Pssst...

Guess what...?


=D

DPA quick update

Neonates, quick update regarding the DPA - quite a few of you have been asking whether or not it means that you have been rejected by the DPA if you do not receive a call for an interview by this week.

We have just confirmed that this is not the case. The calls for interviews and the interviews themselves will keep happening all the way till early August (though the exact date it ends we're not sure). So that means, yes, you might receive your calls/emails/SMSes next week. All the best!

DPA Question and Answers Board

Okay, so the questions have been streaming in regarding DPA as many of you guys have been getting or not getting calls. Here's a quick run through of the more common questions to help put your hearts and minds at ease -

1) Does Frayon really look like Brad Pitt?
Yes. I do. But this is irrelevant to the DPA. Next question.
Fanning: Stop lying to yourself, Frayon. WAKE UP.

2) I haven't received any calls or emails or SMSes even though all my friends have been getting them already! Does it mean I've not been chosen?
Nope, it doesn't, so relax. The whole process of them contacting all the shortlisted candidates for interviews will take the rest of this week, so there're still chances for you to receive a call from us.

Tell you what. If possible (we're not sure if it is yet, but we'll ask around), we'll let everyone know once ALL the calls/emails/SMSes have been sent out ASAP.


3) I've been called up! What's the interview going to be like?
First of all, WOOT AND CONGRATZ! Now relax and take a deep breath. Okay, feeling less kan-cheong? No? ... Hmm. Nevermind. Think of my face. That's right, feeling better now? Good.
Fanning: Hello. Are you trying to make them feel more relax or die of fright?

Okay, basically a panel of staff will ask you questions revolving around why you chose to enter this course via DPA. Remember, the thing about the DPA is that it's really for students who really know that this IS the course they want to take, regardless of what their O level results will be like. So the interview will basically revolve around your interests, passions and the like.

Incidentally in one of our Advance to GO! videos we asked some of the current TP students that got in via DPA about their interview, which (if you haven't already) you can watch here.


4) HOW DO I IMPROVE MY CHANCES AT THE INTERVIEW???
I'm going to put this in point form, and will update this as the days go by:

- First impressions are important. Don't dress sloppily, but you don't really need to go and purposely tailor a suit just for this either. The interviewers will want to see who you are - dress comfortably and naturally.

- Prepare your portfolio if you have one. Don't know what to put in? CCA records, achievements, testimonials - things you feel are relevant to the course or to your life dreams. E.g. If you want to enter into a Design course, bringing your artwork is a good idea, but that International Britney Spears Impersonation Champion trophy might not be so helpful.

- No portfolio doesn't mean DOOM. A portfolio, while useful, isn't necessarily the most critical thing in the interview. Remember - it's about you, your potential and your dreams.

- Be natural. Don't be too nervous, don't be frightened and most of all don't be hysterical. Be yourself, be at ease. If you feel you're going to be nervous, why not practice the interview with a friend or two? Make them ask you questions about your passions and interests and then make them GRILL you. It'll help, trust me =D.


5) How many students are you accepting via DPA?
This actually depends on the course and number of applicants, and unfortunately we really can't give you a fixed figure right now. =(


6) I've been called up for more than 1 interview. Can I go for them all?
Unless the dates clash (and I believe you can arrange for another time), yes, actually you can. You see, the ultimate choice lies with you. You might even end up choosing your 2nd or 3rd choice depending on the interview. One of our DPA students once remarked that it was the interview that helped her decide to come to TP ('cuz the TP lecturer was nicer LOL).

DPA emails and calls

Looks like there're some of you that have been getting calls and/or emails regarding interviews for the DPA already! So fast!

I'll try to call the some people involved in the TP DPA to find out more about what's happening now to give you guys a proper update on the process, but don't worry if you haven't been contacted - this whole contacting-you-guys process usually takes more than a few days.

If you guys have any burning questions that you need to ask now feel free to ask on our tagboard, or you can also (and I highly advise this) check with the current TP DPA students over on their blog!

We'll also post up a number of tips for your interviews really soon! All the best!

tp4me Blog REVAMP

GUYS!!!

We'll be revamping the blog this week! We're really excited about the new look and everything, and this half of the year is when TP is also the most active, which means that there's going to be a LOT of stuff happening on the blog soon.

KEEP COMING BACK AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!! TP4ME V2.0 IS COMING SOOOON!!!

edit: ... Fanning told me to tell everyone that she played a very large part in the revamp and wants to be properly credited. ... Fine. Ahem.

Fanning helped in - ... She... - ... Ahem.... Fanning was instrumental in... - ...

ARGH I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT FANNING SHE'S UGLY, DUMB AND SMELLS LIKE A PIGSTY MWAHAHAHA!!!

Parental Guidance Seminar

Temasek Polytechnic has just announced the Parental Guidance Seminar!

