I'm 16 and taking my O levels this year. I'm an average kind of student - not the smartest but also not bad in studies. I want to get into local uni but don't know which is better for me - jc or poly?

In short jc

Short answer is JC, but of course the more reputable JC. If you are aiming for bottom 3 JC in Singapore, might be tough.

reason why I suggested JC is because even with a score of A B B C for A levels you can still secure a local Uni slot whereas you have to have a 3.5-3.84 GPA in poly to have a uni slot.

In short: Poly

I from poly go local uni. Failed my O "level" the re-take.

WHY GO POLY???
Poly subject is easier, easy to score. No need to be Top student, just make sure mostly A can go uni already. Poly easier go Uni than JC

TIME IS MONEY!
If you fail A level u can either retake (waste 1yr) or some went poly(waste 2yr).

Every year u waste is actually loss $$$. Assume fresh grad $3.5k per mth + bonus. 1 year is approx. $50k.

Always take the easiest path. Since poly is easier , u will have more time, u can do some side hustle outside to earn more $$$. by the time you graduate from uni, you will have a huge sum of $$$ in your bank.... 8yrs (poly+NS+uni) of $$$ ahead of your peers.

WHAT SUBJECT TO CHOOSE?
16 yr is difficult to know what, u will want to do in the future. However, u may choose something that will be always relevant. Engineering (very wide scope) or accounting (every company need accountant), etc. I believe most people dont know what they want to do during 16 yr old.

Most important is good grade for UNI unless you are the next steve job. Good grade open to many doors.

It depends on the course. If you want to get in a practical technical course like engineering or computing or business, it doesn't make a difference.

But if you want a scholarship, and study medicine, law, science, math, history, then JC is the best way.

I have a sister (13yo) and I absolutely recommend her to go to JC because of her personality. She doesn't like dressing up, going out, socialising etc, and she wants to be a dentist/public relations manager. So JC is the best path for her.