SPM IS NOT THE END

Now allow me to discuss this in the form of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL).

Case 1

Julia got straight 10As in SPM 2010 and recently, she was offered a MARA scholarship to do a preparatory course - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Kolej Mara Seremban, before flying to Ireland to study Medicine, provided that she passes the required points in the preparatory course. She has never heard of International Baccalaureate (IB) before and doesn’t even know how to pronounce it. However, she was determined to accept the offer as flying overseas to study Medicine has always been her dream. Her best friend, Fatimah, was also offered a MARA scholarship to do a preparatory course in Kolej Mara Seremban, but she got to do A-Levels instead of IB.

Learning Issues:

1.       What is International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)?

2.       A-Levels or IB? What are the differences?

3.       IB and A-Levels in Kolej Mara Seremban

4.       MARA – is it a loan or a scholarship?

Answers:

1. What is International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year educational programme that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. In order to participate in the IBDP, students must attend an IB school. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects from the six different subject groups, and complete three core requirements. Subjects are assessed using both internal and external assessments, and courses finish with an externally assessed series of examinations, usually consisting of two or three timed written examinations. Internal assessment varies by subject (there may be oral presentations, practical work, or written works) and in most cases is initially graded by the classroom teacher, whose grades are then verified or modified, as necessary, by an appointed, external moderator. Generally the IBDP has been well-received. It has been commended for introducing interdisciplinary thinking to students. The United Kingdom regards the IBDP as "more academically challenging and broader than three or four A-levels”. To be awarded an IB Diploma, a candidate must fulfill three core requirements, in addition to passing his or her subject examinations:

§  Extended essay (EE). Candidates must write an independent research essay of up to 4,000 words in a subject from the list of approved EE subjects. The candidate may choose to investigate a topic within a subject they are currently studying, although this is not required. The EE may not be written on an interdisciplinary topic.

§  Theory of knowledge (TOK). This course introduces students to theories about the nature and limitations of knowledge (basic epistemology) and provides practice in determining the meaning and validity of knowledge (critical thinking). It is claimed to be a "flagship element" of the Diploma Programme, and is the one course that all diploma candidates are required to take. TOK requires 100 hours of instruction, the completion of an externally assessed essay of 1,200–1,600 words (from a choice of ten titles prescribed by the IB), and an internally assessed presentation on the candidate's chosen topic.

§  Creativity, action, service (CAS). CAS aims to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection, intellectual, physical and creative challenges, and awareness of themselves as responsible members of their communities through participation in social or community work (service), athletics or other physical activities (action), and creative activities (creativity). The guideline for the minimum amount of CAS activity over the two-year Diploma programme is approximately 3–4 hours per week, though "hour counting” is not encouraged.

Students who pursue the IB Diploma must take six subjects, one from each of subject groups 1–5, and either one from group 6 or a permitted substitute from one of the other groups, as described below. Either three or four subjects must be taken at Higher level (HL) and the rest at Standard level (SL). The IB recommends a minimum of 240 hours of instructional time for HL courses and 150 hours for SL courses.

While the IB encourages students to pursue the full IB diploma, the "substantial workload require a great deal of commitment, organization, and initiative". If they wish, students may instead choose to register for one or more individual IB subjects, without the core requirements. The six IBDP subject groups and course offerings are summarised below. More information about the subject groups and individual courses can be found at the respective subject group articles:

§  Group 1: Language A1. Taken at either SL or HL, this is generally the student's native language, with over 80 different languages available. Students may choose to take a second language A1 in lieu of studying a second language as a Group 2 subject.

§  Group 2: Second language. An additional language, taken at the following levels: Language A2 (SL or HL), Language B (SL or HL), or Language ab initio (SL only). Latin and Classical Greek are also offered and may be taken at SL or HL.

