Tough time for DSE students expected in varsity tussle

Charlie Chun

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education students may face intense competition for some courses as the number of candidates applying for local universities has gone up by one to two percent, the Hok Yau Club says.

But the student counseling group predicts admission scores to universities will be similar to last year's 19 points for the best five subjects.

About 50,800 DSE students will get their public exam results on Wednesday.

The group also advised candidates to take note of syllabus changes when considering to retake next year.

"Students should pay attention as to whether universities will accept liberal studies scores next year as the subject is replaced by citizenship and social development," said student guidance consultant Ng Po-shing.

"They can also reflect on their results and figure out whether they want to pursue academics or join the workforce and which is a better option for them."

A hotline counseling service to provide information on further studies, emotional counseling and career guidance is available until July 24 from 10am to 10pm. Overnight services will be provided tomorrow.

The service will resume on August 8 to 10 and August 15 to 17 for the announcement of JUPAS [Joint University Programs Admission System] main round offers on August 9 and reconsideration of offers for applicants with upgraded exam results on August 17.

Students can also register for face-to-face sessions by submitting a reservation online or calling 2728 7999.

Apart from Hok Yau Club, seven other student counseling organizations will also provide services to exam candidates.

The chairwoman of the Hong Kong Association of Career Masters and Guidance Masters, Esther Ho Yuk-fan, said 16,000 candidates or about 40 percent, will attain level 3 in Chinese Language and English Language, and level 2 in Mathematics and Liberal Studies, which is the entrance requirement for local undergraduate programs.

"Students have more choices when selecting programs as there are 22,600 university places available," said Ho, adding that 95 percent are given JUPAS offers according to their first six choices.

The most popular university programs were medical - and tech-related, said Hok Yau Club.

Caritas Institute of Higher Education received 26,000 applications, up 13 percent from last year. About 30 applicants are competing for one spot of its nursing program.

The Vocational Training Council will run 140 degree and higher foundation programs, with 13,000 school places.