Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine › MBBS Shortlisted Candidates FAQ

2008 Admission to the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine FAQ for shortlisted candidates

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 (also determines shortlisting)
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 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.

Is there any special format for the letters, the personal statement, or the resume?

No.

Can I bring my portfolio when I come for the essay test on 27 April?

Yes.

Will my portfolio be returned to me after the admissions process?

No.

Who can write the letters of recommendation?

Letters may be written by anyone, not related to you, who knows you well. JC testimonials are acceptable, as are letters written by your Commanding Officer or any other officer (for NSmen). Secondary school testimonials are also acceptable, although they may not be as effective as those written by people who have known you at a more mature stage of your life. Photocopies are acceptable; they do not need to be certified true copies. Testimonials will not be returned. Letters do not need to be addressed to anyone in particular. "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Admissions Committee" will do.

What should I write about in my personal statement?

We are interested in the experiences that have shaped your desire to study medicine. Please focus on telling your particular story. You can think of your personal statement as a letter of introduction to your interviewers, as they will read it before meeting you in person.

Why must I re-type my CCA list into one page?

Presenting your CCA accomplishments on one page will enable you to highlight those activities that have been most important to you. It will also allow you to include activities that were not captured under the PEARLS points system. Also, our interviewers will need to read your portfolio quickly and will need the information presented in a reader-friendly one-page structure.

My recommenders will be mailing their letters directly to the Dean's Office. Will I receive confirmation that the letters have arrived?

We encourage your recommenders to send their letters directly and confidentially to the Dean's Office. We will not inform candidates when such materials arrive. If anything is missing, we will notify you before your interview.

What is the essay test?

All students who have been shortlisted for Medicine will be invited to sit for an essay on Sunday, 27 April 2008. The topic will be announced at the test session only, and students will have 45 minutes to write an original essay on the spot. Sample essays or essay questions are not available. There is no special preparation necessary. No content knowledge or medical knowledge will be required.

What is the psychometric test?

On the same afternoon, students will also take a psychometric test (a personality test). The results of this test will be used for research and validation purposes only and will not be used in the admission process. Sample tests are not available. No preparation is necessary.

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 interview.

Must I obtain certification of my Hepatitis B status before the interview?

No, although please note that in accordance with Ministry of Health requirements, candidates who test positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen are not eligible for medical school in Singapore, regardless of their Hepatitis B e-antigen status. In addition, medical students must demonstrate immunity to Hepatitis B. Students must provide this proof before the place in Medicine can be confirmed.

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 at Tel: 6516 4206, Email: medv8@nus.edu.sg or Fax : 6778 5743. We are happy to reschedule interviews and tests for anyone with a legitimate conflict - for example, NSmen who are in camp or who cannot be released for the assigned date. However, the interviews must take place between 28 April and 10 May 2008.

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