Jpa 2008 US

[chenchow]

US has been traditionally quite a popular program for JPA Scholarships.

Over the years, the number of JPA Scholars for US Program has increased tremendously.

This would be a thread to talk on JPA Scholarships to go to US. We might have some additional information on the threads on Applications to US Universities too!

For those who get US Program, for last year, the students are sent to either INTEC (Shah Alam) or Inti (Nilai). Both programs have produced a number of top students who manage to get into Ivy League. So, in terms of quality, there is no dispute on that, espeecially on INTEC, as all of the top universities have the footstep of ex INTEC students.

As mentioned in other threads, JPA Students who manage to get into Ivy League or Ivy League Standard, then the students would get to spend 4 years in US, or else, it would be 3 years.

The list of universities would include the 8 Ivy League (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, Penn, Brown and Dartmouth), as well as other universities like MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Caltech, John Hopkins, Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Northwestern, Michigan etc. Please verify my list and point out the errors, if there is any.

For those of you who are going to US, would strongly recommend that you sign up for USA For Students (www.usaforstudents.org). It would be a US Education Fair held on 14th June 2008 at Wisma MCA. About 50 US Universities would be present!

For those who are going to report at INTEC, the date of reporting would be 29th June 2008.

That is for US Program. Not sure for other program. But typically, would be on same day for a bunch of programs.

[smile!]

can i know about the life and lecturers in Intec and Inti? life as in the accommodation and facilities all that..

[Kuekkuek]

Chen Chow, there is a question for u here. If a JPA scholar didnt get selected 4 US but selected 4 othr countries, then if he/she managed to gain offer from US universities for admission esp, Ivy League standard(Harvard, etc).So, can the JPA scholar get the full scholarship from JPA for their studies in those Ivy League universities which offered him/her?????

[vimal06]

I've tried searching.. THere's a lot of help regarding life in INTEC butalmost none about life in INTI. Would you know wat to expect if we're gonna be blasted to US from INTI?? thanks//

[capablanca]

Accomodation in INTI　is the best among the college JPA sent to. In INTI, you have air-conditioned room and water heater. In INTEC, nothing. Hehe, sorry but that's the truth. Unfortunately, I don't know about the lecturers because I don't know INTEC standards.

One thing though. The internet here sucksssssssss..... to the max. It is even slower than dial up or non-existent.

[chenchow]

vimal06, do check on whether there is any thread on discussion of life at inti. If not, do feel free, to set it up. I believe there is existing thread talking about it. Do use the search function to try and search and see.

Kuekkuek, I don't have instances of students who got scholarships for other countries applied and got into top US Universities, but there is nothing that stops you from trying. No harm going for it. If you do indeed get Harvard, or Yale, Princeton, MIT, Dartmouth, full financial aid is offered to you (depending on your parents' income - but really, it is almost guaranteed, unless your parents are making more than RM15k a month).

So, there is that added motivation for you to go and try it out.

On hostels, I would say that for INTEC's hostel, it has improved tremendously from before. There are a lot of threads talking about it. Lets keep this thread purely on questions on JPA - US Programs!

[ntyf]

Hey, do you know what's the rate like for the admission of INTI AUP students into the ivies? The title on the INTI booklet clearly says American Degree Transfer Program so I'm a bit skeptical about it seeing that credit transfer students have a harder time applying into elite unis as opposed to those only doing the foundation program.

My senior was disappointed by this last year, according to her, she was promised the American Foundation Program but after signing on she was thrown into a Transfer Program, thus canceling out her options of the Ivies. Mind clarifying? Please and thank you.

[j]

Hey, do you know what's the rate like for the admission of INTI AUP students into the ivies? The title on the INTI booklet clearly says American Degree Transfer Program so I'm a bit skeptical about it seeing that credit transfer students have a harder time applying into elite unis as opposed to those only doing the foundation program.

My senior was disappointed by this last year, according to her, she was promised the American Foundation Program but after signing on she was thrown into a Transfer Program, thus canceling out her options of the Ivies. Mind clarifying? Please and thank you.

Well, if your senior gets into any Ivies, then she can fly off this Fall, provided that she fulfill JPA's 3 requirements:CGPA, TOEFL and SAT score. In this case, she'll be doing ADFP. If not, she has to stay back another year and thus doing ACTP. (BTW, each college name their course differently. In INTEC, it's called American Degree Foundation Program and American Credit Transfer Program.)I'm not sure what Inti name their course.

[capablanca]

I don't know the rate because only those who want to go early apply to ivy league or ivy league standard. They will sit for the exams early while others wait until the next year to do so.

Why would the credit system be bad? If you have good score 4.0 gpa, the US unis will see that you are able to handle college courses and give you good chances.

For your senior, it is just that she never took the initiative to apply to the unis, JPA do allow us to go Ivy league, but we must forgo the credits we accumulate here in INTI. If you want, you can take AP exams to gain the credits, but those are peanuts once you complete the courses here.

[j]

Accomodation in INTI　is the best among the college JPA sent to. In INTI, you have air-conditioned room and water heater. In INTEC, nothing. Hehe, sorry but that's the truth. Unfortunately, I don't know about the lecturers because I don't know INTEC standards.

One thing though. The internet here sucksssssssss..... to the max. It is even slower than dial up or non-existent.

Really agree with you on the point that Inti has the best accommodation but who says Intec's hostel has nothing. Over here, we have thieves, stray cats, old broken ceiling fan and leaking pipe. haha.. Intec lecturers..hmm...I don't want to elaborate more on this or my scholarship will be revoked...However, I must say that some lecturers are super duper cool like the Biology lecturer...MR.X. I can say that his class is never boring to me but sadly to say that some people are still sleeping in his class. Probably because most of our biology classes are in the afternoon.

And maybe Chen Chow is right that Intec's hostel has improved tremendously as there are consistent upgrading works carried out frequently. =)

[milogal]

[QUOTE=chenchow;183740]vimal06, do check on whether there is any thread on discussion of life at inti. If not, do feel free, to set it up. I believe there is existing thread talking about it. Do use the search function to try and search and see.
QUOTE]


yup there's one here.

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5185&highlight=Inti+Nilai

[chenchow]

There are student(s) under JPA at Inti who got into Ivy League this year. So, to say that it is not possible to get into Ivy League, after you are being placed at Inti is not true at all. As I can no longer differentiate which of the students are at Inti and which are at INTEC, there is/are student from Inti who got into Ivy League and/or Ivy League standard universities.

It all depends on individual. So, to say that JPA does not allow students to apply for Ivy League, it is not true. Because, there are some JPA scholars who manage to make it.

It all boils down to whether the student is willing to work hard. Of course, there might be a tinge of luck too! :)

Heard that the JPA letter went out already. Anyone got US Program?

[kaera]

I called JPA up. Appraently they are sending me to INTI Nilai for an American Top University Program. I am completely clueless about this programme, can any seniors kindly enlighten me on this programme?

I went to INTI's website but there wasn't anything on ADFP/ADTP/ATUP on it, it might have been due to the fact that I need cleaning for my glasses though XD

[eM-syaph]

errr...me!..
m going to rgster next month on 29th at INTEC for ADFprogramme for biotech..
huh thats a long statement..haha:P

[989Lee]

since inti's collaborative universities do not include yale, harvard....does it mean v cant study at these unis? and when v apply for unis in usa, do they put much emphasis on my extra-curricular activities?

[castle]

whats American University Program(AUP)?i got that...how is it different from all the other US program?

[capablanca]

It is just the same thing. AUP is a name for INTI's ADTP. When it put that INTI is not in collaboration with Harvard or Yale, it means that you cannot transfer any credit to those universities. If you go to those uni, you restart from scratch. It does not mean you cannot apply to them.

When you see in the booklet, there's a Cornell there, it is an Ivy League universities. However, Cornell is said to be in collaboration because Cornell has an understanding with INTI to accept its credits although not all of them.

Universities in US see well roundedness. Not only academics, extra curricular activities, charity works and lots more. However, they see it from your secondary school onwards. So, no point in brushing up just to look good. Be yourself and they will judge whether to accept you or not.

[castle]

i wonder if i can apply for MIT?

[chenchow]

From what I gathered from those whom I have seen posted (of course, I might have missed out some), those who get to US include:-

hikaru - Inti - Econ
wyarn - Inti
kaera - Inti - Computer Science/IT
eM-syaph - INTEC - biotech
smile! - Inti - Actuarial Science
onejun - inti - econ
Bernardcss
milogal - Inti - psychology
passOUT - Taylor's - Arts & Humanities
qwerkie - intec - engineering
abyssesour - Inti - economics
insertusername - Taylor's - Arts & Humanities
xiaobailong - inti - computer science
chen622 - Inti - Actuarial science
ntyf - Inti - Econ
989Lee - Business Administration
castle - Inti - Engineering
Beatles - Inti - Engineering
Josh_Loo - INTEC
GunbladerQ - INTEC
Jeryliza - Inti

Seems the bulk are going to Inti this year.

On details from past year, do see the 1st post in this thread.

Essentially, you guys would be doing Year 12th of US Education.

To know more of US Education, do go to USA For Students.org (http://www.usaforstudents.org) on 14th June at Wisma MCA (10am to 4pm). About 40+ US Universities will be there, including 7 of the 8 Ivy League!

[castle]

why is my name not in that list?hmm...

[Beatles]

Can someone please tell me what's "credit transfer"? I really didn't understand this term. The letter says I am supposed to study AUP in INTI for 1 year.

1) What subjects are offered there in AUP? I don't understand the system.
2) Is it true that provided I manage to pass the academic grades required, then I will be free to apply for any US university? In the leaflet given, universities like Yale, Princeton and MIT are not mentioned..

I will greatly appreciate if someone can answer this.. Thanks very much!!

[chenchow]

i wonder if i can apply for MIT?

Yes. Why not? The only challenge is whether one can get admission. From what I understand, you are majoring in engineering, so definitely yes for MIT!

Good Luck!

Hope to see more of you who got US, to post questions here!

why is my name not in that list?hmm...

Sorry, didn't see you post in the other thread.

To all, please kindly key into the ReCom Scholarship Infobase too! It is here (http://www.recom.org/forum/portal.php?pageid=scholarships)

Can someone please tell me what's "credit transfer"? I really didn't understand this term. The letter says I am supposed to study AUP in INTI for 1 year.

1) What subjects are offered there in AUP? I don't understand the system.
2) Is it true that provided I manage to pass the academic grades required, then I will be free to apply for any US university? In the leaflet given, universities like Yale, Princeton and MIT are not mentioned..

I will greatly appreciate if someone can answer this.. Thanks very much!!

Credit transfer essentially means that you can get some credits from the courses you do here in Malaysia, so that you can reduce your workload, while in US.

Essentially in AUP, ADTP, ADFP, the first year would be the Year 12th education just like in US.

For last year, if I am not wrong, the requirement is SAT1 (Critical Reading and Maths) >= 1300 and CGPA >= 3.5, then you can apply to those Ivy League or Ivy League standard universities (The list is in my 1st post in this thread).

So, yes, you can apply to all those top universities, but it would be based on your major. So, say you are studying Actuarial Science, the only Ivy League in your list is Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania). The list would vary based on your major.

Good Luck!

[castle]

i did key in.ok,1 question.if we go to us right,who handles our visas and all those paperwork?the embassy is it?or do we have to do all of those stuffs ourselves?and for how long can we use the visa before it expires?
my dad's freaking out about this,and i havent even left for nilai yet.

[chenchow]

i did key in.ok,1 question.if we go to us right,who handles our visas and all those paperwork?the embassy is it?or do we have to do all of those stuffs ourselves?and for how long can we use the visa before it expires?
my dad's freaking out about this,and i havent even left for nilai yet.

Sorry about my mistake. It is in the list already.

For Visa, you have to apply it. But basically, there shouldn't be any problem. You would need to apply to US Embassy.

castle, I know that you can't make it, but for those who can make it to USA For Students, Andy Miller, Consul General of US Embassy (basically the guy who would grant you visa), would be giving a talk on the topic of US Visa. So, do go there for it.

There will be a session there by Kevin Sim. He has helped most number of international students to Ivy League than anyone in the world. He has practically helped many hundreds or thousands of students to Ivy League.

The visa would be for your entire duration of study. Don't worry on visa. These few years have been pretty easy to get visa. You do it this morning, and you'll get it tomorrow morning.

[Beatles]

So credit transfer is something like twinning programme? Means we already do part of our programme in Malaysia?
Is applying and getting place to US universities that have collaboration with INTI more easier than to those that do not collaborate? I'm interested in MIT..

[chenchow]

So credit transfer is something like twinning programme? Means we already do part of our programme in Malaysia?
Is applying and getting place to US universities that have collaboration with INTI more easier than to those that do not collaborate? I'm interested in MIT..

Credit transfer works even for those who are not applying for twinning program. Essentially, it transfers some of your credits over. For twinning programs, you transfer quite a bit of your credits, maybe even 50% of your total credits needed to graduate.

For those universities with collaboration with INTI, it might be slightly easier to get in, as well as slightly easier to get credit transfer.

But for JPA, read my 1st post, based on past year, they only allow you all to apply for the Ivy League and Ivy League standard for your 1st year, so if you want to spend 4 years in US, then you need to only apply for those universities. Or else, it would be a transfer/twinning program.

[capablanca]

No actually. It just means they accept your credits. However, some uni do have good relationships with INTI like University of Michigan because INTI send quality students there (I think). The prove is that all the JPA students who apply to Michigan this year from INTI got in.

For MIT, it will be harder because the interview is earlier and you need to prepare the stuff quite early. But how come engineering students come to INTI already one?

[Beatles]

Thanks for everyone's help. Erm, is there any natural disaster in US? I have read from books earthquakes do struck San Francisco area and today in Malaysia TV got news saying tornado struck Iowa.

[syafiq07]

For actuarial science,JPA also listed University of Michigan too apart from Wharton.From what a senior of recom told me(digital_lifeform,he is in INTI), one his colleague successfully gain admitted for Wharton actuarial science major and 19 others included himself managed to fly early from INTI.

[capablanca]

Yeah. I'm one of them. Beatles, relax. Most of the unis you will be going are not in any disaster zone.

[milogal]

ahhha. thank god for that. lolx.

cuz my friend was scaring me with all these as well n then got guns, shooting here n there etc. ahhhah.

sorry bit off topic. hehe.
those who r going to Inti Nilai can we get to know each other in this thread set up by our seniors?? lolx.

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5185&highlight=Inti+Nilai&page=36

it has loads of info too. hhhha. thank you

[Bernardcss]

I will be studying engineering under ADFP. Does it mean that after the first year, if we manage to get into IVY League standard Unis, no credit will be transferred and we have to start our actual degree only in the US?

Can anyone of u tell me the approximate number of students from INTEC who got into IVY league standard unis in the past few years?

[j]

I will be studying engineering under ADFP. Does it mean that after the first year, if we manage to get into IVY League standard Unis, no credit will be transferred and we have to start our actual degree only in the US?

Can anyone of u tell me the approximate number of students from INTEC who got into IVY league standard unis in the past few years?

Bernard from SMK Methodist? This year, about 10++ JPA scholars get into Ivy League and Ivy League Standard Universities. It is relatively low if compared to Inti as students in Intec are not allowed to apply to University of Michigan. Students are only allowed to apply to UMich if their course is Actuarial Science but all of these students are in Inti. No actuarial science student under JPA are in INTEC. FYI, UMich is the easiest Ivy League standard university to get in. About forty of my seniors applied to that university and 30++ got it.

[wupeng0630]

I m going INTI Nilai 4 AUP in ICT course...
But 1 thing 2 ask:
Do we need 2 apply 2 all the universities of Ivy League after finishing the AUP?!
Or I can just apply 2 the universities that I like?!
Eg:I just like 2 stay in Pennsylvania,so can i just apply 2 those universities in that area n ignore all the others such as in New York,Chicago etc.?!

[milogal]

hi wupeng...

i guess u can get in there if ur good. lolx.

y do u wana turn down jpa scholarship?
its not easy to get ya noe

[digital_lifeform]

Seem like a lot of you are going to INTI and you have a lot of question which is natural. Once you get to INTI, you will undergo an orientation program, which part of it includes a very brief briefing about what AUP. Over time, there will be more briefing sessions conducted and you will get more familiar with the system, what transfer credits is, how to apply to ivies etc etc. However I suggest that once you guys are in INTI, you find a time and day that you can gather everyone and book lecture theater and get some seniors under the JPA, esp those who are flyings to US this year since they are very free, to give a complete briefing and Q&A session about the whole JPA program. Be proactive and don't be shy. Approach the senior and staff who are all very helpful to get a room for this. It will certainly be beneficial for you guys. If you sit down and wait for help it won't come by, cause we not gonna you after you to provide you info, it's you who wants it and you know where to get it, so grab it.

I m going INTI Nilai 4 AUP in ICT course...
But 1 thing 2 ask:
Do we need 2 apply 2 all the universities of Ivy League after finishing the AUP?!
Or I can just apply 2 the universities that I like?!
Eg:I just like 2 stay in Pennsylvania,so can i just apply 2 those universities in that area n ignore all the others such as in New York,Chicago etc.?!


You will be applying to the Ivies before you complete the AUP program in INTI. The AUP program in INTI is basically the first two year of a typical 4-year US college.

You will be applying to the Ivies and Ivy standard by the time you have completed your first semester in INTI. You can apply to any university you wish and you can also not apply not any university you wish not. But, getting into US universities is hard and luck plays a significant role, so choosing to apply to less is a risk.

However, be mindful that even though that university offers the major you want, the university may either not be in the JPA's list of Ivies and Ivy Standard or the particular degree (like ICT) from that university is not recognized by JPA. For example, lets say Upenn offers ICT and Upenn is an Ivy, but if JPA does not accept ICT degrees from Upenn, you can't got there either.

[wupeng0630]

Seem like a lot of you are going to INTI and you have a lot of question which is natural. Once you get to INTI, you will undergo an orientation program, which part of it includes a very brief briefing about what AUP. Over time, there will be more briefing sessions conducted and you will get more familiar with the system, what transfer credits is, how to apply to ivies etc etc. However I suggest that once you guys are in INTI, you find a time and day that you can gather everyone and book lecture theater and get some seniors under the JPA, esp those who are flyings to US this year since they are very free, to give a complete briefing and Q&A session about the whole JPA program. Be proactive and don't be shy. Approach the senior and staff who are all very helpful to get a room for this. It will certainly be beneficial for you guys. If you sit down and wait for help it won't come by, cause we not gonna you after you to provide you info, it's you who wants it and you know where to get it, so grab it.

Thanks a lot 4 ur info...
Btw,I still wondering...
Do we need 2 apply 2 all the universities of Ivy League after finishing the AUP?!
Or I can just apply 2 the universities that I like?!
Eg:I just like 2 stay in Pennsylvania,so can i just apply 2 those universities in that area n ignore all the others such as in New York,Chicago etc.?!
Tq...:huh

hi wupeng...

i guess u can get in there if ur good. lolx.

y do u wana turn down jpa scholarship?
its not easy to get ya noe

Hi milogal...
Actually I very appreciate that PSD gives me such a chance...
But after considering lots of factors...
I probably will turn it down...
Btw,I still hvnt make my final decision...
I hv 2 think more thoroughly...
B4 I make the decision...
Which may change my whole life in the future...

You will be applying to the Ivies before you complete the AUP program in INTI. The AUP program in INTI is basically the first two year of a typical 4-year US college.

You will be applying to the Ivies and Ivy standard by the time you have completed your first semester in INTI. You can apply to any university you wish and you can also not apply not any university you wish not. But, getting into US universities is hard and luck plays a significant role, so choosing to apply to less is a risk.

However, be mindful that even though that university offers the major you want, the university may either not be in the JPA's list of Ivies and Ivy Standard or the particular degree (like ICT) from that university is not recognized by JPA. For example, lets say Upenn offers ICT and Upenn is an Ivy, but if JPA does not accept ICT degrees from Upenn, you can't got there either.

Thanks 4 ur help...
N may I know ICT degree from which universities r going 2 accept by JPA?!
Any examples?!
Tq...

[capablanca]

Sigh, then I won't be there to give speeches. No, you don't have to apply to all the the Ivy Leagues, just the one that you want to go.

Don't just apply to few unis because you want to stay in one place. Luck does not always look on your side.

[smile!]

Can i know about the AUP programme? Like what subjects we hafta take, our results will be based more on exam or course works? I read somewhere here that we actually need to apply for uni after the first sem. Which means around which month? We can only apply to Ivy/Ivy Standard universities or there are some which JPA recognises and we can apply for that?

Anyone knows what's the few good universities for Actuarial Science in US? Is it hard to gain admission into the universities? and also anyone can tell me whethr in INTI under AUP we need to be active in cocurricular activities? i was active in high school so will it be sufficient? hope someone can clear my doubts! hehe

And IN CASE we can't achieve the cut off point to fly, what will happen? do twinning programme? Will JPA take back the scholarship and ask us to pay them back the money they spent for the one year pre u(AUP)?

[digital_lifeform]

Can i know about the AUP programme? Like what subjects we hafta take, our results will be based more on exam or course works? I read somewhere here that we actually need to apply for uni after the first sem. Which means around which month? We can only apply to Ivy/Ivy Standard universities or there are some which JPA recognises and we can apply for that?

Anyone knows what's the few good universities for Actuarial Science in US? Is it hard to gain admission into the universities? and also anyone can tell me whethr in INTI under AUP we need to be active in cocurricular activities? i was active in high school so will it be sufficient? hope someone can clear my doubts! hehe

And IN CASE we can't achieve the cut off point to fly, what will happen? do twinning programme? Will JPA take back the scholarship and ask us to pay them back the money they spent for the one year pre u(AUP)?

AUP program - Different lecturer different - roughly - 30% exam/quiz/etc 30% projects 40% final exam

Application - You can start applying now if you want. JPA's only responsibility is to provide you with money. As for applications and subject it is up to you to decide yourself. JPA is not gonna help you. You take he wrong subs or apply to the wrong uni it is your prob and you'll get into trouble with JPA later. So better do your research. You can find the list of unis approved by JPA on the very same webpage you used to apply for the scholarship, look around.

Ivy leagues - Been explained many times already the conditions to apply to this unis by others and me too. And detailed discussion on actuarial science uni in US under JPA program is available in many threads. Use the search

Coco - Up to you to be active or not. Some are super active, some join none.

Cut off point - Don't meet cut of point you cannot fly. I have personal experience. Appealing is a painful process. There are two stages of cut off points

1st - to go ivy or ivy stand - don't pass can't fly to ivy, but you will continue your first two years in INTI then transfer credit to US and continue your 3rd and 4th year there. Transfer credit to US uni is quite different with twinning program for UK and AUS unis.

2nd - Cut of point of 2.75 / 2.5 / 2.0 depending on your agreement/contract . By your thrid sem(grace period la), if you cgpa is below that point, you get kicked out. Dunno if you have to pay back or not. However, if your results and attendance is really really bad, JPA will instantly kick you out. There are cases in INTI. Don't play play.

I have also heard those who fail and appeal get transferred to local unis. Don't know true or not.

For more detailed info, wait till you come to INTI. At least I'll be there to answer your questions. Lazy to type la. Speaking easier.

[minic00per]

is there any website bout all these thing??

[digital_lifeform]

There is no one single website that will answer all your questions. Not even half I think.

[smile!]

There is no one single website that will answer all your questions. Not even half I think.

may i know what course are u taking? i read somewher u're in michigan right? can u gimme some advice about applying to universities in US? start applying now or when? u'll be in INTI in july?

[minic00per]

may i know what course are u taking? i read somewher u're in michigan right? can u gimme some advice about applying to universities in US? start applying now or when? u'll be in INTI in july?

yeah.n do we have to be active in cocu??or just study hard??

[989Lee]

Do any gif examples of ivy league unis for business students? and let's say i cant get into any ivy league uni, then does it mean after studying one more year in malaysia, i can fly to us even though my university is not in the list of ivy?

[chenchow]

It is not true that you won't get advanced placement credits at Ivy League universities. Cornell, for one, grant a lot of credits for those students at INTEC who got into Cornell.

It boils down to how you negotiate with the universities. You have to keep your syllabus, brings the transcript and prove to the university that the course is similar.

Even if you do not get any credit, you can easily graduate, even from Ivy League, within 3 years, although you should really make full use of the 4-year opportunities.

For each major, JPA has a list of universities that you can apply. You will apply for those universities by December 2008, with decision known in March or 1st April 2009, for admission in August 2009. You can pick and choose which university to apply, but it must fall within JPA list of universities.

To get into the top universities, would definitely encourage you all to work hard and also to get the help from the seniors, as early as possible. Be proactive. A lot of them are very willing to help! Do apply to as many universities as possible too!

For ICT, it should be part of Computer Science, so most of the top universities, like MIT, Berkeley, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon should fall under the list.

It is a golden opportunity to get the scholarships and many people out there are hoping to get the chance to get the scholarships. So, make full use of it!

In terms of courses for the preparatory program, for 1st semester, you will focus a lot more on SAT Reasoning Test, SAT2, TOEFL, as well as your applications. For SAT2, it would depend on what subject you take, but popular ones include Maths Level 2, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, World History, US History etc. You need to choose minimum 2, or if you are aiming for Ivy League, minimum of 3.

In terms of co-curricular activities, there is no sufficient. Unless you can clearly say that you are no. 1 in the country, I won't say it is enough. You are competing against the best of the world, so you do need to really be at your best.

In terms of a website to tell all these info, I guess ReCom.org has the most.

Most Ivy League would have business courses, and usually the top choice is Wharton Business School.

Do keep the questions going! Good Luck!

I have managed to find 26 ReComers who get US Programs. I believe a few are under MARA program too, but I will just put all in this loop.

hikaru - Inti - Econ
wyarn - Inti
kaera - Inti - Computer Science/IT
eM-syaph - INTEC - biotech
smile! - Inti - Actuarial Science
onejun - inti - econ
Bernardcss
milogal - Inti - psychology
passOUT - Taylor's - Arts & Humanities
qwerkie - intec - engineering
abyssesour - Inti - economics
insertusername - Taylor's - Arts & Humanities
xiaobailong - inti - computer science
chen622 - Inti - Actuarial science
ntyf - Inti - Econ
989Lee - Business Administration
castle - Inti - Engineering
Beatles - Inti - Engineering
Josh_Loo - INTEC
GunbladerQ - INTEC
Jeryliza - INTI
wupeng0630 - Inti - ICT
minic00per
cyther90
clep
nashrulshafiq

[qwerkie]

^ meaning we would have finished our SATS by December 2008?

[Beatles]

Can anyone tell me which a few US universities which is good in engineering? I have heard fo MIT but many ppl say hard to gain admission.. And does JPA decide which types of engineering we should study?

[989Lee]

but wharton is not in the ivy right? and i wanna visit the us student fair, is my plan correct (i am from perak)? bus terminal pudu raya, then take Star at plaza rakyat until reaching Masjid Jamek, and then take Putra at the same place and stop at Ampang Park. Since i only planned according to the map given by my friend, i do not really know the distance between them, is my plan viable?anyone has any suggestion on the fastest way to reach wisma mca , but by public transport lah!

[chenchow]

For SAT, the remaining 3 tests for the year would be Oct 2008, Nov 2008 and December 2008. You can get the info from College Board (http://www.collegeboard.com).

You would need to sit for SAT Reasoning Test and SAT2 at two different months. And 1 extra month is for spare for you to resit.

On top US universities for engineering, MIT, Caltech, Stanford, Cornell, Berkeley, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon etc do have pretty good ones. Besides those, Michigan, Illinois, RPI, Purdue, USC, Minnesota, Wisconsin etc have quite solid engineering program too, but as of now JPA does not allow you to go to these universities for the 4-year program.

but wharton is not in the ivy right? and i wanna visit the us student fair, is my plan correct (i am from perak)? bus terminal pudu raya, then take Star at plaza rakyat until reaching Masjid Jamek, and then take Putra at the same place and stop at Ampang Park. Since i only planned according to the map given by my friend, i do not really know the distance between them, is my plan viable?anyone has any suggestion on the fastest way to reach wisma mca , but by public transport lah!

Wharton is part of University of Pennsylvania and is an Ivy League university! It is the best business school in the world (of course, Harvard folks are going to disagree!).

Yes, your direction is correct.

Total time within 30 minutes or so
5 minutes to walk from Puduraya to Plaza Rakyat train station.
0-5 minutes waiting for train
From Plaza Rakyat to Masjid Jamek, it is 2 minutes worth of train.
3-4 minutes walking to masjid jamek putra lrt
0-5 minutes waiting for train
From Masjid Jamek to Ampang Park, it is 8 minutes worth of train.
3-5 minutes walk to wisma mca

[Beatles]

Which universities will be allowed by JPA? I saw many people start busy about applying to US universities already so I don't want to miss out.. Between, what's excatly is all these SAT? Is it one of the subjects in AUP? I still don't understand about the system though.. Can someone tell me please? Thanks!!

[digital_lifeform]

Do any gif examples of ivy league unis for business students? and let's say i cant get into any ivy league uni, then does it mean after studying one more year in malaysia, i can fly to us even though my university is not in the list of ivy?

If you get into an ivy, you can fly after one year. If you do not get into an ivy or fail to reach the ivy cut off point, you will have to study in INTI for two years and then transfer your credits to a university in US which is NOT in the ivy or ivy standard.

Let me give this reminder again that ivy standard is a term coined by JPA and JPA decides what are ivy standard.

yeah.n do we have to be active in cocu??or just study hard??

That is up to you. Depends on how much you can handle. Obviously being super active in coco and getting super high marks is an advantage.

may i know what course are u taking? i read somewher u're in michigan right? can u gimme some advice about applying to universities in US? start applying now or when? u'll be in INTI in july?

I'm going to major in actuarial science and I'm in INTI now, going to Umich soon. Advice to apply to US unis. well there is so much already given in the various thread. When I had to apply, I read up all the threads from pg 1 and did alot of searching using google. So don't be lazy and browse up the various threads recom.

Which universities will be allowed by JPA? I saw many people start busy about applying to US universities already so I don't want to miss out.. Between, what's excatly is all these SAT? Is it one of the subjects in AUP? I still don't understand about the system though.. Can someone tell me please? Thanks!!

The universities allow by JPA is in the various info sheets which can be downloaded from the esila website. There is also a link for the universities accredited by JPA in that esila webpage.

You won't miss anything out if you start reading all the topics at recom and use google. If you would just type SAT into google, you'll know exactly what is it.

[chenchow]

For the USA For Students (http://www.usaforstudents.org), the list of universities as of now are:-

Arkansas State University
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Colby College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Drake University
Duke University
Harvard University
Kenyon College
Knox College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Middlebury College
Michigan State University
Mount Holyoke College
New York University
Northwood University
Penn State University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Smith College
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Swarthmore College
Thunderbird School of Global Management
The University of Chicago
The University of Pennsylvania
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of the Ozarks
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wabash College
Western Kentucky University
Western Michigan University
Widener University

Almost all of JPA Ivy League and Ivy League Standard universities would be represented. Efforts have been done to try and get Yale to make it all 8 Ivy League represented.

And there are attendees coming from 12 states (anyone coming down from Perlis and Kelantan?) That would make it attendees from all 14 states. Quite a few are flying down from East Malaysia.

For the Seminars, you would definitely be able to really have a very solid grasp of US Education. This would be a good crash course (and it is free!) for those of you who just got US Program. Since the seminars and the booths are happening at the same time, you might need to bring your parents/siblings to sit in for you at seminar or go to booth, since you can't be at all places.

The seminars are:-
10am - US Education System (Gary Widmar - University of Missouri, Kansas City and Cathleen Fuller - Western Michigan University)

10:45am - US Visa (Andrew Miller - Consul General, US Embassy)

11:30am - US Universities Applications 1 (Dr. James Coffman - Executive Director MACEE and Riaz OmarFarouk - Princeton Review)

12:15pm - US Universities Applications from Counselor (Kevin Sim - Resident Counselor, Raffles Junior College, Singapore) - He is flying in from Singapore on his own cost to share with you. He has helped hundreds, if not thousands of students to get into Ivy League

1:00pm - Postgraduate US Universities Applications (Cheong Lin Lee - she successfully gotten admission to Harvard/Stanford/MIT for PhD)

1:45pm - US Universities Interviewers Panel (Dr. Ewe Hong Tat - MIT, Bakhtiar Talhah - Princeton, Donald Lim - University of Pennsylvania) - For those who are applying for Ivy League, these are the people who will decide your fate!

2:30pm - Opportunities while studying in US (Rais Imran - Cornell University & Petronas, Chen Chow - Cornell University & JobStreet.com)

3:15pm - Job Prospect After Graduation (Chook Yuh Yng - Head of Sales, JobStreet.com)

So, we would look from higher view of US Education System, and then to your visa, to your applications needs, SAT Reasoning Test, SAT2, TOEFL, application essays, recommendation letters, Master's and PhD appications, interview, to life in US and job prospect after graduation! During MACEE session, you can ask him on financial aid too!

Do sign up first at here (http://www.usaforstudents.org/register.html). We are expecting 5,000-10,000 audience this year.

Do look out for the ads of the events on:-
1st June - The Star National, NST Education
8th June - The Star National, NST Education, Sin Chew West Malaysia
11th June - Nanyang National, Berita Harian National, NST National
13th June - China Press National, Utusan Malaysia National, The Star National

Which universities will be allowed by JPA? I saw many people start busy about applying to US universities already so I don't want to miss out.. Between, what's excatly is all these SAT? Is it one of the subjects in AUP? I still don't understand about the system though.. Can someone tell me please? Thanks!!

On list of universities, refer to my first post in this thread.

On SAT, go to CollegeBoard (http://www.collegeboard.com) website to understand. It is standardized exam for everyone, of course some students in US would choose ACT too.

For SAT Reasoning Test, you would have 3 parts - Critical Reading (tests on comprehension and vocabulary), Maths and Writing (it would test your essay and grammar).

For SAT 2, you have choices of a bunch of subjects like Maths, Physics, Chemistry, World History, Biology, US History etc.

To improve on vocabulary, you can go to FreeRice.com (http://www.freerice.com).

Below are some other questions that i have gotten via emails and decide to respond it here too.


1.) I assume you are/were a jpa scholar.. Speaking from your experience, are the allowances adequate when you're abroad?

Sorry for not introducing myself properly. I'm Chen Chow, SPM 1999, and I was a JPA Scholar who studied at Cornell University, US. I'm also one of the ReComer who joined since Day 1 of ReCom.org .So, guess I should say thanks for your support of ReCom.org!

In terms of allowance, the allowance is now at least 50% more than what I used to get already, and I would say that even during my time, the allowance is more than enough. All of you would work there part time, that's a guarantee. Technically, you don't need to work, but can say that it is just part of the culture to work there. I used to earn USD24 per hour for teaching Calculus, Physics and Chemistry at Cornell University.

Maybe a better way to illustrate allowance sufficiency is that I can say that every JPA scholar has sufficient extra money to go to Disney World or Disneyland, and most have the chance to visit at least a few major cities in US, and in fact, many go to Europe or Caribbean for 2-3 weeks of holiday!

2.) Are you a graduate from USA? What were you majoring in? Which university did you attend?

As mentioned earlier, I was from Cornell, and I majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with triple minors in Industrial System & Information Technology, Engineering Management and Information Science. Over there, you only take a small % of courses in your major. You can choose and pick courses as you like.

3.) Can you brief me on the AUP i will be doing in Inti Nilai? What are the things exactly am i going to do or study there in 12months?

The AUP program is essentially Year 12th of US Education. Malaysia practices a 11-year system and US practices a 12-year system, so this is a bridge. You'll learn the way how courses are learned in US, and also the structure of it. It is more liberal studies (i.e. even if you are science stream, you are taking a bunch of arts subjects). So, say even if you are actuarial major, you might be taking courses from psychology, american culture studies etc.

Besides that, they will prepare you to take SAT Reasoning Test, SAT 2 and TOEFL, as well as guide you towards preparing for documents to apply for universities. The deadline for SAT Reasoning, SAT2 and TOEFL are December this year, as well as your applications deadline are end December this year.

You'll have much better idea of American education, after you have gone to USA For Students. You'll find tons of your seniors there. An Inti booth would be there too!

4.) Do you have any idea what kind of job will the government offer me once i graduate(actuarial science)? Enlighten me because i really don't reckon that our government is short of actuaries.


It is not about what job government are going to offer you, but it is about what job you want to apply. You have to apply for government job, just like everyone else does. I would say majority of JPA Scholars apply for Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik (PTD), which would mean you work as management in various ministries or at postings at Embassies/High Commissions around the world. That is the most prestigious job in Government.


If say you get into Wharton Business School, the best Actuarial university, you'll find that all of them do not aim to be actuarial at all. The top job in all Ivy League is to join Management Consulting and Investment Banking. Almost all of the top students in Ivy League would join that two career, irrespective of their major - be it english, engineering, finance or psychology etc.

5.) Can you brief me on the term "student visa" ? If possible, can you point me to the right place to obtain more information regarding this?

- I would suggest you go to USA For Students (http://www.usaforstudents.org). The Consul General (i.e. the head of US Embassy Consular section - ie the section which grants visa) would be speaking from A to Z of US Visa applications. So, once you listen to his talk, you know everything on applying for US Student Visa.

6.) One last question.. so it says that i will be doing AUP for 12months and studying abroad for 4 years.. does that mean im actually undergoing the American Degree Transfer Program that any students normally do which in this case it means a 1+4 programme? Or should i say the 1year AUP has got nothing to do with the 4 years study at USA, which i mean the AUP is just some kind of preparatory programme specially arranged for JPA scholars only for certain purposes like to hone English command etc? This really befuddles me.

Typical American Degree Transfer Program, you do not go to Top universities in US. Very few ever get into Ivy League. Not more than 5 Transfer program students from Malaysia have gotten into Ivy League in the last 10 years. So, what you are preparing are to aim for Ivy League. You'll prepare for year 12th of US Education.

[eM-syaph]

waaaoww..that are so many infrmtions regarding us prgrmme..thnx mr chenchow..:P

bt im still not satisfy..can anybody here explain alil bit(very very) detail about the prep prgrmme strcture? espclly intec ADFP..

1)wut we have to do in the 1st sem, then scnd sem..wut are subjects/thingies to be learnt/taken in SAT n SAT II??
2)in this case, im going to take biotech..wut are the subjects cmbination suitable with my major?..
3)n im lookin forward for Ivy UNis, n is/are there Ivy Uni/s that offer/s biotech major??

if those infoes are alrdy posted, im sorry i failed to extract them bcause im starting to faint by just looking at them...lol

bunch of my friends keep bombarding me with these quests, n ofcourse MYSELF......help..S.O.S...huhu

[kaera]

Just a question:

Do most Ivies require you to take SAT II? And if I were to apply for a CompSc course, are there any restrictions on what subjects I have to take for SAT II? I have understood previously that SATs were usually sufficient.

Thanks in advance :D

[chenchow]

waaaoww..that are so many infrmtions regarding us prgrmme..thnx mr chenchow..:P

bt im still not satisfy..can anybody here explain alil bit(very very) detail about the prep prgrmme strcture? espclly intec ADFP..

1)wut we have to do in the 1st sem, then scnd sem..wut are subjects/thingies to be learnt/taken in SAT n SAT II??
2)in this case, im going to take biotech..wut are the subjects cmbination suitable with my major?..
3)n im lookin forward for Ivy UNis, n is/are there Ivy Uni/s that offer/s biotech major??

if those infoes are alrdy posted, im sorry i failed to extract them bcause im starting to faint by just looking at them...lol

bunch of my friends keep bombarding me with these quests, n ofcourse MYSELF......help..S.O.S...huhu

The program for each semester varies from year to year. But typically first sem, it would be on English and Maths related courses, to prepare you for SAT Reasoning Test and also TOEFL. Then usually in October or November, they will have classes to prepare you for SAT2.

Essentially, the universities allow you to take any subject combinations, even though you are going to major in biotech or any major.

Even if say you major in biotech, in your US university days, maybe only 20-40% of your courses are biotech related, the rest could be anything. Relevant SAT2 could include Math Level 2, Chemistry, Biology, but you can take other courses too!

I would leave it to this year's students to answer on this, but typically biotech students can apply to most Ivy League universities. Cornell University definitely does offer biotech too!

Good Luck!

[digital_lifeform]

waaaoww..that are so many infrmtions regarding us prgrmme..thnx mr chenchow..:P

bt im still not satisfy..can anybody here explain alil bit(very very) detail about the prep prgrmme strcture? espclly intec ADFP..

1)wut we have to do in the 1st sem, then scnd sem..wut are subjects/thingies to be learnt/taken in SAT n SAT II??
2)in this case, im going to take biotech..wut are the subjects cmbination suitable with my major?..
3)n im lookin forward for Ivy UNis, n is/are there Ivy Uni/s that offer/s biotech major??

if those infoes are alrdy posted, im sorry i failed to extract them bcause im starting to faint by just looking at them...lol

bunch of my friends keep bombarding me with these quests, n ofcourse MYSELF......help..S.O.S...huhu

I do not know exactly how INTEC ADFP works. But just to let you know, INTEC ADFP is a prep program for US tertiary education wheras the program in INTI dumps you into the the degree program straight away without any prep course.

In most US unis, you will need about 40+ credit hours relating to your major and 80+ credits hours of elective subject (subject not directly related to your major.) For the subjects related to your major, it will mostly be already predetermined by your uni what subject you need to take. For the elective, normally it is groups, like natural sciences, social sciences. Then the university will state you need 3 natural science subject, 2 social science etc etc.

You can always check the uni's website and see if they offer the major of your choice or not.

Just a question:

Do most Ivies require you to take SAT II? And if I were to apply for a CompSc course, are there any restrictions on what subjects I have to take for SAT II? I have understood previously that SATs were usually sufficient.

Thanks in advance :D

All Ivies that I know of require you to take SAT II. When I applied to Umich, I took SAT II and sent it even though they didn't require it because I believe anything that is capable of showing my academic excellence may be useful and SAT II is a standardized test that is widely accepted in US.

For SAT II subs, unless the uni specifically note down that you need to take certain subject, like some Ivies require you to take Math I or II, you should choose the subject closest to your course. Like for actuarial science, I took Math II, Bio and Phy. You can even take SAT II twice to get a maximum of six subjects. The more the better as long as your scores are around 750-800.

[chenchow]

Just a question:

Do most Ivies require you to take SAT II? And if I were to apply for a CompSc course, are there any restrictions on what subjects I have to take for SAT II? I have understood previously that SATs were usually sufficient.

Thanks in advance :D

As far as I know, all Ivy League require SAT II. There is no restriction of courses, but just look at all those universities website.

[eM-syaph]

yeaaa!! thnk u very very much to mr Chenchow n mr digital lifeform(?)..hehe
it seems that im quite(very, actually) out-of-mist now..
arigatou arigatou arigatou...

but one(two actually) more thing..is Math level 2 horibly difficult??..how about math level 1??

-hyper advance thanx- :P

[digital_lifeform]

yeaaa!! thnk u very very much to mr Chenchow n mr digital lifeform(?)..hehe
it seems that im quite(very, actually) out-of-mist now..
arigatou arigatou arigatou...

but one(two actually) more thing..is Math level 2 horibly difficult??..how about math level 1??

-hyper advance thanx- :P

The syllabus for Math lv 2 is wider and harder. However it is not all that hard anyway. No calculus stuff too(integration differentiation). The Math Lv 2 test is actually easier compared to Math Lv 1 provided you understand the whole syllabus. Do buy a SAT II Math practice book that covers both Math I and Math II then try out the two sample test. You will most likely find Math Lv 2 easier.

[capablanca]

Depending on your standards lah. Some say easy, some a bit harder. But, most opinion is that it is not that hard anyway.

[eM-syaph]

oww..that SATII book will be added into my shoppin list....hehe

thnx again..

~goin to sleep~zzZZzz

[digital_lifeform]

The list of unis is found on esila on the left hand side of the page, anyhow this is the link

http://www.interactive.jpa.gov.my/frmMainIktiraf.asp

And for the list of Ivy and Ivy Standard seems like the file is missing already. The file in my computer also is missing.

So for the Ivy League Standard I can remember they are, Standford, University of California Berkeley, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, and three more which I can't remember. Total 7. There used to be 9, but Umich and Washington has been removed from the list.

[capablanca]

MIT, University if Chicago and another one, also don't remember.

[Bernardcss]

May i knw wat are the minimum scores for TOEFL, SAT reasoning test and SAT 2 if we are aiming for IVY league unis?

[chenchow]

May i knw wat are the minimum scores for TOEFL, SAT reasoning test and SAT 2 if we are aiming for IVY league unis?

No minimum score for any of those.

For TOEFL, would say, anything above 110 out of 120 would be fine, although I think above 105 would be ok. Do check each university for its minimum requirement. For TOEFL, it is about meeting their minimum requirement.

For SAT Reasoning Test, average for top Ivy League (Harvard/Yale/Princeton) would be around 2300 out of 2400. You would get maximum 800 marks for critical reading, maths and writing. So, to get 2300, you need around 770 or so for each of them. Maths should be easy to get 800, unless you make careless mistake.

For universities like Cornell, average would be around 2,100+. Average for critical reading for Cornell is 680 and Math is 740.

Getting 2400 does not mean you are guaranteed of admission. Getting below 2,000 also does not mean you won't get in. They look at your overall performance.

For SAT2, for top Ivy League, or even other Ivy like Cornell, they would expect you to get at least 770 or above for all 3 subjects to be competitive. Full mark is 800 too.

Good Luck!

Below are other questions i get from ReComers.

1) I already browse through some website of US universities and I notice that almost everyone of them require SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests and TOEFL. The dateline for application is by December each year. But I am only supposed to start my 1 year AUP programme this July, is that means I have to finish all the syallabus and take the exams by this December?

You would most likely take SAT Reasoning Test in October 2008, and SAT2 in November 2008 or December 2008. TOEFL would be around October to December 2008 too, with application deadlines within December 2008. It should be no problem at all. SAT2 preparation is usually around 3 weeks or so. SAT Reasoning Test is on English and Maths, so it is more on general skill sets.

2) Or should I finish all the AUP syallabus first (after 1 year), and then take the test next year?

Both would run parallel. The AUP syllabus is more for your credit transfer/advanced placement than for SAT, although they would prepare you for SAT.

3) I heard many people say that JPA choose the types of engineering for the scholars. Is that true?

You would get to choose the type of engineering, and state to JPA in July/August. Once you have fixed it, it is fixed. To change, you need their approval.

I believe the list is the following, or almost the following.

Stanford,
MIT
Caltech,
Chicago,
Berkeley,
Northwestern,
Duke,
John Hopkins,
Carnegie Mellon,
Yale,
Princeton,
Cornell,
Columbia,
Pennsylvania,
Brown,
Dartmouth,
Harvard.

The list above is not via any ranking. So, not the top one is better and bottom one is worse.

[smile!]

i'm still kinda blur.. sorry..
that means when are the students who'll be going to INTI this coming july supposed to apply for the university? we can apply without results or what? i'm very bad at applying overseas universities.. pls help..

[eM-syaph]

i heard that MARA scholars go straight to US after 14 months of ADFP..while JPA scholars need to gain admittance into Ivy LEague or Ivy League standard Unis to avoid doing transfer programs...why why why??
thats not fair....err....

and one more thing.....is it ATU is similar tu the ADFP??
ATU had its placement test to allocate students accrding to certain classes..so does the ADFP??

[jpysh2004@]

there is one question i wanna ask, those who were sent to INTI by JPA for AUP course, what will we learn for the first year? for example i got actuarial science, are we straight away study about actuarial science or we just do our preparation for the SAT and TOEFL?

another question, comparing SPM to SAT test subjects, which is more difficult? if we didn't go through any preparation course for SAT test subjects will we still able to answer those SAT questions?

[K_T]

I got Intec - Biotech - ADFP.

Does anyone has a list of US unis that normally applied by biotech scholars?

[digital_lifeform]

there is one question i wanna ask, those who were sent to INTI by JPA for AUP course, what will we learn for the first year? for example i got actuarial science, are we straight away study about actuarial science or we just do our preparation for the SAT and TOEFL?

another question, comparing SPM to SAT test subjects, which is more difficult? if we didn't go through any preparation course for SAT test subjects will we still able to answer those SAT questions?

There is no subject called actuarial science. Actuarial science is a field of study and basically you can take any subject and apply if if you can find a way to. Obviously economics, finance and maths are by far the most relevant but if you can relate anthropology to actuarial science by all mean do it, no one will stop you.

For the first semester you are at INTI, I believe you will undergo what we went through. We have to take 4 subjects plus a class for TOEFL, SAT Verbal (Writing Critical Reading) and SAT Math each. Your first semester will definitely be super hectic.

From the second semester onward, you are free to choose the subject yourself. All responsibility is on you. JPA will not guide you. If you mess up your subject selection you may be in trouble with JPA if you can't graduate in time. Furthermore, not all subject will be infinitely available. If people takes up all the places in the available classes then too bad for you, you have to wait till next semester to the the subject and take something else first.

SAT II subject test is harder than SPM question. The syllabus is wider and you will need to buy prep books. The questions are also way harder and the time alloted is way less. SPM is kacang putih compared to SAT II subject test. However, at INTI you will not be given classes for SAT II subject test. here will only be classes for SAT I reasoning Test.

i'm still kinda blur.. sorry..
that means when are the students who'll be going to INTI this coming july supposed to apply for the university? we can apply without results or what? i'm very bad at applying overseas universities.. pls help..

When you apply, you will have to use whatever you have to the best of it. You could apply after your first semester and use the result of your first sem in addition to your other credentials. If you don't use also no prob since most US citizens apply right after high school.

Do note that AUP is basically your undergraduate degree course already. It is not a prep course of any sort.

And all this question has actually been asked countless of times in other topics. Please do read up older topics.

[K_T]

ohh!! and.. where can we buy books for SAT tests? worry....... x.x

[Bernardcss]

i heard that MARA scholars go straight to US after 14 months of ADFP..while JPA scholars need to gain admittance into Ivy LEague or Ivy League standard Unis to avoid doing transfer programs...why why why??
thats not fair....err....

and one more thing.....is it ATU is similar tu the ADFP??
ATU had its placement test to allocate students accrding to certain classes..so does the ADFP??

I juz heard from my seniors saying that those ppl taking ADFP are also required to take some kind of english placement test to allocate students into different classes.

Besides, juz wanna ask, what are the specific engineering courses offered by jpa? We need to tell jpa what engineering course we want in the first two months at INTEC rite? Then does anyone of u have the list of courses allowed to take by jpa? or we can just state whatever engineering course we want for example "mechanical and aerospace" which is offered by Cornell University...

[jpysh2004@]

There is no subject called actuarial science. Actuarial science is a field of study and basically you can take any subject and apply if if you can find a way to. Obviously economics, finance and maths are by far the most relevant but if you can relate anthropology to actuarial science by all mean do it, no one will stop you.

For the first semester you are at INTI, I believe you will undergo what we went through. We have to take 4 subjects plus a class for TOEFL, SAT Verbal (Writing Critical Reading) and SAT Math each. Your first semester will definitely be super hectic.

From the second semester onward, you are free to choose the subject yourself. All responsibility is on you. JPA will not guide you. If you mess up your subject selection you may be in trouble with JPA if you can't graduate in time. Furthermore, not all subject will be infinitely available. If people takes up all the places in the available classes then too bad for you, you have to wait till next semester to the the subject and take something else first.

SAT II subject test is harder than SPM question. The syllabus is wider and you will need to buy prep books. The questions are also way harder and the time alloted is way less. SPM is kacang putih compared to SAT II subject test. However, at INTI you will not be given classes for SAT II subject test. here will only be classes for SAT I reasoning Test.


that means no SAT II class in INTI and we need to study all by our own using the prep books?? and we need to buy the prep books our own??

then for second semester we already start studying about our course??

[digital_lifeform]

that means no SAT II class in INTI and we need to study all by our own using the prep books?? and we need to buy the prep books our own??

then for second semester we already start studying about our course??

There are no classes for SAT II. You just need to study yourself. As a JPA sponsored student, you can do it as long as you buy the book and put in the effort. You do not need a class for it. SPM has also laid all the necessary foundations.

And you start your course right from semester 1. Semester one you will have 4 subjects plus TOEFL and SAT prep classes for a total of 7 classes in one semester.

Semester 2 then you have the choice of taking 4 or 5 subjects as long as your credit hours are above 12.

[jpysh2004@]

There are no classes for SAT II. You just need to study yourself. As a JPA sponsored student, you can do it as long as you buy the book and put in the effort. You do not need a class for it. SPM has also laid all the necessary foundations.

And you start your course right from semester 1. Semester one you will have 4 subjects plus TOEFL and SAT prep classes for a total of 7 classes in one semester.

Semester 2 then you have the choice of taking 4 or 5 subjects as long as your credit hours are above 12.

so semester 2 means the starting of my major course?

[chenchow]

One thing about US Education is that even though you are majoring in something, it doesn't mean that you spend all of your time in it.

I major in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Cornell, and I only spend 20% of my time taking engineering-related courses. I took a lot of courses, from wine tasting, golf, equestrian, ballroom dancing, debates, terrorism, Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Finance, Accounting, Business Law, Negotiation, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, Social Psychology, Quality Control, Website Design etc etc of fun courses. That's the beauty of US Education.

So, even if say you are taking a few courses, maybe 1-2 or 3 are related to your major. The rest could be anything.

Pretty much, JPA is ok for you to go for most type of engineering.

------
For FAQ of US Universities Applications, here is a good FAQ (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4426) .

Do post questions here, so that we can keep that list to be a FAQ.

[989Lee]

which michigan is in ivy actually? is it Michigan state university, Michigan technology university or university of machigan? and, in the letter given by jpa, it writes the tempoh for 'kursus ijazah pertama di luar negara' is 48 months, then it doesn't state that v will have to stay back one more year in malaysia should we fail to secure a place in ivy, which means the tempoh in usa is only 36 months, not 48 months. it says Jpa akan meneruskan tajaan bagi mengikuti program peringkat ijazah pertama di luar negara, whose tempoh for ijazah pertama is 48 months according to the aforementioned statement, if v secure a place in the country and course selected by jpa, doesn't mention the ivy stuff either, so how come the issue of ivy arises. you may say that it is stated in the struktur pengajian....downloaded from the e-sila portal, but i think it may be irrelevant cos they do not mention it in the surat tawaran. this matter is not stated in the perjanjian either.

[ngai]

which michigan is in ivy actually? is it Michigan state university, Michigan technology university or university of machigan? and, in the letter given by jpa, it writes the tempoh for 'kursus ijazah pertama di luar negara' is 48 months, then it doesn't state that v will have to stay back one more year in malaysia should we fail to secure a place in ivy, which means the tempoh in usa is only 36 months, not 48 months. it says Jpa akan meneruskan tajaan bagi mengikuti program peringkat ijazah pertama di luar negara, whose tempoh for ijazah pertama is 48 months according to the aforementioned statement, if v secure a place in the country and course selected by jpa, doesn't mention the ivy stuff either, so how come the issue of ivy arises. you may say that it is stated in the struktur pengajian....downloaded from the e-sila portal, but i think it may be irrelevant cos they do not mention it in the surat tawaran. this matter is not stated in the perjanjian either.

Well I have no idea about JPA terms and conditions. What is certain however, is that none of the Michigan universities are in the Ivy League. Nowadays, the term Ivy League is really oversubscribed. There are many equally good university that does not fall into that category. Technically, the Ivy League only includes Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Penn, Cornell, Dartmouth and Brown.

[989Lee]

waste no more time, i plan to use the remaining one month to prepare for inti aup cos i wanna fly to us as soon as possible. can anyone tell us on what v should start self-studying now? any suggestion on the book to read on this matter (for beginners, basic)?

[silent_fire]

I got economics and going to study in INTI Nilai ,and the course is AUP.What are the subjects that are offered to study?Do the majors mean subject you can take in AUP.Can somebody list out the majors or subjects that are avaiable in AUP?I am pretty confused now.

[chenchow]

In terms of preparing for SAT Reasoning Test, the easiest part to prepare would be for the SAT - Critical Reading part, which is often the part that most students find it most difficult.

Go to FreeRice.com (http://www.freerice.com). That's one of the most effective ways to prepare for SAT Critical Reading. This test is mainly on your vocabulary, so this would help a lot.

Another aspect is go to learn up the vocabulary at FreeVocabulary.com (http://www.freevocabulary.com).

It provides 5,000 vocabulary that would help you significantly for SAT.

That would be roughly the standard that you would expect in SAT Reasoning Test for Critical Reading.

[smashingkiller]

i juz got inti 4 my aup...
4 bsnss admin course,do i still have to learn scnce sbjcts???

[silent_fire]

Does anyone of you have the complete list of subjects avaiable?
I went to INTI website (INTIMAL something)and cannot find the programme,only information of A level,HSC and SAM are avaiable.
Does any senior here take economics in AUP and is more than willing to share your valuable experience?

[digital_lifeform]

Does anyone of you have the complete list of subjects avaiable?
I went to INTI website (INTIMAL something)and cannot find the programme,only information of A level,HSC and SAM are avaiable.
Does any senior here take economics in AUP and is more than willing to share your valuable experience?

In this very thread/topic itself there is alot of information in the AUP course in INTI. Please do read up.

which michigan is in ivy actually? is it Michigan state university, Michigan technology university or university of machigan? and, in the letter given by jpa, it writes the tempoh for 'kursus ijazah pertama di luar negara' is 48 months, then it doesn't state that v will have to stay back one more year in malaysia should we fail to secure a place in ivy, which means the tempoh in usa is only 36 months, not 48 months. it says Jpa akan meneruskan tajaan bagi mengikuti program peringkat ijazah pertama di luar negara, whose tempoh for ijazah pertama is 48 months according to the aforementioned statement, if v secure a place in the country and course selected by jpa, doesn't mention the ivy stuff either, so how come the issue of ivy arises. you may say that it is stated in the struktur pengajian....downloaded from the e-sila portal, but i think it may be irrelevant cos they do not mention it in the surat tawaran. this matter is not stated in the perjanjian either.


Michigan is not an Ivy. If you have been paying attention to the replies in this topic, you would have found out
1. There is Ivy League and Ivy league standard. Ivy leagues standard is made by JPA and JPA decides what unis is ivy league standard

2.Michigan is no more in the ivy league standard

So please do pay attention to all the replies in the topic

The contract no the offer letter mentions everything. Along the way, as your seniors have found out the hard way that JPA reveals conditions every now and then.

If you think it is a violation of the contract, you may very well engage a laywer and challenge JPA in court. What we are telling you is what is really happening in INTI's JPA US program.

waste no more time, i plan to use the remaining one month to prepare for inti aup cos i wanna fly to us as soon as possible. can anyone tell us on what v should start self-studying now? any suggestion on the book to read on this matter (for beginners, basic)?

Another question which has already been answered in this topic. Please read it up.

[Seiryu]

woot... more ppl coming.

[Beatles]

I have heard that nowadays JPA won't let us choose civil engineering anymore, is it true? My first choice is to study an engineering course that kind of specializing in construction/building work..

[chenchow]

1. What exactly would i be studying during my ADTP in Taylors? is it something similar to the A levels? or is it just some kind of course that will prepare me for the education system in the states?

- It would be year 12th of US Education. It would be American Syllabus. Do refer to the thread in ReCom.org that discussed on courses at Inti and INTEC. It should be similar.

2. Should i be taking my SAT test in June or November or maybe even in January if i plan to enroll in any American universities/colleges by Falls 2009?

- You would be taking your SAT Reasoning Test and SAT 2, either in October 2008, November 2008 or December 2008. You would need to sit for 2 times (1 each for the test, and has to be different month, and 1 extra month is for you to resit if necessary).

3. Should i be buying SAT books online or at local bookstores?

- Either way is fine. You can discuss with other ReComers to buy different books and share. The good publishers include Princeton Review, Kaplan, Barron and of course CollegeBoard.

4.Is it possible for me to apply for admission into the universities/colleges now without submitting my SAT scores with the application?

- Application is only open in September and closes on 31st December, and it is very precious for the applications. You really have to work very hard to get the applications done, especially on the essays, recommendation letters etc. So, it is not just spending a few minutes on it. Most spend 20-100 hours on it.

5. Should i even consider applying to any universities/colleges now?

- Application is not open now. So, this question is not valid. :)

6. Regarding translations of certificates and other official documents, do i need to seek help from any translating agency because as far as i know, the Universities/colleges require prospective students to write down the translator 's name.

- You can do self translation. I don't think you need to write translator's name.

7. i still do not know whether i want to major in international relations or psychology although both are under arts and humanities (as coined by the PSD. i actually told that to my interviewer during the interview). any advice from you perhaps?

- Guess you still have time to find out more, before making a decision. As US Education is very flexible, you can still take a lot of courses in the other field, even though you major in another field. I only spend 20% of my cuorses in engineering, although I major in engineering.

8. Do you know any other Universities in the States that are well-known for IR besides JHU, NYU and Georgetown?

- All the Ivy League are quite famous for their IR. Georgetown and maybe even NYU may not fall under JPA's list of top universities. Do check when the list is out.

9. How about Universities that excel in Psychology?

- Pretty much all good liberal arts universities, essentially most Ivy League would be strong in it.

10. last question...maybe a lil out of topic...is it too late for me to enroll in a foreign language class now if i want to be fluent in that language before i hop onto the plane to the States? or would it be too hectic for me to juggle between classes at Taylor and the language class?

- Yes. You can definitely take it. It might actually be something that you can show in your credential. The workload in Malaysia is just a small fraction of workload when you go to US, so you should be able to cope with it. Of course, there are students who are struggling to cope too. So, it depends on individual.

----
Essentially, the choice of courses lie with you. So, even if you are business admin major, you can still take a lot of science courses. And often, university might require you to take at least a couple of courses in each category.

The same thing. Even if you aer not majoring in civil engineering, you can take majority of your courses in civil engineering too, and maybe get a double major or minor. In US, for most universities, getting extra major or minor does not cost an extra cent and does not lengthen your study period, as long as you plan well and take appropriate workload each semester.

For every semester in US, you can take as little courses or as many courses as you can cope. So, student A might take 12 credit hours, student B might take 24 credit hours, student C might take 60 credit hours. By the way, 60 credit hours is the record at Cornell, and in this case, Student C workload is 5 times student A's workload.

There is a student who graduates in Cornell with 9 majors in 4 years. So, it is doable. Just depends on you. I graduate with 206.5 credit hours, although I need 128 credit hours to graduate. So, again, depends on individual. There are students who graduate with more than 300 credit hours too.

I did Electrical & Computer Engineering major, with triple minors in Industrial System & Information Technology, Engineering Management and Information Science. So, again up to each person on how you want to major/minor in.

For JPA, what they really concern is that you need to be able to graduate and bring back the major that you are supposed to graduate in 4 years, with your CGPA meeting their requirements. Once you can do it, then you are fine.

[digital_lifeform]

- Application is only open in September and closes on 31st December, and it is very precious for the applications. You really have to work very hard to get the applications done, especially on the essays, recommendation letters etc. So, it is not just spending a few minutes on it. Most spend 20-100 hours on it.

Ditto. Excluding SAT 1 SAT II and TOEFL, you will spend at 20-100 hours on your application if you are aiming for the best schools. It is an extremely tedious process. Filling up the forms are one hassle one its own, furthermore, there is the recommendation letters, high school reports and essays to write. It would be normal if you would need to go back to your hometown to get all the necessary documents.

[Jim]

Hi, everyone seems quite helpful here :). Fyi, I choose economy, and might be doing AUP in INTI if i choose JPA over BNM :P

1. Anyway, out of the 17 unis in JPA list, which ones r for economy students who want to fly after one year? I heard from a senior that econs students can choose any of the 17 unis, is it true?

2.If i'm not mistaken, everyone takes the same subjects for SAT I. But for SAT II, what subjects do u recommend for econs students?

3. And if i'm not mistaken again, u can take as many subjects as u want for SAT II but must have a minimum of 2 subjects. So, if i take 6 subjects in SAT II and score well, another guy takes only 2 subjects and score well, does that mean my chances of getting into a top uni is higher than him? I understand that there r many criteria for getting into US top uni, but i want to know if taking more subjects and scoring well in more subjects will increase my chances?

4.If uni application is from Sept to Dec, then should we be applying this year's Sept to Dec if we want to fly early? If so, what supporting documents do we need? and will we have SAT score, TOEFL, and CGPA to put in our application?

5.Who's recommendation letter do we need for our application? When should we start approaching these people for recommendation letter?

6.I have plenty of co-curriculum certs from secondary school. So, should i send a copy of my certs to the unis? If not, then how can i proof to them that i'm active in co-curriculum?

7.As for the essays, i know different unis want u to write different essays. Can someone give some examples of essay topics which we r required to write when applying to the unis. If someone have good sample essays, do post it here please. It will give us a rough idea about what to write.

8. Do we need to attend any interview for university entrance? If there is, out of the 17 unis, which ones have interview and which ones dont have interviews? Where will the interview be done, USA or Malaysia?

[Bernardcss]

Hi, everyone seems quite helpful here :). Fyi, I choose economy, and might be doing AUP in INTI if i choose JPA over BNM :P

1. Anyway, out of the 17 unis in JPA list, which ones r for economy students who want to fly after one year? I heard from a senior that econs students can choose any of the 17 unis, is it true?

2.If i'm not mistaken, everyone takes the same subjects for SAT I. But for SAT II, what subjects do u recommend for econs students?

3. And if i'm not mistaken again, u can take as many subjects as u want for SAT II but must have a minimum of 2 subjects. So, if i take 6 subjects in SAT II and score well, another guy takes only 2 subjects and score well, does that mean my chances of getting into a top uni is higher than him? I understand that there r many criteria for getting into US top uni, but i want to know if taking more subjects and scoring well in more subjects will increase my chances?

4.If uni application is from Sept to Dec, then should we be applying this year's Sept to Dec if we want to fly early? If so, what supporting documents do we need? and will we have SAT score, TOEFL, and CGPA to put in our application?

5.Who's recommendation letter do we need for our application? When should we start approaching these people for recommendation letter?

6.I have plenty of co-curriculum certs from secondary school. So, should i send a copy of my certs to the unis? If not, then how can i proof to them that i'm active in co-curriculum?

7.As for the essays, i know different unis want u to write different essays. Can someone give some examples of essay topics which we r required to write when applying to the unis. If someone have good sample essays, do post it here please. It will give us a rough idea about what to write.

8. Do we need to attend any interview for university entrance? If there is, out of the 17 unis, which ones have interview and which ones dont have interviews? Where will the interview be done, USA or Malaysia?

Thanks for asking these questions. I hope someone can reply and answer those questions to clear our doubts. hehe..thanks in advance.

By the way, since i m taking engineering course,
i wanna ask what subject combination engineering students often choose for SAT 2? and do we really have time to cope with, for example 5-6 or even more subjects in SAT 2??

Lets say I take 6 subjects for SAT 2 and score very high marks in 3 of them and the other 3 subjects are not so well done. Will it affect my chance to enter good universities or can i just submit results of the 3 subjects with the highest scores?

[capablanca]

Don't be so kiasu lah. Take 3 enough already.

[Bernardcss]

Don't be so kiasu lah. Take 3 enough already.

Haha...watch too many singapore drama....
anyway...thAnks 4 your advice...

[digital_lifeform]

Hi, everyone seems quite helpful here :). Fyi, I choose economy, and might be doing AUP in INTI if i choose JPA over BNM :P

1. Anyway, out of the 17 unis in JPA list, which ones r for economy students who want to fly after one year? I heard from a senior that econs students can choose any of the 17 unis, is it true?

2.If i'm not mistaken, everyone takes the same subjects for SAT I. But for SAT II, what subjects do u recommend for econs students?

3. And if i'm not mistaken again, u can take as many subjects as u want for SAT II but must have a minimum of 2 subjects. So, if i take 6 subjects in SAT II and score well, another guy takes only 2 subjects and score well, does that mean my chances of getting into a top uni is higher than him? I understand that there r many criteria for getting into US top uni, but i want to know if taking more subjects and scoring well in more subjects will increase my chances?

4.If uni application is from Sept to Dec, then should we be applying this year's Sept to Dec if we want to fly early? If so, what supporting documents do we need? and will we have SAT score, TOEFL, and CGPA to put in our application?

5.Who's recommendation letter do we need for our application? When should we start approaching these people for recommendation letter?

6.I have plenty of co-curriculum certs from secondary school. So, should i send a copy of my certs to the unis? If not, then how can i proof to them that i'm active in co-curriculum?

7.As for the essays, i know different unis want u to write different essays. Can someone give some examples of essay topics which we r required to write when applying to the unis. If someone have good sample essays, do post it here please. It will give us a rough idea about what to write.

8. Do we need to attend any interview for university entrance? If there is, out of the 17 unis, which ones have interview and which ones dont have interviews? Where will the interview be done, USA or Malaysia?

1. Of the 17 unis, if you have been paying attention, there are only 15 left because Umich and U of Washington is out already. All 15 provides economics.

2. SAT I is a whole test on its own. So SAT I is the same for everyone. I do not see any subject being extremely specific for econs. I'd suggest Math II to show your maths skills, World/US History and maybe a science subject or foreign language.

3. You can take as many SAT II subjects as you want but you can only sit for a maximum of 3 at one sitting. The minimum number of SAT II subjects you can take is 0. Taking more and scoring 800 for each is an advantage. Taking more and scoring 750 for each is not an advantage over a person who takes 3 and gets all 800. It is not common for ppl to take more than 3 subjects.

4. If you want to fly early, you must apply this year for the fall 09 intake. The documents you need has been highlighted in many other threads/topics especially this one which name is so obvious. http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6282 please don't be lazy.

Question 5 6 7 8 all have been asked ans answered numerous times in other threads.

For application essay, there is no example how to write one. It is just any normal essay question. You can read as many app essays as you want but it won't be of much use. What you need to do is redo and refine the one essay you have written countless of time till it is perfect.

[989Lee]

any one of you will be going to the us student fair this year alone? i am one. as chen chow say, one person is not enough to cover all the topics, which are held at the same time. it is a shame cos the info will be so valuable. so may be v can go separate way and then share our info together. any one interested? please pm me. thanks.

chen chow, you said something like 'although major in a certain course, v only study 20% of it' , rite? so i actually plan to take business administration and later major in finance. does your statement imply that i only study 20% of finance and rest all go back to business study? thanks in advance.

[jpysh2004@]

hey, question for all seniors.....about the exam fees for TOEFL and SAT1 and SAT2, are these sponsored by jpa? or we need to pay for the exam fees on our own???...thanks in advance,,,

by the way, i wonder if any senior(especially those in INTI:wink) would provide us with a timeline to apply for universities in US, for example, take TOEFL on midoctober, take SAT on early october, SAT2,get results for SAT,applying Universities, etc,etc....... From the day you start ur course until the day u fly to USA.....i think this will be beneficial to those students under jpa to go US as they will not miss out any important dates or steps..

haha...hope seniors can help out....

[digital_lifeform]

hey, question for all seniors.....about the exam fees for TOEFL and SAT1 and SAT2, are these sponsored by jpa? or we need to pay for the exam fees on our own???...thanks in advance,,,

by the way, i wonder if any senior(especially those in INTI:wink) would provide us with a timeline to apply for universities in US, for example, take TOEFL on midoctober, take SAT on early october, SAT2,get results for SAT,applying Universities, etc,etc....... From the day you start ur course until the day u fly to USA.....i think this will be beneficial to those students under jpa to go US as they will not miss out any important dates or steps..

haha...hope seniors can help out....

JPA sponsors the exam fee for SAT I and TOEFL. JPA does not sponsor the exam fee for SAT II and any other expenses incurred in order to sit for the test.

SAT in November/October/December
SAT II October/November/December
TOEFL whenever you are ready.

So it is up to you wen you want to take. Only about 30 students have taken all these test so far at INTI. And they took it at different date depending on their application strategy.

[capablanca]

No, JPA sponsor for SAT II also.

And anyone who wants to buys SAT books from me. Sorry, I won't be around here anymore in July.

[Beatles]

I have this question. How many times should we sit for the SAT, SAT II and TOEFL test? If let's say I want apply to 2 US universities, am I only need to send the SAME test result to them (for the 2 universities) OR I have to take it 2 times?

No, JPA sponsor for SAT II also.

And anyone who wants to buys SAT books from me. Sorry, I won't be around here anymore in July.

That's too bad. I'll find other ways though. Anyway thanks.

[chenchow]

5.Who's recommendation letter do we need for our application? When should we start approaching these people for recommendation letter?

- It could be anyone. Would suggest maybe 1-2 from your preparatory program, 1-2 from your high school and maybe 1-2 more from others that have observed you a lot. You can start approaching them since now, although right now, could be a little early. Maybe august or so, after you have a better idea!

6.I have plenty of co-curriculum certs from secondary school. So, should i send a copy of my certs to the unis? If not, then how can i proof to them that i'm active in co-curriculum?

Most universities do not require certs. In US, certs are not a practice, so don't be surprised after you go to US for 4 years, you don't get any cert, except for your degree.

7.As for the essays, i know different unis want u to write different essays. Can someone give some examples of essay topics which we r required to write when applying to the unis. If someone have good sample essays, do post it here please. It will give us a rough idea about what to write.

Essentially, pretty much the topics are open. You can go to Common Applications to take a look. Just google it. They are really looking for interesting ideas. I have read hundreds or maybe thousands of essays, and often, too many are talking about they used to be top in something, then something happen, then they falter, and then they rebounce. This kind of essay would bring you no where.

I would suggest that when you go to your preparatory program, approach the seniors and get them to show you their essay. But do not plagiarize. Copying the style would mean you would get rejection!

8. Do we need to attend any interview for university entrance? If there is, out of the 17 unis, which ones have interview and which ones dont have interviews? Where will the interview be done, USA or Malaysia?

For Malaysia, as of now, interview is done for MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Brown (phone interview). I think Duke have it too, if I am not wrong.

It could be challenging for interview. But don't worry. They are all very nice people. If you want to meet them, do go to USA For Students http://www.usaforstudents.org . They are all there, and they will give a seminar too! MIT, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, Pennsylvania's interviewers would be there!

any one of you will be going to the us student fair this year alone? i am one. as chen chow say, one person is not enough to cover all the topics, which are held at the same time. it is a shame cos the info will be so valuable. so may be v can go separate way and then share our info together. any one interested? please pm me. thanks.

chen chow, you said something like 'although major in a certain course, v only study 20% of it' , rite? so i actually plan to take business administration and later major in finance. does your statement imply that i only study 20% of finance and rest all go back to business study? thanks in advance.

I would say that all the questions that you ask now, you can find the answer at USA For Students there!

You could be taking 20% finance, 20% general business, 20% sciences, 10% physical education, 5% psychology, 5% law, 5% economics, 5% communications, 5% engineering, 5% hotel. That would make your degree too!

I have this question. How many times should we sit for the SAT, SAT II and TOEFL test? If let's say I want apply to 2 US universities, am I only need to send the SAME test result to them (for the 2 universities) OR I have to take it 2 times?



For your results, you can get it sent to as many universities as you want. If you resit the test, the unis would get to see all of your score.

So, ideally sit for once, but if you screw up, you have 1 chance to resit SAT, since there would be 3 tests October, November and December.

-----
This is from Tin Kosong. A very good details on applications to US here (http://tinkosong.com/2007/12/15/tinkosong-series-on-us-universities-and-applications/).

It is a must read!

I am taking engineering. For SAT II, 3 subjects will be enough isn't? For engineering, is it a must for me to sit for chemistry, physics and maths ONLY as these 3 subjects are critical in engineering?

You mention something about you are majoring in electrical & electronic engineering and minoring in three fields (sorry if I'm mistaken) and also double degree. I not so understand about the term "minor". Is it "major" means the degree programme and "minor" means other courses that we take?

I read in old post and you mention about charity works. In some website of US universities, it seems that charity works is a must. However, to what context is the charity works? Is it something about joining a charity run, visiting orphanage, organising charity fund etc? And we need to do documentation on this right?

Some US universities website did mention about "submitting creative works". It mentions about creative writing, art works, dance, singing etc.. Will submitting this kind of things considered an advantage in the application process providing these works are of acceptable quality?

And lastly, am I need to register in collegeboard to be eligible to take the SAT and SAT II test? And where can we take the test?

I am sorry for bothering with so many questions but these things confused me sometimes. Thank you very much!!

When competition is tough, there is nothing limit on "enough". How sure is anyone that you can be the best? How sure are you that you can make it?

Admission statistic to top Ivy League isn't pretty.

This year, MIT 1 out of 80+ from Malaysia got in. Yale, 1 out of 70+ got in, and that 1 didn't even study in Malaysia currently. Princeton 2 got in out of (not sure how many). Harvard 1 got in out of a large number of applicants.

One of the easiest Ivy League, Cornell. 6 out of 85, and of the 6, 3 did their preparation program abroad (2 in Singapore and 1 in China). Pennsylvania has about 7. Stanford 3 etc.

Question is who among you all can be in those statistic. There is no quota, so question is how good you are when compared to the rest of the world? MIT the year before, we had 5 people who got in.

Studying in US is not just about being good in the field of your studies. All of you need to take that mentality out. Majoring in engineering doesn't mean you take a lot of engineering courses. So, your SAT2 could be anything that you want to show to the university admission office. You want to prove to them that you are very good at sciences? you want to prove to them that you are all rounder? You want to prove to them that you are good at arts ? etc. Up to your branding.

Double Degree - Graduate with Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Art for example. That would be double degree. Essentially, 2 pieces of papers when you graduate. Usually 180-190 credit hours.

Double Major - 2 majors in same type of fields eg engineering. So, electrical and mechanical engineering would be double major. Usually around 160-170 credit hours.

Minor - add on, usually about 18 credit hours.

Concentration - add on, usually about 9 credit hours.

The above does vary by university.

You can use anything to impress the university. Charity work, art work etc. Anything that you do, that the rest of applicants from the world does not do, then it is an edge.

I was conducting Cornell interviews, and I would say that now, almost all have some form of charity work (so, it is more like necessity). There are students who bring art work, newspaper clippings, models that they build, songs they compose, even bring musical instrument, rubic's cube, sudoku etc. Anything that you can impress.

You do register at collegeboard for SAT. Guess it is still early. Register by August.

Good Luck!

[strikingstar]

any one of you will be going to the us student fair this year alone? i am one. as chen chow say, one person is not enough to cover all the topics, which are held at the same time. it is a shame cos the info will be so valuable. so may be v can go separate way and then share our info together. any one interested? please pm me. thanks.

chen chow, you said something like 'although major in a certain course, v only study 20% of it' , rite? so i actually plan to take business administration and later major in finance. does your statement imply that i only study 20% of finance and rest all go back to business study? thanks in advance.

You plan to take business administration? As in graduate with a BBA?
Very few schools offer a BBA. The only few I can think of right off the top of my head are Wharton (UPenn), Sloan (MIT) and Stern (NYU) and the first 2 are no mean feat.

And I think you mean concentration in finance.

[Jim]

Wait a minute, Sat I and Sat II tests r in October, November, December?! I'm planning to fly next year, so when do u think i should take the SAT I, SAT II and toefl test? and when will the result be announced?

Is SAT I supposed to be taken after sat II? or simultaneously, or in any order?

If we dont send certs to the unis, how do we proof to them that we r active in co-curricular activities?

How many recommendation letters do we need? The more the better? Roughly how many?

[989Lee]

do v need to register by ourselves to sit for SAT, SAT 2 and TOEFL on collegeboard?

You plan to take business administration? As in graduate with a BBA?
Very few schools offer a BBA. The only few I can think of right off the top of my head are Wharton (UPenn), Sloan (MIT) and Stern (NYU) and the first 2 are no mean feat.

And I think you mean concentration in finance.

thanks for answering. btw, are UPenn and NYU in ivy? what is the full name of NYU? and i am not going for concentration in finance, i want a course that studies lots of things about investment, so is it called finance? i meant i only use business as a jumping stone for me to study in the course (to major in it), meaning lots of credit hours are for the course. aiyah, so confused now lah!!!

[jpysh2004@]

can we take both Maths 1 and maths 2 for SAT 2 at the same time?

[strikingstar]

thanks for answering. btw, are UPenn and NYU in ivy? what is the full name of NYU? and i am not going for concentration in finance, i want a course that studies lots of things about investment, so is it called finance? i meant i only use business as a jumping stone for me to study in the course (to major in it), meaning lots of credit hours are for the course. aiyah, so confused now lah!!!

U Penn is in the Ivy League, New York University is not.

I doubt any school offers 'Investment' as a major. You could apply to those few undergrad business schools I mentioned above and take many finance electives towards completing a Bachelor's of Business Administration. Or you could apply to other schools and major in Economics, likewise taking finance electives to complete a Bachelor's of Science or Arts in Economics.

The electives you want to take will probably involve stuff like investment markets, asset pricing (bonds, equities), derivatives (options, forwards) on equity indices, commodities and currencies, portfolio risk analyses, speculation and hedging techniques as well as corporate financial matters.

[passOUT]

Wait a minute, Sat I and Sat II tests r in October, November, December?! I'm planning to fly next year, so when do u think i should take the SAT I, SAT II and toefl test? and when will the result be announced?

Is SAT I supposed to be taken after sat II? or simultaneously, or in any order?

If we dont send certs to the unis, how do we proof to them that we r active in co-curricular activities?

How many recommendation letters do we need? The more the better? Roughly how many?

If i am not mistaken, you cannot take SAT 1 And SAT II simultaneously....seniors, do correct me if i'm wrong....:amuse

they dont really have a lmit for recommendations letter, you can just submit 1 from your school teacher, one from your peers and one from the school counsellor....just make sure that these people know you well...


do v need to register by ourselves to sit for SAT, SAT 2 and TOEFL on collegeboard?



thanks for answering. btw, are UPenn and NYU in ivy? what is the full name of NYU? and i am not going for concentration in finance, i want a course that studies lots of things about investment, so is it called finance? i meant i only use business as a jumping stone for me to study in the course (to major in it), meaning lots of credit hours are for the course. aiyah, so confused now lah!!!

dear....NYU is New York University..it's pretty famous in the states....

[digital_lifeform]

can we take both Maths 1 and maths 2 for SAT 2 at the same time?

Yes you can, but it won't be of much use as Math II is considered higher level and thus taking math I is kinda redundant.

Btw, when it comes to recommendation letter, it is about quality and not quantity. If you send a few with the same contents it is just going to end up in the dustbin. They do not need 10 teachers to say you are hardworking. Same with coco achievements. Though I participated in alot of activities, I only highlighted the best.

[jpysh2004@]

Yes you can, but it won't be of much use as Math II is considered higher level and thus taking math I is kinda redundant.


well, since for application for ivy unis need at least 3 subjects, is it ok to take both maths plus one science like chemistry? By the way, i was under jpa to do actuarial science, what combination of subjects would u advised to take?

[Jim]

Okay, i know its mentioned somewhere, but please tell me again...how many subjects can we take each time we take SAT II?

[passOUT]

^
most of the Ivies would require its prospective student to take at least 3 SAT II subjects...
it's kinda of a rare thing for students to take 4 subjects though you may wanna try that...
by the way, anyone wanna take Chinese with listening for their SAT II?

[989Lee]

questions and questions!!
1. when will we know our scores for TOEFL, SAT 1 & SAT2?
2. who actually make the questions asked in these three tests? Is it our college?
3. The questions asked, are they like spm, ie are the same thoroughout malaysia/around the world?
4. Heard that now ACT can be taken and we no need sit for SAT. anyone can clarify this?
5. Early decision/action's application normally ends by early Nov, which mean v still have not finished our tests, so what do we use to apply?
6. can i apply UPenn with early decision and then MIT with early action. Or i can use single choice?
7. About the recommendation letters, somewhere on recom states that pretigious university will be impressed if your recommenders use splendid english. my pengetua wrote one for me, can i translate it into english, using splendid vocabulary, yet retains the original mening?
8. what is AP test?

[chenchow]

Wait a minute, Sat I and Sat II tests r in October, November, December?! I'm planning to fly next year, so when do u think i should take the SAT I, SAT II and toefl test? and when will the result be announced?
- There are SAT offered 4th Oct, 1st Nov and 6th December. To fly next year, you need to sit for both of your SAT1 and SATII within those 3 dates. Essentially, you should start taking in October for either SAT1 and SAT2 and then November for the other one. December to resit if got problem.

Results would be known in a few weeks. I think is 2-3 weeks.

Is SAT I supposed to be taken after sat II? or simultaneously, or in any order?
- It can be in any order, but not simultaneously. You can only take either test on 1 test date.

If we dont send certs to the unis, how do we proof to them that we r active in co-curricular activities?
- Certs in an Asian culture. Americans all do not own any cert. it is by trust, and if you cheat, they will find out.

For instance, one Ivy League student, studied and then graduated, and when he filled in his master's application, he was caught for cheating when he applied for undergraduate. Apparently, he was no. 2 in his high school. He cheated to put that he is no. 1. He got into the Ivy League, studied and graduated. And when he applied for master, he put back his no. 2 ranking, since he has now Ivy League degree. He got detected, and his whole degree was taken away and his life is screwed. That's how serious Americans are taking integrity. If you cheat, your future is doom.

How many recommendation letters do we need? The more the better? Roughly how many?
It is about quality. Of course, more good ones are good. But question is how many good ones you have. And recommendation letters that merely state what position/award you have are bad recommendations. It is about writing things that you can't show through your resume/cv. Writing that you are hardworking etc, without giving proof comes to nothing.

Usually you need at least 2 from teachers. Each uni may want it differently.

do v need to register by ourselves to sit for SAT, SAT 2 and TOEFL on collegeboard?
You still have time to register. Only register after you start your preparatory program. I believe the preparatory program would help you register. For TOEFL, it is with TOEFL (www.toefl.org).

Irrespective of major, there is no specific "advised" combination. It is up to you, depending on how you want to brand yourself.

Each SAT2 sitting, you can take 3 subjects.

1. when will we know our scores for TOEFL, SAT 1 & SAT2?
- usually within 2-3 weeks

2. who actually make the questions asked in these three tests? Is it our college?
SAT is by Collegeboard and TOEFL is by TOEFL board.

3. The questions asked, are they like spm, ie are the same thoroughout malaysia/around the world?
Same question the whole world. For TOEFL, it is internet based, so there is a question bank that they updates from time to time.

4. Heard that now ACT can be taken and we no need sit for SAT. anyone can clarify this?
ACT has been around for a long time, but most students still take SAT. SAT is still much more popular.

5. Early decision/action's application normally ends by early Nov, which mean v still have not finished our tests, so what do we use to apply?
You would need to take your TOEFL by October. Your applications ready by 1st November. Your SAT1 and SAT 2 must be taken in October and November. No resit.

6. can i apply UPenn with early decision and then MIT with early action. Or i can use single choice?
You are legally NOT allowed to do so, as far as I know. If you are offered for UPenn, you must go to UPenn by law. This year, 1 Malaysian who got into an Ivy League university with early decision and decides not to enrol. That decision caused serious repercussion for Malaysians applying for that Ivy. The admit rate dropped drastically.

7. About the recommendation letters, somewhere on recom states that pretigious university will be impressed if your recommenders use splendid english. my pengetua wrote one for me, can i translate it into english, using splendid vocabulary, yet retains the original mening?
I don't think splendid english makes a difference. In fact, it is illegal for you to even look at it.

8. what is AP test?
It is another set of tests that you can take to place out of courses. It is called Advanced Placement test. Try and google it!

[caramel_nut]

questions and questions!!
6. can i apply UPenn with early decision and then MIT with early action. Or i can use single choice?

MIT doesn't have ED/EA for international applicants.

do v need to register by ourselves to sit for SAT, SAT 2 and TOEFL on collegeboard?



thanks for answering. btw, are UPenn and NYU in ivy? what is the full name of NYU? and i am not going for concentration in finance, i want a course that studies lots of things about investment, so is it called finance? i meant i only use business as a jumping stone for me to study in the course (to major in it), meaning lots of credit hours are for the course. aiyah, so confused now lah!!!Well MIT Sloan's Bachelor in Management (concentration in finance) doesn't really teach you much about finance just in case you're interested. You only take a few investment-related classes.

[Bernardcss]

I m sorry if I repeat the questions but

1.may i know from any seniors that how many universities(IVY league and IVY League standard universities) we are allowed to apply under jpa?

2.Does jpa allow us to apply to a university using ED application? or JPA does nor really care what type of applications we use?

3.Actually i do not really understand what EA and ED mean? I only know that those are some early admission policies used in college admissions in the United States. So when we apply to these universities in November or December, are we using EA and ED applications?

[starlemon]

Mr Chen Chow, What do u mean by certs in an Asian culture?
our secondary school certs(academic n koko)?

[989Lee]

chen chow, what do you mean 5.......No resit. Does it mean if i apply via ED or EA then i am not allowed to resit the tests? is it only applicable to the university i apply with ED/EA or to all my applications as i know even though i apply one with ED, the rest can be applied via RD?
and since the questions are the same the world over, woundn't they be a leak of questions?
and if i can't look into the recommendation letters, how can i post it? ask the teachers to put them into envelopes?
any suggestion on what to write in the letters to impress the people?

[chen622]

Mr Chen Chow, What do u mean by certs in an Asian culture?
our secondary school certs(academic n koko)?

He meant that giving out certs to students is common in Asia, but in US they seldom do so. (correct me if im wrong)

And he did mention that it's common for a student to receive no certs at all throughout his studies in US except the certificate of graduation.

[digital_lifeform]

I m sorry if I repeat the questions but

1.may i know from any seniors that how many universities(IVY league and IVY League standard universities) we are allowed to apply under jpa?

2.Does jpa allow us to apply to a university using ED application? or JPA does nor really care what type of applications we use?

3.Actually i do not really understand what EA and ED mean? I only know that those are some early admission policies used in college admissions in the United States. So when we apply to these universities in November or December, are we using EA and ED applications?

You can apply for as many universities as you wish. JPA doesn't really care how you get into the university either. In INTI, JPA pays for the university application fee and postage fees for documents to 3 universities only for the whole duration of your study. If you want to apply to more than 3 universities, then you will have to bear the cost yourself.

EA and ED are a special agreement between you an the university. The benefit of applying through EA, ED or whatever other name the university may call it, is that you get a higher chance of admission. But if you get accepted you must enroll in that college. For that reason, those who get in through EA and ED are almost guaranteed financial aid, but this is irrelevant for JPA scholars. Different universities have different policies for their EA ED, whatever, so check out the terms on their website and email them if you are not sure about anything.

The deadline for ED is normally by november 1st, but then again, different universities have different dates. One thing you must keep in mind is that universities in America are very autonomous. So each university has a different set of policies and therefore you must do research and never assume what applis for one uni will surely apply for the other. At INTI, no one as far as I know of applied by the ED dateline as there was not enough time to prepare. Furthermore, ED datelines are usually more strict and require every bit of application material to arrive by the dateline whereas normal decision is more lenient and sometimes allows you to send your transcripts and letters after the dateline

chen chow, what do you mean 5.......No resit. Does it mean if i apply via ED or EA then i am not allowed to resit the tests? is it only applicable to the university i apply with ED/EA or to all my applications as i know even though i apply one with ED, the rest can be applied via RD?
and since the questions are the same the world over, woundn't they be a leak of questions?
and if i can't look into the recommendation letters, how can i post it? ask the teachers to put them into envelopes?
any suggestion on what to write in the letters to impress the people?

When it comes to SAT, resit and retake means taking the test again on another test date. There are no special resit dates. If the dates are october november and december, you may take the test in october, then feel your results are not good enough and then retake it in November. Since the next test date is in October, to make it for ED, you must sit for the test in October and November for you must take SAT I and II on two different dates. Dateline is November 1st, and the only date for resit is december, so you understand right.

RD does not require you to accept the offer, you may apply to as many unis using RD as you like.

You are supposed to ask your teacher to put the letter into an envelope and sign and cop over the seal.

What are you supposed to write. A creative essay to the question posed that shows of who you really are.

[chenchow]

I'll not repeat what digital_lifeform has responded.

Early Decision/Early Action essentially is the same application, except that you get it fully submitted usually by November 1st (postmarked, i.e. mailed from Malaysia), and you'll know by 14th December of your admission decision. You are only allowed to apply to 1 Early Decision university, and you are bounded to attend that university, if you get in.

Regular decision deadline is usually 31st December, and decision is on 31st March 5pm (US Eastern time) for Ivy League.

So, benefit of it, is you get double or even triple/quadruple chances of getting in, but once you get in, you are legally bounded to attend.

For instance, Cornell for Malaysia. 2 out of 6 got in for Early Decision, so it is 33%, but for regular decision, it is like 4 out of 79, which is like 5%.

Thanks chen622 for explaining. Giving certs is not really practised in America.

chen chow, what do you mean 5.......No resit. Does it mean if i apply via ED or EA then i am not allowed to resit the tests? is it only applicable to the university i apply with ED/EA or to all my applications as i know even though i apply one with ED, the rest can be applied via RD?
and since the questions are the same the world over, woundn't they be a leak of questions?
and if i can't look into the recommendation letters, how can i post it? ask the teachers to put them into envelopes?
any suggestion on what to write in the letters to impress the people?

Essentially, as for your ED or EA application, deadline is November 1st, so you can only take October and November SAT. I know that November SAT is after 1st November, but they allow it.

You can definitely resit your SAT in December, but those scores only apply to other universities that you apply (except for this university that you apply for ED/EA).

They have a couple of version of exam papers, and it is held on the same day.

Essentially you provide an envelope for the teachers (or the teachers can put into school envelope) and sign on the envelope (at the place you glue the envelope).

The recommendation letters would need to write about stuff that they really observe about you.

At INTI, no one as far as I know of applied by the ED dateline as there was not enough time to prepare. Furthermore, ED datelines are usually more strict and require every bit of application material to arrive by the dateline whereas normal decision is more lenient and sometimes allows you to send your transcripts and letters after the dateline



Just would like to clarify a little on this.

For ED, the deadline to submit is 1st November (postmarked, i.e. not the date it reached there, but the date it is stamped by postmen). Of course, your online application should go in by 1st November (Don't wait till the last day, as it is often packed, especially for Regular Decision deadline day).

Most ED universities, especially the Ivy League would have interview. I know that for Cornell, they started evaluating you after your document arrived and also after the interview is done. So, usually it would be around 25th or so of November.

For RD, usually they start processing, after the interviewers submit it, and usually latest day for interviewers to submit is late February.

[Bernardcss]

When it comes to resit SAT, do we just have to resit for the subjects of which marks we are not satisfied with or we have to sit for the whole SAT (for instance SAT 2) all over again?

[t]

When it comes to resit SAT, do we just have to resit for the subjects of which marks we are not satisfied with or we have to sit for the whole SAT (for instance SAT 2) all over again?

You do not have to resit the whole SAT.

For the SAT Reasoning, they will take your highest individual section scores, regardless of which test date those section scores are from.

For the SAT Subject Tests, they will take your two highest scores regardless of what subjects they are (unless they are the same subject).

[Bernardcss]

You can apply for as many universities as you wish. JPA doesn't really care how you get into the university either. In INTI, JPA pays for the university application fee and postage fees for documents to 3 universities only for the whole duration of your study. If you want to apply to more than 3 universities, then you will have to bear the cost yourself.

So that means JPA will also sponsor our study in USA even if the university that accepts us is NOT in the list of 3 universities of which the application fees are paid by JPA. Am I right?

So do we have to report to JPA what universities we apply using our own money?

[chenchow]

When it comes to resit SAT, do we just have to resit for the subjects of which marks we are not satisfied with or we have to sit for the whole SAT (for instance SAT 2) all over again?

For SAT Reasoning Test (SAT1), it is the whole test.

For SAT 2, it is just each subject test. So, you can resit per subject basis.

[qwerkie]

time-wise, is it possible to apply for Early Decision? there are only 2 sessions for SAT I and II, the last one on November 1st. applications normally close early in November. so is Early Decision definitely out?

[989Lee]

A big thank you to chen chow for giving us so much useful info and pointers. thank you thank you thankkkkkkkk you!!!

[JiaZheng]

Let's see, a few things:
1) Wharton is the only undergraduate business school in the Ivy League. The others (except Brown and Princeton I think) only have business schools at the graduate level because they think undergraduate business does not fit into their liberal arts philosophy.
2) A double major does not have to be two closely related fields. Personally, I don't see a point in majoring in two similar fields. But it's up to you to make your own combination.
3) I think JPA took out Michigan from the list because it's relatively much easier to get in. IMO, it's a great school though.

[chen622]

They took out Michigan from the list because its relatively easier to get in?

Come on.. it's senseless..

[chenchow]

You do not have to resit the whole SAT.

For the SAT Reasoning, they will take your highest individual section scores, regardless of which test date those section scores are from.

For the SAT Subject Tests, they will take your two highest scores regardless of what subjects they are (unless they are the same subject).

Actually, I disagree with this.

Most of the top universities, or in fact, could be all, do not have a formula system. Which means that they look at a candidate on everything, including every attempt of SATs, choices of subjects for SAT 2 etc, and then make a decision.

The highest score is only relevant to lower rank universities, where they plug in the score into a formula to decide whether a student is admitted.

Most of the Ivy Leagues reject a lot of students with full score of SAT. The higher SAT score correlates with admission rate, but it does not guarantee anything.

So that means JPA will also sponsor our study in USA even if the university that accepts us is NOT in the list of 3 universities of which the application fees are paid by JPA. Am I right?

So do we have to report to JPA what universities we apply using our own money?

JPA will sponsor even if those universities are applied by you yourself.

However, those universities must fall under approved list of universities within your major.

I would advise that you put in your main choices of universities to be applied under JPA, as sometimes, it might take some effort to convince them to let you go to the other university that you applied yourself.

Usually, if you get into Ivy League, you should have no problem in convincing JPA to let you go there.

You only tell JPA after you get admission.

time-wise, is it possible to apply for Early Decision? there are only 2 sessions for SAT I and II, the last one on November 1st. applications normally close early in November. so is Early Decision definitely out?

It is possible. For Early Decision, can say almost all of the universities would state explicitly that they would take October and November SAT. So, you can definitely take it.

While the deadline for applications for Early Decision closes on 1st November, they only starts processing it late November, as you still need to schedule time for interview. Usually, the interview is only done by around 25th November. They can't process your applications until your interview is done.

Besides the much higher chances of getting admitted to your top favourite university, it also tells you of your chance.

For Early Decision, the decision would usually be on 14th December (Cornell announced it on 19th December for last year though).

The outcome for Early Decision could be 3. Admitted, Rejected or Deferred to Regular Decision.

The good ones would get admitted. If you are admitted, you need to withdraw all your other applications. For those that you haven't sent, you don't need to send anymore.

The bad ones woul get outright rejection. If you get outright rejection, it tells you that your application is not solid enough. So, you have another 1-2 weeks to strengthen your other applications.

If you are on the deferred to regular decision, then you have till February, to submit extra documentation to them on stuff you have done between November to February, to increase your chances.

So, early decision also means it gives you 2 chances, besides the higher chance. All of you, if possible, should try for it.

You have 5 full months to prepare for it. Often, the main problem of students are that they only start prepare it last minute, so they can't manage to get it ready for Early Decision applications.

[Beatles]

Please advise:
I am taking engineering. Should I only take math 2, chemistry and physics for SAT II (traditional engineering subjects) or can I for example taking math 2, chemistry and Chinese (which means dropping 1 traditional engineering subjects and taking another language subjects)? Which combination is usually preferred by US universities?

[ngai]

Please advise:
I am taking engineering. Should I only take math 2, chemistry and physics for SAT II (traditional engineering subjects) or can I for example taking math 2, chemistry and Chinese (which means dropping 1 traditional engineering subjects and taking another language subjects)? Which combination is usually preferred by US universities?

Certain schools specify the preferred subjects for engineering. If I'm not mistaken, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering (Columbia) recommends one math and one science for the program. Of course, ideally two of the subjects have to be science and math-based. I guess for the third subject, there is more freedom to choose.

What I suggest is, for schools that require you to choose your designated field at the start (eg Columbia, Cornell, Penn), then go for subjects that reflect your interest and strength in the course. For most top schools, you are not expected to name a major. Then, you have the freedom to showcase your versatility.

[JiaZheng]

They took out Michigan from the list because its relatively easier to get in?

Come on.. it's senseless..

It's senseless to us, but is a smart move for them because they don't have to spend so much money.

[gossip_girl]

im doing biotech i wana know which us uni offer the best undergraduate biotechnology ? tell me several
pls help!!

[chenchow]

Please advise:
I am taking engineering. Should I only take math 2, chemistry and physics for SAT II (traditional engineering subjects) or can I for example taking math 2, chemistry and Chinese (which means dropping 1 traditional engineering subjects and taking another language subjects)? Which combination is usually preferred by US universities?

Essentially, it is about your own branding. How you want to brand yourself.

On taking Chinese, if you have been learning Chinese in secondary school, would strongly advise you against taking Chinese. It would not help you, as it is meant for 2nd language. In fact, if you are Chinese, taking Chinese would not help you much, unless you put in a good reasoning. They might assume you to be choosing an easy way out to earn higher score.

im doing biotech i wana know which us uni offer the best undergraduate biotechnology ? tell me several
pls help!!

For biotech, John Hopkins, Cornell do have very solid program. I think if I am not wrong, Duke does offer very solid biotech too.

I'll leave it to those who know more to respond.

[passOUT]

On taking Chinese, if you have been learning Chinese in secondary school, would strongly advise you against taking Chinese. It would not help you, as it is meant for 2nd language. In fact, if you are Chinese, taking Chinese would not help you much, unless you put in a good reasoning. They might assume you to be choosing an easy way out to earn higher score.

but i never had any formal education in Chinese before...i just learn it by reading the papers and books and tv...that's all......
besides, i thought that by having it in SAT, i would be able to know how i fare in my mother tongue...

[gal_flower]

but i never had any formal education in Chinese before...i just learn it by reading the papers and books and tv...that's all......
besides, i thought that by having it in SAT, i would be able to know how i fare in my mother tongue...

If you do not have any formal education in Chinese, I'd say why not. The choice of the 3 subjects is COMPLETELY up to you and there is NO restrictions and NO rule that a university/college uses to decide whether you'll be admitted. Like Chen Chow said, it's how you want to brand yourself, whether you're taking relevant subjects or subjects that you're interested in. NO university/college requires a specific subject because you're NOT admitted largely based on your major choice. You may be admitted to certain schools or faculties but you're more than free to switch majors within your first 2 years so which subject you take for SAT II is irrelevant. It is more about testing your ability to learn? Haha...

[passOUT]

seniors,
i have a question to ask....
how can we calculate our CGPA? because, most of the Ivies have students with CGPA of 4.00....ok lar,got some below 4.00 so...yea, what is it actually?

[capablanca]

Are you kidding me!? Most have 4.00 CGPA? To have 4.0 means you must have an average of A or A+ grades throughout your studies. However, the A is up to the respective universities lah.

[digital_lifeform]

If you do not have any formal education in Chinese, I'd say why not. The choice of the 3 subjects is COMPLETELY up to you and there is NO restrictions and NO rule that a university/college uses to decide whether you'll be admitted. Like Chen Chow said, it's how you want to brand yourself, whether you're taking relevant subjects or subjects that you're interested in. NO university/college requires a specific subject because you're NOT admitted largely based on your major choice. You may be admitted to certain schools or faculties but you're more than free to switch majors within your first 2 years so which subject you take for SAT II is irrelevant. It is more about testing your ability to learn? Haha...

There are universities that do require certain subjects especially Math I or II. Some universities also do not take into account Math I scores as they see it is too close to SAT I Math, therefore only Math II is accepted. Please do check with the university of your choice before deciding which subjects to take.

[chenchow]

seniors,
i have a question to ask....
how can we calculate our CGPA? because, most of the Ivies have students with CGPA of 4.00....ok lar,got some below 4.00 so...yea, what is it actually?

It varies by institution, but typically around:-
A+ or A - 4
A- - 3.67
B+ - 3.33
B - 3
B- - 2.67
C+ - 2.33
C - 2
C- - 1.67
D+ - 1.33
D - 1

But really, it varies with unis. Some unis go with 3.7 and 3.3, instead of 3.67 and 3.33, and so on.

All these scores are weighted too.

Eg. You take 3 subjects.

Subject A (3 Credit Hours) - A-
Subject B (4 Credit Hours) - A
Subject C (5 Credit Hours) - C

Then, you would get:-
3 * 3.7
4 * 4
5 * 2

Total = 37.1/12 = 3.09 CGPA

[RyAnEll KeAnDra]

For those who received the jpa scholarships and is currently studying in Taylor's College, please give me some information on the accomodations and the clothing attire. Do they have strict rules like we mustn't wear short sleeves shirt and jeans? I'm taking accountancy under South Australian Matriculation and it would be a big help if you could tell me what i should bring and do..

[passOUT]

let's say for a new application to the unis, i suppose i will be submitting my spm results (hope i'm right)...so if

subject A - A
subject B - B+
subject C - A-

so my CGPA would be...?

am i even right????

For those who received the jpa scholarships and is currently studying in Taylor's College, please give me some information on the accomodations and the clothing attire. Do they have strict rules like we mustn't wear short sleeves shirt and jeans? I'm taking accountancy under South Australian Matriculation and it would be a big help if you could tell me what i should bring and do..

chill....
since it's not INTEC, i suppose there's no certain dress code...
but since we're under jpa, some decent attire would be fine....

:)

[Josh Loo]

I am being confused and can't figure out whether is we who apply for the university or JPA decided for us. Is it we apply and get the entrance for the university then we inform Jpa about that?? or JPA will choose university for us (sound stupid)?

[Bernardcss]

Just to share what i have found out.
Some recom'ers did talk about the number of recommendation letters which need to be sent over to the universities. My advice is you need to check out those universities' websites as different unis have different requirements. For example, Northwestern University prefers that the number of submitted recommendations not exceed three and one of them must be from academic source(teacher or lecturer).

Questions,
1. I understand that SAT reasoning test and SAT 2 cannot be taken on the same date.
But can the RESIT of SAT (for example, SAT Reasoning test) be taken on the same date as my first test of SAT 2? That means I take SAT Reasoning test first in october and if the result is not good, can i retake it in november when i am supposed to sit for my SAT 2 for the first time?

2.CGPA is calculated based on what subjects? Do we study anything else this year other than preparing for our TOEFL, SAT, SAT 2 ? Can we get our CGPA in INTEC after studying just a few month there? DO we have to submit our CGPA when we apply to universities in November or December?

[capablanca]

First of all, SPM is not used to calculate GPA. You will have a GPA after studying a few months because it is based on semester system and you will have exams already by then.

For university application, JPA will limit your choice for the first year flying to those of ivy league and ivy league standard you can freely apply within that range. JPA won't chose fo you nor should they chose for you. They are not that powerful and cannot be responsible if you did not get a placement in the university you are going to apply to.

You cannot resit SAT on the same day if you take SAT 2. Resit is just like taking another SAT paper on the same day. They are held on the same time.

[chenchow]

Just to share what i have found out.
Some recom'ers did talk about the number of recommendation letters which need to be sent over to the universities. My advice is you need to check out those universities' websites as different unis have different requirements. For example, Northwestern University prefers that the number of submitted recommendations not exceed three and one of them must be from academic source(teacher or lecturer).

Questions,
1. I understand that SAT reasoning test and SAT 2 cannot be taken on the same date.
But can the RESIT of SAT (for example, SAT Reasoning test) be taken on the same date as my first test of SAT 2? That means I take SAT Reasoning test first in october and if the result is not good, can i retake it in november when i am supposed to sit for my SAT 2 for the first time?

2.CGPA is calculated based on what subjects? Do we study anything else this year other than preparing for our TOEFL, SAT, SAT 2 ? Can we get our CGPA in INTEC after studying just a few month there? DO we have to submit our CGPA when we apply to universities in November or December?

CGPA is calculated based on all the subjects you would be taking in your 1st semester at INTEC. Since the courses change every year, I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly, but typical ones include Writing, Reading & Study Skills, Language Awareness, Oral Communications, Calculus or Pre Calculus, Ethics etc.

Yes. You are required to submit your CGPA to universities when you apply. Yes, you get your CGPA after every semester. It is graded every semester. Every assignment, classroom participation, quiz, exam etc counts towards your CGPA.

You will take those above, plus physics, computer science, american culture studies, psychology etc. You have some options too.

[Bernardcss]

I learnt that all the recommendation letters have to be put inside some kind of envelope and sealed so that we(students) wont be able to see, right?
So if I apply to many universities, do we need to ask those writing recommendation letters for us to print a few copies and then put in several different envelopes before they give us?
If this is the case, then I will have many envelopes from different people to be sent to one university, correct?
And just to confirm...is it ok to have the same recommendation letters for all the universities? I dont think the teachers or lecturers will write different recommendation letters for us to apply to different universities, correct?

[ngai]

I learnt that all the recommendation letters have to be put inside some kind of envelope and sealed so that we(students) wont be able to see, right?
So if I apply to many universities, do we need to ask those writing recommendation letters for us to print a few copies and then put in several different envelopes before they give us?
If this is the case, then I will have many envelopes from different people to be sent to one university, correct?
And just to confirm...is it ok to have the same recommendation letters for all the universities? I dont think the teachers or lecturers will write different recommendation letters for us to apply to different universities, correct?

Yes, it's better to seal all letters. And it's only logical to get many copies of the same recommendation from your teachers, depending on how many schools you are applying.

Unless your teachers are free and willing to write different things about you, there is no problem using the same recommendations for the universities. Write just one very good one and trust that it will be impressive to the admission readers.

[chenchow]

However, if your recommendors are willing to customize for you, then it should ideally be customized.

For those few people whom I have written recommendation letters, I have always customized every single one, even though they might be applying for more than 10 universities.

[Jim]

Recommendation letter should be typed or hand written? Cuz if its hand written, then the recommender would have to write many copies if the applicant applies to many universities...lol

But if its typed, anyone can type their own letter and claim that its written by his/her teacher or lecturer.

Is that right?

[ngai]

Recommendation letter should be typed or hand written? Cuz if its hand written, then the recommender would have to write many copies if the applicant applies to many universities...lol

But if its typed, anyone can type their own letter and claim that its written by his/her teacher or lecturer.

Is that right?

Erm the admission officers will have no preference over the two. Whether handwritten or typed, they fully trust that the recommendations are authentic. Please make sure however to have legible and neat handwriting.

[digital_lifeform]

Recommendation letter should be typed or hand written? Cuz if its hand written, then the recommender would have to write many copies if the applicant applies to many universities...lol

But if its typed, anyone can type their own letter and claim that its written by his/her teacher or lecturer.

Is that right?

It does not need to be handwritten. I think it is better if it is typewritten since it will be easier for the admission officer to read it. The question of forgery does not come in because American universities work on trust. Same with certs, anyone can forged certs, even a handwritten letter is not foolproof. You can simply ask your friend to write a letter for you. Like chenchow mentioned, the universities take it seriously and the example he gave is certainly a strong one

I learnt that all the recommendation letters have to be put inside some kind of envelope and sealed so that we(students) wont be able to see, right?
So if I apply to many universities, do we need to ask those writing recommendation letters for us to print a few copies and then put in several different envelopes before they give us?
If this is the case, then I will have many envelopes from different people to be sent to one university, correct?
And just to confirm...is it ok to have the same recommendation letters for all the universities? I dont think the teachers or lecturers will write different recommendation letters for us to apply to different universities, correct?

It can be the same recommendation letter to all universities. It needs to be seal in different envelopes and sent to the respective university. However, please inform your teacher about it so that the teacher addresses the correct university in the letter. It would suck big time if you have a letter sent to Uni A with a sentence ?I strongly recommend this student to Uni B?.

Just to share what i have found out.
Some recom'ers did talk about the number of recommendation letters which need to be sent over to the universities. My advice is you need to check out those universities' websites as different unis have different requirements. For example, Northwestern University prefers that the number of submitted recommendations not exceed three and one of them must be from academic source(teacher or lecturer).

Questions,
1. I understand that SAT reasoning test and SAT 2 cannot be taken on the same date.
But can the RESIT of SAT (for example, SAT Reasoning test) be taken on the same date as my first test of SAT 2? That means I take SAT Reasoning test first in october and if the result is not good, can i retake it in november when i am supposed to sit for my SAT 2 for the first time?

2.CGPA is calculated based on what subjects? Do we study anything else this year other than preparing for our TOEFL, SAT, SAT 2 ? Can we get our CGPA in INTEC after studying just a few month there? DO we have to submit our CGPA when we apply to universities in November or December?

You must understand that when you are doing a resit for SAT, it is not the same like a resit for a subject or test that you have failed. It is simply taking the test again. Regardless of how man time you take the test, the conditions remain the same.

If you have already planned to take SAT 1 in October and 2 in November and have already registered then you will need to pay a fee to change your test type from SAT 2 to SAT 1.

When you apply to the university, there wil be two GCPA that they will ask you for. One is your high school CGPA and another is your post secondary institution CGPA.
For high school CGPA, just use your average grade in your report card or average percentage and write a short letter explaining to them that secondary schools in Malaysia don?t use CGPA.

For post secondary CGPA, depends on where you are sent to. For INTEC, Taylors and INTI, the CGPA will be calculated for you by the university and the ollege will issue a transcript to the university directly upon your request.

[Bernardcss]

May I know what are the complete list of things that we need when we want to apply to US universities(e.g. recommendation letter) Just wanna prepare myself first.

And..concerning the essays, do we know by now what the essays we need to write are?
Is it true that the essays are different for different universities?
Or we can just write an essay, talking about ourselves and trying to impress them.
Oh yea, around how many words do we need to write?(dun know those admisssion readers like long winded or short concise essays..hehe)

[digital_lifeform]

May I know what are the complete list of things that we need when we want to apply to US universities(e.g. recommendation letter) Just wanna prepare myself first.

And..concerning the essays, do we know by now what the essays we need to write are?
Is it true that the essays are different for different universities?
Or we can just write an essay, talking about ourselves and trying to impress them.
Oh yea, around how many words do we need to write?(dun know those admisssion readers like long winded or short concise essays..hehe)

The answers to all your questions is found on the admission page of the university you wish to apply to.

[Bernardcss]

Ok..just wanna ask..are we(under ADFP) considered as Freshman, International Student or Transfer Student to those US universities??
And what does it mean by Returning student(adult)?

[ngai]

Ok..just wanna ask..are we(under ADFP) considered as Freshman, International Student or Transfer Student to those US universities??
And what does it mean by Returning student(adult)?

Freshman and international student.

[passOUT]

It does not need to be handwritten. I think it is better if it is typewritten since it will be easier for the admission officer to read it. The question of forgery does not come in because American universities work on trust. Same with certs, anyone can forged certs, even a handwritten letter is not foolproof. You can simply ask your friend to write a letter for you. Like chenchow mentioned, the universities take it seriously and the example he gave is certainly a strong one



It can be the same recommendation letter to all universities. It needs to be seal in different envelopes and sent to the respective university. However, please inform your teacher about it so that the teacher addresses the correct university in the letter. It would suck big time if you have a letter sent to Uni A with a sentence ?I strongly recommend this student to Uni B?.



You must understand that when you are doing a resit for SAT, it is not the same like a resit for a subject or test that you have failed. It is simply taking the test again. Regardless of how man time you take the test, the conditions remain the same.

If you have already planned to take SAT 1 in October and 2 in November and have already registered then you will need to pay a fee to change your test type from SAT 2 to SAT 1.

When you apply to the university, there wil be two GCPA that they will ask you for. One is your high school CGPA and another is your post secondary institution CGPA.
For high school CGPA, just use your average grade in your report card or average percentage and write a short letter explaining to them that secondary schools in Malaysia don?t use CGPA.

For post secondary CGPA, depends on where you are sent to. For INTEC, Taylors and INTI, the CGPA will be calculated for you by the university and the ollege will issue a transcript to the university directly upon your request.

which average grade in report card should we use? the form 5 score or we can use the average of our five years in secondary school?

and about the recs letter, would it be ok if i submit it by myself rather than asking the teachers to send them? they are always overload with works and they may forget to send it to the uni...

[ngai]

which average grade in report card should we use? the form 5 score or we can use the average of our five years in secondary school?

and about the recs letter, would it be ok if i submit it by myself rather than asking the teachers to send them? they are always overload with works and they may forget to send it to the uni...

It's up to you which scores you want to submit. You can just focus on the public exams (PMR and SPM) like I did or you can make it very detailed (form 1 to 5 internal exams).

In my opinion, it is better to submit all the materials yourself. Just getting the teachers to write testimonials that are up to mark is very good already. You may not want to trouble them further, or even risk them forgetting to send or messing up the delivery!

[Bernardcss]

Sorry...i am still not very clear about the essay thingy...
So you mean that the essay titles are given already and we can check them out on those unis' websites, correct?

[starlemon]

Did a CGPA of <3.00 is able to gain entry into US universities?

Also. the JPA fix that we have to reach a cut off point..wat is that cut off point mean??
is it a pass (CGPA> 2.00) will do?

[smile!]

anyone can gimme an example of how to write a recommendation letter? in case my teachers are not used to writing this kinda things.. hehe!

anyone knows what are the universities recognised by JPA?

[passOUT]

anyone can gimme an example of how to write a recommendation letter? in case my teachers are not used to writing this kinda things.. hehe!

anyone knows what are the universities recognised by JPA?

do search around the forum....
you'll get a short list...
but i'm sure that the list below are recognised by the JPA:
Harvard
Princeton
UPenn
Darthmouth
Cornell
Brown
MIT
UCBerkeley
John Hopkins
Duke
NYU

[capablanca]

Minus out NYU. Is Duke in the list too?

[digital_lifeform]

Sorry...i am still not very clear about the essay thingy...
So you mean that the essay titles are given already and we can check them out on those unis' websites, correct?

Yes

Did a CGPA of <3.00 is able to gain entry into US universities?

Also. the JPA fix that we have to reach a cut off point..wat is that cut off point mean??
is it a pass (CGPA> 2.00) will do?

Any CGPA will do. CUt off point is between JPA and you. In the contract it should be 2.75. Don't tell me you signed the contract without even reading it.

anyone can gimme an example of how to write a recommendation letter? in case my teachers are not used to writing this kinda things.. hehe!

anyone knows what are the universities recognised by JPA?

Any style will do. American universities appreciate diversity. Important thing is that your teacher writes from the heart.

anyone can gimme an example of how to write a recommendation letter? in case my teachers are not used to writing this kinda things.. hehe!

anyone knows what are the universities recognised by JPA?

An extremely detailed answer is already present in this thread.

[K_T]

in JPA website now.. have this thing..
Permohonan Penajaan Pelajar Peringkat Ijazah Pertama di 4 Kampus Cawangan, Ivy League Universities dan Setara

errr...??

[vimal06]

in JPA website now.. have this thing..
Permohonan Penajaan Pelajar Peringkat Ijazah Pertama di 4 Kampus Cawangan, Ivy League Universities dan Setara

errr...??

that one for students who have already gained admission into the particular universities rite?? Do correct me if i'm wrong

[989Lee]

[QUOTE=JiaZheng;186975]Let's see, a few things:
1) Wharton is the only undergraduate business school in the Ivy League. The others (except Brown and Princeton I think) only have business schools at the graduate level because they think undergraduate business does not fit into their liberal arts philosophy.

do you mean when i apply under jpa, there is only one choice, ie Wharton?

[chenchow]

May I know what are the complete list of things that we need when we want to apply to US universities(e.g. recommendation letter) Just wanna prepare myself first.

And..concerning the essays, do we know by now what the essays we need to write are?
Is it true that the essays are different for different universities?
Or we can just write an essay, talking about ourselves and trying to impress them.
Oh yea, around how many words do we need to write?(dun know those admisssion readers like long winded or short concise essays..hehe)


All the things you need:-
a) SPM results & SPM Trial
b) Form 1 to Form 5 results
c) Pre U results
d) SAT Reasoning Test
e) SAT 2
f) TOEFL
g) Application Essays (there might be more than 1 essay per uni)
h) Recommendation Letters (at least 3)
i) Interviews (if you are trying top unis)
j) Special Talent
k) CV/Resume (co-curricular activities/charity/other activities)

there will be 1 general essay for Common Applications and for each uni that you apply, there will be additional essays. So, you need to make sure it gets catered for.

Your essay has to be unique, if you want to stand chance to get into the top unis. There is no specific model. You just need to make it very unique!

[QUOTE=JiaZheng;186975]Let's see, a few things:
1) Wharton is the only undergraduate business school in the Ivy League. The others (except Brown and Princeton I think) only have business schools at the graduate level because they think undergraduate business does not fit into their liberal arts philosophy.

do you mean when i apply under jpa, there is only one choice, ie Wharton?

it is not that if you apply under JPA, there is one choice.

The thing is that in US, business school is a postgrad degree. You only go to business school after you finish your bachelor's degree.

You can apply for other business program, like Cornell has an Applied Economic Management, which is often counted as Business Program.

In any top universities, you can always take the MBA courses, even though you are undergrad. I took a lot of MBA courses when I was in my undergrad.

[K_T]

For most of the US unis, they only offer biology, biochem and biophysics but not Biotech. What can we do about this since Jpa will require us to gain admission based on the Major we selected.

[Bernardcss]

there will be 1 general essay for Common Applications and for each uni that you apply, there will be additional essays. So, you need to make sure it gets catered for.

Your essay has to be unique, if you want to stand chance to get into the top unis. There is no specific model. You just need to make it very unique!


Thank you, Chenchow. So do you mean that '1 general essay' can be the same for every university i apply to and of course there is no harm customizing them accordingly, right?

By the way, just wanna ask will it be alright to register in some US unis' websites(filling our particulars)so that we can get some additional info concerning admission to those unis?

[989Lee]

it is not that if you apply under JPA, there is one choice.

The thing is that in US, business school is a postgrad degree. You only go to business school after you finish your bachelor's degree.

You can apply for other business program, like Cornell has an Applied Economic Management, which is often counted as Business Program.

In any top universities, you can always take the MBA courses, even though you are undergrad. I took a lot of MBA courses when I was in my undergrad.

do you mean i have to finish my bachelor's degree locally, ie stay in malaysia for 2 years (if cant go to Wharton)?

what are the universities recognised by jpa for business programme? i tried to find on the esila website, interaktif something, but somehow did not succeed cos there the business programme was not mentioned there.
and can anyone tell us the list of subjects can be taken for SAT ll?

[aquila]

do you mean i have to finish my bachelor's degree locally, ie stay in malaysia for 2 years (if cant go to Wharton)?

what are the universities recognised by jpa for business programme? i tried to find on the esila website, interaktif something, but somehow did not succeed cos there the business programme was not mentioned there.
and can anyone tell us the list of subjects can be taken for SAT ll?

You know you can always apply to do economics in the other schools.

[silent_fire]

All we need to do is to try our best to get into Top US university?
I do not think my talent is outstanding compared to others like representatives of state or even country.
So does this mean that my chance of getting into good US university is pretty small?

[Bernardcss]

can anyone tell us the list of subjects can be taken for SAT ll?

Literature
US State History
Mathematics Level 1
Mathematics Level 2
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Language subjects:
Chinese with Listening
French
French with Listening
German
German with Listening
Modern Hebrew
Italian
Korean with Listening
Japanese with Listening
Latin
Spanish
Spanish with Listening

By the way, is there a subject called World History or Asian Study?

[starlemon]

All the things you need:-
a) SPM results & SPM Trial
b) Form 1 to Form 5 results
c) Pre U results
d) SAT Reasoning Test
e) SAT 2
f) TOEFL
g) Application Essays (there might be more than 1 essay per uni)
h) Recommendation Letters (at least 3)
i) Interviews (if you are trying top unis)
j) Special Talent
k) CV/Resume (co-curricular activities/charity/other activities)

there will be 1 general essay for Common Applications and for each uni that you apply, there will be additional essays. So, you need to make sure it gets catered for.

Your essay has to be unique, if you want to stand chance to get into the top unis. There is no specific model. You just need to make it very unique!



wat happen if i cant get into US universities?
As long as i noe ,...the requirement for the US university is quite high..! and if we were the1 who is not that active in coco and excel in form 1 till form3 study. that mean we stand a lower chance of getting into the top uni??not to mention the top 1...did we still can get into other US uni??
for me...as long as i safely and smoothly complete my study in any US uni is totally enuf..not to say i am craving for the top uni in US..

but the problem is IF we were not 'impress' them enuf in these requirement as mention above, wat would happen? do that mean the end of the world? or we still can enter into other not so prestigious uni and survive there?

HOPE that some 1 can enlighten me...million thanks..

[strikingstar]

wat happen if i cant get into US universities?
As long as i noe ,...the requirement for the US university is quite high..! and if we were the1 who is not that active in coco and excel in form 1 till form3 study. that mean we stand a lower chance of getting into the top uni??not to mention the top 1...did we still can get into other US uni??
for me...as long as i safely and smoothly complete my study in any US uni is totally enuf..not to say i am craving for the top uni in US..

but the problem is IF we were not 'impress' them enuf in these requirement as mention above, wat would happen? do that mean the end of the world? or we still can enter into other not so prestigious uni and survive there?

HOPE that some 1 can enlighten me...million thanks..

Big fish in a small pond or small fish in the ocean?

[digital_lifeform]

wat happen if i cant get into US universities?
As long as i noe ,...the requirement for the US university is quite high..! and if we were the1 who is not that active in coco and excel in form 1 till form3 study. that mean we stand a lower chance of getting into the top uni??not to mention the top 1...did we still can get into other US uni??
for me...as long as i safely and smoothly complete my study in any US uni is totally enuf..not to say i am craving for the top uni in US..

but the problem is IF we were not 'impress' them enuf in these requirement as mention above, wat would happen? do that mean the end of the world? or we still can enter into other not so prestigious uni and survive there?

HOPE that some 1 can enlighten me...million thanks..

The requirement to get into the top US universities are very high. However do not worry, if you fail to get into the top, there are many good universities with low requirements. There are also universities that just require you to pass your subjects and get a decent TOEFL score. No essays, no SPM, no coco, no SAT. This is your last resort if you fail to get all the rest.

For most of the US unis, they only offer biology, biochem and biophysics but not Biotech. What can we do about this since Jpa will require us to gain admission based on the Major we selected.

The majo must be exact. If you are sponsored for Biotech, the major must be biotech. But if you feel the university is really good and the course is really similar, please make an appeal to JPA and give them a good explanation why they should sponsor you to that school. They would consider it.

[abyssesour]

Regarding the recommendation letters, since it is encouraged to apply to more than 1 university, does this mean I have to photostat all the 3 letters to send to all the different universities? Because I read somewhere that it's best to chop and seal the letter? Please enlighten me on this matter. Thanks!

[digital_lifeform]

Regarding the recommendation letters, since it is encouraged to apply to more than 1 university, does this mean I have to photostat all the 3 letters to send to all the different universities? Because I read somewhere that it's best to chop and seal the letter? Please enlighten me on this matter. Thanks!

You can just ask you teacher to print 3 letter and seal them in separate envelopes.

[989Lee]

You know you can always apply to do economics in the other schools.

will jpa sponsor me to study another course? as i applied business admin and not econ?

[chenchow]

I can say that the application forms for almost all unis are not yet up. It should only be up around August-September, so no point filling up. You can get all info without filling up anyway.

Once you report, you'll be able to get full list of universities allowed by JPA. So, no worry. I'm sure for Business major, they will allow you to try for more than just Wharton Business School.

If you fail to get into top unis, then you will do 1 year foundation in Malaysia + 1 more year in Malaysia for your 1st year + 3 years in US.

All of you still have 7 months to work hard to get into your desired universities. So, work hard from now. Get involved in activities!

[minic00per]

i'm kinda confius....all jpa scholar have to take exam and apply at the same date or what??

[Jeryliza]

Do we still have seven months? I thought we've to apply by Dec 31 this year?

[Beatles]

I can say that the application forms for almost all unis are not yet up. It should only be up around August-September, so no point filling up. You can get all info without filling up anyway.

Once you report, you'll be able to get full list of universities allowed by JPA. So, no worry. I'm sure for Business major, they will allow you to try for more than just Wharton Business School.

If you fail to get into top unis, then you will do 1 year foundation in Malaysia + 1 more year in Malaysia for your 1st year + 3 years in US.

All of you still have 7 months to work hard to get into your desired universities. So, work hard from now. Get involved in activities!

Are the top unis refer to those Ivy League and those allowed by JPA? I have browse through the JPA website to find the list of US universities approved and I found that there's this USC. Is USC considered a top uni?

In the past, is there any cases where JPA scholars fail to get into top US unis?

Regarding the recommendation letter, which person should I address to? Can I write "To whom it may concerned,"?

Thanks a million..

[niroshaa]

Hi.. I got d jpa scholarship 2 canada... biotech course.. i'm reli blur.. can nybody plz giv me a briefing... plz...

[chenchow]

i'm kinda confius....all jpa scholar have to take exam and apply at the same date or what??

Application deadline is 31st December. So, you can apply any date before that.

On the test, there are limited test dates, so chances are a lot of you would be taking the test on the same day. Do read through earlier posts.

Do we still have seven months? I thought we've to apply by Dec 31 this year?

It is early June now, from now till late December, it is 7 months.

Are the top unis refer to those Ivy League and those allowed by JPA? I have browse through the JPA website to find the list of US universities approved and I found that there's this USC. Is USC considered a top uni?

In the past, is there any cases where JPA scholars fail to get into top US unis?

Regarding the recommendation letter, which person should I address to? Can I write "To whom it may concerned,"?

Thanks a million..

I don't think USC is part of the list of JPA Universities for those who go to US for 4 years. This is the case for the past 2 years.

On recommendation letter, it doesn't need to be addressed to anyone.

There are a lot of students who fail to get into the top US Unis, so they would spend 1 more year in Malaysia and then go over to US as part of twinning/transfer program.

[smile!]

I don't think USC is part of the list of JPA Universities for those who go to US for 4 years. This is the case for the past 2 years.

On recommendation letter, it doesn't need to be addressed to anyone.

There are a lot of students who fail to get into the top US Unis, so they would spend 1 more year in Malaysia and then go over to US as part of twinning/transfer program.

So can you give me the idea on how the format of the letter should be briefly? Is there any case that the student fail to go overseas after the additional one year? What will happen to him/her?

[clep]

I've started translating documents into English, just in case :|

I'd also like to know if any seniors here have taken AP Bio and AP Chem; I'm aiming to self-study these and take the tests next year. Besides studying from textbooks, the Internet and getting prep books closer to the exams, what other resources would you suggest looking into?

[St Bernard]

hey!i got ADFP in INTEC..wil be studying engineering..
anyone same course wif me?

[capablanca]

Why do you need to take AP? Well, I say your best bet would be the prep books, but if it is not enough, you can use the text books on the topic itself. But, you will read more than a need to know basis.

[Myself_psl]

i got engineering-us-after rayuan!

Now know nth!
just know i will study at intec first!
jpa officer just ask me to wait for the offer letter!
now at matrik pahang, so dunno when want quit,
any idea?

[chen622]

i got engineering-us-after rayuan!

Now know nth!
just know i will study at intec first!
jpa officer just ask me to wait for the offer letter!
now at matrik pahang, so dunno when want quit,
any idea?

Just quit when u feel appropriate to do so.. Frankly do you really need someone to tell you when to quit?

Anyway congrats :)

[starlemon]

i got engineering-us-after rayuan!

Now know nth!
just know i will study at intec first!
jpa officer just ask me to wait for the offer letter!
now at matrik pahang, so dunno when want quit,
any idea?

Actually matri is not a bad choice at all...u can reconsider it and made a wise decision.


As for JPA, any 1 noe the consequences if one fails to get into US uni after doing another 1 year twinning at local?

[Bernardcss]

i got engineering-us-after rayuan!

Now know nth!
just know i will study at intec first!
jpa officer just ask me to wait for the offer letter!
now at matrik pahang, so dunno when want quit,
any idea?

Just wanna tell you, all my friends who went for 'Matrix' in Labuan have come back to take JPA...haha... Furthermore, you got such a good course and such a good country. If I were you, I would definitely choose JPA though I am also not sure if I can do well at INTEC..hehe... Anyway, everything is up to you. If you are really into engineering, you should treasure this chance. Just have a good discussion with your parents and come out with a decision which you will not regret later.:laugh

[chenchow]

There is no specific format for the recommendation letters.

On chances of going overseas, for the past 10 years, I would say that it is at least 99% get to fly overseas. Only a small bunch who faced disciplinary problems or continuously fail would not get to go overseas. So, the risk is very low.

Chances getting into US uni after twinning is almost guaranteed. I don't think there will be any problem.

----
Am reproducing a pm that I replied to a ReComer.

----
I would say that you should definitely take up the scholarship to study in US. It provides you with the best opportunities to gain the best education.

You don't have to worry at all of not being able to fly to study in US, as more than 99% of the JPA scholars do get into US universities. the tougher ones is to get into Ivy League universities. Getting into US universities that are recognized by JPA is almost guaranteed.

A lot of those that I wrote about is on applying to Ivy League, which is very challenging.

To get into a typical university, there is no worry. But just that, a lot of students are aiming to study at Ivy League universities.

You have been selected from the students around the whole country, and you'll do well. No worry at all. In terms of activities, you still have half a year to build up on your activities. It would count towards your applications, but it doesn't mean that you need to have very significant activities. It really depends on the universities you are aiming for.

US education is all about choices. You can choose courses that focus on exams, you can choose more project work, you can choose more assignment based, you can choose any kind of courses. Essentially, you have full freedom to decide what you want to learn.

In terms of safety, I would say that it is more the hype of media. There are 4,000 universities in US, and over the last few years, only a few cases of gun shooting, and in fact, some of those are at high school.

You can ask those who have studied in US, and you would be rest assured that it is very safe. I didn't even lock my room for my entire 4 years studying in US. I don't think you would leave your house open over here.

In terms of religion, the campus has students of all kind of religion. For instance, at Cornell, there is a building that houses all religion. The Muslim, Jews, Christian, Buddhist etc all pray at the same building. So, don't worry.

And I would say that all of you, should definitely go to USA For Students (http://www.usaforstudents.org), and ask those JPA Scholars themselves. A lot of them are going to be at the booths there on 14th June 10am to 4pm at Wisma MCA. All your questions are going to be answered there. We are preparing a set of FAQ as well on US Universities Applications (those are prepared by a bunch of ReComers, as well as those who have gotten into Ivy League universities).

If any of you need to talk to someone, feel free to just pm me. I don't mind talk to you over the phone or even meet up. Just let me know.

It is too wasted, if any of you reject the scholarships. It is almost guaranteed that you will get to study in US. No worry at all.

And if you think you can reject this scholarship and then get JPA scholarships to study locally, you are not guaranteed of that scholarship. So, why take the risk?

[starlemon]

Mr chen Chow, hmm..if let say we are going to study the non ivy league university, did that better than studying the local IPTA?
i wonder is it as long as it is US uni, then it is much more better than IPTA in malaysia?
my assumption may be wrong..correct me if i am wrong.

[chenchow]

I would say that, I won't want to degrade our local universities.

However, if we base purely on ranking. If you take out the Times Higher Education Supplement ranking, you'll be able to see that almost half of the top 200 universities are from US, which means that you would almost be sure to study in one of the top 100 universities in the world, whereas our best is close to 300th ranking.

Of course, ranking is not the only way to benchmark, but that's the situation.

[icequeen]

i got science-US... wat does it meant by 'science'? it's very wide ler... so i'll study which course in US??? can anyone pls tell me???

[capablanca]

It is up to you to decide. You will specialized once you get to US. But you should have an idea what you want now. If you get into INTI, you will be required to take all three different science. Then, you can judge which field you want to venture into. Some of my friends here who took science have expressed interest in astrology, nanophysic etc. So, it is up to you.

[smile!]

can anyone here tell me the wisma mca is near which part of kl? i'm from penang and do not know kl area that well. Thanks.

[michaelbyz23]

im from kuching sarawak.. i might be going to the US education fair... i GOT LOTS OF questions to ask... swt... i am very puzzled now.. =.=" i got biotech, us.. but only get it after appeal.. so now need to wait for the surat pengesahan...

[chen622]

you can look up the informations here.. a map is provided and also instructions on how to get there..

http://www.usaforstudents.org/information.html

[chenchow]

It would be great exposure for most of you to go to the US Education Fair.

You guys could arrange to meet up after the fair too, so that you know each other. :)

[Bernardcss]

I think someone asked about Advanced Placement examination before.
Just wanna ask when and where can we take this AP test?
Are we required or is it compulsory to take this exam?

[lXl]

I think someone asked about Advanced Placement examination before.
Just wanna ask when and where can we take this AP test?
Are we required or is it compulsory to take this exam?

MACEE offers AP tests in May though it is around RM 600/paper. It is not required nor compulsory to take the exam.

However, you could easily use the credits earned in AP (depending on your results/bands) to waive a few introductory university courses. Most of the ivies (if not all) only allow students with band 5 (which is the highest score) to waive a particular subject.

[passOUT]

about the AP again, is it only available in May in Malaysia?

i knew that some of the universities in the US would like to have their prospective students (particularly the Americans) to take AP's, PSAT etc, to challenge themselves....

so for us, the international students, would it be ok too if we take that exam? and is it really gonna burn a BIG hole in our pockets?? any seniors would like to enlighten on this?

thanks in advance.....

[digital_lifeform]

about the AP again, is it only available in May in Malaysia?

i knew that some of the universities in the US would like to have their prospective students (particularly the Americans) to take AP's, PSAT etc, to challenge themselves....

so for us, the international students, would it be ok too if we take that exam? and is it really gonna burn a BIG hole in our pockets?? any seniors would like to enlighten on this?

thanks in advance.....

I've already burnt a lot of holes in my pockets to to apply to US universities. There are side expenses which are not paid by JPA.

