nus yll personal statement

Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

Portfolio for admission.

• How to Apply

Step 1: Submit an online application through the NUS Office of Admissions (OAM) http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/

Upon application, you will receive an 8-digit NUS Application Number. You will need to provide the NUS Application Number at the personal particulars section of your portfolio submission.

Step 2: Submit your NUS Medicine Portfolio from 31 January 2024

* Please provide sufficient time for your referee to submit their recommendation report. The earlier you start on your portfolio, the more time your referee will have to complete it.

Shortlisting will take place from 20 March – 31 March 2024.

Please check your shortlist status via https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/uasonline/ . You will not receive any hardcopy or email notifications. Applicants who provide a valid mobile number on the NUS Office of Admissions application form will receive an SMS notification.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

You are required to submit a portfolio consisting of the following items. The portfolio submission will take approximately 20-30minutes to complete.

Personal Statement

This is an introduction of yourself to the admissions committee and the interviewer, we will like to learn about experiences that have shaped your desire to study medicine.

Word Limit: 500 words

* This is separate from the mandatory 5 short questions and answers on the NUS application form (Step 1). The 5 short questions and answers is not applicable if you decide to apply only for Medicine. It is required if you are applying for other NUS courses.

List of Achievements

Please provide your top achievements and the activities you have participated in over the past 2-3 years.

You may include both school and non-school activities/achievements.

Max Limit: 10 Items.

View Sample List of Achievements

Official Testimonial

The testimonial is an official document by your school providing insight on both academic ability and character of the student. Your form teacher, counsellor or principal usually writes the testimonial. Please submit the official testimonial from your JC, Polytechnic or high school. It should be on your school/MOE letterhead. If it is not available at the time of submission, you may submit the draft certified with your school stamp.

Please note: We only require the 1-2 page report of your testimonial in school. Please do not submit the MOE report that includes your CCA list and grades. You may upload 1 file of up to 1MB. Please check that the scanned document is legible and clear.

Referee Reports

Please nominate 2 referees. Your referee should know you well but must not be related to you. You will require the following information from your referee: - Full Name - Designation - Organisational Email Address (Exception to use personal emails is allowed for MINDEF email domains) - Contact Number

Once you have provided your referee details, an email will automatically be sent to your referee. View Sample Referee Report (you may provide this to your referee)

Supporting Documents (Only for ABAS)

You may upload any supporting documents that will help you with your application. You may upload 1 file of up to 3MB.

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The Key to Writing Effective NUS Personal Statements

Table of Contents

An  NUS personal statement  is an essay required by an application to the National University of Singapore. It is a brief description of who you are as a student and an overview of the things that matter to you. 

Personal statements are not unique to the National University of Singapore. Students will encounter these assignments throughout their academic life and even when they transition into professional life.

Personal statements are common in job applications, internships, and applications to particular programs. They are a way to introduce yourself to recruiters and admissions board representatives and create a lasting impression.

The Importance of an Effective NUS Personal Statement in the Academe

Personal statements are crucial in the application process. Recruiters will want to gain a deep understanding of applicants they accept into their program or job. This matters greatly because they want to ensure that successful candidates deserve their spot.

Conversely, a personal statement is a golden opportunity to highlight your best qualifications . It showcases your writing ability and your exposition skills. The adaptability of a personal statement allows for a wide range of approaches that let you inject your personality into your content.

The most significant advantage of a personal statement is that  it paints you as a person rather than just another candidate . It’s a potent tool for expressing individuality and setting you and your story apart from other applicants.

If you want to enjoy all these benefits, the ultimate one being a successful application, heed these few tips.

Tips for Writing an Effective NUS Personal Statement

If you’re unsure how to start your personal statement, try a structured approach. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure you provide the information admissions boards need.

• Showcase your unique personality and background  – focus on experiences, skills, and achievements that make you stand out from other applicants. 
• Use strong storytelling techniques to keep the reader engaged  – ensure a clear narrative flow with an introduction, body, and conclusion. 
• Incorporate personal anecdotes  -demonstrate your growth and development over time. 
• Keep it concise  – highlight critical points without superfluous words. 
• Avoid clichés and platitudes  – devise creative ways to express yourself and add interesting facts and figures where appropriate.

While following these tips won’t make you a master overnight, they will help you form writing habits applicable to all types of content.

