4H2 vs 3H2+1H1: Which Is Better? (2026 Guide)
Study guide
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.
Quick decision map
| If your situation is... | Better default |
| You need four H2 prerequisites to keep paths open | Start with 4H2 if your school allows it |
| You already know your target course needs only two or three H2s | 3H2+1H1 is usually cleaner |
| One H2 is consistently pulling down all subjects | Consider dropping early |
| GP is weak | Protect time for GP because it counts in UAS |
Concrete example: the workload trade-off
If the fourth H2 takes five hours a week and is not needed for your target courses, those five hours may be better spent lifting a borderline H2 B to A or improving GP. Under 70RP, that often matters more than carrying an extra H2 for appearance.
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.
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
