At Kodecoon Academy, we aim to provide a supportive learning environment for our students to grow their interest in coding. We encourage our students to participate in coding competitions and projects to gain more exposure. Moreover, they can utilise these competitions and projects to build a portfolio for their Direct School Admission (DSA) and Polytechnic Early Admission Exercise (EAE).
What is EAE?
The Polytechnic Early Admission Exercise (EAE) is an aptitude-based admissions exercise that allows students to apply for and receive conditional offers for admission to polytechnics prior to receiving their O-Level examination results or final Higher Nitec Grade Point Average (GPA).
To find out more about the EAE application process, we reached out to two of our students who had undergone the EAE. Harold is currently studying Applied AI and Analytics at Nanyang Polytechnic and Vera is studying Media, Arts and Design at Singapore Polytechnic. Here’s what they had to say:
What made you decide to do EAE?
Harold: I wasn’t really choosing to go to EAE initially. But because I was choosing the course and I realise that it is open for EAE and I already have built up my coding portfolio, so why not? That was the main thought process that I went through.
Harold (Left) and Teacher Deddy (Right)
There are many courses available, what about your course that appealed to you?
Vera: The community in Media, Arts and Design seemed fun, and the curriculum covered topics I was already interested in. I have been involved in similar projects on my own, like creating virtual environments, so it felt like a natural extension of my interests.
How did you prepare for the EAE?
Vera: I displayed relevant projects like modelling, sketches, and game designs to demonstrate my creativity. The biggest challenge was ensuring I had all my materials ready for the application so please prepare early!
How did you find the group setting during the interview?
Vera: It was different, a bit daunting at first. I decided to take the initiative, starting conversations, and helping guide our group’s direction. It was about demonstrating creativity and the ability to work with others.
Vera (Left) and Teacher Deddy (Right)
Any other things that you feel that the juniors need to take note of during the interview?
Harold: Be comfortable. You can’t be too uptight. And always be looking at your camera if it is a Zoom interview.
Besides the interview, are there other components?
Harold: Every school has about, maybe, a 30-question aptitude test for the course you’re applying for. Some schools might have 2 aptitude tests for 2 different courses.
How have your school and teachers contributed to where you are now?
Vera: They have been instrumental. The school structured English lessons to include components that would prepare us for the EAE application process, focusing on how to communicate our skills effectively. Kodecoon teachers have also been very helpful in guiding me throughout my coding journey, giving me opportunities to participate in various competitions that made my portfolio shine.
Harold: Teacher Deddy and other Kodecoon teachers have been truly patient in guiding me through the EAE process and ensuring that I have the confidence to present myself to the panel.
What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out in secondary school?
Vera: I would tell her to document all her projects meticulously and to be intentional about her choices, ensuring they align with her interests.
Applications and interviews can be a daunting process when you are unsure of how to prepare for it. At Kodecoon Academy, we want to prepare our students well for such applications and equip them with the necessary skills to perform well during each component of the Poly EAE.
Kodecoon is organising our very first EAE Preparation Program in June for students planning to apply for Poly EAE. Contact us via WhatsApp at +65 8950 3022 for more information!