NUS Personal Statement Examples

I have always had a keen interest in the field of technology. As a professional, I have grown into an individual with considerable experience and expertise in this area. I recently attended an event to discuss the latest trends in artificial intelligence, which further fuelled my enthusiasm for innovation and cutting-edge technological solutions. Events like these regularly leave me invigorated and inspired to delve deeper into innovative ideas and contribute my insights where applicable. 

I am proud of my aptitude for problem-solving and finding creative solutions to address issues efficiently. By leveraging my knack for recognizing patterns, I can ascertain resolutions that are unorthodox yet efficient at achieving desired outcomes. My preference for outside-the-box thinking has earned me recognition from peers who consider me a formidable asset. I have a reputation for embracing challenges while utilizing common sense and poise in navigating obstacles. 

A strong work ethic and unwavering ambition drive me. This intense desire to succeed has enabled me to consistently strive toward greater heights despite any tribulations I may encounter. 

I strongly feel I possess the qualities necessary to excel in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment such as NUS. I look forward to contributing meaningfully towards the University’s goals of fostering a more technically competent future generation.

I have been interested in starting a career related to education since I first read about it. It has been an essential part of my life, so I have devoted many hours of research. With each article or book I read, I learn something new, furthering my understanding and expanding my knowledge base. 

Through these opportunities, I can explain my thoughts and gain even more insight from professionals in the area. 

I look forward to taking this journey further by applying for the scholarship to complete my studies on the topic. As part of this application process, I plan to include relevant evidence and anecdotes demonstrating my commitment and passion for the subject matter. I believe I can help showcase why I should be selected for this opportunity by submitting all necessary documents.

I have been working with Information Technology for the past three years. Throughout my professional career, I have asked myself questions to better understand different aspects of IT, ranging from software development to network security. Over those years, I gained good knowledge in this field and was able to apply it in many of my projects. 

I am now interested in taking an international course to further develop my expertise. Being part of your school would allow me to learn more about current trends and techniques. It can expose me to new applications that can help improve my work or service quality. Furthermore, it will also allow me to build strong connections within the sector. 

I believe that I could be a valuable asset to any organization looking for someone with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. That is why I’m applying for this course – it’s like a necessary step in order to reach my long-term career goals. With my commitment to continuous learning, I’m confident I’ll make a good impression at the National University of Singapore.

I have a long-standing interest in IT. My knowledge of this field has enabled me to successfully know, understand and apply its principles. I have used my subject mastery during job interviews to communicate clearly and coherently with potential employers about their respective needs for my services. 

Additionally, my impressive track record of achievements makes me an ideal candidate for an IT course at the National University of Singapore. My involvement in community service projects has exposed me to a variety of different technologies, which will serve as excellent support for my studies. All these experiences prove to be beneficial in allowing me to develop further and improve my understanding of IT concepts.

 I am an experienced Finance student seeking to apply for a postgraduate course at the National University of Singapore. With my knowledge and experience, I believe that I can contribute to the University’s vibrant academic environment and community. 

 I have been exposed to finance studies since I was in high school, where I studied economics, accounting, and financial management. This gave me a well-rounded understanding of the industry. During my time as a university student, I had the opportunity to participate in several research projects focusing on financial markets. This has enabled me to gain insights into the nuances of investing and trading, allowing me to develop my analytical skills further. 

Moreover, I have taken part in various activities related to financial analysis during my years as a student. For example, I wrote essays on financial topics such as derivatives, capital structure theory, and risk management techniques. Furthermore, I also organized events such as panel discussions with industry professionals, which allowed me to interact with other students and experts alike. These experiences served to hone my problem-solving capabilities and taught me how to think critically about financial matters. 

Overall, I believe that I possess the necessary qualities to excel in a postgraduate program at NUS. My expertise and interest in finance, coupled with my strong communication and critical thinking will make me an ideal candidate for the course.

An  NUS personal statement  is a special essay that candidates submit to the admissions board. These essays showcase an individual’s background and personality. Make sure to remember our simple tips as you write your NUS personal statement. You are more likely to write a potent essay when you know the aspects you need to emphasize. 

Again, keep your statement short, concise, and authentic. We hope these tips give you the know-how and confidence to write a compelling university personal statement. Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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NUS or NTU Medicine? How to Choose the Best Medical School for You

There are two undergraduate medical schools in Singapore: NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS YLL) and NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (NTU LKC).

So you’ve received offers from both medical schools. Congrats! That’s a phenomenal achievement. Now to the tough part: which school is right for you?

