Application & Interview Guidelines
In an ideal world, we’d like to welcome everyone who is ready to learn to come to the Portal. Often times, demand for places exceeds supply. It is our sole objective during this admission process to identify students who are most likely to benefit from and make an impact at the Portal. A basket of factors, and not just skills and talents, is considered. It is never about ranking who’s better.
Before applying
Students are admitted either to the Choral Stream or the Chamber Music Stream, from which, they can then choose their preferred Creative Problem-Solving modules and Sports activities. Students can apply to both streams and indicate their preference between the two in their applications.
Applying to the Chamber Music stream
To apply to the Chamber Music stream, students must have attained at least ABRSM Grade 8 (Distinction) or equivalent in piano, violin, viola or cello. They will also need to submit a video of their recent performance in the online application. Spaces in the Chamber Music stream are very limited and must also satisfy certain instrumentation configurations. Students who are not given a place in the Chamber Music stream may be placed in the Choral stream to benefit from experience.
At the interview
Instrumentalists applying to the Chamber Music stream will be assessed for their performance skills. They have to prepare excerpts from two contrasting pieces lasting no more than 8 minutes in total. They will also be given a sight-singing test as well as a vocal range assessment.
Singers applying to the Choral stream will be assessed for their vocal skills and sight-singing ability. They have to prepare an excerpt from a song of their choice to be sung without accompaniment, and have their vocal range tested.
In addition, all applicants will be engaged in a short discussion with the panel where their learning aptitude and English language proficiency are assessed. The whole interview process will last around 15 minutes in duration. Those who reside outside of Hong Kong, or are unable to make it during the Interview Weekend will be scheduled for a Zoom interview instead.
Scholarship
All applicants will be automatically considered for the merit-and-impact-based scholarships. There is no need to apply specifically for it.