What: Parental Guidance [PG] Seminar
When: Saturday, 16 August 2008, 10.00am
Where: Temasek Convention Centre at Temasek Polytechnic

Are we watching movies?
... No. You are not watching movies. In fact, this event isn't even specifically directed at you (by you I'm assuming you're a student taking your O levels this year).

Huh? Then?
It's for your parents! Hello aunties and uncles! *waves*

Okay, now I'm confused.
Okay, then I'll explain it to you. Parents are usually very concerned about their child's O levels. It's kind of a thing parents do. But often times, many of these concerns go un-met. Questions like, "My child weak in Maths, but wants to do Engineering. How??" or "Graduate after poly the pay good or not?" and stuff like that.

Okaaaay. So this seminar helps how?
I'm glad you asked. We'll have TP Staff, current students and even their parents come to share their experiences (the parents of the students, not the staff) and answer these questions that your parents have! Be it questions regarding entry requirements, what you'll be studying or post-polytechnic opportunities - we'll answer them all!

Oh. Eh... So I can't go?
... YES you can go. But you need to accompany your parent (i.e. you can't go alone, your parent must accompany you. Hence the name [PG], get it? Hyuk hyuk hyuk). Bear in mind that this seminar is targetted at parents more so than students, so there might be questions you parent will ask that might embarrass you, like, "My child still needs me to read him a bedtime story before he can sleep. Will he fit into the Polytechnic culture?"

Frayon: Oi. You so obviously were referring to me right?
Fanning: I was, but noticed I didn't mention any names. Thanks for coming out and admitting it for yourself.
Frayon: .... dammit.

Check out the PG Seminar website over here. Register fast, neonates - seats are limited. If you have any questions feel free to ask on our tag-board. Oh by the way, the seminar is FREE.

Solid as Bone,

Fanning

Lingo OEI!

MWAHAHA!! Fresh after the DPA is over we've decided to present everyone with a new Poly Lingo Dictionary word!

Today's word is... *drum rolls*

"OEI"

Sometimes we get people asking us why we keep going "TP OEEEI!". "Oei" is not to be confused with "Oi", which is something I say very often to Fanning. One of the distinct differences is that with "Oi", I'm trying to tell Fanning to KNOW HER PLACE AS A LESSER MORTAL AND BOW DOWN BEFORE MY AWESOMENESS, whereas with "Oei" it's a celebration!

If you're wondering how to pronounce "oei", make the shape of an "O" with your mouth, then say "OH", slowly transforming it into an "EH", and end off with an "YEEE". Make it all smoother, with heavier emphasis on the "EH" (dragging as long as you want).

“OEI” is most commonly use and heard in camps. It works as a little “nudge”, to test the alertness of campers and to show the solidness. In short, “OEI” means bravo! So now, let’s try it out!

FRAYON OEEEI!!

...

....

You're supposed to respond "OEEEEI!!!"

TRY AGAIN. FRAYON OEEEEI!!

...

....

Oi.

DPA Exercise is over!

Alright neonates, the DPA exercise is over. And I know th - ... ... Frayon. Stop crying. It's the end of the DPA exercise, not the end of the world.

As I was saying, I know that for those of you who signed up, you're bound to have a lot of questions. So we're presenting tp4me's first ever "What Happens Now?" post.

So you've signed up for the DPA, and put TP as your top choice (that's what you did RIGHT? *glare*) and now... You're just waiting. Waiting. And wondering. Wondering -

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! WHAT HAPPENS NOW?!?

... ... Yes, Frayon. Overdramatic as always.

In a nutshell, this page on the DPA website (if you haven't seen it already) details the selection process.

During this time, you should:

- prepare your portfolio, whether it's artworks, projects or writeups that you've done, to mention a few.
- prepare relevant official documents, like recommendations, testimonials etc, that you believe can improve your chances during the interview.
- prepare yourself. Remember, TP's DPA selection process places heavy emphasis on choosing students that are passionate, driven and motivated. You signed up because you believe you really want this. Now you need to make US believe that.
- give Frayon all your money.
Frayon, you obviously have not learnt from your nearly-broken-arm experience.
I am Fanning and I look like a Martian.

... ... *breaks Frayon's arm*

If you have more questions don't hesitate to ask me or the DPA students on their blog or forum. You could probably ask Frayon as well once he stops crying like a neonate.

Don't forget, the results will be released on 12 August 2008. All the best!


Solid as Bone,

Fanning

Advance to GO Roundup

So the DPA exercise has been running for 3 days now. How many of you guys have signed up? =D

We're recapping all the Advance to GO, DPA and other related posts and vids here for easy viewing (in case you haven't seen them already - WHERE WERE YOU??) into one fancy link:

Advance to GO series (episodes #1 to #5)

TAH DAH! For the record, Episode #1 has a writeup by ME regarding some details regarding DPA, so make sure you read it if you haven't already (WHERE WERE YOU??). Haven't signed up for DPA but want to?