§  Group 3: Individuals and societies. Humanities and social sciences courses offered at both SL and HL: Business and management, Economics, Geography, History, Information technology in a global society (ITGS), Islamic history, Philosophy, Psychology, and Social and cultural anthropology.^[26]

§  Group 4: Experimental sciences. Four courses are offered at both SL and HL: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Design Technology. One course, Environmental systems and Societies, is offered at SL only.^[27]

§  Group 5: Mathematics and computer science. In order of increasing difficulty, the courses offered are Mathematical Studies SL, Mathematics SL and HL, and Further Mathematics SL, as well as two elective courses, Computer science SL and HL.^[28]

§  Group 6: The arts. Courses offered at both SL and HL: Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Film. In lieu of taking a Group 6 course, students may choose to take an additional course from Groups 1–4 or either Further Mathematics SL (if already studying Mathematics HL) a Computer science course from Group 5, or a school-based syllabus course approved by IB.

All subjects (with the exception of CAS) are assessed using both internal and external assessors. The externally assessed examinations are given worldwide in May and in November. Each exam usually consists of two or three papers, generally written on the same or successive weekdays. The different papers may have different forms of questions, or they may focus on different areas of the subject syllabus. For example, in Chemistry SL, paper 1 has multiple choice questions, paper 2 has extended response questions, and paper 3 focuses on the "Option(s)" selected by the teacher. The grading of all external assessments is done by independent examiners appointed by the IB.

The nature of the internal assessment (IA) varies by subject. There may be oral presentations (used in languages), practical work (in experimental sciences and performing arts), or written works. Internal assessment accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the mark awarded for each subject and is marked by a teacher in the school. A sample of at least five per subject at each level will also be graded by a moderator appointed by the IB, in a process called external moderation of internal assessment.

Points are awarded from 1 to 7. Up to three additional points are awarded depending on the grades achieved in the extended essay and theory of knowledge, so the maximum possible point total in the IBDP is 45. The global pass rate for the IB diploma is approximately 80%. In order to receive an IB diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points or an average of four out of a possible seven points for six subjects. Candidates must also receive a minimum of 12 points from their Higher Level subjects and a minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level subjects. Additionally, candidates must complete all of the requirements for the EE, CAS and TOK. Failing conditions which will prevent a student from being awarded a diploma, regardless of points received, are non-completion of CAS, more than three scores of 3 or below, not meeting the specific points required for Higher Level or Standard Level subjects, or plagiarism.

Candidates who successfully complete all the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme and one or more of the following combinations are eligible to receive a bilingual diploma: two languages A1, a language A1 taken with a language A2, a group 3 or 4 subject taken in a language other than the candidate's language A1, or an extended essay in a group 3 or group 4 subject written in a language other than the candidate's language A1. IB certificates are issued to indicate completion of diploma courses and exams for non-diploma candidate students.

(from Wikipedia)

2. A-Levels or IB? What are the differences?

I will talk about this from my own knowledge, experience and views:

·         A-Level requires you to pass 3-4 subjects, but IB requires you to pass 6 subjects plus Theory of Knowledge as an additional subject (that makes it 7 in total) plus a 4000-word mini-thesis (refer to Extended Essay or EE in the text above) and a couple of hundreds of hours for Community, Action, Service program which requires you to take part in sports, creative/arts classes/programs, and community service works – and they are ALL COMPULSORY in order for you to pass IB and graduate with an IB Diploma. A-Level is all about studying, while IB is about molding you to become a well-rounded critical thinker.

·         Easy. A-Level is easy, IB is extremely difficult. Studying for A-Level is casual, studying for IB requires sleepless nights, extreme determination, strength and confidence, a little bit of talent, and HARD WORK. You’ll hear the word “stress” everywhere. A-Level students have more time to hang out, while IB students will be grateful enough to have a 5-hour of deep, restful sleep.

·         A-Levels can be as short as 1-1 ½ year, but IB is a compulsory 2-year course. A very time-consuming pre-university course. You usually will graduate later than your fellow ex-schoolmates who are opting for government matriculation, Ausmat (Australian Matriculation), SAM (South Australian Matriculation). However, you wouldn’t be able to buy the experiences you’ll get during your IB course anywhere, for any cost at all. IB experiences are a lifetime experience, they are priceless and too valuable to be traded for.

·         Both are pre-university courses, but IB is a diploma which you can’t really use to work. However, I have once been offered to work as a Nutrition Assessment Trainee by a milk-selling company (Anmum) during the holidays, after I graduated from IB (while waiting to fly to NZ / enrolling in IMU). Not bad at all. You graduate with a ‘diploma’ in your hands by going through 2 years of extreme hard work instead of 3 years of a casual diploma course.

