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 Studying in US V1

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TSthenemesis
post Feb 22 2011, 10:10 PM, updated 14y ago

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Lets have discussion regarding US here icon_rolleyes.gif

Types of Universities in USA
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Financial Aid/Scholarships
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Admission Policies
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Application Procedures
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SAT 1 and SAT 2
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TOEFL
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Common Data Set for US Universities
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Checklist before u study in US
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Useful Links


MACEE = ambassador of US in Msia
US Applications Workshop & Resources
For Malaysians: Applying to Wellesley
Guan Tyng - Experience Applying to US Universities
US Uni Ranking
US scholarship blog

Feel free to post useful information. I will post more as im researching too.

PS. credits to invinciblebunny, www.recom.org, canopies

This post has been edited by thenemesis: Feb 23 2011, 01:45 AM
TSthenemesis
post Feb 22 2011, 10:11 PM

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List of forumer in US

1. waiting for u
TSthenemesis
post Feb 22 2011, 10:11 PM

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reserved
Hikari0307
post Feb 22 2011, 10:19 PM

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http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1715163&hl=
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=38646591
chew1991
post Feb 23 2011, 12:06 AM

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soon to be , in a few months time biggrin.gif
marlick25
post Feb 23 2011, 12:09 AM

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Anyone going to us soon?
TSthenemesis
post Feb 23 2011, 01:21 AM

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QUOTE(Hikari0307 @ Feb 22 2011, 10:19 PM)
oops. i tried keyword US onli blush.gif nvm la. discuss here. others seems like dead.


Added on February 23, 2011, 1:21 am
QUOTE(marlick25 @ Feb 23 2011, 12:09 AM)
Anyone going to us soon?
*
1 year + biggrin.gif

This post has been edited by thenemesis: Feb 23 2011, 01:21 AM
TSthenemesis
post Feb 23 2011, 01:21 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 23 2011, 12:06 AM)
soon to be , in a few months time biggrin.gif
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wow. chosen ur uni already?
chew1991
post Feb 23 2011, 01:42 AM

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waiting for the acceptance letter from 2 more Unis. biggrin.gif
TSthenemesis
post Feb 23 2011, 01:46 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 23 2011, 01:42 AM)
waiting for the acceptance letter from 2 more Unis. biggrin.gif
*
oh. did any one other than the last 2 approved? biggrin.gif
chew1991
post Feb 23 2011, 01:49 AM

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I have one university that had accepted me. but i guess imma wait for the other 2 to respond to me biggrin.gif
TSthenemesis
post Feb 23 2011, 04:33 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 23 2011, 01:49 AM)
I have one university that had accepted me. but i guess imma wait for the other 2 to respond to me biggrin.gif
*
studying wat course? biggrin.gif
Irzani
post Feb 23 2011, 05:56 PM

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I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint ... but can anyone give a rough idea how much is the living cost to live there? Let's put aside the tuition fees .. how much minimum per year do I need to live as a student?

Example > 100 top universities such as :

1) Michigan State University
2) Texas A&M University
3) Stony Brook University
4) University of Florida


Thanks notworthy.gif

* Yeah .. India the only cheaper choice I have now .. sad.gif
LZ Zach
post Feb 23 2011, 06:19 PM

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Why not add art schools(or other private schools) in your list too? Or is it already under the liberal arts college section? blink.gif
TSthenemesis
post Feb 23 2011, 06:27 PM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Feb 23 2011, 05:56 PM)
I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint ... but can anyone give a rough idea how much is the living cost to live there? Let's put aside the tuition fees .. how much minimum per year do I need to live as a student?

Example > 100 top universities such as  :

1) Michigan State University
2) Texas A&M University
3) Stony Brook University
4) University of Florida
Thanks  notworthy.gif

* Yeah .. India the only cheaper choice I have now ..  sad.gif
*
tuition fee roughly 30-40K USD right? then board fees +living expenses should be 10K so convert into RM should be around 150K per year smile.gif
chew1991
post Feb 23 2011, 06:30 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 23 2011, 04:33 PM)
studying wat course? biggrin.gif
*
Aerospace engineering . biggrin.gif


QUOTE(Irzani @ Feb 23 2011, 05:56 PM)
I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint ... but can anyone give a rough idea how much is the living cost to live there? Let's put aside the tuition fees .. how much minimum per year do I need to live as a student?

Example > 100 top universities such as  :

1) Michigan State University
2) Texas A&M University
3) Stony Brook University
4) University of Florida
Thanks  notworthy.gif

* Yeah .. India the only cheaper choice I have now ..  sad.gif
*
Well the cost of living depends on where you are.

Say if you live in NY or massachusetts or even in chicago , the cost of living would be very high. maybe around 15-20k USD.
but if you stay in the midwest countries like...iowa, minnesota or indiana , living cost would be cheaper. prob around 10k.
TSthenemesis
post Feb 23 2011, 06:51 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 23 2011, 06:30 PM)
Aerospace engineering . biggrin.gif
Well the cost of living depends on where you are.

Say if you live in NY or massachusetts or even in chicago , the cost of living would be very high. maybe around 15-20k USD.
but if you stay in the midwest countries like...iowa, minnesota or indiana , living cost would be cheaper. prob around 10k.
*
wow. aerospace. see u in mars biggrin.gif

yeap. it depends on area also. but for studies. i would recommend rural area. those urban areas most of them u will get affect by the party culture icon_idea.gif
k-bkeat
post Feb 23 2011, 11:52 PM

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good job TS. I believe there are alot of us scholars here.
TSthenemesis
post Feb 24 2011, 02:12 AM

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thx for the support. r u one of them?
tishaban
post Feb 24 2011, 05:40 AM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Feb 23 2011, 05:56 PM)
I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint ... but can anyone give a rough idea how much is the living cost to live there? Let's put aside the tuition fees .. how much minimum per year do I need to live as a student?
*
You shouldn't have to pay for a PhD, look around for a fellowship and your tuition and living fees are covered. This is the slight advantage of having a Masters, you can use it as a leverage to go on to the PhD especially the relationships with the faculty that you may have already. The downside is that you don't have as much choice in what you want to do your research on plus it's quite competitive although PhDs in general are already very competitive nowadays.


Added on February 24, 2011, 5:45 am
QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 23 2011, 06:51 PM)
yeap. it depends on area also. but for studies. i would recommend rural area. those urban areas most of them u will get affect by the party culture  icon_idea.gif
*
But then again if you're in the rural areas you miss out on the opportunities presented by the real world. Technology in Silicon Valley, TV/film in Los Angeles, finance/media/fashion in NYC, biotech in San Diego etc. These influence universities a lot and you don't want to miss out.

It's not so hard to skip out on parties, do you party every night in KL now?


This post has been edited by tishaban: Feb 24 2011, 05:45 AM
dreamer101
post Feb 24 2011, 08:13 AM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Feb 23 2011, 05:56 PM)
I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint ... but can anyone give a rough idea how much is the living cost to live there? Let's put aside the tuition fees .. how much minimum per year do I need to live as a student?

Example > 100 top universities such as  :

1) Michigan State University
2) Texas A&M University
3) Stony Brook University
4) University of Florida
Thanks  notworthy.gif

* Yeah .. India the only cheaper choice I have now ..  sad.gif
*
Irzani,

I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint .

This STATEMENT is ILLOGICAL. At Phd level, if you qualifies, most likely you will get a scholarship and / or teaching assistant job along with that. Financial constraint normally is NOT the problem...

Dreamer

TSthenemesis
post Feb 24 2011, 12:22 PM

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QUOTE(tishaban @ Feb 24 2011, 05:40 AM)
You shouldn't have to pay for a PhD, look around for a fellowship and your tuition and living fees are covered. This is the slight advantage of having a Masters, you can use it as a leverage to go on to the PhD especially the relationships with the faculty that you may have already. The downside is that you don't have as much choice in what you want to do your research on plus it's quite competitive although PhDs in general are already very competitive nowadays.


Added on February 24, 2011, 5:45 am

But then again if you're in the rural areas you miss out on the opportunities presented by the real world. Technology in Silicon Valley, TV/film in Los Angeles, finance/media/fashion in NYC, biotech in San Diego etc. These influence universities a lot and you don't want to miss out.

It's not so hard to skip out on parties, do you party every night in KL now?
*
Yeap. As long as u do well in ur degree n masters. Phd should be penniless smile.gif

wow. "real world" would require more money right? it could be distractive. BUT, u're right about the opportunities. Is US transport system well developed? I believe u can still get to the urban areas from rural areas when you have free time right?
LZ Zach
post Feb 27 2011, 08:35 PM

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May I ask,
is there any other test other than the iBT variant ones? Where can I apply for?
I'm kind of lost sorry tongue.gif
TSthenemesis
post Feb 27 2011, 09:40 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 27 2011, 08:35 PM)
May I ask,
is there any other test other than the iBT variant ones? Where can I apply for?
I'm kind of lost sorry tongue.gif
*
u meant this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOEFL
LZ Zach
post Feb 27 2011, 11:05 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 27 2011, 09:40 PM)
I didn't mean that, sorry for getting you confused blink.gif

I meant that if there was other tests other than iBT, and if ELS the best place for taking TOEFL?

This post has been edited by LZ Zach: Feb 27 2011, 11:12 PM
TSthenemesis
post Feb 28 2011, 02:09 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 27 2011, 11:05 PM)
I didn't mean that, sorry for getting you confused blink.gif

I meant that if there was other tests other than iBT, and if ELS the best place for taking TOEFL?
*
from my understanding. IBT is internet-based test right?

If u wan to take TOEFL. Inti is offering a course called TIPS. They guide u to score well in Sat and TOEFL.
soitsuagain
post Feb 28 2011, 09:42 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 23 2011, 06:30 PM)
Aerospace engineering . biggrin.gif


*
may i ask where you plan to work after that?
chew1991
post Feb 28 2011, 02:08 PM

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Theres no paper-based test for TOEFL in Malaysia if im nt mistaken. All are IBT and must be done in ELS centers. Or maybe its just a norm that people do it there.

@soitsuagain, I plan to venture into airplane field. maybe work for boeing/lockheed martin/FAA or anything related to airplanes as test engineers or model designers etc etc. If not, i might take up a maintenance license for aircrafts when I'm back in MY. if not , i can still work in companies that require mechanical engineers. Its almost the same field. smile.gif
latias93
post Feb 28 2011, 07:08 PM

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Hi. I'm leaving for the States in August. I am taking up a BFA in Game Design at Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. smile.gif
TSthenemesis
post Feb 28 2011, 07:17 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Feb 28 2011, 07:08 PM)
Hi. I'm leaving for the States in August. I am taking up a BFA in Game Design at Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. smile.gif
*
Wow. all the best. all the applications settled? smile.gif
LZ Zach
post Feb 28 2011, 08:43 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Feb 28 2011, 07:08 PM)
Hi. I'm leaving for the States in August. I am taking up a BFA in Game Design at Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. smile.gif
*
Wow,congrats!
I'd like to ask, when they state $36000 as tuition fee, does this mean it covers the 4 years of study? I get a little messed up when it comes to application forms from US.
TSthenemesis
post Feb 28 2011, 09:05 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 28 2011, 08:43 PM)
Wow,congrats!
I'd like to ask, when they state $36000 as tuition fee, does this mean it covers the 4 years of study? I get a little messed up when it comes to application forms from US.
*
Of coz not. Its for a year worth of tuition fee.
LZ Zach
post Feb 28 2011, 09:09 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 28 2011, 09:05 PM)
Of coz not. Its for a year worth of tuition fee.
*
shocking.gif
If that's the case, 36000 x 4 years ; convert it to RM...

I don't know if my parents can afford it. Seems like high hopes are lost....

Is there a way for international students to apply for financial aid of the sort for AAU? I can't seem to find it on their web, or maybe I'm just lost.

This post has been edited by LZ Zach: Feb 28 2011, 09:43 PM
TSthenemesis
post Feb 28 2011, 10:03 PM

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PTPTN? JPA? How well are your studies? Provide us more info about u first. SPM graduates?
LZ Zach
post Feb 28 2011, 10:11 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 28 2011, 10:03 PM)
PTPTN? JPA? How well are your studies? Provide us more info about u first. SPM graduates?
*
Well, I'm not an SPM graduate yet, but I had to research early and look around for an art school that would provide me the best teaching.(I heard that the intake application is quite early, if I were to obtain my SPM result in late March 2012, wouldn't I lose out?)
Thanks for asking btw smile.gif

This post has been edited by LZ Zach: Feb 28 2011, 10:12 PM
TSthenemesis
post Feb 28 2011, 10:55 PM

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Wow. early preparation. Tats good.

Yeap. Application for top schools like MIT. Normally it takes around half a year of preparation. Sat, Toefl, necessary documents etc etc. So if u prepared well. Right after SPM, u can submit all of em, and wait for good news. By then, u wont miss the very short deadline which is around feb IINM.


For ur art school, i cant provide much info as i dint research on that field. But more or less the procedure is similar.

If u wan financial aid from the uni itself, that would depends on ur applications and how you deal with the uni itself. You should check on the uni tat u are aiming. Because different uni has different offers smile.gif

As for scholarship from malaysia, since u still have plenty of time. i strongly recommend u to read through everything in the following thread tat im about to share

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/137439

The recent one that i gone through are

http://poobalan.com/eduhelp/index.php?opti...tid=4&Itemid=68

and

http://malaysiascholarshipblog.blogspot.com/search/label/US
TSthenemesis
post Feb 28 2011, 10:59 PM

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As for ranking, personally i will advice u to check here

http://www.usnews.com/education

from there u choose ur specific field of studies and read the reviews.

That would be the most appropriate place to research about rankings. Dont bother wasting ur time googling. Other websites may provide false information. Like what i did previously blush.gif


LZ Zach
post Feb 28 2011, 11:22 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 28 2011, 10:55 PM)
Wow. early preparation. Tats good.

Yeap. Application for top schools like MIT. Normally it takes around half a year of preparation. Sat, Toefl, necessary documents etc etc. So if u prepared well. Right after SPM, u can submit all of em, and wait for good news. By then, u wont miss the very short deadline which is around feb IINM.
For ur art school, i cant provide much info as i dint research on that field.  But more or less the procedure is similar.

If u wan financial aid from the uni itself, that would depends on ur applications and how you deal with the uni itself. You should check on the uni tat u are aiming. Because different uni has different offers smile.gif

As for scholarship from malaysia, since u still have plenty of time. i strongly recommend u to read through everything in the following thread tat im about to share

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/137439

The recent one that i gone through are

http://poobalan.com/eduhelp/index.php?opti...tid=4&Itemid=68

and

http://malaysiascholarshipblog.blogspot.com/search/label/US
*
Thanks for replying, that was fast, you're the man tongue.gif

It's alright about art schools, I think I can start off researching from all the stuff you've provided here biggrin.gif A big thanks again.


QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 28 2011, 10:59 PM)
As for ranking, personally i will advice u to check here

http://www.usnews.com/education

from there u choose ur specific field of studies and read the reviews.

That would be the most appropriate place to research about rankings. Dont bother wasting ur time googling. Other websites may provide false information. Like what i did previously  blush.gif
*
I see...I thought checking out reviews on unis in US would be a good research.
Thanks for the link btw! thumbup.gif
Did you had experience dealing with this sort of stuff? It seems like you had quite knowlegde in it the way you post, just wondering.

This post has been edited by LZ Zach: Feb 28 2011, 11:24 PM
joanaLee
post Feb 28 2011, 11:51 PM

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QUOTE(dreamer101 @ Feb 24 2011, 08:13 AM)
Irzani,

I know I would never pursue my PhD in US due to financial constraint .

This STATEMENT is ILLOGICAL.  At Phd level, if you qualifies, most likely you will get a scholarship and / or teaching assistant job along with that.  Financial constraint normally is NOT the problem...

Dreamer
*
Irzani,

I agreed with Dreamer, financial issue is something you can overcome. I should consider myself a lucky one, but you can take my example as a reference. If it happened to me, it could well happen to you as well.

My family supported me fully for the freshman year. Second year i received a USD2000 scholarship, not a big deal here, but this scholarship allowed me to pay "in-state" tuition, which was something like 5 times lesser than a normal international student would pay. At the same year i was working at the tutoring service centre at the uni for 20 hours per week earning around USD450 per month salary.

Third year i received a full scholarship and worked as a teaching assistant earning USD1000 per month. This remained the same in my fourth year.

After graduation, I used my internship year to work for a company. I worked hard and my employer liked it. They offered me a scholarship to study my master degree, which i did.

So basically my parents didn't spend too much on my tertiary education. How did i get the scholarships? The bottom line is, I studied really hard (make sure i maintain a 3.8 - 4.0 GPA) and worked really hard (perform best among the interns).

Nothing is impossible. Go with your Dreams!


Added on February 28, 2011, 11:55 pm
QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 28 2011, 08:43 PM)
Wow,congrats!
I'd like to ask, when they state $36000 as tuition fee, does this mean it covers the 4 years of study? I get a little messed up when it comes to application forms from US.
*
It should be USD$36000 for the entire 4 year degree.

This post has been edited by joanaLee: Feb 28 2011, 11:55 PM
invinciblebunny
post Mar 1 2011, 12:17 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 28 2011, 10:11 PM)
Well, I'm not an SPM graduate yet, but I had to research early and look around for an art school that would provide me the best teaching.(I heard that the intake application is quite early, if I were to obtain my SPM result in late March 2012, wouldn't I lose out?)
Thanks for asking btw smile.gif
*
Yeap, you need to start early if you want to apply (especially if you're applying for financial aid). About applying, the intake for US colleges is usually in September.


Added on March 1, 2011, 12:19 amAs for art schools, I'd recommend you to check this link:

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artcolleg...ord=&search_by=

This post has been edited by invinciblebunny: Mar 1 2011, 12:19 AM
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 12:46 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 28 2011, 11:22 PM)
Thanks for replying, that was fast, you're the man  tongue.gif

It's alright about art schools, I think I can start off researching from all the stuff you've provided here biggrin.gif A big thanks again.
I see...I thought checking out reviews on unis in US would be a good research.
Thanks for the link btw! thumbup.gif
Did you had experience dealing with this sort of stuff? It seems like you had quite knowlegde in it the way you post, just wondering.
*
nah. its because i was researching regarding US unis n how things work. Im still not mr know it all. plenty of stuffs tat i still dont know smile.gif

glad i helped smile.gif dont feel shy to post ur doubts. we r glad to help smile.gif
chew1991
post Mar 1 2011, 02:59 AM

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I highly doubt that it's 36000 for four years. It should be the annual fee including boarding ( excluding summer sem) and food.
latias93
post Mar 1 2011, 03:16 AM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Feb 28 2011, 07:17 PM)
Wow. all the best. all the applications settled? smile.gif
*
Thanks. You too! All the application settled already. smile.gif

What about you? Where are you going and what course are you taking up? And when're you leaving? yawn.gif

QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Feb 28 2011, 08:43 PM)
Wow,congrats!
I'd like to ask, when they state $36000 as tuition fee, does this mean it covers the 4 years of study? I get a little messed up when it comes to application forms from US.
*
Thanks. Actually, it's USD 36,000 annually. However, it's easy to receive student grants and such in the States. You may check this this page to explore options in financial aid. smile.gif

May I know what you are interested in, specifically? Photography? Digital art? Or others?


QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 02:59 AM)
I highly doubt that it's 36000 for four years. It should be the annual fee including boarding ( excluding summer sem) and food.
*
Right you are. Indeed, USD36000 covers the tuition fee, boarding and my meal plan.
Cyprid Dark ii
post Mar 1 2011, 04:04 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Feb 28 2011, 07:08 PM)
Hi. I'm leaving for the States in August. I am taking up a BFA in Game Design at Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. smile.gif
*
Congratz!

What field did you studying?

I think if you got the basic skill or long time self experiences you can skip all the degree/diploma.

I applied for worldwide recruitment for Rockstar game(San Diego) as enviromental modeler & they accepted my application based on my work(which has been self-thought since year 6,I mean in 3d modeling skill) & most of time the requirement is devoid all the degree or certificate.They really looking for inner talent that you had(unless you really like the industry but didnt have any requirement skill,but even so there is fast learning class that provide you with some skill & insider of what the work you would be into)

Finally,they got enough workforce in San diego office,which they put an offer to transfer me to Northampton studio(Rockstar UK) but since I didnt know what the process of leaving the country(passport,visa,the flight thing...) so I declined the offer which I do regret as for today(now working as freelancer & helping my parents on company thing) but kudos for those has been granted this chance of their life,& able to fullfill the dream. cry.gif drool.gif

I should learn how to doing oversea stuff now. hmm.gif
So next time I would not in rushed mood like last year.... doh.gif

This post has been edited by Cyprid Dark ii: Mar 1 2011, 04:05 AM
LZ Zach
post Mar 1 2011, 06:47 AM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 12:46 AM)
nah. its because i was researching regarding US unis n how things work. Im still not mr know it all. plenty of stuffs tat i still dont know smile.gif

glad i helped smile.gif dont feel shy to post ur doubts. we r glad to help smile.gif
*
Oh I see, are you still studying?

QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 02:59 AM)
I highly doubt that it's 36000 for four years. It should be the annual fee including boarding ( excluding summer sem) and food.
*
sad.gif Wow, it's thrice more expensive than the colleges here, I guess that's the price for taking up quality education in foreign countries.

QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 03:16 AM)
Thanks. You too! All the application settled already. smile.gif

What about you? Where are you going and what course are you taking up? And when're you leaving? yawn.gif
Thanks. Actually, it's USD 36,000 annually. However, it's easy to receive student grants and such in the States. You may check this this page to explore options in financial aid. smile.gif

May I know what you are interested in, specifically? Photography? Digital art? Or others?
Right you are. Indeed, USD36000 covers the tuition fee, boarding and my meal plan.
*
I'm actually still in Form 5, I'm planning to go to US since animation courses there are highly recognized and prestigious starting next year (*oh well, hollywood)

But I'm kind of a little lost from researching unis in US, I thought trying to be independent and search on my own would be better, but I guess I ended up here to get some aid. sad.gif

Did you obtain some scholarship or something over there? I not much of an explorer, and I might not be well-prepared for this you see...

invinciblebunny
post Mar 1 2011, 08:49 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 06:47 AM)
Oh I see, are you still studying?
sad.gif Wow, it's thrice more expensive than the colleges here, I guess that's the price for taking up quality education in foreign countries.
I'm actually still in Form 5, I'm planning to go to US since animation courses there are highly recognized and prestigious starting next year (*oh well, hollywood)

But I'm kind of a little lost from researching unis in US, I thought trying to be independent and search on my own would be better, but I guess I ended up here to get some aid. sad.gif

Did you obtain some scholarship or something over there? I not much of an explorer, and I might not be well-prepared for this you see...
*
Try to discuss with other prospective international students here:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/international-students/

You might be surprised! smile.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 09:38 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 03:16 AM)
Thanks. You too! All the application settled already. smile.gif

What about you? Where are you going and what course are you taking up? And when're you leaving? yawn.gif
Thanks. Actually, it's USD 36,000 annually. However, it's easy to receive student grants and such in the States. You may check this this page to explore options in financial aid. smile.gif

May I know what you are interested in, specifically? Photography? Digital art? Or others?
Right you are. Indeed, USD36000 covers the tuition fee, boarding and my meal plan.
*
Yeap. As i said. It couldnt be tat cheap.

Oh. about me? Im doin adp currently. Not yet decided when to transfer. Maybe half a year? or 1 more year? who knows icon_rolleyes.gif

TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 09:43 AM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 1 2011, 04:04 AM)
Congratz!

What field did you studying?

I think if you got the basic skill or long time self experiences you can skip all the degree/diploma.

I applied for worldwide recruitment for Rockstar game(San Diego) as enviromental modeler & they accepted my application based on my work(which has been self-thought since year 6,I mean in 3d modeling skill) & most of time the requirement is devoid all the degree or certificate.They really looking for inner talent that you had(unless you really like the industry but didnt have any requirement skill,but even so there is fast learning class that provide you with some skill & insider of what the work you would be into)

Finally,they got enough workforce in San diego office,which they put an offer to transfer me to Northampton studio(Rockstar UK) but since I didnt know what the process of leaving the country(passport,visa,the flight thing...) so I declined the offer which I do regret as for today(now working as freelancer & helping my parents on company thing) but kudos for those has been granted this chance of their life,& able to fullfill the dream. cry.gif  drool.gif

I should learn how to doing oversea stuff now. hmm.gif
So next time I would not in rushed mood like last year.... doh.gif
*
AFAIK, US unemployment rate is raising every second. Just have a look at this

http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=usunem...employment+rate

It is a total steal if u get to settle urself with a decent job like urs.
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 09:47 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 06:47 AM)
Oh I see, are you still studying?
sad.gif Wow, it's thrice more expensive than the colleges here, I guess that's the price for taking up quality education in foreign countries.
I'm actually still in Form 5, I'm planning to go to US since animation courses there are highly recognized and prestigious starting next year (*oh well, hollywood)

But I'm kind of a little lost from researching unis in US, I thought trying to be independent and search on my own would be better, but I guess I ended up here to get some aid. sad.gif

Did you obtain some scholarship or something over there? I not much of an explorer, and I might not be well-prepared for this you see...
*
yeap. still studying smile.gif

As for the cost, i will strongly recommend u to go for it if u can afford it. When i say u can "afford" it, it doesn't have to be ur parent's money. It could be educational loan or fund. Once in a lifetime exposure. Unless, u r tellin me tat u will study abroad when you get older. that i have no comment.

Everyone starts from scratch. If you know u r not up for it yet. read more now. get urself prepared then smile.gif
zhan
post Mar 1 2011, 10:08 AM

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rclxms.gif Thanks for TS for started this thread.

How do you guys getting education from US compare to UK?

Let's set aside the matter of tuition fees and focus on the quality of education & recognition among worldwide.

Feel free to share your thoughts/viewpoints.

Sorry in advanced if this question seems to be a stupid one.

Thanks notworthy.gif
Cyprid Dark ii
post Mar 1 2011, 11:39 AM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 09:43 AM)
AFAIK, US unemployment rate is raising every second. Just have a look at this

http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=usunem...employment+rate

It is a total steal if u get to settle urself with a decent job like urs.
*
Yup but gaming industries are much worthy than hollywood production for now.....that is why some of biggest name in gaming company did have some once-in-a-year worldwide recruitment(mostly for their high rated series.In this case I was applied for enviromental modeler/texturing & I might be employed in section like Midnight Club,GTA,Max Payne or LA Noir team)

But now..... doh.gif sweat.gif

But I do want to continue my study which I was left in at year 1 during 2008(I taking industrial design,but left the college since I got personal issues surrounding the family such as moving to new place which is quite far from the college itself,& some others)

So just to ask,it is possible for me to continued study from where I left for 2 years or I need to restart all from the ground up all over again?

invinciblebunny
post Mar 1 2011, 11:45 AM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 1 2011, 11:39 AM)
Yup but gaming industries are much worthy than hollywood production for now.....that is why some of biggest name in gaming company did have some once-in-a-year worldwide recruitment(mostly for their high rated series.In this case I was applied for enviromental modeler/texturing & I might be employed in section like Midnight Club,GTA,Max Payne or LA Noir team)

But now..... doh.gif  sweat.gif

But I do want to continue my study which I was left in at year 1 during 2008(I taking industrial design,but left the college since I got personal issues surrounding the family such as moving to new place which is quite far from the college itself,& some others)

So just to ask,it is possible for me to continued study from where I left for 2 years or I need to restart all from the ground up all over again?
*
Yeap, it's possible. smile.gif Remember to let the universities know what you're doing in those two years.
Cyprid Dark ii
post Mar 1 2011, 11:54 AM

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QUOTE(invinciblebunny @ Mar 1 2011, 11:45 AM)
Yeap, it's possible. smile.gif Remember to let the universities know what you're doing in those two years.
*
Thanks for the help!

BTW,there is my friends from saudi that used to study the same subject with me from 2008-2009 in malaysia has got his chance to UK & he said to me recently via email that he can help me to go straight to 2nd year based on my work portfolio & his previous experience working together with me as one team during his time in malaysia.

So I just want to know how that was possible or there really such thing like skipping year like sekolah rendah?(I got few frens that able to jump from darjah 1 all the way to darjah 3 during my primary school time)

Sorry to ask,it might sound silly,but just want to have the comfirmation since if it really was,I can strive my best this time to get continue my study. sweat.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 12:59 PM

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QUOTE(zhan @ Mar 1 2011, 10:08 AM)
rclxms.gif Thanks for TS for started this thread.

How do you guys getting education from US compare to UK?

Let's set aside the matter of tuition fees and focus on the quality of education & recognition among worldwide.

Feel free to share your thoughts/viewpoints.

Sorry in advanced if this question seems to be a stupid one.

Thanks notworthy.gif
*
Basically, to be succinct,

US - builds u to be an all-rounder.
UK - more specific

tats from my perception la
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 01:00 PM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 1 2011, 11:39 AM)
Yup but gaming industries are much worthy than hollywood production for now.....that is why some of biggest name in gaming company did have some once-in-a-year worldwide recruitment(mostly for their high rated series.In this case I was applied for enviromental modeler/texturing & I might be employed in section like Midnight Club,GTA,Max Payne or LA Noir team)

But now..... doh.gif  sweat.gif

But I do want to continue my study which I was left in at year 1 during 2008(I taking industrial design,but left the college since I got personal issues surrounding the family such as moving to new place which is quite far from the college itself,& some others)

So just to ask,it is possible for me to continued study from where I left for 2 years or I need to restart all from the ground up all over again?
*
if im not mistaken, they evaluate u through credit hours right? Then u submit ur transcript on where u stop, then the uni will decide whether u can continue or start over again.
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 01:01 PM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 1 2011, 11:54 AM)
Thanks for the help!

BTW,there is my friends from saudi that used to study the same subject with me from 2008-2009 in malaysia has got his chance to UK & he said to me recently via email that he can help me to go straight to 2nd year based on my work portfolio & his previous experience working together with me as one team during his time in malaysia.

So I just want to know how that was possible or there really such thing like skipping year like sekolah rendah?(I got few frens that able to jump from darjah 1 all the way to darjah 3 during my primary school time)

Sorry to ask,it might sound silly,but just want to have the comfirmation since if it really was,I can strive my best this time to get continue my study. sweat.gif
*
that will onli happen in private school in msia afaik
tishaban
post Mar 1 2011, 01:58 PM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 1 2011, 11:54 AM)
BTW,there is my friends from saudi that used to study the same subject with me from 2008-2009 in malaysia has got his chance to UK & he said to me recently via email that he can help me to go straight to 2nd year based on my work portfolio & his previous experience working together with me as one team during his time in malaysia.

So I just want to know how that was possible or there really such thing like skipping year like sekolah rendah?(I got few frens that able to jump from darjah 1 all the way to darjah 3 during my primary school time)
*
It depends a lot on where you go and what field. I would definitely ask up front and show your portfolio before you even take the time and effort to apply. If they say yes they can consider giving you advanced credits then go ahead and apply.

The only thing is if you're going to one of the top universities, they most likely won't accept these kinds of advanced placements but as with all things, it doesn't hurt to ask.

latias93
post Mar 1 2011, 02:04 PM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 1 2011, 04:04 AM)
Congratz!

What field did you studying?

I think if you got the basic skill or long time self experiences you can skip all the degree/diploma.

I applied for worldwide recruitment for Rockstar game(San Diego) as enviromental modeler & they accepted my application based on my work(which has been self-thought since year 6,I mean in 3d modeling skill) & most of time the requirement is devoid all the degree or certificate.They really looking for inner talent that you had(unless you really like the industry but didnt have any requirement skill,but even so there is fast learning class that provide you with some skill & insider of what the work you would be into)

Finally,they got enough workforce in San diego office,which they put an offer to transfer me to Northampton studio(Rockstar UK) but since I didnt know what the process of leaving the country(passport,visa,the flight thing...) so I declined the offer which I do regret as for today(now working as freelancer & helping my parents on company thing) but kudos for those has been granted this chance of their life,& able to fullfill the dream.

I should learn how to doing oversea stuff now. hmm.gif
So next time I would not in rushed mood like last year....
*
Thanks! Actually I'm just about to start my four-year degree haha.. only going to apply for work in game companies after that. Wow, that's nice! Rockstar UK is really good, working on great projects and games right now. Well if you'd like to continue your education you could.. and build your portfolio so you could come back and work for Rockstar (or any other game companies in mind). smile.gif

QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 06:47 AM)
Oh I see, are you still studying?
Wow, it's thrice more expensive than the colleges here, I guess that's the price for taking up quality education in foreign countries.
I'm actually still in Form 5, I'm planning to go to US since animation courses there are highly recognized and prestigious starting next year (*oh well, hollywood)

But I'm kind of a little lost from researching unis in US, I thought trying to be independent and search on my own would be better, but I guess I ended up here to get some aid.

Did you obtain some scholarship or something over there? I not much of an explorer, and I might not be well-prepared for this you see...
*
Haha, nah. I just took SPM last year. tongue.gif

Haha, when I was in Form 5 (last year) I went to several American Education Fairs in KL to talk to the college representatives about my options. Many of them offer animation. They're very helpful and will talk to you (and your parents) about what you can do, etc, etc. smile.gif

In fact there's one coming up, I received this from an email. They regularly email me about the education fairs heheh. Open the spoiler to view the details of the event. smile.gif

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


It's actually very simple.. just a few clicks here and there, and about 10 tabs open in Mozilla.. you can just explore the universities from the comforts of your home! In fact I went to about three different American Education fairs, I found two prospective universities which I applied to (Columbia College Chicago and San Diego State University) but as for the one I'm heading to right now (Academy of Art University), I found it in a forum where Game Design/Dev students were discussing colleges.

No, I didn't receive a scholarship.. we did tick the 'Apply for Financial Aid' box in the form, but that'll be sorted out later after I send in the bank statement. Actually, my family is funding my studies there by selling one of our old houses.. sweat.gif

QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 09:38 AM)
Yeap. As i said. It couldnt be tat cheap.

Oh. about me? Im doin adp currently. Not yet decided when to transfer. Maybe half a year? or 1 more year? who knows 
*
I see. Where are you taking up your ADP? And what's your concentration? biggrin.gif
LZ Zach
post Mar 1 2011, 03:24 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 09:47 AM)
yeap. still studying smile.gif

As for the cost, i will strongly recommend u to go for it if u can afford it. When i say u can "afford" it, it doesn't have to be ur parent's money. It could be educational loan or fund. Once in a lifetime exposure. Unless, u r tellin me tat u will study abroad when you get older. that i have no comment.

Everyone starts from scratch. If you know u r not up for it yet. read more now. get urself prepared then smile.gif
*
Ok, thanks for the emotional lift-up, I'll try my best to research more into detail and get myself prepared:)

QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 02:04 PM)
Thanks! Actually I'm just about to start my four-year degree haha.. only going to apply for work in game companies after that. Wow, that's nice! Rockstar UK is really good, working on great projects and games right now. Well if you'd like to continue your education you could.. and build your portfolio so you could come back and work for Rockstar (or any other game companies in mind). smile.gif
Haha, nah. I just took SPM last year. tongue.gif

Haha, when I was in Form 5 (last year) I went to several American Education Fairs in KL to talk to the college representatives about my options. Many of them offer animation. They're very helpful and will talk to you (and your parents) about what you can do, etc, etc. smile.gif

In fact there's one coming up, I received this from an email. They regularly email me about the education fairs heheh. Open the spoiler to view the details of the event. smile.gif

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


It's actually very simple.. just a few clicks here and there, and about 10 tabs open in Mozilla.. you can just explore the universities from the comforts of your home! In fact I went to about three different American Education fairs, I found two prospective universities which I applied to (Columbia College Chicago and San Diego State University) but as for the one I'm heading to right now (Academy of Art University), I found it in a forum where Game Design/Dev students were discussing colleges.

No, I didn't receive a scholarship.. we did tick the 'Apply for Financial Aid' box in the form, but that'll be sorted out later after I send in the bank statement. Actually, my family is funding my studies there by selling one of our old houses..  sweat.gif
I see. Where are you taking up your ADP? And what's your concentration? biggrin.gif
*
Thanks for the info, really appreciate it icon_rolleyes.gif Right now, I'm battling all out on what can I do now other than scoring As on my next exam, had real head-aching sessions these few days.
I'm not really sure where to get started...
I hope I'm not really bothering you, but one question; Do I have to take TOEFL? Can you sit for TOEFL even though you're a Form 5 student?

This post has been edited by LZ Zach: Mar 1 2011, 03:26 PM
latias93
post Mar 1 2011, 03:35 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 03:24 PM)
Ok, thanks for the emotional lift-up, I'll try my best to research more into detail and get myself prepared:)
Thanks for the info, really appreciate it icon_rolleyes.gif Right now, I'm battling all out on what can I do now other than scoring As on my next exam, had real head-aching sessions these few days.
I'm not really sure where to get started...
I hope I'm not really bothering you, but one question; Do I have to take TOEFL? Can you sit for TOEFL even though you're a Form 5 student?
*
Hey, take your time. I started research at about this time too, last year. Finalized my decision on one of the days that I was sitting for SPM.

Haha, it's okay, you're not bothering me at all. You can ask as many questions as you like, after all this is a place to discuss. smile.gif

Yes, you have to take TOEFL. Each university have a different mininum requirement for TOEFL score (usually around 75-90, depending on school). The maximum score is 120. Yes, you can sit for TOEFL this year too if you want. But I suggest you do it after you have chosen several universities that you have really strong intention of going to, because when you register for the TOEFL iBT, they'll ask you for the name of the institutions that you're going to so that they can send your score along with your application directly to the universities of your choice. Keep in mind that you should have started the application for the university by that time.. they can't send your TOEFL score if the colleges there don't have your name in their database. smile.gif

I suggest you take your time to shortlist the colleges you wanna go to in the next few months, apply when their Fall 2012 application is open (around October or something, depends on college) and then register for TOEFL iBT online and take it at your nearest TOEFL test centre. I registered in late December and sat for my TOEFL on February 12, the results came out a few days ago. smile.gif
soitsuagain
post Mar 1 2011, 05:04 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 28 2011, 02:08 PM)
Theres no paper-based test for TOEFL in Malaysia if im nt mistaken. All are IBT and must be done in ELS centers. Or maybe its just a norm that people do it there.

@soitsuagain, I plan to venture into airplane field. maybe work for boeing/lockheed martin/FAA or anything related to airplanes as test engineers or model designers etc etc. If not, i might take up a maintenance license for aircrafts when I'm back in MY. if not , i can still work in companies that require mechanical engineers. Its almost the same field. smile.gif
*
Ok, so you're more interested on the field of work not that field of study. But wow your work back home is damn boring lol and I bet you will be hitting your face in the wall if you do that. FYI, Boeing/Lockheed, etc employs as many ME, EE and Software Engineers as they employ Aerospace Engineers. Essentially aerospace engineering is one engineering discipline that is a foot wide and a mile deep unlike ME which is the complete opposite. Let's say by the time you graduate, green tech is all the rage in the US. You can't move into that industry as an aerospace engineer as easily as a mechanical engineer. Even though the foundation and fundamental is all they need as you will be working on computers (like wtf you do with learning hard partial differential equations anyway, laplace equations?? duh) but ME stills holds sway. Since what you do now is is mostly general education requirements and maybe statics laugh.gif you can't really gauge whether your interest is real or not. Just make sure that the university you're entering has your 2nd engineering discipline of your choice so you can do an internal transfer easily without having to go through the trouble of changing school.
LZ Zach
post Mar 1 2011, 05:40 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 03:35 PM)
Hey, take your time. I started research at about this time too, last year. Finalized my decision on one of the days that I was sitting for SPM.

Haha, it's okay, you're not bothering me at all. You can ask as many questions as you like, after all this is a place to discuss. smile.gif

Yes, you have to take TOEFL. Each university have a different mininum requirement for TOEFL score (usually around 75-90, depending on school). The maximum score is 120. Yes, you can sit for TOEFL this year too if you want. But I suggest you do it after you have chosen several universities that you have really strong intention of going to, because when you register for the TOEFL iBT, they'll ask you for the name of the institutions that you're going to so that they can send your score along with your application directly to the universities of your choice. Keep in mind that you should have started the application for the university by that time.. they can't send your TOEFL score if the colleges there don't have your name in their database. smile.gif

I suggest you take your time to shortlist the colleges you wanna go to in the next few months, apply when their Fall 2012 application is open (around October or something, depends on college) and then register for TOEFL iBT online and take it at your nearest TOEFL test centre. I registered in late December and sat for my TOEFL on February 12, the results came out a few days ago. smile.gif
*
Wow, it's seemed like you did a lot of preparation before too smile.gif, thanks for sharing.

Another question, should I start discussing with my parents in this? I did tell my dad about animation courses but not specifically like where or when.

And do I score really well as in straghts A's for my SPM?

And how do you officially translate the school-relevant transcripts?
I think I'm asking too many questions for now blush.gif
invinciblebunny
post Mar 1 2011, 05:48 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 05:40 PM)
Wow, it's seemed like you did a lot of preparation before too  smile.gif, thanks for sharing.

Another question, should I start discussing with my parents in this? I did tell my dad about animation courses but not specifically like where or when.

And do I score really well as in straghts A's for my SPM?

And how do you officially translate the school-relevant transcripts?
I think I'm asking too many questions for now blush.gif
*
Do check out the Q&A at http://usapps2010.wordpress.com/
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 07:14 PM

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QUOTE(tishaban @ Mar 1 2011, 01:58 PM)
It depends a lot on where you go and what field. I would definitely ask up front and show your portfolio before you even take the time and effort to apply. If they say yes they can consider giving you advanced credits then go ahead and apply.

The only thing is if you're going to one of the top universities, they most likely won't accept these kinds of advanced placements but as with all things, it doesn't hurt to ask.
*
Yeap. Totally agree. The point is, no matter what, you should at least try. U will nvr know.
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 07:18 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 02:04 PM)
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

*
QUOTE
Thanks! Actually I'm just about to start my four-year degree haha..

Ooo... After spm and degree, i guess it would be ADP? biggrin.gif
QUOTE
Haha, when I was in Form 5 (last year) I went to several American Education Fairs in KL to talk to the college representatives about my options. Many of them offer animation. They're very helpful and will talk to you (and your parents) about what you can do, etc, etc.

In fact there's one coming up, I received this from an email. They regularly email me about the education fairs heheh. Open the spoiler to view the details of the event.

Which website did u subscribe? Mind sharing? Im utterly interested! drool.gif
QUOTE
I see. Where are you taking up your ADP? And what's your concentration?

Most probably Inti smile.gif Chemical engineering!



TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 07:26 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 03:24 PM)
Ok, thanks for the emotional lift-up, I'll try my best to research more into detail and get myself prepared:)
Thanks for the info, really appreciate it icon_rolleyes.gif Right now, I'm battling all out on what can I do now other than scoring As on my next exam, had real head-aching sessions these few days.
I'm not really sure where to get started...
I hope I'm not really bothering you, but one question; Do I have to take TOEFL? Can you sit for TOEFL even though you're a Form 5 student?
*
No problem. Just bear in mind. Stay positive and everything will turn out well icon_rolleyes.gif

You can actually sit for TOEFL and enhance ur english. Future proof too. If u're free, why not?

IINM, if u r taking ADP program, you dont have to take SAT, and onli TOEFL when u transfer to US.

BTW, SPM, just take it easy, honestly, from my experience, its very easy, compared to my school's standard. Just pay attention in your class when teacher is teaching. And do some revision maybe once or twice a week? That would be more than enough for normal students. Unless u r reli slow then u have to buckle up and do extra revisions. Last minute revision (approximately 1-2 weeks b4 exam) can get you a good result too if u paid attention in your class.

PS. Im not encouraging u yea whistling.gif im just saying.

I know, sometimes, in class, you can't resist the urge to chit-chat in the class, to be with the "cool gang" to do something naughty, be rebellion, trying to get, maybe the girls attention? by doing something unusual and end up neglecting your teacher in front. Its ok for few times, but always please. You should enjoy secondary school times but make sure u dont go over the limit.

This post has been edited by thenemesis: Mar 1 2011, 07:35 PM
chew1991
post Mar 1 2011, 07:33 PM

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Thenemesis ,
you got one point wrong. EVEN with ADP, you STILL need TOEFLs to transfer.
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 07:33 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 05:40 PM)
Wow, it's seemed like you did a lot of preparation before too  smile.gif, thanks for sharing.

Another question, should I start discussing with my parents in this? I did tell my dad about animation courses but not specifically like where or when.

And do I score really well as in straghts A's for my SPM?

And how do you officially translate the school-relevant transcripts?
I think I'm asking too many questions for now blush.gif
*
There is never too many questions. Do clear ur doubt b4 its too late. Dont go "AIYA WHY I DUNO GOT SUCH THING ONE" when u r in the US. DOOM whistling.gif

Yes u should discuss with ur parents. I duno ur parents but mostly all parents are the same. They may show "duno dun care" face in front of u but deep down their heart they are very curious about their own children interests and future. They would be glad to hear ur say. After all, they would be ur bank wat tongue.gif

Of course, dont tell me just because a college will accept u with 5 credits so u just neglect ur studies because 5 credits is like peanuts. You should do your best. Straight As ease your application for scholarship and entrance to uni/college.

What do you mean by officially translate?


Added on March 1, 2011, 7:34 pm
QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 07:33 PM)
Thenemesis ,
you got one point wrong. EVEN with ADP, you STILL need TOEFLs to transfer.
*
oh yea. no wonder i felt abit fishy

Thx for pointin out. will edit it.

But SAT is excluded right?

This post has been edited by thenemesis: Mar 1 2011, 07:34 PM
chew1991
post Mar 1 2011, 07:35 PM

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QUOTE(soitsuagain @ Mar 1 2011, 05:04 PM)
Ok, so you're more interested on the field of work not that field of study. But wow your work back home is damn boring lol and I bet you will be hitting your face in the wall if you do that. FYI, Boeing/Lockheed, etc employs as many ME, EE and Software Engineers as they employ Aerospace Engineers. Essentially aerospace engineering is one engineering discipline that is a foot wide and a mile deep unlike ME which is the complete opposite. Let's say by the time you graduate, green tech is all the rage in the US. You can't move into that industry as an aerospace engineer as easily as a mechanical engineer. Even though the foundation and fundamental is all they need as you will be working on computers (like wtf you do with learning hard partial differential equations anyway, laplace equations?? duh) but ME stills holds sway. Since what you do now is is mostly general education requirements and maybe statics  laugh.gif you can't really gauge whether your interest is real or not.  Just make sure that the university you're entering has your 2nd engineering discipline of your choice so you can do an internal transfer easily without having to go through the trouble of changing school.
*
No worries mate , i study because of interest and I'm aware of the future job path.
But yeah , most of the universities who offer AE , would definitely have ME and EE on their list also, i might Minor in ME. biggrin.gif
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post Mar 1 2011, 07:36 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 07:35 PM)
No worries mate , i study because of interest and I'm aware of the future job path.
But yeah , most of the universities who offer AE , would definitely have ME and EE on their list also, i might Minor in ME. biggrin.gif
*
Always have your backup plan smile.gif
edge_seraph
post Mar 1 2011, 07:36 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 05:40 PM)
Wow, it's seemed like you did a lot of preparation before too  smile.gif, thanks for sharing.

Another question, should I start discussing with my parents in this? I did tell my dad about animation courses but not specifically like where or when.

And do I score really well as in straghts A's for my SPM?

And how do you officially translate the school-relevant transcripts?
I think I'm asking too many questions for now blush.gif
*
You can translate the documents yourself, keeping the format the same. Then, get it certified by your principal or any senior assistants.

Hope this helps. smile.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 07:38 PM

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QUOTE(edge_seraph @ Mar 1 2011, 07:36 PM)
You can translate the documents yourself, keeping the format the same. Then, get it certified by your principal or any senior assistants.

Hope this helps.  smile.gif
*
Now i get it, u mean certify is it? it is called translate or certify?

In my school, you have to get ur principal/vice principal to sign on ur certificate smile.gif
edge_seraph
post Mar 1 2011, 07:41 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 07:38 PM)
Now i get it, u mean certify is it? it is called translate or certify?

In my school, you have to get ur principal/vice principal to sign on ur certificate smile.gif
*
He wants officially translated transcripts. The translate part comes from yourself whereas the official part would be getting the documents certified by the principal/vice principal.
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post Mar 1 2011, 07:41 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 07:26 PM)
No problem. Just bear in mind. Stay positive and everything will turn out well  icon_rolleyes.gif

You can actually sit for TOEFL and enhance ur english. Future proof too. If u're free, why not?

IINM, if u r taking ADP program, you dont have to take SAT, and onli TOEFL when u transfer to US.

BTW, SPM, just take it easy, honestly, from my experience, its very easy, compared to my school's standard. Just pay attention in your class when teacher is teaching. And do some revision maybe once or twice a week? That would be more than enough for normal students. Unless u r reli slow then u have to buckle up and do extra revisions. Last minute revision (approximately 1-2 weeks b4 exam) can get you a good result too if u paid attention in your class.

PS. Im not encouraging u yea  whistling.gif im just saying.

I know, sometimes, in class, you can't resist the urge to chit-chat in the class, to be with the "cool gang" to do something naughty, be rebellion, trying to get, maybe the girls attention? by doing something unusual and end up neglecting your teacher in front. Its ok for few times, but always please. You should enjoy secondary school times but make sure u dont go over the limit.
*
Lol, good tips, but I wouldn't dare attempt the '11th-hour' studying before the exams tongue.gif risky@

Actually,I might get distracted by people's action, a bit too much of observation on my part.. blush.gif I draw too much sometimes xD



QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 07:33 PM)
There is never too many questions. Do clear ur doubt b4 its too late. Dont go "AIYA WHY I DUNO GOT SUCH THING ONE" when u r in the US. DOOM  whistling.gif

Yes u should discuss with ur parents. I duno ur parents but mostly all parents are the same. They may show "duno dun care" face in front of u but deep down their heart they are very curious about their own children interests and future. They would be glad to hear ur say. After all, they would be ur bank wat  tongue.gif

Of course, dont tell me just because a college will accept u with 5 credits so u just neglect ur studies because 5 credits is like peanuts. You should do your best. Straight As ease your application for scholarship and entrance to uni/college.

What do you mean by officially translate?


Added on March 1, 2011, 7:34 pm
oh yea. no wonder i felt abit fishy

Thx for pointin out. will edit it.

But SAT is excluded right?
*
Yeah, I guess doing your best is being the best smile.gif

By 'officially translate', I mean how to get your transcripts translated into Eng? Because isn't it the fact that the SPM cert and the school-leaving cert will be BM not Eng?

invinciblebunny
post Mar 1 2011, 07:51 PM

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63 Colleges With the Best Financial Aid

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/bl...col1;blog-river

To a certain extent this is true for international students. Some colleges might have a diff. financial aid policy for international students.
chew1991
post Mar 1 2011, 07:53 PM

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You can actually get your university placement counselors to chop and certify the documents for you too. So if you're studying adp out of your hometown, this would be the best alternative smile.gif
latias93
post Mar 1 2011, 07:56 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 05:40 PM)
Wow, it's seemed like you did a lot of preparation before too  smile.gif, thanks for sharing.

Another question, should I start discussing with my parents in this? I did tell my dad about animation courses but not specifically like where or when.

And do I score really well as in straghts A's for my SPM?

And how do you officially translate the school-relevant transcripts?
I think I'm asking too many questions for now blush.gif
*
You're welcome!

Yes, you should discuss with your parents. It is important that the parents are involved in this process.. after all they've been taking care of you all your life and they will fund your studies there in the States. Have a talk with them. I discussed this a lot with my father as well as my relatives as they've all studied in the US and thus can share their experiences. smile.gif

Your SPM results doesn't really matter.. I mean, don't get like 9G for your SPM! Like 5A's should be fine too (that's what I'm aiming for!). Most of them don't really look at your SPM results, they just want it to make sure that you are a certified high school leaver.

You can translate it yourself and get your school to chop it (I made a thread on this a couple of months ago!) or you can find translation services by notary publics (according to my cousin) and also the state education office. smile.gif

QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 07:18 PM)
Ooo... After spm and degree, i guess it would be ADP? biggrin.gif

Which website did u subscribe? Mind sharing? Im utterly interested!  drool.gif

Most probably Inti smile.gif Chemical engineering!
*
Haha, ADP is for those who want to stay in Malaysia for 2 years first lah. I didn't want to. tongue.gif

I didn't subscribe at any website, I just attended one of the fairs and filled up a form. They'll start emailing you with emails about upcoming fairs after that! laugh.gif

Nice! Chem Eng, fairly hard subject.. you must have really good marks in school for your science subjects!
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 08:05 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 07:56 PM)
You're welcome!

Yes, you should discuss with your parents. It is important that the parents are involved in this process.. after all they've been taking care of you all your life and they will fund your studies there in the States. Have a talk with them. I discussed this a lot with my father as well as my relatives as they've all studied in the US and thus can share their experiences. smile.gif

Your SPM results doesn't really matter.. I mean, don't get like 9G for your SPM! Like 5A's should be fine too (that's what I'm aiming for!). Most of them don't really look at your SPM results, they just want it to make sure that you are a certified high school leaver.

You can translate it yourself and get your school to chop it (I made a thread on this a couple of months ago!) or you can find translation services by notary publics (according to my cousin) and also the state education office. smile.gif
Haha, ADP is for those who want to stay in Malaysia for 2 years first lah. I didn't want to. tongue.gif

I didn't subscribe at any website, I just attended one of the fairs and filled up a form. They'll start emailing you with emails about upcoming fairs after that! laugh.gif

Nice! Chem Eng, fairly hard subject.. you must have really good marks in school for your science subjects!
*
Haha. Thanks.

For adp, it is not a must to do it 2+2. it can be 1+3, 1.5+2.5, 0.5+3.5

The choice is yours.

Hmm, they should insert a link to their website along with the infos u get what, mind checking?
Irzani
post Mar 1 2011, 08:21 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Feb 23 2011, 06:30 PM)
Aerospace engineering . biggrin.gif
Well the cost of living depends on where you are.

Say if you live in NY or massachusetts or even in chicago , the cost of living would be very high. maybe around 15-20k USD.
but if you stay in the midwest countries like...iowa, minnesota or indiana , living cost would be cheaper. prob around 10k.
*
Is it 10K per year or month? sweat.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 08:22 PM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Mar 1 2011, 08:21 PM)
Is it 10K per year or month?  sweat.gif
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of coz its year.
Irzani
post Mar 1 2011, 08:26 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 08:22 PM)
of coz its year.
*
if 4 years ... 40K x 3 = RM 120 000 only for cost of living

that's quite acceptable hmm.gif
chew1991
post Mar 1 2011, 08:29 PM

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If you're studying. and if 4 years there = 40k USD x 4 x 3 = 480k ringgit. HAHAHAHA

Now THATs for the rich.
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post Mar 1 2011, 08:33 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 08:29 PM)
If you're studying. and if 4 years there = 40k USD x 4 x 3 = 480k ringgit. HAHAHAHA

Now THATs for the rich.
*
i believe if u r going to US, there will only be two kind of ppl.

1. Rich ass who go for the cool factor
2. Hardworking scholar who wants the best education and what does hardworking scholar normally gets? Scholarships.

This post has been edited by thenemesis: Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Mar 1 2011, 08:26 PM)
if 4 years ... 40K x 3 = RM 120 000 only for cost of living

that's quite acceptable  hmm.gif
*
sir. its around 40k USD per year. so

40k x 4 x 3 (usd-rm rate) = around 500k ringgit smile.gif
chew1991
post Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM

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add one more , my type.

People who might not be smart but is passionate about something and is willing to invest a lot to pursue his dreams. biggrin.gif FUHHHHH.


Added on March 1, 2011, 8:35 pmhe meant for cost of living. not uni. lol

This post has been edited by chew1991: Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM
TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 08:37 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM)
add one more , my type.

People who might not be smart but is passionate about something and is willing to invest a lot to pursue his dreams. biggrin.gif FUHHHHH.
*
haha. ok.

type 3. not born talented but yet trying his best to be the best with his/his parents hard earned money? or maybe some loan?


Added on March 1, 2011, 8:38 pm
QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM)
he meant for cost of living. not uni. lol
*
oh yea. when i say 40k. it includes tuition + living cost.

This post has been edited by thenemesis: Mar 1 2011, 08:38 PM
zacknistelrooy
post Mar 1 2011, 08:58 PM

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anybody joining this talk?

Interested to study Medicine in the U.S? Go online and speak with our experts in the 'Researching Choices' session and learn what it takes to further your studies in this particular field. Participation is open to all. Happening tonight from 9pm - 10pm (Malaysian time, GMT +8).
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TSthenemesis
post Mar 1 2011, 09:06 PM

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QUOTE(zacknistelrooy @ Mar 1 2011, 08:58 PM)
anybody joining this talk?

Interested to study Medicine in the U.S? Go online and speak with our experts in the 'Researching Choices' session and learn what it takes to further your studies in this particular field. Participation is open to all. Happening tonight from 9pm - 10pm (Malaysian time, GMT +8).
Connect Pro Meeting Login
edusaconnects.acrobat.com
*
where did u get this info?

btw. this is for those who r interested in medicine. big no for most of us.
Cyprid Dark ii
post Mar 1 2011, 09:18 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 02:04 PM)
Thanks! Actually I'm just about to start my four-year degree haha.. only going to apply for work in game companies after that. Wow, that's nice! Rockstar UK is really good, working on great projects and games right now. Well if you'd like to continue your education you could.. and build your portfolio so you could come back and work for Rockstar (or any other game companies in mind). smile.gif
Haha, nah. I just took SPM last year. tongue.gif

Haha, when I was in Form 5 (last year) I went to several American Education Fairs in KL to talk to the college representatives about my options. Many of them offer animation. They're very helpful and will talk to you (and your parents) about what you can do, etc, etc. smile.gif

In fact there's one coming up, I received this from an email. They regularly email me about the education fairs heheh. Open the spoiler to view the details of the event. smile.gif

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


It's actually very simple.. just a few clicks here and there, and about 10 tabs open in Mozilla.. you can just explore the universities from the comforts of your home! In fact I went to about three different American Education fairs, I found two prospective universities which I applied to (Columbia College Chicago and San Diego State University) but as for the one I'm heading to right now (Academy of Art University), I found it in a forum where Game Design/Dev students were discussing colleges.

No, I didn't receive a scholarship.. we did tick the 'Apply for Financial Aid' box in the form, but that'll be sorted out later after I send in the bank statement. Actually, my family is funding my studies there by selling one of our old houses..  sweat.gif
I see. Where are you taking up your ADP? And what's your concentration? biggrin.gif
*
Hey ya,thanks for the helpful link.

& hopefully you can perform better than what I was going through.

The gaming industries is like acting on hollywood this day.As long as you have the talent & have been thought & self learn since you were young,you can try the best to apply for the seat on workload that mostly didnt ask about degree/cert other than passion to work for the title they want to produce(it will be good if you have doing some game mod before,& luckily I used to do a mod for Rfactor,NFS model,& some other racing related game)

But you never know if you what future was hold rite?
So I also on same side on you...I want to try to get back for study on the field that I like.

BTW,you got support from family so it was good to hear.
My parents was all the person with lotsa degree/master & cert on the hand ,but somehow they didnt really like my decision to continue my study.....I even consider about selling my sportscar/bike for the reason but still all the family member was against my decision....
This also some of the reason why I need to take a "rest" for 2 years now from further studying....& all the family member now helping working on the company that was establish by my parent.

So I do really in desperate situation as for now,so I want to know how do you ever take the loan or getting a scholarship?
& did the university have some-kind of in-house financial aid for international student with contract or sumthin like that?
Hikari0307
post Mar 1 2011, 09:22 PM

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QUOTE(zacknistelrooy @ Mar 1 2011, 08:58 PM)
anybody joining this talk?

Interested to study Medicine in the U.S? Go online and speak with our experts in the 'Researching Choices' session and learn what it takes to further your studies in this particular field. Participation is open to all. Happening tonight from 9pm - 10pm (Malaysian time, GMT +8).
Connect Pro Meeting Login
edusaconnects.acrobat.com
*
well you'll need to have another degree first before you can study medicine in the US.
zacknistelrooy
post Mar 1 2011, 09:28 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 09:06 PM)
where did u get this info?

btw. this is for those who r interested in medicine. big no for most of us.
*
MACEE'S Facebook page, they sometimes have other talks like for admissions e.t.c
LZ Zach
post Mar 1 2011, 11:02 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 1 2011, 07:56 PM)
You're welcome!

Yes, you should discuss with your parents. It is important that the parents are involved in this process.. after all they've been taking care of you all your life and they will fund your studies there in the States. Have a talk with them. I discussed this a lot with my father as well as my relatives as they've all studied in the US and thus can share their experiences. smile.gif

Your SPM results doesn't really matter.. I mean, don't get like 9G for your SPM! Like 5A's should be fine too (that's what I'm aiming for!). Most of them don't really look at your SPM results, they just want it to make sure that you are a certified high school leaver.

You can translate it yourself and get your school to chop it (I made a thread on this a couple of months ago!) or you can find translation services by notary publics (according to my cousin) and also the state education office. smile.gif
Haha, ADP is for those who want to stay in Malaysia for 2 years first lah. I didn't want to. tongue.gif

I didn't subscribe at any website, I just attended one of the fairs and filled up a form. They'll start emailing you with emails about upcoming fairs after that! laugh.gif

Nice! Chem Eng, fairly hard subject.. you must have really good marks in school for your science subjects!
*
Yeah, but is it a good thing to have relatives there? I don't think I had any who went there before blink.gif

Hey, I'm also kind of aiming for 5A's too! But doesn't this mean lesser chance of obtaining a scholarship? And btw, did you have to practice real hard in your portfolio development before you are admitted?

Could you also link me to the thread you've created? I'm having the twirl just to browse the one by one through the threads rclxub.gif
Thanks a million times again xD
Irzani
post Mar 2 2011, 12:39 AM

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for 500K own money ... I should banned myself from entering this thread liao ... doh.gif

thanks for the estimated figure cry.gif
latias93
post Mar 2 2011, 12:47 AM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 08:05 PM)
Haha. Thanks.

For adp, it is not a must to do it 2+2. it can be 1+3, 1.5+2.5, 0.5+3.5

The choice is yours.

Hmm, they should insert a link to their website along with the infos u get what, mind checking?
*
Well I'm only saying that as most people take up 2+2, but thanks anyway. And I didn't know there is a 0.5 + 3.5 LOL..

Unfortunately I've deleted the emails as they're no longer needed by me, but I do remember the fairs being organized by a 'Linden Tours' or 'Linden Group' or something haha. Just search for Linden Tours on Google, you'll find their website. smile.gif


QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 1 2011, 08:35 PM)
add one more , my type.

People who might not be smart but is passionate about something and is willing to invest a lot to pursue his dreams. biggrin.gif FUHHHHH.


Added on March 1, 2011, 8:35 pmhe meant for cost of living. not uni. lol
*
I believe this is me haha. I'm not exactly "not smart", I pride myself in being in an intellectual being (not bragging, but I mean c'mon why degrade ourselves if we can appreciate what knowledge we have gained?) but school subjects are totally irrelevant to me and thus I never bothered scoring A's for the three science subjects LOL.

QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 1 2011, 11:02 PM)
Yeah, but is it a good thing to have relatives there? I don't think I had any who went there before blink.gif

Hey, I'm also kind of aiming for 5A's too! But doesn't this mean lesser chance of obtaining a scholarship? And btw, did you have to practice real hard in your portfolio development before you are admitted?

Could you also link me to the thread you've created? I'm having the twirl just to browse the one by one through the threads rclxub.gif
Thanks a million times again xD
*
Well, most of them have already settled there, with only one studying at Ohio State University. It's.. not much of a difference, since USA is so big. Me being in California and them in Ohio would feel like you living in Malaysia and your relatives living in Japan, Hong Kong. xD

Haha, well I suppose so. I mean, so many people get straight A's nowadays. The competition is rather stiff, especially if you're an average scorer like me. sweat.gif The portfolio development is only required for masters students. smile.gif

The thread is right here, bro! http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1700006&hl=

You're welcome. smile.gif
dreamer101
post Mar 2 2011, 06:57 AM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 1 2011, 08:33 PM)
i believe if u r going to US, there will only be two kind of ppl.

1. Rich ass who go for the cool factor
2. Hardworking scholar who wants the best education and what does hardworking scholar normally gets? Scholarships.
*
thenemesis,

3) Those who work and pay their own way through college. And. this kind of people do not go for the most expensive school.

Dreamer
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post Mar 2 2011, 07:13 AM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Mar 2 2011, 12:39 AM)
for 500K own money ... I should banned myself from entering this thread liao ...  doh.gif

thanks for the estimated figure  cry.gif
*
Alright. Dont give up. You'll find a way smile.gif
chew1991
post Mar 2 2011, 08:46 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 2 2011, 12:47 AM)
Well I'm only saying that as most people take up 2+2, but thanks anyway. And I didn't know there is a 0.5 + 3.5 LOL..
*
0.5 + 3.5 and 0+4 has no difference actually.
You go under freshman requirements etc etc and i doubt more than 10 credit hours can be transfered.
Cyprid Dark ii
post Mar 2 2011, 09:24 AM

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QUOTE(dreamer101 @ Mar 2 2011, 06:57 AM)
thenemesis,

3) Those who work and pay their own way through college.  And. this kind of people do not go for the most expensive school.

Dreamer
*
I did this before,but in malaysia my subject was hardly available(Industrial design:Transportation design & theory)
so I do not want to becoming like some of my frens that was taking the subject in sake for the cool factor when going to university or college life.

& the gaming industry also not very good either.Hence,I take the rockstar worldwide recruitment last year because the payment was very well(around GBP 18k based on my criteria & subject I choose,+ 5-6 year working tenure for game project/assigment on teamwork/department)

So,I not really choosy type of person when it come to place where I can learn the same thing at even affordable price but in here there is almost no college or university that offering the subject that I want to learn.
TSthenemesis
post Mar 2 2011, 09:32 AM

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QUOTE(Cyprid Dark ii @ Mar 2 2011, 09:24 AM)
I did this before,but in malaysia my subject was hardly available(Industrial design:Transportation design & theory)
so I do not want to becoming like some of my frens that was taking the subject in sake for the cool factor when going to university or college life.

& the gaming industry also not very good either.Hence,I take the rockstar worldwide recruitment last year because the payment was very well(around GBP 18k based on my criteria & subject I choose,+ 5-6 year working tenure for game project/assigment on teamwork/department)

So,I not really choosy type of person when it come to place where I can learn the same thing at even affordable price but in here there is almost no college or university that offering the subject that I want to learn.
*
Crprid. Dont get offended. I was just generalizing people from the big picture.

Of course, there are special cases like u and the kind that dreamer stated smile.gif
dreamer101
post Mar 2 2011, 09:40 AM

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QUOTE(Irzani @ Mar 2 2011, 12:39 AM)
for 500K own money ... I should banned myself from entering this thread liao ...  doh.gif

thanks for the estimated figure  cry.gif
*
Irzani,

What is WRONG with your BRAIN?? I guess it is probably not good enough for Phd material??

People had told you that if you are doing Phd, you probably pay NOTHING and get an allowance for teaching assistant job too.

Those numbers has to do with people not doing Phd...

Dreamer
Irzani
post Mar 2 2011, 01:57 PM

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QUOTE(dreamer101 @ Mar 2 2011, 09:40 AM)
Irzani,

What is WRONG with your BRAIN?? I guess it is probably not good enough for Phd material??

People had told you that if you are doing Phd, you probably pay NOTHING and get an allowance for teaching assistant job too.

Those numbers has to do with people not doing Phd...

Dreamer
*
Just do some reading ... thanks for keep highlighting about the teaching assistant

QUOTE
Funding your studies
The average “sticker price” of US graduate education is US$21,000-34,000 per year, which covers both public and private institutions. For PhD students, this rises to US$28,000-40,000 per year. But as Welch points out, due to the amount of money invested in research, the majority of PhD students in science and engineering will get significant amounts of funding and roughly half of students doing an arts-based qualification will. One of the best ways of earning funding is through assistantship schemes. “In exchange for funding the students provide service to the university for between 15 and 20 hours a week,” says Welch. “This can include teaching, or helping with research. It is a real benefit to the student, for not only are they earning money but they are also building up their CV as they go through their course. The work helps the students to network.”

Combined with Fellowships, where students receive funding with no strings attached, over 43% of international students receive the main chunk of their funding from the institution, compared with just 3% of students who receive their funding from their home government or university.

For students looking to top up their funds 20 hours a week paid employment is allowed on campus; during vacations, this allowance increases to 40 hours. “They can apply to work off campus, but this is only for students for whom this will be essential,” says Welch. “For instance, some students will need to do an external internship, but for the majority there are a lot of opportunities on campus.”
[QUOTE]

But how easy to get the funding? In Malaysia, most of the Malaysian master/phd candidate (UPM) will get their GRF/GRA opportunities. For foreigners, it's very hard to get one ... hmm.gif


LZ Zach
post Mar 3 2011, 12:24 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 2 2011, 12:47 AM)
Well, most of them have already settled there, with only one studying at Ohio State University. It's.. not much of a difference, since USA is so big. Me being in California and them in Ohio would feel like you living in Malaysia and your relatives living in Japan, Hong Kong. xD

Haha, well I suppose so. I mean, so many people get straight A's nowadays. The competition is rather stiff, especially if you're an average scorer like me. sweat.gif The portfolio development is only required for masters students. smile.gif

The thread is right here, bro! http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1700006&hl=

You're welcome. smile.gif
*
Wow, I suppose USA is really as huge like a continent the way you exaggerated it tongue.gif & thanks again for more links!

So how are you going to spend your days there? Dormitory? It is included in the package right?


latias93
post Mar 3 2011, 12:43 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 3 2011, 12:24 AM)
Wow, I suppose USA is really as huge like a continent the way you exaggerated it tongue.gif & thanks again for more links!

So how are you going to spend your days there? Dormitory? It is included in the package right?
*
Yeah! I mean, look at the size of each STATE alone. Most are bigger than Peninsula Malaysia.. we're only as big as what, the Florida peninsula? tongue.gif

Indeed, I'll be staying at a dormitory (there are several to choose from, there are coed, boys only, girls only, over 21 only) which they provide shuttle buses to and from the campus (or you can take the public transport if you want). A meal plan is provided, we can choose whichever that is most flexible for us. Well, that 36,000 USD is all-in. Tuition, lodging, meal-plan, and also estimated personal expense. The housing cost actually varies, depending on your taste. You wanna share the room with another guy or you'd rather be alone? No bathroom? Half bath? Full bath? The full price list can be found here http://www.academyart.edu/campushousing/costs.html . They also have a housing page specifically for freshmen like me. You can also take a virtual tour of the rooms in different dorms, if you wanna get a 'feel' of it. smile.gif http://www.academyart.edu/campushousing/in...g_freshman.html
alxa3021
post Mar 3 2011, 08:23 AM

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Hi guys,

Just a small background on me. I graduated from college in Dec '08, majored in Aerospace Engineering. Now I'm currently in Solar/Photovoltaic/Construction Industry.

[quote=soitsuagain,Mar 1 2011, 05:04 PM]
Ok, so you're more interested on the field of work not that field of study. But wow your work back home is damn boring lol and I bet you will be hitting your face in the wall if you do that. FYI, Boeing/Lockheed, etc employs as many ME, EE and Software Engineers as they employ Aerospace Engineers. Essentially aerospace engineering is one engineering discipline that is a foot wide and a mile deep unlike ME which is the complete opposite. Let's say by the time you graduate, green tech is all the rage in the US. You can't move into that industry as an aerospace engineer as easily as a mechanical engineer. Even though the foundation and fundamental is all they need as you will be working on computers (like wtf you do with learning hard partial differential equations anyway, laplace equations?? duh) but ME stills holds sway. Since what you do now is is mostly general education requirements and maybe statics laugh.gif you can't really gauge whether your interest is real or not. Just make sure that the university you're entering has your 2nd engineering discipline of your choice so you can do an internal transfer easily without having to go through the trouble of changing school.
*

[/quote]


That being said, I want to say that soitsuagain is right that Solar is all the rage here in America. I mean people are literally being snatched up if you have 6 mths to 1 year experience. As far as Aerospace being boring, I beg to differ tongue.gif. Aerospace is pretty interesting, so interesting that you'd be afraid to sit on an airplane since you know what assumptions the piece of metal is made off.


[quote=chew1991,Mar 1 2011, 07:35 PM]
No worries mate , i study because of interest and I'm aware of the future job path.
But yeah , most of the universities who offer AE , would definitely have ME and EE on their list also, i might Minor in ME. biggrin.gif
*

[/quote]


As far as getting a job in Aerospace, chew1991. I must say that I was pretty disappointed to find out that the list of jobs for foreigners in America is a short one. You'd need to get security clearances to work in the Defense sector and if you're not a citizen, it's very VERY tough, heck it is even tough for green card holders to get a job in defense. That is not to say you cannot get a job in the commercial sector, though i must iterate that most of these companies handle ITAR class items which means that you'd need security clearances to handle those items.

If you do not intend to work in America, then you'd have a better chance in the rest of the world. Singapore's govt pours a ton of money into the Aviation O&M industry, though you'd work in O&M instead of R&D. There are also markets in Europe (EADS/Airbus), Canada (Pratt-Whitney/Bombardier), and Brazil (Embraer). Well, though I'm in the green industry now, I have not given up my dream to be an actual AE.

Just wanted to give you a heads up and I believe you'd be the best judge of your future. At the end of the day a degree is just a piece of paper to show that you're qualified to do white collar work and make more money (at most times) than blue collar workers.


[quote=Irzani,Mar 2 2011, 01:57 PM]
Just do some reading ... thanks for keep highlighting about the teaching assistant

[QUOTE]

But how easy to get the funding? In Malaysia, most of the Malaysian master/phd candidate (UPM) will get their GRF/GRA opportunities. For foreigners, it's very hard to get one ... hmm.gif
*

[/quote]


Dude, Irzani, you seriously need to look up more information if you're even a tiny bit interested in studying in America. "Nay sayer's get no where." It's easier to say I can't do it, than I can do it.

I know many Malaysians and other foreigners who come here with less than a hundred US dollars for education. If they can do it why can't you.


Peace out!

alxa3021

dreamer101
post Mar 3 2011, 08:58 AM

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[quote=Irzani,Mar 2 2011, 01:57 PM]
Just do some reading ... thanks for keep highlighting about the teaching assistant

[QUOTE]

But how easy to get the funding? In Malaysia, most of the Malaysian master/phd candidate (UPM) will get their GRF/GRA opportunities. For foreigners, it's very hard to get one ... hmm.gif
*

[/quote]

Irzani,

What is WRONG with YOUR BRAIN??

People had told YOU AGAIN and AGAIN.

1) For engineering and science Phd student, the PROBLEM is to get ADMITTED into USA. That is VERY TOUGH since you are competing with the WHOLE WORLD.

2) If you can get ACCEPTED, in most cases, you will get funding.

<<In Malaysia, most of the Malaysian master/phd candidate (UPM) will get their GRF/GRA opportunities. For foreigners, it's very hard to get one ... hmm.gif>>

3) Who CARES about a small tempurung like Malaysia??

Dreamer



TSthenemesis
post Mar 3 2011, 01:33 PM

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QUOTE(alxa3021 @ Mar 3 2011, 08:23 AM)
Hi guys,

Just a small background on me. I graduated from college in Dec '08, majored in Aerospace Engineering. Now I'm currently in Solar/Photovoltaic/Construction Industry.
That being said, I want to say that soitsuagain is right that Solar is all the rage here in America. I mean people are literally being snatched up if you have 6 mths to 1 year experience. As far as Aerospace being boring, I beg to differ tongue.gif. Aerospace is pretty interesting, so interesting that you'd be afraid to sit on an airplane since you know what assumptions the piece of metal is made off.
As far as getting a job in Aerospace, chew1991. I must say that I was pretty disappointed to find out that the list of jobs for foreigners in America is a short one. You'd need to get security clearances to work in the Defense sector and if you're not a citizen, it's very VERY tough, heck it is even tough for green card holders to get a job in defense. That is not to say you cannot get a job in the commercial sector, though i must iterate that most of these companies handle ITAR class items which means that you'd need security clearances to handle those items.

