Wanting to be a vet but don’t really know if going to JC or poly (or other options) is a better choice? I was in this same position right after O level. To be honest, there is no direct answer to this. Having graduated from junior college (JC) with an A level certificate, I do not regret it. But could polytechnic (poly for short) be better for me? Maybe, but I will never know. However, what I do know is that this is a big decision to make and will most definitely affect how you are going to apply to vet school and which vet schools you’d qualify for.

I may not be the best person to explain this but I hope this blog will give you at least some insights from my personal experience. Take it with a pinch of salt. Furthermore, it’s our onus to read up more and talk to people who’ve been through a similar journey as the one we are planning to be on.

(Let me stress that this blog is written from the Singapore context and education system — mainly for those who study in Singapore or wish to study here prior to vet school. But of course, there are many other options to choose from besides just JC and polytechnic options I’ll mainly be sharing here. Nonetheless, feel free to read on if you’re just curious to understand how it works.)

What is junior college?

A 2-3 years pre-university education in preparation to sit for the GCE A level examination, which is required to be eligible for university. It generally has a fixed timetable/structure of lectures, tutorials and practicals.

What is polytechnic?

A 3 years course in preparation for the workforce, in which you’ll get a specialised diploma upon graduation. There is generally more freedom and independence when it comes to planning your own time and school schedule.

Doing your research as early as possible is obviously the best way to decide on this big decision. So here are some guiding questions.

Factors to consider

I like to think big picture first then go deeper in to the small picture. Basically, dream big and work backwards. Manifesting, people may say. But to me, it’s about preventing limitations we unconsciously put ourselves in if we were to think small. Very often, we overestimate what we can achieve in 1 year but underestimate what we can achieve in 10 years. And of course, flexibilty is welcomed, just understand why you decide to change your plan — a change in life purpose vs an escape from a problem/difficulty.

1. What specific specialisation do you want to pursue as a veterinarian?

• Wildlife? Exotics? Equine?
• Ophthalmologist? Dermatologist? Internal medicine specialist?
• Or a general vet practitioner?
• Do you have a general idea of what the job entails?

2. What does it take to get there?

• Work backwards: e.g a vet specialist (diplomat of a board → passing board exams → residency → internship → bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine → A level/diploma)

3. University course requirement

• Research on a list of vet school possibilities and their entry requirement
• In the Singapore context: JC or poly?

4. Affordability of education

• Do you need 10/20/30/40 years to pay off your student loans?
• Do you qualify for any scholarships? Will it be enough?

5. Options and opportunities

• more general and varied opportunities for university education (very low possibility for specialised jobs) → JC (2-3 years)
• more specialised opportunities for the workforce (less so but definitely possible for university education) → polytechnic (3 years)
• other options → vet school foundation program (‘specialised’ in terms of preparation for vet school but doesn’t quite give the flexibility to go straight into the workforce —1-2 years), SATs (for US vet schools), A level in UK, and many others I believe (we just have to keep searching)

6. Curriculum and school structure

Less important honestly. As long as you’ve considered the first 5 factors, I’m sure you’ll find ways to adapt to the school structure and curriculum. You’ll find ways to succeed and love what you do. For someone who knows exactly what he/she wants, how often do we see them not achieving it?

But let me still explain the difference so it wouldn’t be too much of a shock for anyone trying to make this decision.

Junior college is almost like secondary school. School is structured with a fixed timetable — lectures, tutorials, practicals. All in preparation for exams and the most important of all is the A level examinations. After each exam, each of the student’s subject has a new grade, with the final one being the A level examinations.

Polytechnic is more like a university structure. Depending on the specific course structure, various submissions, projects, tests, exams and practicals for all modules contribute to the student’s GPA. GPA is accumulative. So at the end of the diploma, the GPA reflects all the grades for all the modules required to be taken to graduate.