CLICK HERE!

All the best to all DPA applicants! Looking forward to seeing all of you in TP. Fanning and I found the current DPA bunch to be a very enthusiastic, motivated and bonded bunch, and we're sure that trend will only continue! =D

And just to mention for you guys who didn't notice it (WHERE WERE YOU??) (edit by Fanning: Frayon, stop it before I cut off your fingers), the current DPA students also have a blog up over here.

DPA Special Part 2

OOOO so I gather that all of you are dying to find out what DPA special 2 is all about. Well, after reading Kenneth's story, I believe some of you must be wanting to find out if you have a good aggregate, should I even apply for DPA.

Presenting, Lim Yuan Jie who scored grades good enough to enter the top JCs in Singapore, has no regrets coming to TP to pursue his Diploma in Information Technology through DPA.

Yuan Jie's passion for IT started back when he was in primary school, competing and winning in many IT-related competitions. He then went on to North Vista Secondary School and there, his academic achievements mirrored his competiton achievements.

With a burning passion for all things IT, he decided to apply for DPA based on the many factors that he had carefully thought through. He had wanted to take advantage of the advance standing in his future admissions for university education and of course the more practical way of learning.

Yuan Jie has a passion for helping people too. He is a member of the TP Mentoring group, to teach some primary school children who are not strong in certain subjects.

So what are all of you waiting for? If you know your passion and would really want to pursue your dreams, sign up for DPA today!

DPA Special Part 1

Hello everyone!!!

As part of our special DPA features, we're bringing to you two very very special people in the pioneer batch of our DPA students in TP! Wondering if you should sign up for DPA? Read on to find out how this student, Kenneth Ham decided to take up the challenge and be amongst the first in Singapore to be involved in DPA.

Kenneth was a Sec 5 student from Dunman Secondary School and since he was a young boy, he had this passion for computer hardware and software. Armed with a curious mind, he explored on his own and even learnt web-programming all by himself! WOW!!!! *I can never do this on my own... :(*

Back in secondary school, Kenneth didn't excel and even scored an aggregate of 38 points for his mid-year examination. *yikes* But that did not dissuade him from applying for the DPA as he wanted to pursue his dreams to be in the IT line.

Armed with confidence and his burning passion for IT, he applied and was shortlisted for an interview. He shared that the interviewers were impressed with him and even encouraged him to work hard for his 'O' levels. And lo and behold, with sheer determination and encouragement from the rest, he scored 14 points! Way above his expectations.

Now, he is actively serving as the Vice-Chairman of the TP DPA Interest Group and a member of the Toastmaster's club. Being an all-rounder, he is even the President of TP's Judo Club! Amazing!!

Kenneth aspires to be like Bill Gates and I hope he achieves his dreams.

Till then, look out here for the second special person that I want to introduce to all of you! Stay tuned! :)

Advance to GO Episode #5 - DPA is here!

It's here, it's here! The DPA has started! From today, 2 pm until next Monday 14 July 4pm you will be able to register for the Direct Polytechnic Admissions Exercise at this website.

Also, here's the last episode of Advance to GO! We hope that it's helped you understand the DPA more, how it can help you and what it's like to be a TP DPA student!

Thanks very much to everyone who has helped us in making the video!

Advance to GO Episode #4

Hello neonates. This is Advance to GO Episode #4, our second-last episode in the Advance to GO feature series.

In this ep, the 2 interviewees speak about their DPA interview experience and some tips you should take note of when being interviewed.



Frayon was being particularly annoying in this one off the camera... *glares at Frayon*


Solid as Bone,

Fanning

Advance to GO Episode #3

Episode #3 is heeeere...!!

This ep, 2 students talk about their interesting backgrounds and what led them to their passions!



Hey hey, be sure to tell your friends and juniors about the vids and the writeups we have here regarding DPA! Enjoy the weekend! If you have trouble sleeping, just play the video and listen to my soothing voice.

Relaxing, right?

Advance to Go Episode #2

Hello neonates! Advance to Go Episode #2 is up.



We also re-uploaded the previous episode because of feedback that Frayon's voice was too soft. So, unfortunately, you now get to hear his voice in all its horrible, ear-splitting terror.


Solid as Bone,

Fanning

Frayon: Wait wait wait... "neonates"? What the heck are "neonates"? Whatever happened to "punks"?

Fanning: I believe I told you never to hijack my posts, Frayon. Do you want me to twist off your arm AGAIN?

Frayon: Uhm. Well, no... But at least tell me what a neonate is before you do that.

Fanning: Fine. A neonate is a newborn child within its first 4 weeks.

Frayon: ... ... What? Babies? You call everyone BABIES now? But wh - ... AAAAAAAARGH MY ARM!!! AAAAAARGH!! MUUUUMMY!!

Fanning: (sigh) ... You're such a neonate.