4H2 vs 3H2+1H1: Which Is Better? (2026 Guide)
21 Mar 2026, 00:00 Z
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Q: Should I take 4 H2 or 3H2+1H1 in JC?
A: Under the 2026 scoring system (70RP), your University Admission Score uses only your 3 best H2 + H1 GP. A 4th H2 no longer directly boosts UAS - it acts as insurance, not a bonus. This guide covers when 4H2 is worth it and when 3H2+1H1 is the smarter play.
TL;DR
The 70RP system changed the maths: a 4th H2 does not increase your maximum UAS. It still helps if (a) you need specific H2 prerequisites for multiple courses, (b) you want scholarship breadth, or (c) your weakest H2 is strong enough to beat your H1 alternative. For most students, investing that time into scoring higher in 3 H2s and GP is more effective.
For subject combination planning, start with our JC Subject Combination Guide. For university prerequisite checks, use the Singapore University Subject Prerequisites Planner.
How the 70RP UAS system changes the 4H2 decision
Under the old 90RP system, every H2 grade contributed to your rank points - so a 4th H2 directly added to your score, even if the grade was modest.
Under the new 70RP system (from the 2026 admissions cycle):
- UAS = 3 best H2 grades + H1 GP (maximum 70 points).
- If you take 4 H2, your weakest H2 is converted to H1-equivalent points for scoring purposes.
- Project Work becomes pass/fail - no rank points.
- Mother Tongue is excluded entirely.
What this means in practice: if your 4th H2 grade (converted to H1 points) is lower than what you would have scored in a dedicated H1 subject, the 4th H2 actually costs you points.
For the full scoring breakdown: 70RP vs 90RP guide.
When 4H2 makes sense
- You need H2 prerequisites for multiple course families. Example: you are considering both engineering (H2 Physics + H2 Maths) and medicine (H2 Chemistry + H2 Biology). Taking 4 H2 Sciences keeps both paths open.
- You are aiming for competitive scholarships. PSC, SAF, and university scholarships sometimes value breadth. A strong 4H2 grade profile (AAA/A or better) can differentiate you from 3H2 candidates with similar UAS.
- Your 4th H2 would comfortably score A or B. If you are confident in all four subjects, the 4th H2 acts as insurance - your weakest H2 is downgraded to H1 points, but you still get the better of your H2-converted-to-H1 vs a standalone H1 result.
