Invitation to the Faculty of Science, NUS

This is posted by LJ's mum.

After Lim Jeck has won an IMO gold medal, a number of well-meaning people suggested that he should consider pursuing his higher education in a top-ranking overseas university such as one of the Ivy League or Oxbridge universities. Personally, I am not in awe of overseas branded universities and I also do not think that our local universities are inferior to the overseas ones. As long as one works hard for his passion and has a positive attitude, he can shine in whichever university he goes, and in whatever vocation he undertakes after graduation. Since Lim Jeck is still about 4+ years away from enrolling in an university, there is still much time for him to think about where he wants to pursue his undergraduate studies.

He has recently received an invitation to apply for the Faculty of Science, NUS, when he is in his final year at NUS High (2 years later). The offer is quite attractive as he will be guaranteed at least a Kent Ridge Undergraduate Scholarship (bond-free) which provides full coverage of the annual tuition fees (which is about $5360 x 4 years, based on current year's fees for the Faculty of Science).

In my opinion, it is a good choice for Lim Jeck to join NUS after his studies at NUS High and after National Service. He has already completed two Year 1 NUS Math modules and is currently doing a Year 2 NUS Math module. By end this year he would have completed all his Math modules at NUS High, so next year onwards he would have more time to take additional NUS modules - either from the Faculty of Science or from the School of Computing. In NUS, there is a suitable double degree programme for him - Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science) and Bachelor of Science (Mathematics/Applied Mathematics). I think if he joins this programme, he should be able to get his double degrees (with honours) in less than 4 years.

Of course, ultimately the choice is his to make!