Everything Parents Need to Know About DSA 2025 (And How to Help Your Child Ace It)

What is DSA?

In Singapore, the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme offers Primary 6 students the opportunity to gain a place in a secondary school before their PSLE results are released. Unlike the traditional route, which is based solely on academic scores, DSA recognises a student’s talents in areas such as sports, performing arts, and leadership.

This pathway empowers students to showcase their strengths, character, and potential beyond the classroom. But with rising competition and limited spots, preparing for the DSA interview has become a high-stakes process.

2025 DSA Application Timeline for P6 Students

Understanding the key dates is crucial. Here’s what the MOE DSA schedule typically looks like for Primary 6 students in 2025:

• May 2025: DSA-Sec application opens via MOE’s DSA portal
• End-June 2025:  DSA-Sec application closes
• July to September 2025: Shortlisted students attend interviews, trials, or selection camps
• End October 2025: DSA offers released
• November 2025: Students accept/reject DSA offers before PSLE results

Always check the official MOE website for the most up-to-date information.

The DSA Process: What to Expect

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how DSA works:

1. Application: You select up to three schools and talent areas on the DSA portal.
2. Shortlisting: If your child’s application stands out, they’ll be invited for an interview or audition.
3. Interview/Selection: This is where your child showcases their talent, personality, and communication skills.
4. Offer: Successful candidates will receive a Confirmed or Waitlist offer.
5. Acceptance: If accepted, your child’s PSLE score is no longer the sole factor in school placement.

The interview stage is often the make-or-break moment, especially for communication-based DSA tracks.

Where Speech Academy Asia Comes In

At Speech Academy Asia, we specialise in preparing children for one of the most overlooked yet critical components of the DSA process, the interview.

Our DSA coaching programme equips your child with:

✅ 81 of the most commonly asked DSA questions, covering school-specific and open-ended topics
✅ Personalised coaching in interview speech, clarity, confidence, and articulation
✅ Training in public speaking, storytelling, and presentation delivery
✅ Constructive feedback on diction, posture, and eye contact

Our seasoned communication coaches have guided countless students to success, many of whom have secured placements in prestigious IP and SAP schools via DSA.

Top Tips for DSA Interview Preparation

1. Research the School

Help your child learn about the school’s values, culture, and programmes. When they speak from an informed place, their answers sound more authentic and aligned.

2. Practise the Right Questions

Common questions like “Why do you want to join our school?” or “Tell me about a challenge you’ve overcome” can be practised with mock interviews. Use real examples to make their answers personal and memorable.

3. Build Confidence with Real Practice

Encourage your child to rehearse in front of family or a mirror. Confidence doesn’t come overnight, it grows through regular practice and exposure.

4. Master Body Language

Non-verbal cues matter. Teach your child to sit upright, maintain eye contact, and use calm hand gestures. These small things create a big impression.

5. Prepare for the Unexpected

Interviewers sometimes throw in unexpected questions to test adaptability. Teach your child to pause, think, and answer with honesty and clarity, even if they don’t know the “perfect” response.

6. Be Genuine

Remind your child that there’s no “model answer.” Interviewers are looking for sincere, self-aware students who express themselves naturally.

Communication is the Game-Changer

Public speaking is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s an essential life skill that gives your child an edge in interviews, leadership roles, and beyond. We believe every child deserves the chance to shine, both in school and in life.

Help your child stand out with our proven DSA interview preparation. 

👉Visit our full programme page here.

📞 Call us at 9061 1715
📧 Email us at info@speechacademyasia.com
📍 Visit us at JEM, 52 Jurong Gateway Road, #06-01, Singapore 608550