Important Words of Advice

You can study medicine anywhere.

First of all, it’s important to realise that you can study medicine anywhere. In fact, as long as you have the will, I believe you can study medicine without attending any medical school (however, we are compelled to because we need that degree for accreditation).

So considering the bigger picture—your aspiration to become a good physician and practise medicine well—the school itself really doesn’t matter tremendously.

Both schools offer a world-class medical education

Moreover, both NUS YLL and NTU LKC offer quality teaching and training to hone future doctors of the highest calibre. Whichever school you choose, you’ll be in “safe hands”. There’s no cause for worry on that front.

Don’t worry, you will be able to get a job

If you’re concerned about job prospects, this is misconstrued thinking. All students from both medical schools, upon graduation, will successfully enter the workforce in public healthcare. We all have to serve a bond for at least 5 years, so not to worry, you won’t be jobless. The school you’re from won’t be of great consequence (nor its international ranking, nor affiliation with a top-ranked UK medical school).

Furthermore, according to seniors’ accounts, “the teaching doctors in hospitals are not partial to any medical school”. This is heartening to hear. Essentially there’s no reason to suggest that your path will somehow be “jeopardised” depending on which school you’re from.

No one has been to both schools

Of course, no one has fully experienced both NUS YLL and NTU LKC. Therefore, what anyone shares will be based on their personal experience, mixed with a healthy dose of hearsay and/or their friends’ anecdotes.

Just keep that in mind. Keep in mind that we all would have only truly experienced one of the two medical schools for ourselves. Keep in mind that everyone will experience and perceive things differently. Ultimately, your experience also depends a lot on yourself, and how you choose to live and embrace it.

You don’t have to overthink it

NUS or NTU Medicine—this may seem like the biggest existential question at the moment. But believe me, you will have the most amazing years of your life whichever school you choose to go . Why? Because both are amazing schools. And because you can create amazing experiences and memories.

Sometimes, overthinking can be counterproductive. At the end of the day, it’s okay to just trust your gut and go with whatever feels right to you. (Your gut instinct always leads you in the best direction anyway.)

All that being said, this is no doubt an important life decision. There are some practical things you can do to make a more informed decision and settle on the medical school that’s best for you.

Practical Ways to Help in Your Decision

Make objective comparisons.

While you won’t be able to experience both schools for yourself before choosing, it’s good to know some key facts. This detailed comparison is a good reference.

From these “hard facts”, you’ll gain useful perspective into what each of the schools have to offer. The key differences ( as highlighted in the article ) can aid in your decision.

Chat with seniors

While the objective facts are good to know, it’s equally important to get a sense of what the actual experience is like. The best people to turn to, of course, are those who have experienced it for themselves.

As mentioned previously, no one has been to both schools. Therefore, it’s probably wise to speak to seniors from both NUS YLL and NTU LKC to get both perspectives.

This might be a bit hard if you have no connections or seniors you know well enough to “disturb” (like me back then). My contact is always open, or you could simply leave a comment below. I spend way too long on this, but always read and reply to every message. (P.S. You can choose to remain anonymous—just make sure you add a legitimate email address or some way for my reply to get to you! I’m from LKC and I can also help to ask friends from YLL.)

Browse forums and social media

Barring a few questionable comments, most views expressed on forums like Reddit can be quite relevant and valid. The greatest value in such platforms is that you get candid perspectives from actual students at NUS YLL and NTU LKC.

(Note: I don’t use Reddit myself. But I felt that it might be a practical way for prospective students to glean more information about NUS and NTU Medicine. So I looked through some threads on this topic, and found most of the comments to be accurate—though some may of course express personal views.)

It goes without saying that you should probably take whatever you read with a pinch of salt. Everyone will have their own opinions, and two people attending the same school in the same year can come away with vastly different impressions and experiences.

Besides online forums, you can also leverage your social network or whatever you can find on social media. Similarly, this gives you a “real” look into life as a med student in that particular school.

Find out what you value most

After all those external inputs, it’s time for some introspection. What do you value most in the school you’ll be attending for the next five years? What is most important to you in your medical education? Your uni life?

At the same time, I would caution against overgeneralising. Some would say, “If you like to be spoon-fed, YLL is for you. If you’re more of an independent learner, go to LKC.” This is utterly fallacious thinking.

Beware of these sweeping statements. Find out more for yourself how teaching and learning actually happen at these two schools. Find out about the other aspects of student life too. Then you’d be better able to see where they align with your own priorities.

