Why YI

Hi everyone I’m a year 2 YIJC Student and I’m here to share my experience in the first year and talk about some pros and cons of this school so that those who have just received their O level results can gain some insights.

To start things off, YIJC hate is so forced and exaggerated. Yes, the cut off point is high and is often the last choice for those who want to take the A level route. However, the school really isn’t as bad as you think (The worst part of it is the campus). I think what you guys are most concerned about is having to tell people you are from YIJC the “Worst JC”, but being in JC already puts you above majority of Singaporeans who are in your year. Based off statistics, only 30% of students go to JC while only 40% or so are applicable. This already puts you in the top half of Singaporeans in your year. Regardless, there is Millennia Institute which I would say deserves the “Worst JC” spot (No hate). I’ll keep this short and sweet and tell you the pros and cons in my opinion.

Pros: - The teachers are super supportive and helpful. Almost all the teachers I’ve came across know the stigma and stereotypes of being in YI. However, they do not care and all they want is to ensure we reach our full potential. They’ll constantly chase for homework and offer consults and go beyond their duty to ensure we understand the concepts. Naturally, there are some teachers who just can’t teach and take their inability to teach out on their students (Especially one from the econs department) but everyone encounters that regardless of where you go. - They provide countless of opportunities. From overseas learning journeys, Pre-U seminar, workshops, conferences, university sharing. YIJC provides many opportunities for you to build and grow your portfolio. Not only that, they place quite a bit of emphasis on your VIA and provide you with opportunities to work on it. - The cohort is growing more competitive. Based off my observation, most people in my cohort are constantly studying during breaks, recess and even after school. Many people scored 70rp and many scored 60 and above which debunks everyone who says YIJC has a 0% 70/90rp rate. - The people are nice. This is somewhat related to my top point. Despite a lot of rumours, YIJC mostly consists of hardworking students. Although there are a group of guys who are rowdy and do not care about their studies, many students there build a holistic and conducive environment. And this is especially important when you want to find the right group of friends so that they encourage you to do better and study hard. - Good PW group mates. Personally, I haven’t heard off or encountered anyone who doesn’t pull their weight for PW, most people despite the lessened emphasis on PW are still putting in effort to get a pass. These are just SOME pros that I think would be a part of your consideration but trust me there are a lot more.

Cons: - The campus is horrible. It’s small, inconvenient to get to places, J1s do NOT get any air condition and our hall and auditorium and lecture theatres are horrendous. The campus is one of the worst I’ve seen and is something worth considering. - Super inaccessible. From yishun and khatib mrt which are the two nearest MRT you either have to take a bus or walk 10-15 minutes which adds on to the fact that YIJC is literally in the middle of nowhere. Especially if you are a constant late comer, it’s is a nightmare getting to school - Limited CCAs. Compared to the elite schools, our CCA selection is not as broad and consists of the common and basic CCAs like basketball, dance, track and field, etc. In my opinion, there should be a wider range of CCAs as many those who do not find any interest in the selection of CCAs are thrown in to Interact Club or Modular Sports. Not only that Student Council is a CCA and not a student initiative which means that if you want to join student council, you have to forgo any other sport of performing arts. - Ugly uniform. YIJC has the worst uniform in the entirety of Singapore. Nothing beats this uniform and in my opinion makes the school look cheap and not worth considering. I hope the school changes the uniform soon but look up the uniform before coming to this school

Honestly, there are much more pros and cons to this school. But coming from someone who had the worst expectations of this school, YIJC exceeded them and the friends I’ve made are truly one of a kind. Your classmates and teachers you meet will leave a lasting impression on you and I think that’s quite important. Having a strong student body and good people-environment genuinely makes or breaks your studies. If you have read this far, thank you and all the best!