Why I wanted to go polytechnic

Knowing exactly what I wanted since 8 years old, I wanted to start learning about animals as soon as I can — getting a diploma in veterinary bioscience/technology. Which was to go to a polytechnic rather than a junior college.

When I was in secondary 4, representatives from various junior colleges would come to my school to give talks to share about their specific junior colleges — which were compulsory to attend. I remembered how I would politely ask my teachers if I could skip it as I had no intentions to go to junior college. But they always just insist that I stay to maybe learn a thing or two about junior colleges which will help me make a more informed decision. (which I have to say, was indeed helpful as I eventually did choose to go junior college)

Why I eventually went to junior college

The turning point was on the O level results release day. Not that I was the top in class or school but I did achieve a single pointer. Knowing my results, my teachers strongly encouraged me to choose junior college over polytechnic. My older sisters who both went to polytechnic also advised against me going to polytechnic as they have regretted doing it.

I’m grateful that was even in the position to choose between junior college or polytechnic. And ultimately, after much consideration, I choose junior college.

Any regrets?

Honestly… way too many times throughout junior college and in the 4 years after graduation. However, in the long run and in this very moment, I do not regret it at all. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the friends I’ve made there, the memorable experiences I’ve made there, the opportunities the A level certificate has given me and, at the same time, the restrictions the A level certificate has given me.

For my specific circumstance, I honestly can’t say for sure if going to polytechnic would have been a better choice. But I know that because I went to junior college, I have made decisions that beautifully shaped my life to be what it is today. Took 4 gap years. Worked as a veterinary nurse. Met people along the way who gave me the confidence to keep trying with the right motivations. Developed grit, love and courage. Went on solo trips. And finally found USAMV-Cluj.

Highlights in junior college

OVIA (Overseas Values-In-Action program)

The moment I heard of this opportunity, without hesitation, I signed up. Very grateful to be selected as one of about 30 students to be part of this project. We spent 1-2 months planning our itinerary. In that 7 days there, we lived with locals in a village, taught English and Mathematics at a middle school, scraped down the walls and repainted a small building in the school and played games with children at an orphanage.

Preparing for the volunteering trip was tedious, but all our efforts were more than worthwhile. Yes, it was for the less fortunate communities we were involved in helping. However, I realised it was a lot more than that, we were learning a lot about ourselves and what we have that we take for granted. Instead, THEY were the ones helping us realise that. To change our mindset and act accordingly — with grace and gratitude.

I experienced the beautiful state of mind of orphans — the gratefulness they had with all that they have, the joy, appreciation and tenacity of children when it comes to learning and the generosity of locals.

This was definitely one of the best memories I’ve made in junior college. Furthermore, I made 3 of my best friends through this journey. Considering how ‘small minded’ I was at that point in time, it beautifully painted an image in my mind that volunteering overseas with friends (or even alone) is a possibility. This may be the very reason why I got the idea to solo travel in North Vietnam and doing a workaway in Malaysia.

ASEAN schools games (ASG)

When it was the time of the year when they were selecting students to take part in the ASEAN schools games, my basketball teacher in-charge approached me to tell me about this opportunity. Till this day, I am very grateful that he encouraged me to go through the selection process. After about 3 days of selection, I was selected as one of 12 members of the basketball girls’ team. We started training as soon as the following week and for the next 4-5 months leading up to the competitions. Through intense trainings with one of the best players within our age group, I was pushed to my limits in terms of technical skills, communication and perseverance.

Finally, it was the week of the competitions, which was held in Malaysia. An experience to be truly remembered. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions and experiences — stress, nerves, disappointment, joy and fun. Couldn’t have found a better roommate during this trip who made this experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

Though stressful, having to juggle school work, school basketball trainings and volunteering together with the ASG basketball trainings, I’ve learnt so so much about myself and the sport. Furthermore, the synergic experience of amazing team members during trainings and competitions will stay close to my heart.

Never expected myself to have this amazing opportunity to represent Singapore at the regional level, definitely one of the highlights of my junior college life.

