Rejected by NUS, computing student Alvin Wang’s online appeal goes viral

Update on 23rd April, 2012

NUS sends Alvin a letter saying that a change of decision is “highly unlikely”. Message from Alvin on his site:

“Please note that as you have already been considered for all your previous choices, appealing for the same choices would be highly unlikely to change the university’s prior decision.” 

This was the exact words written on the letter that I received from National University of Singapore, which happened to be the same words that got me thinking. To me, the intent was simple, to do something now or not to do anything at all. Nevertheless, I apologize if the website have misled you in any way. :) 

A Big Thank You, to the people who have supported me. :) 

Just some further clarification, I was offered Computing (Information Systems Courses), and as the skills that the website portrays, and rightly so, there are no majors in Information System Courses that are relevant to me. When I said Computer Science, I meant Computing (Computer Science Courses), which gives me an option to become a Communications and Media Major. I will be then able to specialize in Content Creations and Mass Communications Group (which is User Interaction and Experience) as well as Games Technology Group. 

While many students would give up after finding out that they’ve been denied entry to the university course of their choice, Alvin Wang is different.

Not taking it lying down, this IT diploma graduate from Ngee Ann Polytechnic created an online resume at helpalvingetintoschool.com to show off his credentials. He hopes to pursue degree in Computer Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The website has caught fire on the interwebs, gaining fans and haters alike. So far, it has already garnered over 11,000 Facebook likes. It’s similar to a website started by Matthew Epstein, called Google please hire me.

On the site, he lists his skillset: Java, C#, Visual Basic, and Javascript. He also knows interface design in Photoshop, and website design with HTML, CSS and PHP, doing it since he was 13. He is currently learning iOS development with Objective-C.

Quite impressive.

“I know this is a long shot, or a shot in the foot, maybe. But I knew I had to do something, not because I think I am better than anyone. I am not, but it was never about being better than anyone, it is about being the best I can be,” he writes.

“I am starving for this opportunity.”

He also put up a video on his final year project, written in C# for Microsoft Surface:

Hungry Hippos – Final Year Project [Demo] from Alvin Wang on Vimeo.

While many have praised him for his initiative, at least one blogger has cast aspersions on Alvin’s integrity, calling his appeal a “deception.”

Adopting the pen name “Eli James”, the writer reminded readers that Alvin was in fact accepted into another course in NUS — Information Systems, a fact he reasons Alvin should have disclosed on the site.

Hence, instead of being a student taking to the web as a final recourse, Alvin was merely picky about his options.

“This campaign wasn’t about getting a talented kid into school. This campaign was about a kid who wasn’t happy with the course he was given, wanted another one, and then decided to run a campaign about it instead. And the worst bit of it was that he was dishonest about the nature of his complaint,” he writes.

Eli later on adds that what Alvin should have done is to accept the Information Systems program, and then apply for a switch after entering the school, arguing that he stands a higher chance of getting what he wants.

Other critics have also called him out for being “childish” and questioning his tactics to ”ride on the influence of social media”.

Alvin has never expected the website to generate so much attention, or criticism.

But whatever he is doing appears to be working. He has received ten interview requests from employers, TodayOnline has learnt.

He may not need to enter NUS after all.

Comments