What does the NUS application actually look like? Is a statement of purpose required?

The mentor shared her actual 2022 NUS application on screen during the session. NUS requires a 2,000-character personal statement for students who want to be considered for aptitude-based admissions. There is also an achievements section, a structured, pre-filled form where the student selects the level of achievement, position held, and activity from a limited set of options. The mentor described the format as unusual but manageable.

• There is an optional NUS College section requiring additional written materials: three short response questions with character limits of 250, 500, and 3,000 characters, and one referee letter.
• The mentor heard that NUS College may no longer be operating, she said their last batch had reportedly graduated recently, but recommended checking the current NUS website to confirm before writing these additional materials.
• For NTU, the application is far simpler: a short form with a single 200-word text box for achievements or medals. No essays or structured extracurricular forms.
• NTU's application does not require elaborate written components, the mentor described it as the simplest application she submitted.