When Should You Apply for University: Before, During, or After National Service (NS)?
For many Singaporean male students, the transition from high school to university comes with an additional step—National Service (NS). Unlike students from other countries who enroll in college immediately after high school, Singaporean men must navigate a two-year gap before starting their undergraduate studies. This raises a crucial question:
🧐 Should you apply for university before, during, or after NS?
At MCC Global Education, we specialize in helping high-achieving students gain admission to Ivy League and top 30 US universities. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your university application timeline.
📌 Why Applying Before NS is the Best Strategy
Many elite universities, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, and Yale, now allow two-year deferments for conscription. This means that you can apply while in high school, secure your university spot, and defer enrollment until after NS.
🎯 Advantages of Applying Before NS
✅ Peace of Mind: Once accepted, you can serve NS knowing that your academic future is already secured.
✅ Better Access to Resources: High school counselors, teachers, and mentors are readily available to write strong recommendation letters and provide academic support while you’re still in school.
✅ Familiarity with Standardized Tests: If your target university requires the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL, you’ll find it much easier to excel in these tests while your academic knowledge is still fresh.
✅ Opportunity to Reapply: If your first application isn’t successful, you still have time to reapply after a year—this allows you to refine your essays and application strategy.
✅ Stronger Personal Statements: Your high school experiences—leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and community projects—are still fresh, making it easier to craft compelling essays.
📌 When Should You Apply During or After NS?
While applying before NS is the preferred route, some students may consider applying during or after their service. Here’s what to keep in mind:
📍 Applying During NS
🔹 Challenges:
Balancing university applications with NS duties can be difficult, especially during physically demanding training periods.
Finding time to study for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, TOEFL) or prepare for college interviews can be challenging.
Teachers and school counselors may no longer be available to write recommendations or provide application support.
🔹 Best for:
Students who weren’t fully prepared in high school but have now built a stronger academic or extracurricular profile.
📍 Applying After NS
🔹 Challenges:
If you wait until after NS, you may lose your academic momentum, making it harder to score well on standardized tests.
You might need to reconnect with past teachers for recommendation letters, which can be more difficult after two years.
University deadlines may not align perfectly with your NS completion date, delaying your enrollment.
🔹 Best for:
Students who did not meet their target grades in high school and need more time to strengthen their profile.
Those who discovered new career interests during NS and now want to explore different university programs.
📌 Which Universities Allow Two-Year Deferments?
Many top universities in the US, UK, and globally recognize National Service as a valid reason for two-year deferment. If you apply before NS and get accepted, you can request to hold your place until after completion.
🔹 US Universities that allow two-year deferment:
✔ Harvard University
✔ MIT
✔ Stanford University
✔ Columbia University
✔ Dartmouth College
✔ Johns Hopkins University
✔ University of Chicago
✔ NYU
✔ Babson College (for Business & Entrepreneurship)
✔ Rice University
🔹 UK & Other Global Universities that allow deferment:
✔ University of Cambridge
✔ University of Oxford
✔ Imperial College London
✔ London School of Economics (LSE)
✔ University College London (UCL)
📌 Pro Tip: If you are considering a university that isn’t on this list, email their admissions office to check if they allow deferment for NS.
MCC Global Education
At MCC Global Education, we specialize in helping students navigate the complexities of top university applications, including Ivy League, Oxbridge, and other elite global institutions.
📌 Our Expert Services Include:
✔ Personalized Application Strategy: Customized plans based on your academic and extracurricular profile.
✔ SAT, ACT & TOEFL Preparation: Targeted coaching to maximize your test scores.
✔ College Essay & Personal Statement Editing: Crafting standout narratives that captivate admissions officers.
✔ Interview Preparation: Intensive mock interviews with experienced consultants.
✔ Scholarship & Financial Aid Guidance: Identifying funding opportunities at top universities.
📩 Contact us today for a free consultation and secure your future at a world-class university!
📧 Email: admin@mccglobaleducation.com
📱 WhatsApp: +65 81812406
🌐 Visit: www.mccglobaleducation.com
