Forum: New University Admission Score system doesn’t reduce, but redistributes, stress
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Students of the 2025 A-level cohort were the first to receive their results
Under this new system, the fourth content-based subject is included only if it improves the UAS. Project work is also excluded, and is now under a pass-or-fail grading system.
This change was introduced to give students more space to pursue their interests without being overly concerned about their grades.
While intended to relieve the academic stress of many students, it arguably fuels Singapore’s education “arms race”, albeit on a different front.
With fewer subjects accounted for, the UAS has become a narrower scoring system. It inevitably increases the concentration of top scorers, making it harder for universities to differentiate between top candidates based on results alone. In turn, universities must look elsewhere – specifically, towards non-academic achievements.
As a junior college student, I have witnessed the fierce competition that this change has created. Beyond studying, students are focusing on accumulating leadership roles and service learning hours, and participating in external activities. Students now feel they have to curate the perfect portfolio to stand out in an increasingly crowded field of top scorers.
I believe this change was well intentioned, and many students can benefit from it. However, it should be acknowledged that it has not necessarily reduced stress, but rather redistributed it.
The Government’s efforts are a step in the right direction, but with Singapore’s deeply competitive mindset, it seems like this “arms race” will persist.
Megan Loy Nian Shan, 18
JC 2 student