3. IB and A-Levels in Kolej Mara Seremban

History             

As I was one of the 95 students enrolled for the first batch IB program in Kolej Mara Seremban (KMS), my life there was a memorable one. As far as I’m concerned, KMS is a very old college, starting by being an MRSM in the 1970s, and turned to a matriculation college several years ago. It was quite recent that Mara decided to turn the college into an IB World School (it required intense preparation and thorough work for application of this status and logo, I believe.)

We only have a few IB Schools in Malaysia, (about 5 or less I think?). They started with A-Levels first, and after that they decided to start IB (in 2005, my batch!) Previously there were only TESL, Engineering and Teaching students doing A-Levels there. Engineering students got to go to UK, Australia and New Zealand (NZ) while TESL and Teaching students got to go to New Zealand (University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington). After that, they started taking IB students bound for India, for either a twinning course of 1 ½ year at Manipal University and 1 ½ year at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC) and graduate with a degree from MMMC; or a full course in MS Ramaiah Medical College and graduate with a degree by IMS-MSU (International Medical School-Management & Science University). During my time, the cut-off point to get you to FLY was 13 for A-Levels and 35 for IB. However, those who got 10-13 (AL) and 33-35 (IB) could make appeals and usually they got through and managed to fly. However, that happened only for my IB batch because we were the first batch (trial version / lab rats/ test subjects). Those who got below 35 points were IB students taking Physics (Physics is hard) and a lot of them failed Physics or got low point for that subject, and that brought their total points down. I heard they have increased the “flying-pass point” for IB to 38, but I am not certain about it. During my time, only 3 IB students did NOT fly, 2 did not manage to fly overseas due to below requirements (their “flying-pass point” was below 30) but they are currently studying Food Science in MSU and Engineering in UNITEN respectively, while 1 graduated IB with flying colours but chose/opted to not fly and instead changed course from Teaching Chemistry to Medicine. She is currently studying Medicine locally in IMU. And she is... ME! (For the full story, read further below). Not to forget, one student who was bound for a medical course in India opted to fly to Indonesia instead, for a twinning program in Padjadjaran University – University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Subjects

                During my time, Engineering A-Level students took up Physics, Chemistry and Maths while TESL learned some English Literature and Social Sciences subjects which I am not certain about. During my time, these are the IB subjects which we had to take. (SL = standard level, HL= higher level, as it sounds, higher level subjects you are taking are the advanced/further/higher version of the core subjects, which means they are more/very difficult). In KMS, we took 3 SL subjects and 3 HL subjects.

1)     Group 1: Malay A1 (SL)

2)     Group 2: English B (SL)

3)     Group 3: Business & Management (SL) – now they are offering ITGS (Informations Technology in a Global Society). They depends on your class.

4)     Group 4: Chemistry, Biology, Physics (HL) – Chemistry is compulsory for everyone, Biology is compulsory for medical students, and Physics is a choice for Teaching students. Teaching students have to take compulsory Chemistry and chooses either Biology or Physics. Biology is easier, Physics is a killer).

5)     Group 5: Mathematics (HL)

6)     Group 6: none in KMS (you have to take two group 4 subjects instead)

Points/Marks

                In IB, there is no ABC for grading. I’m not sure about the grading system in A-Levels, I’m sorry. So I’ll talk about IB. The highest grade for every subject is 7 (7=A, 6=B, 5=C) and a pass is a 4. That means if you get 3 in Mathematics, you already failed that subject. However, MARA, for flying purpose, and most universities, require you to get 5 and above for all HL subjects. That means you have to get at least 5 points for Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry, although the passing point is 4.

                Besides, you can get additional 3 points from CAS, EE (extended essay) and TOK (Theory of Knowledge, a compulsory additional subject). TOK can be graded as ABC. For example, if you get A for TOK and A for EE, and you completed total hours for CAS activities, you already secured 3 points. There are ways to count this, I can’t really remember. Contact your IB coordinator for clarification.

