All About the DSA Process
We've helped numerous students secure their Sec School places through DSA, and below, we address common questions from parents.
As the 2025 DSA-Sec exercise approaches, many parents find themselves navigating a maze of school choices, eligibility criteria and application strategies. Below, we provide a clear and practical breakdown of the DSA process, addressing common concerns, misconceptions, and offering insights into how to make the most informed decisions for your child’s secondary school.
In Part 1 of our upcoming 2025 DSA Preparation Series, we’ll share our deep experience and insights from the many DSA success stories of our students. We’ll focus on structuring a strong DSA application, building a compelling portfolio, and selecting the right talent domains and schools, which has helped many students gain entry into their preferred secondary schools.
What is DSA and How Does It Work?
The Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme allows Primary 6 students to gain entry into secondary schools based on their talents in areas such as sports, the arts, leadership and specific academic disciplines. Successful applicants secure a spot before PSLE results are released, offering some peace of mind amidst the high-stakes PSLE period. Students are limited to a maximum of three choices, where each choice includes a school and a talent area. Students may indicate up to 2 talent areas for the same school, but these must be listed as separate choices during the DSA application.
However, parents should note that while DSA provides an alternative pathway, it requires careful planning. Each school has different selection criteria, and while PSLE results do not determine admission, students must still meet the minimum entry requirement for the posting group offered by the school under Full Subject-Based Banding. For example, if the school only admits students via Posting Group 3, then your child’s PSLE score should qualify for Posting Group 3.
In recent years, interest in DSA has surged. The number of applications has grown from 18,000 in 2018 to 42,500 in 2024, with about 11% of Primary 6 students successfully admitted via this route. Schools are also expanding their DSA quotas, with up to 20% of non-IP (Integrated Programme) students and up to 30-35% of IP students entering through DSA¹.
¹ Specialised independent schools such as NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, School of the Arts, School of Science and Technology can admit 100% of their S1 intake through DSA.
2025 DSA Application Timeline
While MOE has not yet released official dates for 2025, the general timeline follows this structure:
January – May: Research schools and talent domains; attend open houses and webinars.
May – June: Submit applications via the MOE DSA portal.
June – September: Schools conduct selection rounds, including interviews, trials or auditions.
September – October: Schools release DSA offers; students rank their choices.
November: Final allocation results are announced.
Different DSA Domains
There are a multitude of DSA domains to apply for, which include the following (it’s not an exhaustive list):
For Academic DSA: Schools may conduct subject-specific tests. Ensure your child is well-prepared for problem-solving challenges beyond the regular curriculum.
For Sports DSA: Performance in trials is key. Strong physical fitness and a history of competitive participation improve the chances of selection.
For Leadership DSA: Schools seek students with strong communication skills, initiative, and a track record of leadership roles. Be prepared to discuss specific contributions and experiences.
For Performing Arts DSA: Auditions are crucial. Schools may require Grade 5-8 proficiency in instruments or past performance experience, though requirements can vary by school.
Common Questions about DSA
A. Does my child need a portfolio?
Schools will select applicants based on their track record and skills in their chosen talent area, and students should show qualities that highlight their ability and potential to excel in that domain.
As part of the DSA submission, students can provide information on non-school based activities and achievements relating to their chosen talent area, up to a limit of 10 entries. Depending on the school and talent area, your child may be required to additionally submit a portfolio showcasing their achievements.
A strong profile typically includes:
Quality of achievements: For sports, this might include National School Games (NSG) participation. For leadership, CCA leadership roles or MOE awards can strengthen applications. For academic DSA, competitions like Math Olympiads or E2K participation are valuable.
Consistency: Schools look for students who have been actively involved in their talent area for multiple years, so it’s always a good idea to start early!
B. What are the realistic chances of getting into highly-competitive schools through DSA?
Many parents wonder about the likelihood of getting a spot at highly competitive schools. The truth is, DSA admission varies greatly between schools and talent domains. While some schools prioritise national-level achievements, others may look for strong potential. However, if your child is significantly below the academic cutoff for an Integrated Programme (IP) school, it’s worth considering whether they will thrive in that environment.
C. Can my child apply for multiple DSA categories?
Yes. Each student can apply to up to three schools, and within each school, they can select up to two talent areas. If your child is keen on a particular school, consider applying through different domains to increase their chances.
D. How important are P5 and P6 school results for DSA?
While DSA is based on talent, academic performance is still considered in many cases. Schools want to ensure students can cope with the curriculum, and some schools have stringent academic screening even for non-academic DSA domains.
E. Should my child apply for DSA?
DSA is a long-term commitment. If your child secures a spot through DSA, they are required to participate in related CCAs or programmes throughout secondary school. Ensure they are truly passionate about the talent domain before committing.
DSA is a fantastic opportunity for students who have demonstrated excellence in a particular field. However, it is not a guaranteed admission route, and rejection rates can be high. Even with DSA, students must meet the minimum academic criteria for their selected school-offered posting group. So applying for DSA should be a strategic decision, balancing talent, PSLE academic performance, and the child’s well-being.
Join us for Part 1 of our 2025 DSA Preparation Series to understand everything you need to know about the DSA process, craft a compelling DSA application, and avoid common DSA pitfalls.