No its because I study in a Chinese private school and I have to take care of both syllabus', so its impossible for me to get that many.

Isn't the same method to solve ax² + bx + c = 0 applies to both UEC and SPM?

Nope, I'm in INTI's ADP/AUP program. I didn't take A levels, heh.

I'm using the blue book from collegeboard. Been studying for around half a month. I have a month left until my test date .


I think you will, don't worry about it too much! Just do your best

If SPM only consisted of just math I wouldn't be worried now would I?

Oh right....

Yeah I've heard that the blue book is fantastic, did you order it online? I was also looking to get the college handbook, you know, to look over colleges, possibly to consider new ones.

Thanks!

Basically, you feel overwhelmed by the number of exams you need to face, and not by the difficulty of the subjects.

The point I'm trying to make is that if you are competitively good at a subject, then naturally you can do well in both UEC and SPM. Just like Newton's Laws apply everywhere on Earth. The laws do not change whether you are sitting for UEC or SPM. Anyway, have confidence in yourself. You can definitely get more than 10A's in combined exams.

I get what you mean and I appreciate that, but I am pretty sure that I can't get all A's, I don't even have 10 subjects!
And I'm going to skip senior 3 and UEC altogether so that's pretty much out of my mind

Hi,

Yup, because I was expecting myself to go to uni right after my A-levels, unfortunately I did not get any offers.

I am not sure how the Chinese vernacular school culture is, but in my high school being friendly with teachers was pretty common. Just joke around while maintaining good grades, sounds weird but seems to work haha. My lecturers were very nice, some even came to college at night to tutor us during exam period.

Well, just try your best, I am sure you will do alright.

I went to TCSJ, so I can only speak for that. The co-co activities are pretty abundant, and have a wide variety as well, just pick wisely. Those stuff you said also help, a little goes a long way, just don't do them at the expense of your studies.

NYU is really good, but living costs might be a bit steep, so it is your call in the end, the others I am not so sure. I will be applying to UTAustin as well! I don't wish to see you there as I hope you get a spot in NYU.

There are no UK styled "personal statements" for US apps as far as I know, it is usually all essays. It is fine, you can source English tutors outside and have them give their opinion on it, albeit with a fee. Understand this, there is no shame or waste in paying someone experienced to spot-check/give feedback to you, that money spent could potentially secure you a spot at your desired uni. I don't think I am qualified to give you any advice on essays as I will be applying for the same intake as you, however application process wise I might be able to give you a hand whenever I can, just shoot me a PM.

No problem

I thought they don't open up early decisions until about the end of August? Wait, if you didn't get any offers, what are you doing now?

We are okay I guess, we certainly do joke around with teachers, except for b****y teachers. And you must have heard about how chinese school students are not really that sociable and tend to stick with their own group? Yeah thats true.

I hope so, I really do. How much of a drag do you think a bad high school transcript will be?

Yeah thats the school I'm going to. As I live in Klang, so TCSJ will be the closest one to me, and even then its about half an hour (28 mins actually) away without traffic, the Sri Hartamas one would be about 45 mins without traffic but who are we kidding, its KL, there will always be f***ing jams!
Oh btw, can you give me a few examples of clubs and orgs in TCSJ? I'm sure you still remember some?

Yeah its amazing! I went to its off-campus info session 2 weeks ago and I have never felt a stronger urge! I just HAVE to be there, and I both my parents are pretty impressed. Yeah, I'm aware, I can't really do work study because its only 20 hours per week.
That is like the nicest thing to say! Albeit in a sarcastic tone lol. I have heard great things about UTAustin though, especially its BHP, its a wall street target school ya know.

Yeah, I dunno why but UK style PS's all seem the same, bland and boring, but UK schools aren't really all that holistic anyway I have seen those websites where they offer tutors that teach you how to write the best personal statement possible, but its kinda pricey to be honest. I might try it though, but I'm not sure about my dad. It's okay, I need all the advice I can get.

I have one extra question though, just out of curiosity, because most malaysians would go for UK or Aussie schools, what made you choose the US? And what made you ignore UK or Aus schools?
I would actually like to ask this to everyone haha because it really isn't that common to see people who want to go to the US, either the UK or Australia.

Early decision opens in November for most unis. I am now interning at a think tank.

Hahaha, well, you know the problem, find ways to make things right in college then.

I have friends from Klang who leave home at 6+am to make it for 8am classes, if that gives you an idea of the traffic. I joined Model United Nations (MUN). It is basically a society where they send you to conferences, in which you will represent a country and discuss on world issues. Rotary/interact clubs are pretty good too, just have a look during co-co day, they might have newer societies.

Well, if you have their support, I have nothing more to comment on this apart from all the best.