                The passing points for IB is 24. That means you will not graduate with an IB diploma if you get 23 points in total. The total points you can get (yes, there’s a limit) is 45. That means, a top student in school would get 7 points in each of the 6 subjects taken, an A in TOK, A in EE (secured 3 points) and completed CAS, so 7X6 + 3 = 45 points. If you get 6 points in 2 subjects, 7 points in 2 subjects, and 5 in 2 subjects, with 2 points for TOK and EE, you will get = 6x2 + 7x2 + 5 x2 + 2 = 37. The flying-pass point required by MARA during my time was 35 points, so you can successfully FLY overseas with 37 points. However, if it is true that they have raised the total required points to 38, and you scored only 37 points - even 1 point short, that means you passed the IB program, graduated with a diploma, but you wouldn’t be able to fly overseas. Most probably you will be sponsored to study locally, unless your appeal is successful. During my time, the highest score in my batch was 43.

Exams

                A-Level has two important exams – AS and A2, plus IELTS (International English Language Test System), which is an English proficiency exam, a requirement for A-Level students to apply for foreign universities. In contrast, IB students do not have to take IELTS. IB students,only have one exam in their total 2-year course, and that determines everything. The external exam is taken at the end of the course, usually held in May in KMS. The papers will be marked by external examiners. However, there are internal exams for every semester, held by KMS itself. They are to monitor your performance, your level of preparation and studies. There’s also a trial exam, just like STPM, because you only have one chance and if you let go of it, it’s gone. However, there are internal assignments which you have to do during the 2 years and that will contribute / will be counted/added to your external papers marks. In Kolej Mara Banting, your Semester 2 and 3 exams will be the parameters which will be looked for by the universities you are applying to. They make a difference - whether you will be able to go to the top universities or just a "normal" university, in the country you are bound for.

Life in KMS

                In KMS, A-Level students are “free-er”, have more time to “chillax”. Classes begin at 8am, and usually end at 2-3 pm. During my time, the college management have tried to fill up our free evening time with some reading program, but we objected it. It ended up as additional classes or personal study time, but I can’t really remember. During my time, Thursdays/Fridays were CAS days, that means we spent half of the day/ the whole day for a community service program – going to an old-folks home or a handicap school, or spent half of the day doing club activities – mine were Cooking Club in Year 1 and Theatre Club in Year 2 so we learned cooking some common recipes and perform some plays! Other clubs during my time were Film Club, Dance Club etc. etc. In the evening, on any day of the weekdays, there would be a time for sports/physical acitivity, and that is compulsory for you to attend in order for you to fill up your CAS hours. Mine was Aerobic club.

                KMS is located at Jalan Aminuddin Baki, just opposite Klana Resort, in the peaceful area of Seremban Lake Gardens. You can chillax and exercise every day, because a playground is located just opposite the hostel area! You can go out from 5pm-7pm every day, and you can go home during the weekends. The hostel is usually calm and almost empty during the weekends. Food is provided to you for free at Dewan Selera (DS). Food provided were quite nice during my time, I used to like them very much (maybe because I’m a kampung girl). When IB real exam was just around the corner, you would be pampered with very healthy and nice food. A-Level students were lucky to enjoy them too even though they were not having exams at the time. Besides, the college management decided to supply us free breads, raisins and honey to boost up our energy and concentration level during the period of one month before the actual IB exam.
             In addition, you will get RM50 monthly allowance (not sure whether they have increased the amount but you get free food anyway, so what’s the fuss?) There’s a koperasi next to the DS, selling some common stuff that you would need. There were people selling fried food at night during my time, if you feel like not eating DS food for the day, and I loved the wantan mee! Miss it very much! You can also order fast food and they will deliver the food in front of the hostel gate (not to your doorstep!). You can’t bring a vehicle there, because the college is just 3 minutes walk from the hostel. The only mode of transport to the city is by cab. It costs you about RM7 during my time, to go to Terminal One, and RM 10 to go to Jusco Seremban 2. But, you can go to Seremban Centrepoint by walking, it has Pizza Hut, Marrybrown, The Store, ATM Machines, Hot Market! These places are within walking distance (Yes, my friends and I had actually WALKED to these places!):

·         Lake Gardens (10 minutes walk)

·         Allson Klana Resort (5 minutes walk)

·         Medan Selera Penghulu Cantik (7 minutes walk)

·         Seremban Plaza (10 minutes walk)

·         Seremban Centre Point (10 minutes walk)

·         A&W (20 minutes walk)

·         Seremban Parade (25 minutes walk)

·         Terminal One (35 minutes walk)

·         Masjid Negeri (30 minutes walk)

·         Pasar Malam Ampangan (45 minutes walk? I’ve never tried) – on Tuesdays and Saturdays

Seremban best giler! And if you get really bored, you can go to KL by bus/KTM Komuter. It will cost you only RM 6.00 to go to Midvalley Megamall or KL Sentral by Komuter (1 hour travel) and about more or less than that by bus (45 minutes travel).

Places you should check out if you want to chillax:

·         Jusco Seremban 2 (the best mall in Seremban) – Pizza Hut, KFC, McD, Starbucks, Big Apple Donuts, Johnny’s, TGV Cinema, Popular and MPH Bookstores, Al-Ikhsan, Guardian, Watsons, Secret Recipe, Old Town, Chicken Rice Shop, Bowling, Karaoke

·         Terminal One – GSC Cinema, Pizza Hut, KFC, McD, Dunkin Donuts, Giant, Parkson, Watsons, Guardia

·         Terminal 2 – MBO Cinema

·         Seremban Parade – Parkson Grand, Kenny Rogers, Chicken Rice Shop, Bowling, McD, Pizza Hut, Watsons

·         Seremban Centrepoint – The Store, Pizza Hut, Marrybrown, Station Kopitiam, Hot Market

·         Domino’s Pizza in town

·         Giant Ampangan/Senawang

·         Senawang – got EVERYTHING in the world – Domino’s, 24-hours McD, Secret Recipe, Haji Samuri satay, big Giant, RM2 shop

·         Tesco Extra Seremban 2 –KFC and Cool Blog

·         Carrefour Senawang – KFC and Cool Blog

Great makan places:

·         Satay Haji Samuri in Senawang

·         Satay R&K in Jalan Sg. Ujong

·         Man Tomyam at Jalan Jelebu

·         Nasi Arab Damsyik in Senawang

·         Ayam Panggang Kenyalang at Jalan Jelebu
and more  - Windmill, Oriental Chinese Muslim restaurant etc. etc.

My life in KMS was worthwhile. It was motivational and inspirational for my own personal development. Until now, if I want some inspiration, I would just drive pass KMS and feel the nostalgic inspiring moments.

5. MARA – is it a loan or a scholarship?

As far as I know, as a MARA scholar, MARA is a loan. But, the amount you pay back depends on the course you are taking and the loan scheme given to you. Mine is Skim Pelajar Cemerlang (SPC), which means I have to pay back only 1% from the total cost of my studies. For example, the total cost of studying medicine in IMU RM400,000 including tuition fees, RM 3000 computer loan, RM 770 month allowances, and RM 1000 annual books allowances and annual RM 200 stationery allowances. So, I only have to pay back RM 4000. This was told by a teacher of mine, who was a MARA scholar too. I’m sorry if I’m wrong. Now can you guess where all the government’s money is drained to? To you! For your future. So be responsible. It’s inappropriate to support the Opposition when the food you are eating right now and the books you are reading now are paid using the government’s money. Plus, being a MARA scholar I don’t have to serve the government for 10 years unlike JPA scholars. I only have to work in the government hospital for the compulsory 5 years which include the compulsory housemanship training.

However, my friend of mine, who did not manage to get enough points to fly during her A-Level course, was offered Skim Pinjaman Terbuka (SPT) instead. The differences are, the RM 3000 computer loan is not included in her loan and she would have to pay back 10% (RM40,000) of the total cost later when she works. Correct me if I’m wrong, but these have been told to us many times.

On the other hand, my brother, who is a pilot, was a MARA scholar of Skim Pinjaman Terbuka (SPT). The course he took, Diploma in Aviation and Commercial Pilot License, is not a critical course. Therefore he will have to pay back MARA in total of RM250,000 of his tuition fees and allowances. He does not have to serve the government or MARA at all. Among courses which are deemed as “critical courses” are medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry etc. etc.

Furthermore, a Teaching student who is sponsored by MARA to study overseas would have to sign a contract with MARA, agreeing that she has to serve MARA as an MRSM teacher for 5 years, once she graduates. She does not have to pay any single sen from the total cost of RM450,000 study in New Zealand, provided that she completed the total 5 years of service. By any chance, if she breaches the contract, she would have to pay back the total RM450,000 to MARA.

I’m not sure about other courses, but I’m sure that you can apply for “Borang Pengurangan Bayaran Balik Pinjaman” from MARA once you graduate, especially if you achieved good grades in your exams during your studies.

Now be grateful and thankful for being a part of MARA family.

Case 2

Diana got 6As in SPM 2010, wants to be a Mechanical Engineer and was recently offered a pre-university course at Kolej Matrikulasi Gopeng, Perak. However, she was also offered to do to do a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in University Teknologi Mara (UiTM). At the same time, her boyfriend, Daniel, who got 7As in SPM 2010, was recently offered a foundation course in Engineering by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM/UIA) and his application for a foundation course in Engineering to Universiti Tenaga Nasional was also successful.

The learning issues:

1.       Government matriculation or IPTA foundation/diploma course?

Answers

1. Government matriculation or IPTA foundation course?

                It depends on you. For some people, going for government matriculation is like dealing with a poker game. You can be a very bright student, got CGPA of 4.0 but yet you are not successful in your application for UPU medical courses in the public universities. Instead of becoming a doctor, you are forced to become a pharmacist or a dentist instead due to limited places for medical program. You could have been a very bright student at school but yet you got CGPA of 3.8 in matrics and still are not successful in your application for UPU pharmacy courses in the public universities. Thus, you are forced to take up engineering, physiotherapy or other courses which you have never thought of. By enrolling into government matriculation, you have to accept, with an open heart, the fact that your future is decided and determined 99% by UPU and 1% by luck. Unless you are still clueless of what to become and you do not mind having any types of career in the future. I’m not saying you can’t go to government matriculation or I’m having negative perception towards government matriculation, but this is the reality behind it – I’ve seen my friends, who used to be bright in school, stumbling and tumbling for their future because they did not get the course they’ve always dreamt for. If you have no other choices and are opting for government matriculation, just remember this, WORK VERY VERY HARD. No a second of wasted time. And, PRAY, PRAY HARD. By putting up huge effort, deep prayers and tawakkal, there is always a possibility that you can succeed and get what you want. Be positive!

                However, if you are standing in front of two roads – government matriculation/ IPTA foundation/ diploma courses, I advise you to take up that foundation or diploma courses, if you like the course. For example, I would advise Diana to go for the Diploma course instead of the matriculation course. If she went for matriculation, scored 3.0, couldn’t get a place for Engineering in IPTA, and instead offered Degree in Computer Science, that would be the biggest regret in her life. She would have been a step closer to becoming an engineer, had she gone for the Diploma course in UiTM.

Case 3

Siti, who stays in a rural area in Kokdiang, Kedah, comes from a poor family. She got 7As in SPM 2010 and was recently offered to do Diploma in Pharmacy by University Teknologi Mara (UiTM). However, her ambition was actually to be a doctor and she wants to study Medicine. Her best friend, Zakiah, who got 3As in SPM, was offered Diploma Pengurusan Maklumat by UiTM. Yesterday, Zakiah called Siti to express her disappointment and regrets for herself, not doing well in SPM. She was thankful to receive the offer by UiTM but she wishes she can study Accountancy as being an accountant has always been her ambition. Zakiah told Siti that her cousin, Shakira, who is now studying Medicine in Monash University Malaysia campus, had the same ordeal as theirs. Shakira wanted to study Medicine but she passed SPM 2005 only with 5As, which did not qualify her to be admitted to public universities for foundation in Medicine. Therefore, her father decided to send her to Taylors University College to study A-Levels. She passed A-Levels with flying colours and that was the turning point that changed her life forever. She is now studying the course that she wanted, and is going to work in a profession she has always dreamt to be.

Learning Issues

1.       I didn’t get government matriculation. What to do for pre-university? Which college? Public or private?

2.       I don’t think my father can afford paying my studies in a private college, but I really want to take a course that I like. What should I do?

3.       Private medical schools in Malaysia – which one should I choose?

4.       What are the entry requirements for private medical schools in Malaysia, which has the lowest entry requirement?

5.       Which medical schools in Malaysia have the lowest cost (tuition fees)?

Answers

1. I didn’t get a place for the government matriculation program. What should I do for pre-university? Which college should I choose? Public or private?

               

                Putting government matriculation and community colleges aside, there are many ways you can utilize private colleges. Some of them have high reputations and offer quality, employable courses. If you want to graduate early and start working at a young age, I advise you to opt for South Australian Matriculation (SAM) in colleges such as Sunway UC and Taylors UC, as its duration is only 8 months. However, you may not be prepared with enough knowledge for your degree. For example, things I learned during my first semester of medical degree were quite easy, as they were actually repetitions of things I have learned in Biology in my 2 years of IB, but my colleagues who took SAM complained that things were difficult to learn because they were new to them. Plus, I am very used to writing long reports that I could finish my reports in 2-3 hours when my colleagues take the whole day to prepare them (and we scored the same marks). Not to brag, but because of EE and internal assessments, IB graduates are very good in writing citations/references/bibliography in reports.

                However, I don’t advise you to take IB if you’re going to private colleges. It is very tough, expensive (one exam paper can cost you $200) and time-consuming. The best choices are A-Levels and SAM. Just make do of them. However, if you want challenges of IB, go ahead. After all, IB is the best pre-university/preparatory course on earth.

                If you have the money and you ask me, I would recommend you to do A-Levels in KYUEM (Kolej Yayasan UEM) in Lembah Beringin. Many of their graduates managed to get places at top foreign universities, such as Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge). Plus, the study environment is very conducive. However, the cost of studies is very high. If you want to cut cost, you can apply for Sunway, Taylors or SEGI etc. etc. After that, you can apply to foreign universities or top local universities such as Curtin, Monash and IMU. You can also apply to public universities but I believe you have to compete and reserve the seats for diploma graduates and government matriculation students.

                Private universities such as Monash and IMU, have higher reputation than some of the local public universities. So, it is not a wrong choice if you opt for private universities. But if you can’t afford it, what should you do?

2. My father can't afford to finance my studies in a private college, but I really want to pursue a course which I like. What should I do?

                There are loans, baby! First, make sure that your college is approved by MQA (Malaysian Qualifying Agency) and covered by PTPTN. Like IMU, once you receive the offer letter confirming that you are accepted for admission into IMU, you can apply for MARA if you’re a Bumiputra. You don’t even have to go for an interview if it’s a critical course you’re applying for. If you have good grades in your A-Levels/IB, there’s a high probability that you will get the sponsorhip. On the other hand, you can apply for PTPTN or in some colleges, Petronas convertible loan. There’ll always be a way, so don’t let money deter you from reaching for the dreams.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below.    

*Learning Issues number 2, 3 and 4 will be discussed in the next entry, titled “WHAT MALAYSIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS AND MUSHROOMS HAVE IN COMMON”

If you are interested to study medicine but did not get good SPM results / were not successful in JPA or MARA sponsorship to study medicine overseas / were not successful in UPU application to foundation courses in Asasi Perubatan UIA or Tamhidi Perubatan USIM / do not want to gamble your future by enrolling into government matriculation courses, check out my next blog entry. It is VERY important to do an in-depth research about the medical school you are applying to, regardless of whether you are looking for the “value-for-money”, “low-cost” or “high reputation” universities. Choosing a good medical degree from a good medical school determines the quality of a doctor you are going to become, and the perception and impressions you are going to receive from your future colleagues, bosses and co-workers.