Which do you “vibe” with more?

While this may be dismissed as dubious by some, I would argue that it’s a very practical and important way to determine your future school.

Sometimes we’ve gathered all the information possible, but are still caught in a dilemma (or have become even more conflicted). But along the way, you would definitely have picked up a certain “vibe” of each school. Sometimes it’s very straightforward. You don’t have to know everything down to the tiniest detail. As you develop a feel for the schools, whichever one you “vibe” with more, that might just be the one for you.

Useful Resources

Have a question? Feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I read and respond to every message.

How to Get into Duke-NUS Medical School

From application requirements to acing the interview, this blog post provides valuable tips and insights for students interested in Duke NUS Med school.

Dec 14, 2023

Duke-NUS is the only graduate medical school in Singapore. It offers an extremely selective MD programme that many Singaporean medical hopefuls set their sights on. Unlike local undergraduate medical schools like NUS and NTU,   Duke-NUS is only for graduate entry.   According to their admissions site , all applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of, a Bachelor’s degree.

According to College Learners, the Duke-NUS acceptance rate is about 3.2%. Comparatively, NUS YLL medical school’s acceptance rate averages around 10%. So, what must you do to stand out among the best of the best to a school like Duke-NUS?

Application Requirements

The   Duke-NUS Submission dates   are   1st  September  for early acceptance, or by  31 st  January  for the final deadline, applicants must complete the given admissions requirements for their application to be considered at all. As well as transcripts and recommendation letters from referees, you’ll need to submit a   personal statement .

Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to show the school who you are as a student beyond your grades and academic interests. You’ll also be required to submit a few supplementary essays.

While these questions are only released with the application each year in June, some ways to prep for these supplementary might be to reflect on fundamental questions like why you want to be a doctor and what you have done to learn more about this path.

Demonstrate Your Interest in Medicine Concretely

You’ll also be asked to provide past experiences that demonstrate curiosity to expose yourself to medicine. Your interest in medicine will have compelled you to explore opportunities that give you a glimpse of your future goals. In your application, you’ll want to speak about these experiences and expand on how they have furthered your interest in the program.

Either way, make sure to acquire and mention a variety experiences in order to demonstrate the different way in which you have pursued and learned more about your goals.

MCAT or GAMSAT

Aside from the application form itself, it also mandatory to either submit an   MCAT  or   GAMSAT  score.

Although Duke-NUS does not have set cut-offs for each exam that you must meet in order to submit an application, as they prefer a holistic approach, it is still essential to score high in order to make you a strong candidate. If you take a look at the   Duke-NUS class profile , you’ll see that students have an average MCAT score of 513. The Luckily, if you begin preparing early enough, you should have multiple opportunities to improve your score.

In order to decide which exam caters to your strengths more, you’ll have to conduct your own research to decide   which exam to take .

Applicant Day

If you’ve got your sights set on studying at Duke-NUS, the part of the admissions process that you’ll really be looking forward to is Applicant Day. As stated on the   Duke-NUS official website , this day is an opportunity for shortlisted candidates to speak to faculty and students, learning more about the school, as well as a chance to participate in interviews, discussion sessions, and written exercises for evaluation. 

Acing the Interview

Admissions interviews will have a wide range of questions, designed to evaluate whether you would be a good fit at their programme.  Being asked personal questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” and questions about your strengths and weaknesses will be another opportunity for you to shine through as an individual, rather than a student who simply achieved impressive grades and experiences on paper.

Linking the values and priorities to what Duke-NUS can offer you as a student is also an important way of demonstrating how this school fits you as how you can serve this school too.

As well your competence in medicine, Duke-NUS will be looking to accept students who can conduct themselves in a professional manner. In preparation for ethical dilemma questions, you should be familiar with ongoing medical and healthcare related issues in the world, in the event that you are asked to offer your opinion on a certain issue. It may be useful to also establish with yourself what your stance is on especially controversial issues, making sure to remain consistent with your values. More ways to prepare for your medical interview include exploring   more resources  or   consulting an experienced professional .

Final Words

Applying for medical school, especially at the graduate level is no small feat. Keeping up a stellar academic record, maintaining good relationships with your professors, maintaining a balanced academic portfolio—it all requires extreme dedication and perseverance.Don’t be afraid to seek out support and guidance instead of simply relying on yourself.

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