 6.

Please also visit the relevant websites:

The Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine: http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/
NUS Office of Admissions: http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/

Thank you for your interest in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine!