STPM or A-level

[Vic]

hey guys...heard that STPM enrollment is on 10 May...but jpa is out about 3rd week of May...so I got to decide stpm or A-level soon...>.< any ideas? I wish to further my studies overseas...which one more suitable? Thanks for your kind reply...:oh

[BattleBoyz]

If you choose STPM, then you can use the result to gain admission to any unis in the whole world, provided you scored well. For A-level, you can only gain admission into limited countries at Europe, especially UK and Singapore and maybe a few more. In short, both of them are suitable and it depends on which one you prefer the most.

[yzarcemina]

i suggest..choose stpm first... then if you get jpa scholarship then quit stpm then start a level or sam or whatever they send you to do, if you accept. if you change your mind and don't want stpm in the end you can still quit and enter june/july intake for a level right?

in my opinion, the level of recognition for both stpm and a level are the same. so if you have money constrain then opt for stpm. if not then its really up to you then..

[LaLaLaKenz]

Take stpm first
Take alevels ( july intake ? ), if you don't get JPA ( touch wood )

[BattleBoyz]

Take stpm first
Take alevels ( july intake ? ), if you don't get JPA ( touch wood )

My friends that decided to take A-levels are going to go for Form 6 for the next month until they need to register for their A-levels. They hope to get themselves familiar with schooling days and start some reading on the subjects. :)

[LaLaLaKenz]

My friends that decided to take A-levels are going to go for Form 6 for the next month until they need to register for their A-levels. They hope to get themselves familiar with schooling days and start some reading on the subjects. :)

they must be rich , willing to spend a sum of money on buying uniforms .

[BattleBoyz]

they must be rich , willing to spend a sum of money on buying uniforms .

Nope, they got the shirt already. Its the same as our former school, they just need to patch the batch of the school. For the pants, they got it from the seniors for a very cheap price since they only need to wear it for a short time only. You can try to get a set or two from your seniors for a cheaper price if you are sure that you want to study form 6 for a short period only. :)

[LaLaLaKenz]

Nope, they got the shirt already. Its the same as our former school, they just need to patch the batch of the school. For the pants, they got it from the seniors for a very cheap price since they only need to wear it for a short time only. You can try to get a set or two from your seniors for a cheaper price if you are sure that you want to study form 6 for a short period only. :)

I threw my old uniform :cry
Have to buy new ones .

[Nicholasng925]

If you choose STPM, then you can use the result to gain admission to any unis in the whole world, provided you scored well. For A-level, you can only gain admission into limited countries at Europe, especially UK and Singapore and maybe a few more. In short, both of them are suitable and it depends on which one you prefer the most.

I beg to differ, yes STPM is recognised worldwide, but in fact, A-Levels is more recognised as compared to STPM. The university admission officers would prefer more on A-Levels qualification than STPM. However, if you have serious financial constraint, do consider STPM. But if your parents are willing to fork out a little bit of money, A-Levels would be a better route. Consider this, if you study STPM, even if you get 4.0 flat in it, you would have difficulties on getting your first chosen course in local university. Probably you would be given 3rd or 4th, or maybe 5th choice because priority would still be given to Matriculation students and IPTA students(Diploma).

For me, I have decided to study A-Levels because like you, i has always wanted to study overseas. Even though i know that i would face financial constraint upon completion of A-Levels, but i know that i can do it! I'm willing to bear the risk, and I must score 4As in order to gain admission into top universities, to secure a scholarships or gain financial aids from the university itself. The worst scenario would be, study locally in private university. If not, Singapore would be your good alternative country, or maybe Australia would be great! I would like to say, there would be more opportunities(scholarships) out there for undergraduate students, unlike limited scholarships for Pre-U students. Be wise in choosing your path. :)

[BattleBoyz]

Getting a CGPA of 4.0 for STPM and 4 flat for A-level, I would say the one with STPM is better. You see, even if you have to compete with those that studied in UPU before, you still stand a very high chance to gain admission into local public universities as there are not many students in Malaysia that can get a CGPA of 4.0 in STPM AND are willing to stay at Malaysia. Since STPM is also a world recognised examination, you can also apply to study overseas. With the offer letter, you can also get JPA Tajaan Tambahan. There are also other scholarships for undergraduate studies such as YSD, Khazanah scholarship etc etc which can also lead you to study abroad in top universities. Nevertheless, these are my opinions. The decision is still in your hands. As I said earlier, choose the one you prefer the most. Cheers! :)

P.S. Ironically, I am not going to study STPM.

[Nicholasng925]

Getting a CGPA of 4.0 for STPM and 4 flat for A-level, I would say the one with STPM is better. You see, even if you have to compete with those that studied in UPU before, you still stand a very high chance to gain admission into local public universities as there are not many students in Malaysia that can get a CGPA of 4.0 in STPM AND are willing to stay at Malaysia. Since STPM is also a world recognised examination, you can also apply to study overseas. With the offer letter, you can also get JPA Tajaan Tambahan. There are also other scholarships for undergraduate studies such as YSD, Khazanah scholarship etc etc which can also lead you to study abroad in top universities. Nevertheless, these are my opinions. The decision is still in your hands. As I said earlier, choose the one you prefer the most. Cheers! :)

P.S. Ironically, I am not going to study STPM.

Of course the one with 4 flat in STPM seems practically better, because STPM is harder than A-Levels. To get 4As in A-Levels would be a little bit easier than to get 4 flat in STPM, yet has higher recognition worldwide, even not in the local public universities. Yup, of course you would stand high chance to gain admission into local public universities, if you get 4 flat in STPM. But the problem is, you would have a hard time to get your preferred course in local public university. But hey, you deserve it since you have studied so hard in STPM and scored it hard. What is the point of study STPM so hard, just to get some course that you would not enjoy studying it in future(locally)?

If you mention about studying overseas, yup i think STPM can be a wise choice, but bear in mind that some of the universities overseas don't really recognise STPM. As I mentioned earlier, to get 4As in A-Levels is not easy, but a little bit easier than 4As in STPM. What is the point for you to study so hard, just to get a same qualification as A-Levels, not to mention that some of the university admission department actually prefers A-Levels more than STPM? Apparently, the one with 4As in STPM has better capability than the one with 4As in A-Levels, but who would know that fact? It is highly doubtable that the university officers would know that STPM is harder than A-Levels, and most probably they would choose someone with a more commonly heard qualification. Someone has mentioned it before that, A-Levels students can study STPM syllabus if they want, and it is optional. STPM students couldn't choose whether to study the syllabus or not as it is compulsory. A-Levels students who studied the STPM syllabus can be as competitive as STPM top scorers during their undergraduate studies.

A-Levels is internationally recognised, no matter where, except Malaysia public universities. It is recognised in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc etc etc(you name it!). A very wrong perception here that you said A-Levels might be accepted by universities in US, Canada, Australia, etc, but in fact, it is definitely accepted by every university worldwide, except Malaysia public universities of course. Undoubtedly, US universities require students to take SAT and TOEFL/IELTS, and for other English speaking countries, you would need to just take up TOEFL or IELTS for your English placement test. Nevertheless, STPM is still the cheapest, and that's why i said that, if you have serious financial constraint, and want to keep your pathway wide, just take STPM. But if your parents is willing to fork up some money(within 10k would be fine, with the aid of 100% tuition waiver scholarship, like me), and you wanted to study overseas so badly, just take up A-Levels.

In the end, the choice is up to you, and the above statements are just my opinions, and some infos that i have gathered over my researches done in the old threads of Recom. Cheers~ :)

[Chelsea]

i dont mean to divert the topic. but i was just wondering if there is any difference if i take the cambridge or edexcel a levels? Bcos i have some seniors saying that some universities may not regconise edexcel compared to cambridge. They say that the edexcel is easier than cambridge. thus the quailty of your alevels may be in doubt. therefore will this influence your chances in gettin a scholarship?

[senksiang90]

i dont mean to divert the topic. but i was just wondering if there is any difference if i take the cambridge or edexcel a levels? Bcos i have some seniors saying that some universities may not regconise edexcel compared to cambridge. They say that the edexcel is easier than cambridge. thus the quailty of your alevels may be in doubt. therefore will this influence your chances in gettin a scholarship?

Cambridge A Levels is more recognized throughout the world and yes, it is much tougher compared to Edexcel.. now CAL has realised it has to introduce a quality control over 'A' students so they are now distinguishable 'A' between a normal 'A' and 'A STAR'.. in a way for SPM, its like 'A+' and A. kinda same concept. LOL.

[Vic]

So A-level is more preferable as compared to STPM although both are recognized
but A-level is not recognized by local U and it requires money. Is it so?
What about scholarships matter? Which one can get full scholarships including living costs more easily?
Thanks all Recomers~

[ara]

So A-level is more preferable as compared to STPM although both are recognized
but A-level is not recognized by local U and it requires money. Is it so?
What about scholarships matter? Which one can get full scholarships including living costs more easily?
Thanks all Recomers~

STPM is public school...so u oni nid to but books and uniform......there's no need for scholarship for that....A-levels u can probably get full tuition fee waiver if ur spm results are excellent....A-levels = pre-u...so u can always get a scholarship for that...eg: star, nst, simedarby, and so on...:)

[acgerlok7]

So A-level is more preferable as compared to STPM although both are recognized
but A-level is not recognized by local U and it requires money. Is it so?
What about scholarships matter? Which one can get full scholarships including living costs more easily?
Thanks all Recomers~

both are eually recognised...but bear in mind tht u hv to take one extra subject in STPM which is pengajian am...which is actually the combination of ur pendidikan sivik,morall and sejarah...and it is a must to take...unlike A-levels...whereby msian studies does not even cost two cents...so..u kinda hv to spend some time on unnecsary subject..wich might affect ur overall performance in STPM...in terms of recognition worldwide...both are euqally recognised as STPM is regarded as one of the hardest exam in the world..but as nick has mentioned....some universities might not recognise STPM...cos its Malaysian syllabus...not worldwide syllabus...eg A-levels or International Baccalaureate..with A-levles...u can realise ur dreams to top-notch universities lyk Harvard...

IN terms of scholarship...no worries...many opportunities abound...im kinda dissapointed too for so MANY bloody rejections...but well..i blieve its a blessing in disguise.:) indeed alll the rejections push me to work harder...btw...pre-university scholarships is super duper hard to get cos u imagine whole msia..how many straight As!so there is a stiff competition for pre-uni schoalrship..however...things r better when we finish pre-uni..esp one wif qualifications lyk A-levels..and acheive 4 As...im sure wif top-notch university admission lyk harvard...stanford...camrbridge...yale..MIT..oxford etc etc...th gov and various bodies will be fighting thier heads off to get u man...:laugh cos u'll be lyk thier jewel and the country's pride...imagine how many msian's manage to get into harvard evry year!oni a few...so u'll be treated lyk gold...but as my parents advise me...don't think too much for the moment...or else it will backfire...:)

[BattleBoyz]

So A-level is more preferable as compared to STPM although both are recognized
but A-level is not recognized by local U and it requires money. Is it so?
What about scholarships matter? Which one can get full scholarships including living costs more easily?
Thanks all Recomers~

There are also some local public universities that accept A-level such as UM, USM. Of course all local private universities recognise A-level. :)

[Nicholasng925]

IN terms of scholarship...no worries...many opportunities abound...im kinda dissapointed too for so MANY bloody rejections...but well..i blieve its a blessing in disguise.:) indeed alll the rejections push me to work harder...btw...pre-university scholarships is super duper hard to get cos u imagine whole msia..how many straight As!so there is a stiff competition for pre-uni schoalrship..however...things r better when we finish pre-uni..esp one wif qualifications lyk A-levels..and acheive 4 As...im sure wif top-notch university admission lyk harvard...stanford...camrbridge...yale..MIT..oxford etc etc...th gov and various bodies will be fighting thier heads off to get u man...:laugh cos u'll be lyk thier jewel and the country's pride...imagine how many msian's manage to get into harvard evry year!oni a few...so u'll be treated lyk gold...but as my parents advise me...don't think too much for the moment...or else it will backfire...:)

That's very right, cause everything might not work out as what you have planned initially. It would be better if you plan everything wisely, and always think of the worst scenario. You can dream for the best one, but always prepare for the worst. For me, the worst scenario would be going UTAR to study Actuarial Science, or if can, maybe UM or USM, where i heard from BB that both of them accept A-Levels students. I have prepared for the worst scenario, and for now, just have to work out our best efforts and try to strike hard in the A-Levels exams, and try my luck next time during undergraduate scholarships applications to study abroad, which would be more that Pre-U scholarships apparently.

You can always try to apply to local scholarships to study overseas, or maybe overseas scholarships that might be given to international students like us by the university itself. In US, there are some need blind policy from some university, which you can get financial aids if your family annual income doesn't exceed certain amount, but it's getting tougher and tougher to get over the years. In Australia, maybe you can seek for some scholarships or financial aids from the university itself. :)

[Vic]

IN terms of scholarship...no worries...many opportunities abound...im kinda dissapointed too for so MANY bloody rejections...but well..i blieve its a blessing in disguise.:) indeed alll the rejections push me to work harder...btw...pre-university scholarships is super duper hard to get cos u imagine whole msia..how many straight As!so there is a stiff competition for pre-uni schoalrship..however...things r better when we finish pre-uni..esp one wif qualifications lyk A-levels..and acheive 4 As...im sure wif top-notch university admission lyk harvard...stanford...camrbridge...yale..MIT..oxford etc etc...th gov and various bodies will be fighting thier heads off to get u man...:laugh cos u'll be lyk thier jewel and the country's pride...imagine how many msian's manage to get into harvard evry year!oni a few...so u'll be treated lyk gold...but as my parents advise me...don't think too much for the moment...or else it will backfire...:)
you mean we will get excellent results in A-level, then get admission from top-ranking university, by the time sponsors will come to us? Is it too risky?

always think of the worst scenario. You can dream for the best one, but always prepare for the worst. For me, the worst scenario would be going UTAR to study Actuarial Science, or if can, maybe UM or USM, where i heard from BB that both of them accept A-Levels students. I have prepared for the worst scenario, and for now, just have to work out our best efforts and try to strike hard in the A-Levels exams, and try my luck next time during undergraduate scholarships applications to study abroad, which would be more that Pre-U scholarships apparently.
oh...im interested in actuarial science too...:)) seems like we will be going almost the same path...but i heard local actuarial science is not satisfying...which college you are in?
so undergraduate scholarships for A-level holder will be more than SPM and STPM? including living costs? because my parents are not going to spend money on me...my siblings need...:cry

[Nicholasng925]

you mean we will get excellent results in A-level, then get admission from top-ranking university, by the time sponsors will come to us? Is it too risky?

oh...im interested in actuarial science too...:)) seems like we will be going almost the same path...but i heard local actuarial science is not satisfying...which college you are in?
so undergraduate scholarships for A-level holder will be more than SPM and STPM? including living costs? because my parents are not going to spend money on me...my siblings need...:cry

Of course it would be risky, but if you can manage to get excellent result in A-Levels, with the hard work to search for the scholarships and financial aids, I believe that we can succeed. It's not the sponsors will come to us, it's you go for them. Nobody will come to you unless you are top in the world, and that would be totally different case.

Oh i see, are you sure that you are interested in Actuarial Science? Very sure? Are you determined enough to be a qualified actuary? Do you know what is the job of an actuary? What would an actuary do? Have you researched on everything about actuarial field? How to become a qualified actuary? Are you determined enough to face failure? Have you prepared to sacrifice everything just to study for the next 10 years? You should be able to answer every single question above that i asked, if you are interested in studying Actuarial Science.

For your information, no matter where would you going to study, everything would be solely depends on you. If you are determined enough, even though you study locally in UM/UKM/UTAR, you can still succeed in this career. However, if you are not determined enough, even though you are able to gain admission into Georgia State University in US, or City University London, you would still be unsuccessful in the actuarial field.

If i failed to get any scholarship, I would be studying A-Levels in MCKL for July intake, with the aid of 100% tuition waiver scholarship, and would be taking Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Accounting. Apparently scholarships for undergraduate studies would be more than scholarships for SPM leavers, cause lots of corporate companies won't be able to sponsor the students through their Pre-U program and straight to degree. It would be costly for sure, unless those companies are those big corporate companies and listed one. It may include living cost, and everything is depends on the scholarships institutions. Well, my parents won't be able to support me to study overseas too, and me too desperately in need for scholarships or financial aids, for me to study overseas. Everything that I can do for now, is just planning and hopefully everything turns out well. Be wise in choosing your pathway and good luck in your future endeavor. :)

[BattleBoyz]

you mean we will get excellent results in A-level, then get admission from top-ranking university, by the time sponsors will come to us? Is it too risky?

Regardless you will be taking STPM or A-level, the risk will be there. If you got excellent result, you will be eligible to apply for scholarships. If you got the offer letter, you can try to apply for JPA Tajaan Tambahan. You've got to take the risk to succeed.

The number of scholarships for undergraduate studies varies according to the course you want to take. I cannot tell you the exact number for it, you just need to do your research when the time comes. Some scholarship do cover living cost while some don't. You can also apply for the scholarship offered by the university itself(which mostly don't cover up your living expenses).

You sounded like you really are on a tight budget. Think twice before entering A-level if thats the case(think of the worst case you will end up with A-level and what is your plan for that). Anyway, good luck for your future endeavor.

[callista]

ok,i've registered at inti for a level programme..when i was going through the subjects they offer, there were no general paper...instead they have thinking skills...well,what is thinking skills about?
i know general paper is english but don't local private universities like imu,monash require english ?

[acgerlok7]

thinking skills is lyk critical thinking...sort of lyk th olympic math we do...but not as hard as tht..

[mitsukolyn]

foreign unis doesnt take General paper into consideration.do take note on that.but whatever subs u applied for, just do your best regardless of whether the A's of the subs are taken into consideration or not while applying for the course you wanted in that foreign uni...

[acgerlok7]

you mean we will get excellent results in A-level, then get admission from top-ranking university, by the time sponsors will come to us? Is it too risky?




its easier to get a scholarship...of cos the scholarship wont fly to you thou...u stil hv to go thru th conventional way of applying a scholarship.:)

[AudreyNHF]

ok,i've registered at inti for a level programme..when i was going through the subjects they offer, there were no general paper...instead they have thinking skills...well,what is thinking skills about?
i know general paper is english but don't local private universities like imu,monash require english ?

Private universities english requirements are based on TOEFL, IELTS and etc. TOEFL and IELTS are the more commonly recognized one.

[callista]

Private universities english requirements are based on TOEFL, IELTS and etc. TOEFL and IELTS are the more commonly recognized one.

okay so do i have to take TOEFL or IELTS separately?
since private local universities require english , so i have to take any of the english courses to get an addmission right?

[avinesh]

i prefer form 6.just a last and final shot.