Friends

Junior college was just a short but intense 2 years. Because of that, the friendships forged during this period was all the more precious. Late night study sessions, library focus sessions, destress outings, lunch and dinner breaks, basketball trainings, volunteering sessions… These friends made the whole experience a lot more fun, memorable, bearable and meaningful. I cannot imagine how I could survive junior college if not for my friends and the amazing people I’ve met there.

The great thing about the friends we make in junior college is that we will eventually find careers in a wide range of industries. You’ll end up with friends who are digital marketer, designer, banker, psychologist, environmentalist, lawyer, dentist, engineer, teacher, physiotherapist, doctor… This builds a network of connections with different industries and specialisations. You’ll never know when you’ll need a physiotherapist’s advice. Ah-ha! You’re just one call away.

Of course, I’m not saying that going to polytechnic means you won’t make cool friends who will be specialised in a variety of careers. But it comes with a little more effort — having to attend events and join communities to meet people from other faculties.

On the other hand, mingling with people from a specialised field (like in polytechnic) can create some kind of synergy for innovation — needed for startups and entrepreneurship. Still, it doesn’t mean having friends from different specialisations in a later stage (during/after university) cannot create this similar synergy.

How my A level certificate helped me on this journey

Firstly, it’s a widely recognised certificate. Most veterinary schools will recognise the GCE A level certificate as a high school qualification. And because we take General Paper (English) as a compulsory subject in junior college, there’s no need to take the IELTS. At least for the schools I applied for (UK, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and Romania).

Secondly, the rigour of junior college really helped me prepare for vet school. Not because I was ‘successful’ at studying in junior college or that I did well for my A levels. In fact, I was barely able to keep my head above water throughout junior college. To the point that I was afraid to even go for tests and exams, had insomnia and heart palpitations for months on end.

Nonetheless, because I’ve experienced my worst, I know that it was not the life I wanted. I know what I’ve done wrong when it comes to my studying methods. I know I have to find meaning to whatever I was studying. And it comes with taking actions to change my mindset. Thus, I’ve made a promise to myself to always find fun and love in whatever I do, even when it comes to hard things.

How my A level certificate restricted me on this journey

Firstly, it’s having to start vet school from year 1. Because it is a more general (less specialised) qualification than a veterinary bioscience/technology diploma from polytechnic. On the other hand, having a diploma can provide you the possibility of direct year 2 entry. For example, Murdoch University recognises the NP veterinary bioscience (discontinued since 2020) and the TP veterinary technology diploma and successful applicants can gain direct entry into year 2 of veterinary medicine. But of course, always check each university website for the most updated information as this may change in the future.

Secondly, I had no choice but to choose between Physics or Biology. Let me explain how it works… Math was a no-brainer as that’s the foundation for the science stream. However, although I took the science stream, it was compulsory to take a contrasting subject — which I took Economics. That leaves only 2 subjects (out of total 4 main content subjects) which I can choose from. Checking the entry requirements at that time, many vet schools in UK and Australia require Biology and Chemistry as a prerequisite while some just require Chemistry. However, some universities look at Physics as a requirement.

I was rejected from University of Pretoria (South Africa) twice because of that. As I didn’t know about University of Pretoria yet and its entry requirements, I chose Biology and Chemistry as it would leave more doors opened for me. But of course, some doors will have to be closed.

Ending words

Remember this: there is always a way

No matter where you choose to go (JC or poly or any other routes), there will always be a way — a hidden opportunity, a hidden door, a hidden path. For this case, it’s choosing between JC or polytechnic. Which involves considering the factors and making the best decision you can from your derived knowledge (not having to personally experience it before making the decision). In that very moment, you may decide on a path. You may regret it, but trust me, there won’t be a dead end. You are smart, brave and strong. Believe me, you’ll find a way.

It’s up to us to find our way. It’s not about the length of your journey, but the beauty of it. Go slow. Enjoy the process. Trust the process.