MY SIDE OF STORY

                My SPM 2004 result was just satisfactory, I wouldn't say it's excellent. I was eligible for all UPU courses, but I didn’t get UIA’s Foundation in Medicine and Tamhidi Perubatan USIM as I wanted. I wanted to do medicine, but I was not eligible to apply for the overseas medical program. The only courses I could apply for overseas programs were TESL and Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology majors). So, I applied for Degree in Science (Chemistry) and I got a MARA sponsorship for it, bound for New Zealand. Little did I know that it was a teaching course because it was not specified in the application guidelines. So, I enrolled in IB in KMS. Almost gave up – working very hard just to be a teacher? Oh no! But then, I gathered my strength, I knew I needed to graduate IB with more than 35 points, as a reward not for myself, but for KMS teachers who had been my fathers and mothers during my tough IB times, who had helped me a lot during those difficult moments. So, I graduated IB with 38 points, with an A for TOK (not to brag but it’s hard to get an A for TOK and students seldom get A for it! Plus your papers are marked by those Caucasian external examiners!) more than enough for me to further my studies overseas. I was more than eligible to apply for a medical degree in a foreign university in UK, Ireland, Australia or NZ - I could have if I wanted to, but then I knew no one was going to pay for the tuition fees. I could not change my course, Mara wouldn't allow me to do so, and my father would not be able to afford RM 1 million to finance my total medical degree cost. However, I really thought that it was “now or never” – it was either I went to NZ and become a teacher, or made a turn and become a doctor. So, with my parents’ approval, I met MARA officials and asked them to stop my sponsorship, and apologized - I wrote a very dramatic and poetic letter of apology to them. So, I applied to IMU but I was worried about the cost of the studies – RM40,000 per semester! How was my family going to eat if my father was going to pay that amount plus my living costs? Allah is Great. A Sponsorship Executive in IMU advised me to start from scratch, fill up MARA form again, asked a supporting letter from the Dean, and God is Great – my application was approved. I was and am, again -  a part of MARA family.

However, the decision I made to not fly to New Zealand was not an easy one. Mind you, it was VERY DIFFICULT and TORMENTING, with my grandparents already spreading the words to the village people that their granddaughter was  going to fly overseas, and my parents were being excited to buy me a huge luggage bag and planning to visit me in New Zealand some time for vacation. Plus, with my relatives asking this and that, guessing that maybe I actually did not pass IB well and did not get the grades to fly. At that point of time, I only knew one thing. This is my future, my life, and I was not going to jeopardize it.

Until now, I still have to face my village people and relatives bragging about their granddaughters studying medicine in Indonesia with government sponsorships, unaware that I am studying under MARA sponsorship. I didn’t want to brag, because it is Allah’s gift for me. I only answered if they asked, and I usually said “it’s a loan”. I still face people who said “Oh so it’s a private university. Kita tak main la university swasta ni, kita mau biasiswa kerajaan”, not knowing that JPA (PSD) and MARA are actually sending many medical and pharmacy students to IMU for IMU-foreign universities twinning programs to cut costs.

The most important part, I did it and went through it ALL ALONE. I didn’t have relatives working in MARA to persuade them to sponsor me again. My parents are not influential/famous people, we are just commoners. But I believe in determination, confidence and strong will.


From my story, I want you to learn 3 lessons:

·         Private universities are not as bad as you think they are. Some of them are even better than some public universities. They are not the “last resort”.

·         Don’t be afraid to enrol in private colleges/universities, you can always apply for loans/scholarships.  Go for what you want, just do it.

·         Hold on to your dreams and never give up, because nothing is impossible.

Alhamdulillah.

Syukran (thank you) for reading.

                And oh, if you are going to KMS this July for IB, send my regards to these teachers who taught me during my IB years. I love them and I miss them very much (I’ve been very busy to visit KMS even though it’s just a few minutes away).

·         Puan Azizah – Malay A1 SL

·         Puan Hindun – English B SL

·         Puan Kamilah – Business and Management SL

·         Puan Hamimah – Mathematics HL

·         Puan Zolbidah – Chemistry HL

·         Puan Juriah – Biology HL

·         Mr. Azlan – Theory of Knowledge

·         Puan Rohana – IB Coordinator

and other teachers who did not teach me but might know me:

·         Puan Noraini – English B SL

·         Puan Kartina – Business and Management SL

·         Puan Azian – Mathematics HL

Life is a miracle. Allah is Great. 


Nothing can deter you from reaching your dreams - unless it is the end of your soul and life or the end of the world.

* Sorry if I talked more about IB, because I'm an IB graduate. =)

All the best, and good luck!