Well, you might say it is bland and boring, but I see it as structured and organised. That means the context of the PS is extremely important as you are given less wiggle room to make achievements seem more impressive than they really are. As I said, this is a decision you have to make alone, I am just a stranger on the internet giving my 2 cents.

From my perspective, it is because we are a commonwealth country, our professional certifications are linked (ACCA, ICAA, Bar), it is easier to find a job here should you not find one at the country you studied at. Application processes for US unis can be tedious as well, the number of essays that need to be written are proportional to the unis you apply, whereas for the UK one personal statement is all you need. The UK and Aussie unis "pre-uni" programme are widely available as courses for you to take (A-Levels, SAM/AUSMAT) as well, whereas SATS can be difficult to prep for because it is an extra study. Then again, ADP is slowly gaining traction so I believe that might change in the coming years.

I chose the US because my dad thinks it is an extremely promising place to obtain a tertiary education, and he shared his sentiments with me which got me interested.
I did apply to Aussie, as TCSJ has "ties" with most Aussie unis, so all I needed to do was to meet the requirements for my desired course, fill in form and submit. No application fee whatsoever. In terms of the UK, unless I am applying to your LSE's or UCL's (which I am wayyyy underqualified), I don't see it worth going as I can apply to HK/Singapore, which is equal if not better than most UK unis. Mind you I am not planning to apply a science-based course, hence there is no need for good educational facilities (labs).

Cheers.

nice to see this thread getting some traffic again

Jesus, drove my friend back to setia alam from Klang took like 1 and a half hour!!!

Wow, which one? BCG? Bain?

Yeah I know... My cousin brother wakes up at 6 and reaches at 7 just to avoid the traffic. It is just like, really really bad. SHIT! That is such a cool club! Imma think of joining it!

I appreciate that :-)

Oh yeah, you're right. Never really thought about it that way.... But this just goes to show that UK universities are really not all that holistic, at least, far and away from the US.

Mm, I was also thinking that, it all goes down to convenience. I also think that US applications are really so frustrating and tedious, but on the other hand, I sincerely want to do my studies there and have a job there, so it doesn't really bother me that much. Annoying and tiring? Definitely. Will it discourage me? Never in a billion years.
Well, most people will say the most cliche thing, that is, I like Europe/UK better because its pretty and slow moving and all round good place to live in (COMPLETELY ignoring the economy and if it will provide opportunity), while the only perception they have of the US is guns and negative bias that doesn't even hold water =-= They always seem to forget how vast the US is, there are slow moving, nature dominating places, at the same time, busy and exciting metropolis'. Shallow asses.
Wait, I thought you're only studying it for a month? The SAT's I mean.
Is it? Doesn't really feel like it, alot of people still don't know what it is.

Your dad is absolutely right though, what did he say exactly? I'm curious haha, I mean, if you don't mind.
Hmm, yeah I guess you're right. You'll opt for the US at the end though right?

Yeap, saw that it was pretty much dead.
Join us

I'm no longer a student though haha

Nope, it is called GMMF, they promote moderation through activities and deal with social issues locally and internationally.

Great! You have the spirit! Try to convince some of your college friends to apply there as well, it is good to have people on the same boat as you. Well, I haven't heard anyone say that about the US, to each of our own I guess.

I am taking the November seating if that is what you meant.
Yeah, I never heard of it till I started college, but after a bit of digging it seems pretty popular as it is time and cost efficient.

It was more of an influence than a one-advice thing, so I don't think I can give you any insight on that.
Well, it depends. If I get my top choices it is a no-brainer, but if its UT Austin vs Uni of Melbourne, sigh, I don't know.

If you're planning to come back, you should know that there are more University of Melbourne alumni here compared to UT alumni. If you'd ask any random person, chances are they'll think Melbourne is a far better university since they hear the name often and UT is some unknown chapalang university.

I'm not even kidding. You can be from UPenn, Columbia, UChigaon, U Illinois, UCLA and they'll have the same perception too since it's unknown in this part of the world.

Go to the US if you have the opportunity. It will be worthwhile.

If you have other designs, the US may or may not be the right choice. Overall, it's not a bad deal.

Hi,

Yes, I intend to come back here to work, but not right after I finish my tertiary education, I want to work there for a couple years.

Of course, even by world ranking UMelb higher than UTAustin, but there are other factors such as costs of living, tuition fees, job opportunities etc.

Thanks for the advice though, appreciate it

90% of people who stayed back to work in the states will not return to msia after that....

the ratio is about the same for australia...

much less for uk....

speaking of which, how do you extend your working period in US? from what I heard you only get a F-1 Visa which lasts one year right? after that you get kicked straight back to Msia unless you are sorta "vouched for" by your boss?