Securing a spot in a Singapore Government School is a dream for many international families. The education system here is world-class, rigorous, and opens doors to global opportunities. However, the gateway to this system—the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS)—is notoriously competitive.
At Tuition Solution, we have seen hundreds of students attempt this exam. While many succeed, others fall short not because of a lack of intelligence, but because of a lack of strategic preparation.
If you are planning to enroll your child in AEIS Tuition, or are guiding them through self-study, here are the top 5 mistakes you must avoid to ensure your child has the best fighting chance.
The most common pitfall for international students is the English paper. Many parents assume that because their child speaks English fluently or studied at an international school, they will pass easily.
The Reality: Singapore’s English syllabus is distinct and highly academic. It places a massive emphasis on grammar precision, vocabulary range, and cohesive writing.
The Fix: Don’t rely on conversational English. Focus on grammar drills and academic writing structures.
Many students from countries like China, Vietnam, or India are incredibly strong in calculation. Parents often think, "My child is a Math genius; we only need to worry about English."
The Reality: Singapore Math is famous globally for a reason. It focuses heavily on heuristics and problem-solving logic, not just calculation. For example, in Primary school math, students are expected to use the "Model Method" to visualize algebra-style problems without using actual algebra variables like xxx and yyy.
If a student attempts to solve a Primary 5 question using advanced Secondary-level algebra equations, they may get the answer right but lose marks for the method, or simply run out of time because they are not used to the phrasing of the questions.
The AEIS exam usually takes place in September or October (with the S-AEIS in February). We often see parents seeking AEIS Tuition in August.
The Reality: The Singapore syllabus is dense. Trying to cram two years' worth of curriculum into one month is a recipe for burnout and failure. Your child is competing against students who have been drilling this syllabus for years.
The Fix: Ideally, preparation should start at least 6 months prior to the exam. This allows time to identify weak areas and fix them.
It is natural to stick to what you know. However, the scope of the AEIS exam is strictly based on the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus.
The Reality: Topics that are taught in Grade 8 in your home country might be taught in Secondary 1 (Grade 7) in Singapore, or vice versa. If your child studies the wrong topics, they will face questions in the exam room they have never seen before.
The Fix: Ensure you are using assessment books and past year papers specifically designed for the Singapore curriculum.
Knowing the subject matter is one thing; knowing how to take the exam is another. The AEIS has strict time limits.
The Reality: Many students fail to finish the paper. They spend 20 minutes on a difficult Math question worth 4 marks and run out of time to finish the essay section or the remaining 10 questions.
The Fix: Timed practice is non-negotiable. At Tuition Solution, our tutors simulate exam conditions to ensure students learn time management strategies.
Preparing for the AEIS is a marathon, not a sprint. You do not have to do it alone.
At Tuition Solution, we specialize in connecting international students with experienced tutors who are experts in the AEIS format.
Don't leave your child's education to chance. Give them the competitive edge they need to enter a Singapore Government School.