how many schools to apply to?

[momofboys]

I am getting ready to submit apps for primary school for my kids to start in fall 2015. I have narrowed the list down to between 4-10 schools. Not sure how many I should consider applying to though in order to ensure they get into at least a few for us to pick from. Will be going out to Singapore to visit schools in November but seems I need to get the applications in before then. What is a reasonable number of schools to apply to to ensure we have several to pick from-- one child going into kindergarten and the other into pre-K.

[BedokAmerican]

Are you looking at local primary schools or private/international schools? If you're interested in int'l schools, those application fees are several thousand dollars each.

Some might disagree with me, but the rumors of waiting lists at some of these int'l schools are exaggerated. I've met many people who have said they were concerned with the wait lists and their kids were accepted right away or able to get in within a few weeks.

[momofboys]

We are looking at International Schools. I was wondering if the whole wait list thing was blown out of proportion and a pressure point from the schools to get you to make a quick decision. But at the same time nervous to gamble on that if it means we are then scrambling down the line to find a school.

[movingtospore]

For the better schools the wait list if very much list (also for the smaller schools with less room). Not sure which ones you're looking at but if they include UWC, Singapore American School, Tanglin Trust, St Joseph's...then yes, apply.

They all tend to wait until the last minute to let you know.

[kwy]

Personally I think 4 schools is plenty and 10 is way too many.
It seems numbers of expat arrivals is down on previous years. (Does any one agree?)
Yes, I also know of children being accepted straight into the school of their choice.
Definitely ask what happens to your deposit if you do not take up the entry offer. Some schools keep the deposit and others refund it.

[Primrose Hill]

For the better schools the wait list if very much list (also for the smaller schools with less room). Not sure which ones you're looking at but if they include UWC, Singapore American School, Tanglin Trust, St Joseph's...then yes, apply.

They all tend to wait until the last minute to let you know.

yup. Waiting list is atrocious. Have a failsafe plan