[K_T]

Seniors, Is wearing jacket reli Okay in intec since i dont think i can find that much of long sleeves shirt for class. T.T

[michaelbyz23]

hey.... when will the letter be sent over to those who received the offer after appeal?

[lXl]

about the AP again, is it only available in May in Malaysia?

i knew that some of the universities in the US would like to have their prospective students (particularly the Americans) to take AP's, PSAT etc, to challenge themselves....

so for us, the international students, would it be ok too if we take that exam? and is it really gonna burn a BIG hole in our pockets??

Yes, AP exams are only available in May throughout the world.Yes, it would be ok too if you take the exam. Expenses wise, it's RM600/paper. It's your call on whether the exam is too expensive/reasonable/too cheap etc.

[989Lee]

anyone going to the fair alone please pm me cos i am alone tooo!! :)

Yes, AP exams are only available in May throughout the world.Yes, it would be ok too if you take the exam. Expenses wise, it's RM600/paper. It's your call on whether the exam is too expensive/reasonable/too cheap etc.

may? since now it is already june, does it mean we can only sit for it next year? then all the results of uni application will have been announced, what is the point of taking ap then? and if there are other ways round, can i take a subject that is not relevant to my course, just to 'impress' the officers? and RM600, is it per subject?

[lXl]

may? since now it is already june, does it mean we can only sit for it next year? then all the results of uni application will have been announced, what is the point of taking ap then? and if there are other ways round, can i take a subject that is not relevant to my course, just to 'impress' the officers? and RM600, is it per subject?


Similar to what passOUT mentioned earlier, admission officers may perceive students doing/done APs, A levels or IB to be students who challenged themselves intellectually. Yes, you can take whatever exams you want. Yup, RM 600 is the cost per paper, ie per subject. Check it out with MACEE for more detailed explanation.

[Bernardcss]

Is AP a pre-u course? just like IB and A-level's?
And do we need to study before we take the AP exam? I mean is there any course which specifically prepare us for this AP exam?
Since this exam can only be taken around May, then i dont think it will do any good to our application to universities at the end of this year, correct? It can only help us to waive some subjects when we enter the university,right?

[lXl]

Is AP a pre-u course? just like IB and A-level's?
And do we need to study before we take the AP exam? I mean is there any course which specifically prepare us for this AP exam?
Since this exam can only be taken around May, then i dont think it will do any good to our application to universities at the end of this year, correct? It can only help us to waive some subjects when we enter the university,right?

The Advance Placement is simply an exam that may place you out from taking introductory courses in university. I do not know whether there are private places where you can take AP classes. Whether "mentioning in your univs. application that you are taking the AP exams and will be sending your scores in June after admittance" will be helpful or not, I think that's your prerogative to decide.

[Myself_psl]

Just quit when u feel appropriate to do so.. Frankly do you really need someone to tell you when to quit?

Anyway congrats :)

Of course no la, sorry late reply!
But i called jpa, they asked me to stay at matrik first, then after receiving the offer letter, i just quit!
Thx for ur wish!

I quite confuse with the statement that we need to get a placement in us for ourselves, what jpa will sponsor me actually?
I think the probability of going to us education fair is very very low as i at matrik pahang now!

[chen622]

Of course no la, sorry late reply!
But i called jpa, they asked me to stay at matrik first, then after receiving the offer letter, i just quit!
Thx for ur wish!

I quite confuse with the statement that we need to get a placement in us for ourselves, what jpa will sponsor me actually?
I think the probability of going to us education fair is very very low as i at matrik pahang now!

Basically, JPA only provides you with money. You have to settle the rest yourself, including universities application, SAT registration and etc. JPA doesn't have any kind of collaboration with any universities abroad and boards in this scholarship programme. So just treat JPA like your parents - they give you money, you study hard and achieve good results :D

[minic00per]

i tot we only allowed to enter ivy league uni.no??....or we only can go for 4 years if we get ivy league uni and enter ant uni if we have to do 1st year and another 3 year there??or wut??

[clep]

I emailed MACEE (asking about whether they had resources for students interested in taking AP etc) but they merely told me to get in contact again with them about the AP exam February next year. :|

The main reason I was considering taking AP is on the academic basis, because most universities' admission pages mention about students "challenging themselves intellectually". (I also love Bio and Chem to the extent that I'm willing to study them beyond what is required for SAT) I checked out sample syllabi for AP Bio and Chem; and I think I should be able to self-study those two subjects before next May in addition to whatever I have to do during ADFP in INTEC. However the fees is a big deterrent for me now...so I'll just continue studying them first and see if there's any way to handle the fees later.

I know many Malaysian students have gotten into IL universities without doing AP, so it may not be such a big deal after all.

-----------

We could make a list of people going for USA for Students...I for one am going, and looking at the previous pages in this thread, michaelbyz, 989Lee too.

[qwerkie]

on taking AP:
isn't it too late to consider now since it is after the results for applications are released? should have sat for AP this year... and about 'challenging ourselves intellectually', would they be impressed that we took an extra test, or that we aced one?

i'm going for USA for Students too :)

[chen622]

i tot we only allowed to enter ivy league uni.no??....or we only can go for 4 years if we get ivy league uni and enter ant uni if we have to do 1st year and another 3 year there??or wut??

We can go there for 4 years if we are successfully enrolled into any Ivy League unis and Ivy League Standard unis. Ivy league standard is a term coined by JPA referring to those prestigious universities more or less on a par with the Ivy's.

However if we can't get into any of the JPA-approved universities, we will have to stay for another year here taking the college's typical ADTP course. But i do believe JPA will still sponsor us if we get into other university, which is not IL standard, under the ADTP. (correct me if im wrong)

[starlemon]

seniors out there, typically every year hw many jpa scholars were unsuccessful in getting into ivy league uni?

as far as i noe, it is very hard to get into ivy league uni..

wat is the cut off point mention by jpa in the surat tawaran? anyone noe?

[capablanca]

Err, less than 10 got in?

Nah, make it 5.

[passOUT]

We could make a list of people going for USA for Students...I for one am going, and looking at the previous pages in this thread, michaelbyz, 989Lee too.

hey!!! count me in too!!!! :P

seniors out there, typically every year hw many jpa scholars were unsuccessful in getting into ivy league uni?

as far as i noe, it is very hard to get into ivy league uni..

wat is the cut off point mention by jpa in the surat tawaran? anyone noe?

nothing comes easy to you if you don't work hard for it.....

call me arrogant or something, but if we keep on mentioning how hard is it to get into this uni or that uni, we would never be able to gain admission into these unis because it seems so demoralizing....

i believe if we work hard during the prep level and do well in SAT 1 & 2, getting admitted into the Ivies or of Ivies standard, would be possible...

:)) have faith in yourself girl!!!!!!!

and sorry if my comments seemed annoying.......:)

[lXl]

on taking AP:
isn't it too late to consider now since it is after the results for applications are released? should have sat for AP this year... and about 'challenging ourselves intellectually', would they be impressed that we took an extra test, or that we aced one?

It's your call whether the AP test will benefit you or not. Different people have different views. For the second question : Both.

[insertusername]

hey!!! count me in too!!!! :P



nothing comes easy to you if you don't work hard for it.....

call me arrogant or something, but if we keep on mentioning how hard is it to get into this uni or that uni, we would never be able to gain admission into these unis because it seems so demoralizing....

i believe if we work hard during the prep level and do well in SAT 1 & 2, getting admitted into the Ivies or of Ivies standard, would be possible...

:)) have faith in yourself girl!!!!!!!

and sorry if my comments seemed annoying.......:)
LOL i think starlemon is a guy.....

[gnaw]

We could make a list of people going for USA for Students...I for one am going, and looking at the previous pages in this thread, michaelbyz, 989Lee too.

I'm going for the fair too...:)

Should we start preparing the recommendation letters and essays from now?

[clep]

OK...I'll update this list from time to time:

USA for Students
clep
989Lee
qwerkie
passOUT
gnaw
Bernardcss
hikaru
orangie
chen622
Caltzx (I think)

Do you guys (and gals) want to meet up sometime there?
--------
gnaw, I think the essay questions are not out yet. Also it might be helpful to see the actual application form and teacher recommendation section on that form before asking your teacher etc to write the letter.

[Bernardcss]

Halo...clep.
add me into your list..haha...
really look forward to seeing you guys there..

[hikaru]

OK...I'll update this list from time to time:

USA for Students
clep
michaelbyz
989Lee
qwerkie
passOUT
gnaw

Do you guys (and gals) want to meet up sometime there?
--------
gnaw, I think the essay questions are not out yet. Also it might be helpful to see the actual application form and teacher recommendation section on that form before asking your teacher etc to write the letter.

count me in too!

[orangie]

count me in:) am taking biotech.

[Appolo]

For biotech, John Hopkins, Cornell do have very solid program. I think if I am not wrong, Duke does offer very solid biotech too.

I'll leave it to those who know more to respond.

I would like to comment a bit on the universities that offer biotech as a major.

For JPA sponsored students who are thinking of biotech as a major, the choices are very limited in a sense that normally most competitive universities as mentioned above does not offer biotech at the undergrad level as biotech is normally seen as a grad school subject instead.

However, for universities that do offer biotech as a degree, it would be a good exposure as the 3rd and 4th year students will get to familiarize themselves with different specialization under the major ranging from animal biotech to microbiology.

As for the choice of universities that really offer fairly good foundation in biotech(as approved by jpa), it would be Tufts, UC San Diego, UC Davis, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan State, RIT and SUNY Buffalo.

For those who wish to challenge yourself academically, Tufts and UC San Diego are very competitive but the admission rates for international transfer student are relatively low.Tufts has its own biotech center there and its medical school often have collaborations with other schools in research.The UC, in contrast, offers summer internships at other UC branch campuses.

UC Davis, on the other hand accepts a couple of mara-sponsored students every year.

Penn State offers two option in biotech, which are clinical and laboratory.

Rutgers offers 6 options to choice from.

Michigan state provides students with foundation in molecular bio.

RIT only offers biotech-bioinformatics(options).

For most of the US unis, they only offer biology, biochem and biophysics but not Biotech. What can we do about this since Jpa will require us to gain admission based on the Major we selected.

Ethically, it should be that way.However, there are cases whereby students apply for the university that they want and change their major after appealing to jpa about it(provided that they manage to gain admission and normally you have to apply on your own).

seniors out there, typically every year hw many jpa scholars were unsuccessful in getting into ivy league uni?

wat is the cut off point mention by jpa in the surat tawaran? anyone noe?

You should be asking about how many got accepted.Then, you do the math.

Normally the cut off point is set relatively low at 2.75(equivalent to a B or a B- depending on the standards used).There's been rumors that jpa is trying to raise it up to 3.00,which is something that i agree on since mara and bank negara practiced it long time ago .

i got science-US... wat does it meant by 'science'? it's very wide ler... so i'll study which course in US??? can anyone pls tell me???

Practically you can major in a lot of science-based courses such as biochem, molecular bio, biophysics, bioinformatics, the pure sciences, geology, astronomy just to name a few.

[jpysh2004@]

hey...about those SAT1,2 and TOEFL, i heard that those test are sponsored by JPA, but that we need to do those registration by ourselves...Then how are we able to claim the money from JPA?? is it that JPA will bank in the money to our account or that we need to pay first by our own and then show our receipt to JPA in order to get the money back?

[qwerkie]

On choice of universities:

May i know what are the factors we should consider when choosing universities to apply to? Sure, rankings are helpful, but what else can we check up on? Campus activities, location, etc.? College life should be fun ma.. No point going to MIT to be miserable, right? Though i never heard of people being miserable in MIT...

I am planning to ask around during USA for Students (since the people there would have first hand knowledge of the universities). So anybody who has questions, but can't make it, feel free to PM me :) If you don't want to PM chenchow that is.. :laugh

[passOUT]

^
erm...qwerkie....try viewing this :

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4426

hope it helps....

and...starlemon's a guy????!!!
i thought the other way round.....????

[michaelbyz23]

hey guys, i don think i can make it to us education fair.. cuz my parents don allow...sry...

[onejun]

peeps..

im goin to d convention too.. :)

[chen622]

Count me in for the education fair too. May get frantic of seeing a bunch of scholars strolling there :D

[OliviaMah]

Hello fellow JPA scholars, i'm a newbie obviously. Is it just me or the letter of confirmation from JPA hasn't arrived for those who appealed and got offered?

[michaelbyz23]

Hello fellow JPA scholars, i'm a newbie obviously. Is it just me or the letter of confirmation from JPA hasn't arrived for those who appealed and got offered?

hey,i havent receive my confirmation letter too..haha..so jz be patient and wait.

[xinni]

^
erm...qwerkie....try viewing this :

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4426

hope it helps....

and...starlemon's a guy????!!!
i thought the other way round.....????

starlemon's a GUY ..lolx

[jpysh2004@]

hey...about those SAT1,2 and TOEFL, i heard that those test are sponsored by JPA, but that we need to do those registration by ourselves...Then how are we able to claim the money from JPA?? is it that JPA will bank in the money to our account or that we need to pay first by our own and then show our receipt to JPA in order to get the money back?

sorry if i repost this...but my question is always left unanswered....can anyone answer my question??please....

[chenchow]

Seniors, Is wearing jacket reli Okay in intec since i dont think i can find that much of long sleeves shirt for class. T.T

It has been ok all these while, as far as i know.

[michaelbyz23]

hey,btw, wat's the duration for american top university programme? one and a half year?

[chen622]

It's written there 12months of AUP in Inti for me.

[chenchow]

i tot we only allowed to enter ivy league uni.no??....or we only can go for 4 years if we get ivy league uni and enter ant uni if we have to do 1st year and another 3 year there??or wut??

For those Ivy League and Ivy League standard uni, you get to be there for 4 years. Or else, 3 years at other US unis.

I emailed MACEE (asking about whether they had resources for students interested in taking AP etc) but they merely told me to get in contact again with them about the AP exam February next year. :|

The main reason I was considering taking AP is on the academic basis, because most universities' admission pages mention about students "challenging themselves intellectually". (I also love Bio and Chem to the extent that I'm willing to study them beyond what is required for SAT) I checked out sample syllabi for AP Bio and Chem; and I think I should be able to self-study those two subjects before next May in addition to whatever I have to do during ADFP in INTEC. However the fees is a big deterrent for me now...so I'll just continue studying them first and see if there's any way to handle the fees later.

I know many Malaysian students have gotten into IL universities without doing AP, so it may not be such a big deal after all.

-----------

We could make a list of people going for USA for Students...I for one am going, and looking at the previous pages in this thread, michaelbyz, 989Lee too.
If you look at total cost of RM600, it is nothing compared to RM600,000 to RM800,000 that JPA is spending on you.

If anyone seriously wants to take AP exam and could not afford it, let me know. I'll use my own pocket money to subsidize you, if you are seriously in that situation. I'll help those who are genuinely in this situation. Maybe one day after you study in US, you can help another student in return. If I can't help, I'll try my best to find others to help.

Do not because of financial reasons and let go of those opportunities.

on taking AP:
isn't it too late to consider now since it is after the results for applications are released? should have sat for AP this year... and about 'challenging ourselves intellectually', would they be impressed that we took an extra test, or that we aced one?

i'm going for USA for Students too :)

For taking it next year, it would be mainly to let you place out of some subjects, and get some advanced placement credits. So, you need fewer credits left to graduate and you have more time to take more fun courses.

seniors out there, typically every year hw many jpa scholars were unsuccessful in getting into ivy league uni?

as far as i noe, it is very hard to get into ivy league uni..

wat is the cut off point mention by jpa in the surat tawaran? anyone noe?

It varies by number, but I would say maybe 20-40 can get into Ivy League or Ivy League standard, depending on which uni is in the list.

But even if you can't get into Ivy League, you can spend 1 extra year in Malaysia and then go to other US unis.

Do try your best for Ivy League. There is no quota for Ivy League. Raffles Junior College in Singapore itself usually have close to 100 people get into Cornell University. So, it is just how good you are compared to the rest of the world.

[Caltzx]

Yeah. Would like to meet up with other peeps who are so excited with going to US. Unknown newbie here.

Set a time and place so that everyone on the list could have a definite plan. =)

Errr... would like to ask how's the culture shock over there in US for us Malaysians? @<hidden>@<hidden>

[chenchow]

nothing comes easy to you if you don't work hard for it.....

call me arrogant or something, but if we keep on mentioning how hard is it to get into this uni or that uni, we would never be able to gain admission into these unis because it seems so demoralizing....

i believe if we work hard during the prep level and do well in SAT 1 & 2, getting admitted into the Ivies or of Ivies standard, would be possible...

:)) have faith in yourself girl!!!!!!!

and sorry if my comments seemed annoying.......:)

Concur with passOUT. Give your best and try for your best.

At the US Edu Fair, you'll meet a lot who have successfully done so and they are dedicating their time to share their advice with you. Learn from them!



Should we start preparing the recommendation letters and essays from now?

For rec letters, you can start brief your recommendors to think about it.

For essays, you can start jot down points in your life that you think unique and will show your characteristic. That would help you in writing your essays eventually.

hey...about those SAT1,2 and TOEFL, i heard that those test are sponsored by JPA, but that we need to do those registration by ourselves...Then how are we able to claim the money from JPA?? is it that JPA will bank in the money to our account or that we need to pay first by our own and then show our receipt to JPA in order to get the money back?

I believe those would be done by JPA and they pay it directly. Your preparatory program will help you liaise with JPA on that.

On choice of universities:

May i know what are the factors we should consider when choosing universities to apply to? Sure, rankings are helpful, but what else can we check up on? Campus activities, location, etc.? College life should be fun ma.. No point going to MIT to be miserable, right? Though i never heard of people being miserable in MIT...

I am planning to ask around during USA for Students (since the people there would have first hand knowledge of the universities). So anybody who has questions, but can't make it, feel free to PM me :) If you don't want to PM chenchow that is.. :laugh

On choices to look for,:-

Size of university
University brand name
Location of uni (city vs rural)
weather (4 season vs california weather)
type of university (liberal arts, public, private, engineering based)
ranking
campus activities
professors/faculty
majors/department
sports (if you are looking into it)
probability of you being accepted
whether under your sponsors' approved list

many more. Would let you guys brainstorm on this.

--> On the US Edu Fair, it would be good for ReComers who go, could summarize what you learn and share it here too!

hey,btw, wat's the duration for american top university programme? one and a half year?

It would be a year, since your starting date in US uni is August/Sep 2009.

Yeah. Would like to meet up with other peeps who are so excited with going to US. Unknown newbie here.

Set a time and place so that everyone on the list could have a definite plan. =)

Errr... would like to ask how's the culture shock over there in US for us Malaysians? @<hidden>@<hidden>

Do approach the seniors there. There will be a booth of US Universities FAQ too. A lot of your JPA seniors (Inti and INTEC) who got in Ivy League or Ivy League standard universities would be there.

Would suggest you guys draw an R, to denote ReCom or so something that all of you would do.

On culture shock, not that much. Most people do not face much culture shock. It is quite ok to adapt.

Do try to work on getting in first, and then the rest would come later.

[castle]

how i wish i can go to the fair....huhuhu.:cry

[clep]

K...updated list so far: USA for Students
clep
989Lee
qwerkie
passOUT
gnaw
Bernardcss
hikaru
orangie
chen622
Caltzx (I think)

A suggestion for the time we were to meet up, 1-1.40pm (That's when the postgraduate seminar is on), and at the US Universities FAQ booth? If anyone has suggestions as to this, please share here :) Would be fun to go walking around with a huge 'R' on our shirts...

[michaelbyz23]

guys, if i failed to get into ivy league universities, i wil have to stay in malaysia for another year right? so, what am i going to study? repeat the samething all over again? after the second year in malaysia, can i apply for ivy league universities again? help me pls... im afraid i hv to stay in kl for another year...

[abyssesour]

im going to USA for Students too! w00t!