Congrats on getting into your dream JC! You are now faced with yet another difficult decision – choosing your subject combination. This choice is crucial as making a wrong move might close the doors to your dream university course!

If that feels overwhelming, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll break things down into simple, practical steps to help you find the right subject combination for you in 2025.

Why Choosing the Right Subject Combination Matters

Your subject combination will shape your JC experience and determine your eligibility for specific university courses. Picking the right subjects means setting yourself up for success, whether that’s acing your A-Levels, meeting university prerequisites, or pursuing your dream career.

A thoughtful choice now can save you a lot of stress later. On the flip side, choosing recklessly will lead to unnecessary struggles, like having to study subjects you don’t enjoy or can’t perform well in!

Understanding the JC Subject Framework

Let’s start with the basics.

Every JC student in Singapore follows a structured curriculum that includes:

Compulsory Subjects: These include H1 General Paper (GP) and H1 Project Work (PW). You’ll also need to take H1 Mother Tongue unless you achieved at least a D7 in Higher Chinese at O-Levels.
Elective Subjects: Students pick three or four H2 subjects (core subjects) along with one or two H1 subjects.
Optional Subjects: H3 subjects are for high-achieving students who want to explore advanced content in a specific area.

Most students choose either:

4 H2 subjects (with one downgraded to H1 for scoring purposes), or
3 H2 subjects + 1 H1 subject.

Each option has its own benefits and challenges, which we’ll explore below.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Subject Combination

1. Your Interests and Passion
As cliché as it might sound, the most important factor in choosing the right subject combination is to think about what you genuinely enjoy studying. Fortunately, most of you already know what you like and don’t like from secondary school, so this should be the easy part.

For those curious about subjects that you’ve not encountered before (Economics, General Paper etc.), sign up for MACRO Academy’s Free Subject Taster sessions and hear your seniors share about the quirks and benefits of each JC subject. (Only 10 slots per class – act fast!!)

Choosing subjects you love makes studying more enjoyable and motivates you to push through challenges.

2. Your Academic Strengths
While passion is important, don’t ignore your strengths. If you’ve consistently done well in Mathematics or Science, that’s a good sign you’ll excel in those subjects at JC. On the other hand, subjects like Literature or History might require strong essay-writing skills.

3. Your Future Goals
Do you have a specific career or university course in mind? Many university programs have subject prerequisites. For example:

Medicine or Dentistry: H2 Chemistry and H2 Biology/Physics.
Law: No specific requirements, but GP is critical.
Computer Science: H2 Mathematics and H2 Physics.
Business: At least H1 Mathematics is recommended.

If you’re unsure about your career path, choose a flexible combination like PCME (Physics, Chemistry, Math & Economics) or BCME (Biology, Chemistry, Math & Economics) that keeps your options open.

H1 vs. H2 Subjects: What’s Best for You?

H2 subjects are more comprehensive and require more time and effort than H1 subjects. For example, H2 Mathematics covers advanced topics like calculus, while H1 Mathematics focuses on foundational concepts.

Taking four H2 subjects offers flexibility if you’re unsure about which subjects to prioritize, as your weakest H2 can be downgraded to H1 for scoring. However, this option comes with a heavier workload, and many students end up dropping a subject to H1 later.

The Hybrid Option: Mixing Sciences and Humanities

If you’re interested in both Sciences and Humanities, consider a hybrid combination!

This means you will take two science subjects and two arts subjects. A common example would be PCEl (H2 Physics, H2 Chemistry, H2 Economics, and H1 Literature). This provides a balanced workload and keeps a wide range of university courses open.

Checking Subject Prerequisites

Before finalizing your combination, make sure you check the eligibility criteria for your chosen subjects. For example, some schools may require a minimum O-Level grade in Mathematics to take H2 Mathematics. Requirements vary across schools, so consult your JC’s guidelines or speak to your teachers.

Tips for Making the Final Decision

Attend Taster Classes
If you have access to taster classes, attend as many as you can. These sessions give you a sneak peek into the syllabus and teaching style. For those that want an extra perspective from your school’s seniors, sign up for MACRO Academy’s Free J1 Taster Courses here!
Talk to Counselors and Teachers
Your school counselors and teachers have years of experience guiding students through this process. They can help you assess your strengths, interests, and goals.
Research the Syllabi
Look up the syllabi for the subjects you’re considering. You can find detailed outlines on the SEAB website or through past-year papers.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Choosing subjects based on peer pressure or popularity.
Overloading on content-heavy subjects like History, Biology, or Literature.
Ignoring the importance of H2 Chemistry for science-related university courses.

Balancing Workload and Well-being

JC life is demanding, so make sure you’re not overloading yourself. Balance rigorous subjects with lighter ones, and don’t hesitate to drop a subject to H1 if needed. Staying organized and seeking help when necessary will go a long way in managing stress.

FAQs About JC Subject Combinations

What if I still don’t know what to pick?
Focus on your strengths and interests. A flexible combination can help keep your options open.
Can I change my subjects later?
Some schools allow changes in the first few months, but it’s not guaranteed. Choose wisely upfront.
What about H3 subjects?
H3 subjects are only available to high-performing students and are typically decided at the end of JC1.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely and Stay Flexible

Choosing your JC subject combination is a crucial crossroad, but it doesn’t have to be stressful!

Remember, it’s okay to feel lost right now, as long as you’re investing the time in figuring out what your long term goals are.

If you still feel unsure about which combinations to pick – feel free to drop us a WhatsApp text at +65 8366 2396, and we’ll be happy to help guide you along personally.

Think bigger, Think MACRO!

The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Choosing the Right JC Subject Combination