At the age of 4, I attended nursery. Following that, I attended kindergarten one & two. At 7, I started primary one and at 12, I completed primary six. At 13, I started secondary one and at 16 I completed ‘O’ levels. At 17, I started poly and at 19, I graduated with a diploma. At 20, I enlisted for national service and at 21, I completed my service. At 22, I obtained my degree through a part time degree program with the University of Wollongong. At 23, I’ve got a degree with slightly over a year of working experience.

Now, compare that route to a JC scenario.

At 16, I complete ‘O’ levels. At 17, I start JC and at 18, I complete ‘A’ Levels. At 19, I enlist for national service and at 20, I complete my service. At 21, I enter NTU or NUS and at 24, I obtain my degree. (4 years since I would most likely take a science/engineering/technology degree) At 25, I’m a fresh grad.

Overseas Degree vs. Local Degree. What is the difference between the two routes? Here are some points to consider. How much time is involved? How much money is involved? How much effort is involved? What is the commercial value of the degree obtained? Everyone has a slightly different situation and neither path “ensures” that you will be ahead of the curve. No matter which route we take, don’t be “average”… actually, it doesn’t even matter if you’re mediocre. What really matters is that you’re happy, and proud of what you have achieved.