It's tough being parents in Singapore these days. And it's even tougher being parents who want only the best for their child.

Not only do they have to sacrifice an arm and a leg, they have to jump through hoops just to get their kid into the primary school of their choice -- even when it is next to where they live.

It was reported that a 43-year-old housewife and her husband performed 100 hours of volunteer work for Kong Hwa School in the hopes they stood a better chance to get their child in, but couldn't eventually, as there were too many registrants.

A total of 66 children vied for 35 places at Kong Hwa and places had to be determined by balloting.

From The Straits Times on Aug. 7, 2014:

"We are very disappointed... We have lived here for more than 10 years, and the school is within walking distance," said the mother of two.

The other school within a 1km radius of her home is Geylang Methodist School, which is also oversubscribed by now. "Our daughter will have to take the school bus instead of just walk," she said.

It was also reported that a total of 86 schools had to conduct a ballot last week.

They include Bishan's Catholic High School and Westwood Primary in Jurong. Parents who failed to secure a spot in Phase 2C will have to register in Phase 2C supplementary.

Phase 2C is the fifth of seven registration phases. It is for children with no ties to the primary schools.

The earlier Phase 2B is for children whose parents are school volunteers, grassroots leaders, or are members of an affiliated church or clan.

Would-be parents, start getting yourself connected.

But don't count on it.

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