Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Underestimating the English Language Requirement
- Memorising Without Understanding Concepts
- Mismanaging Time During the Exam
- Ignoring Singapore Maths Problem-Solving Methods
- Not Practising with Real Exam-Level Questions
- Overlooking Instructions and Question Details
- Final Advice for Avoiding Costly Mistakes
1. Introduction
The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) is a challenging examination that determines entry into Singapore government schools. Every year, many capable students fail to secure placement not because they lack ability, but because they make avoidable mistakes during preparation or on exam day. Understanding these common pitfalls early can significantly improve a student’s chances of success.
2. Underestimating the English Language Requirement
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how strong English proficiency must be to pass the AEIS exam. Many students assume that basic conversational English is enough. However, the exam tests advanced comprehension, grammar accuracy, and the ability to understand nuanced questions.
Students often lose marks because they misinterpret comprehension passages or misunderstand what a question is asking. To avoid this, students should practise reading longer English texts and answering questions using complete and grammatically correct sentences. Exposure to Singapore-style English questions is critical.
3. Memorising Without Understanding Concepts
Some students rely heavily on memorisation, especially for Mathematics formulas and English grammar rules. While memorisation can help, it is not sufficient for the AEIS exam. Questions are designed to test understanding and application, not rote recall.
For example, Maths questions often require multiple steps and logical reasoning. If a student memorises formulas without understanding when and how to use them, they may struggle with unfamiliar problem types. Conceptual understanding should always come before memorisation.
4. Mismanaging Time During the Exam
Poor time management is another major reason students fail the AEIS exam. Some students spend too much time on difficult questions and rush through easier ones later, leading to unnecessary mistakes.
Timed practice is essential to avoid this problem. Students should learn how long to spend on each question and when to move on if they are stuck. Developing a habit of scanning the paper first and answering easier questions earlier can greatly improve overall performance.
5. Ignoring Singapore Maths Problem-Solving Methods
Many international students are unfamiliar with Singapore Maths techniques such as model drawing and systematic reasoning. As a result, they may arrive at correct answers using inefficient methods or fail to solve word problems altogether.
Singapore Maths prioritises clarity and logical steps. Students should practise drawing models, breaking problems into parts, and showing clear working. Learning these techniques early can make even complex word problems much more manageable.
6. Not Practising with Real Exam-Level Questions
A critical mistake is relying only on textbooks or school worksheets that do not reflect actual AEIS exam difficulty. Without practising real exam-style questions, students may be shocked by the complexity and wording of the exam.
Working through an aeis exam paper allows students to become familiar with the structure, language, and expectations of the real test. This kind of practice also helps students identify weak areas early and adjust their study plan accordingly.
7. Overlooking Instructions and Question Details
In both English and Mathematics papers, students frequently lose marks by overlooking instructions or skipping key details in questions. Examples include answering in the wrong format, missing units in Maths, or writing irrelevant answers in comprehension questions.
Careful reading is essential. Students should be trained to underline keywords, check answer requirements, and review their work if time allows. Simple habits like re-reading the question before answering can prevent many careless mistakes.
8. Final Advice for Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Success in the AEIS exam is not only about studying hard but also about studying smart. Avoiding common mistakes such as poor time management, weak English comprehension, and lack of exam familiarity can dramatically improve results.
With consistent practice, proper guidance, and awareness of these pitfalls, students can approach the AEIS exam with confidence and significantly increase their chances of securing a place in Singapore’s competitive education system.