Ace Or Goal?

"Is it ok for me to just pass A Math so that I can spend more time on Physics?"

This is the type of questions which many students, especially the O Levels students, like to ask me. My reply will always be the same:
- What is your goal? Polytechnic or JC?
- What do you want to study in the future? Engineering? Marketing? ???
- What do you wish to be in the future?

After some discussion, they have an idea of what they see themselves to be in a few years' time. And a decision is made!

Who doesn't want a perfect score? Who doesn't want to get straight A's? However, we have to realise that not everyone is interested in everything he/she is studying. Ultimately, students have to ask themselves what do they really want. What is the minimum requirement to enter the course they want in Polytechnic? What is the aggregate score to enter their preferred JC? Take that as the goal, work towards it. From my experience with the students over the years, most of them reach their target, with many "overkilling", scoring much better than needed.

My personal experience
My O Levels aggregate of 9 points just met the cut-off point for AJC. Entering NUS Electrical Engineering was the goal I set for myself. Since that was a relatively easy goal at that time, there was no pressure on me, I didn't feel really stress. I spent everyday doing the things I liked (Math, F.Math, Physics, Chemistry, Sleep, Eat). In the end, I scored a bit better than some people.

No pressure, realistic goal, listen to my heart and I did well.

If I started out wanting to be the top student, wanting to score full marks, I believe that I would be stressed out and would not do as well. This was the same when I was in NUS.

It's always good to have a few more A's. However, are you sacrificing your ultimate goal for that extra A in one subject which doesn't really matter? Is your own unrealistic goal hurting your confidence? Is pursuing that extra A pulling your overall score down?


On a side note, I was asked by two students (at different times) why did I encourage them to "just pass" the subject they don't like and not afraid that my reputation as a tutor might be tarnished as that subject is one of the subjects which I teach. My one-line answer will always be the same, "Why should I put my reputation above your personal well-being and life goal?"
Luckily, most parents trust me and support me. Even more luckily, these are the students who went on to pursue their dreams, with confidence!