If you do not intend to work in America, then you'd have a better chance in the rest of the world. Singapore's govt pours a ton of money into the Aviation O&M industry, though you'd work in O&M instead of R&D. There are also markets in Europe (EADS/Airbus), Canada (Pratt-Whitney/Bombardier), and Brazil (Embraer). Well, though I'm in the green industry now, I have not given up my dream to be an actual AE.

Just wanted to give you a heads up and I believe you'd be the best judge of your future. At the end of the day a degree is just a piece of paper to show that you're qualified to do white collar work and make more money (at most times) than blue collar workers.
Dude, Irzani, you seriously need to look up more information if you're even a tiny bit interested in studying in America. "Nay sayer's get no where." It's easier to say I can't do it, than I can do it.

I know many Malaysians and other foreigners who come here with less than a hundred US dollars for education. If they can do it why can't you.
Peace out!

alxa3021
*
wow. so u r doing in US now? smile.gif u must be in the first class honors thumbup.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 3 2011, 01:35 PM

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QUOTE(dreamer101 @ Mar 3 2011, 08:58 AM)
Irzani,

What is WRONG with YOUR BRAIN??

People had told YOU AGAIN and AGAIN.

1) For engineering and science Phd student, the PROBLEM is to get ADMITTED into USA.  That is VERY TOUGH since you are competing with the WHOLE WORLD.

2) If you can get ACCEPTED, in most cases, you will get funding.

<<In Malaysia, most of the Malaysian master/phd candidate (UPM) will get their GRF/GRA opportunities. For foreigners, it's very hard to get one ...  hmm.gif>>

3) Who CARES about a small tempurung like Malaysia??

Dreamer
*
Chill sir. He might be still new.

Irzani, the most practical way is to go into US through ADP and u must make sure ur results are good. Simple.
chew1991
post Mar 3 2011, 07:16 PM

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Alaxa , no worries mate. Everyone tells me the same thing , thats why my options are quite open, if i happen to get a job in the AE field, then its a plus , if i dont get it, its alright , i can work in any other fields.
LZ Zach
post Mar 3 2011, 08:29 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 3 2011, 12:43 AM)
Yeah! I mean, look at the size of each STATE alone. Most are bigger than Peninsula Malaysia.. we're only as big as what, the Florida peninsula? tongue.gif

Indeed, I'll be staying at a dormitory (there are several to choose from, there are coed, boys only, girls only, over 21 only) which they provide shuttle buses to and from the campus (or you can take the public transport if you want). A meal plan is provided, we can choose whichever that is most flexible for us. Well, that 36,000 USD is all-in. Tuition, lodging, meal-plan, and also estimated personal expense. The housing cost actually varies, depending on your taste. You wanna share the room with another guy or you'd rather be alone? No bathroom? Half bath? Full bath? The full price list can be found here http://www.academyart.edu/campushousing/costs.html . They also have a housing page specifically for freshmen like me. You can also take a virtual tour of the rooms in different dorms, if you wanna get a 'feel' of it. smile.gif http://www.academyart.edu/campushousing/in...g_freshman.html
*
Man, I think I really need to think about where I gotta stay if I were to study there tongue.gif Btw, do you get to travel out of state or even back to MY during holiday seasons?

And, just wondering, was the TOEFL you took difficult? You have to sit for a short course before applying for the test itself right?
tonnect91
post Mar 3 2011, 08:51 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 3 2011, 08:29 PM)
Man, I think I really need to think about where I gotta stay if I were to study there  tongue.gif Btw, do you get to travel out of state or even back to MY during holiday seasons?

And, just wondering, was the TOEFL you took difficult? You have to sit for a short course before applying for the test itself right?
*
Hi there wave.gif a brief intro of myself. Last sem in INTI AUP, majoring in CS.

TOEFL will not be difficult if you're used to speaking English. You don't need to take a course before sitting for TOEFL, but it will definitely help. In my opinion, get yourself familiar with the test format ie. test duration, what you'll be tested for, basically just reading, listening, speaking and writing (in that order). Still, practices are important to score well in TOEFL, especially in the speaking part (at least for me speaking is the most difficult part as I got nervous sad.gif)
LZ Zach
post Mar 3 2011, 08:58 PM

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QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Mar 3 2011, 08:51 PM)
Hi there wave.gif a brief intro of myself. Last sem in INTI AUP, majoring in CS.

TOEFL will not be difficult if you're used to speaking English. You don't need to take a course before sitting for TOEFL, but it will definitely help. In my opinion, get yourself familiar with the test format ie. test duration, what you'll be tested for, basically just reading, listening, speaking and writing (in that order). Still, practices are important to score well in TOEFL, especially in the speaking part (at least for me speaking is the most difficult part as I got nervous sad.gif)
*
Hey, thanks for the reply, could you provide a little more insights of it? biggrin.gif And you did take the exam in centers like ELS, am I right?

And what's CS? blink.gif

tonnect91
post Mar 3 2011, 09:32 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 3 2011, 08:58 PM)
Hey, thanks for the reply, could you provide a little more insights of it?  biggrin.gif And you did take the exam in centers like ELS, am I right?

And what's CS? blink.gif
*
CS = Computer Science biggrin.gif

Insights? What I feel about TOEFL is it really tests your confidence rather than your English, although you must have a strong foundation in English ie. your vocabulary must be good (though its standard is way lower than that of SAT). Reading is easy, if you know your English. Listening is OK, just that you have to focus on the lecture/conversation for quite sometime (~5 min). For these 2 sections, one of them will have an extra section (not sure what they call it), that is, you'll have either more articles to read or more conversations to listen. For my case, I have to endure those [c]boring[/c] "interesting" talks for 9 times!!! (the duration of the listening topic gets longer and longer, the most is around 5 minutes) At first I tried to note down every single details I think is somewhat important, but I gradually got tired of it. So, instead of writing everything down, I just sat there and listen the talk as a whole. Guess what, it works!

Speaking...try not to be nervous, and practice some critical thinking as you have little time to prepare for your speech.

Writing. There will be two essays. The first one, you'll read a short article, then listen to a lecture, then write the essay. Normally the article and the lecture will have contradicting points ie. article says a=1, b=2, c=3, but the lecturer says the other way round. So, in your essay, you'll have to relate the points in the article and in the lecturer's speech. The second one will be of a random topic, so this is the time to show your writing skills biggrin.gif One note though, it's better to write more. I wrote ~500 words for the second essay and got quite a decent score. Write an organized, coherent essay.

For TOEFL test centers, you can refer to TOEFL HomePage to check whether the center is available on the test date. I took the test in Subang Jaya near INTI College.
TSthenemesis
post Mar 3 2011, 09:44 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 3 2011, 08:29 PM)
Man, I think I really need to think about where I gotta stay if I were to study there  tongue.gif Btw, do you get to travel out of state or even back to MY during holiday seasons?

And, just wondering, was the TOEFL you took difficult? You have to sit for a short course before applying for the test itself right?
*
U will have summer break in US smile.gif unless u wish to continue studying
latias93
post Mar 4 2011, 01:13 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 3 2011, 08:29 PM)
Man, I think I really need to think about where I gotta stay if I were to study there  tongue.gif Btw, do you get to travel out of state or even back to MY during holiday seasons?

And, just wondering, was the TOEFL you took difficult? You have to sit for a short course before applying for the test itself right?
*
It doesn't really matter lah, unless you have relatives there and you wish to stay with them to cut costs! I have a friend who's going to Georgia Tech just because (apart from the fact that the courses that he is interested in are available there) he has an aunt who lives a few miles from the campus.. sweat.gif

I'm not sure wether I'll be able to travel out of state or return to Malaysia, that depends on wether I want to come back or wether my family will come to the States to visit me.. more like, visit the shopping malls here HAHAH.

It's not exactly difficult.. although the way they present the test to you is somewhat foreign to us. Tonnect91 provided a good summary of TOEFL test (which is also how I see it), so read up on that one. No, you don't have to sit for the TOEFL preparatory course.. it costs money (not sure how much) and I believe you have a very high command of English, so you won't need it. You just need to familiarize yourself with the format of the test, that's all. smile.gif

QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Mar 3 2011, 09:32 PM)
CS = Computer Science biggrin.gif

Insights? What I feel about TOEFL is it really tests your confidence rather than your English, although you must have a strong foundation in English ie. your vocabulary must be good (though its standard is way lower than that of SAT). Reading is easy, if you know your English. Listening is OK, just that you have to focus on the lecture/conversation for quite sometime (~5 min). For these 2 sections, one of them will have an extra section (not sure what they call it), that is, you'll have either more articles to read or more conversations to listen. For my case, I have to endure those [c]boring[/c] "interesting" talks for 9 times!!! (the duration of the listening topic gets longer and longer, the most is around 5 minutes) At first I tried to note down every single details I think is somewhat important, but I gradually got tired of it. So, instead of writing everything down, I just sat there and listen the talk as a whole. Guess what, it works!

Speaking...try not to be nervous, and practice some critical thinking as you have little time to prepare for your speech.

Writing. There will be two essays. The first one, you'll read a short article, then listen to a lecture, then write the essay. Normally the article and the lecture will have contradicting points ie. article says a=1, b=2, c=3, but the lecturer says the other way round. So, in your essay, you'll have to relate the points in the article and in the lecturer's speech. The second one will be of a random topic, so this is the time to show your writing skills biggrin.gif One note though, it's better to write more. I wrote ~500 words for the second essay and got quite a decent score. Write an organized, coherent essay.

For TOEFL test centers, you can refer to TOEFL HomePage to check whether the center is available on the test date. I took the test in Subang Jaya near INTI College.
*
I second what tonnect91 said about TOEFL. I was rather nervous during the speaking part (I did not prepare for the TOEFL at all - totally forgot about it) and half of the time allocated for answering into the microphone were garbled sounds and "err.. ahh.. um..". sweat.gif

Nevertheless, I did manage to squeeze in the points when I DID speak some sense.. I got 100 for my TOEFL score. smile.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 4 2011, 02:13 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 4 2011, 01:13 AM)
It doesn't really matter lah, unless you have relatives there and you wish to stay with them to cut costs! I have a friend who's going to Georgia Tech just because (apart from the fact that the courses that he is interested in are available there) he has an aunt who lives a few miles from the campus.. sweat.gif

I'm not sure wether I'll be able to travel out of state or return to Malaysia, that depends on wether I want to come back or wether my family will come to the States to visit me.. more like, visit the shopping malls here HAHAH.

It's not exactly difficult.. although the way they present the test to you is somewhat foreign to us. Tonnect91 provided a good summary of TOEFL test (which is also how I see it), so read up on that one. No, you don't have to sit for the TOEFL preparatory course.. it costs money (not sure how much) and I believe you have a very high command of English, so you won't need it. You just need to familiarize yourself with the format of the test, that's all. smile.gif
I second what tonnect91 said about TOEFL. I was rather nervous during the speaking part (I did not prepare for the TOEFL at all - totally forgot about it) and half of the time allocated for answering into the microphone were garbled sounds and "err.. ahh.. um..". sweat.gif

Nevertheless, I did manage to squeeze in the points when I DID speak some sense.. I got 100 for my TOEFL score. smile.gif
*
wow. u all are reli good rclxms.gif

Lz zach, do u speak in english among ur friends?
Guillo
post Mar 4 2011, 03:32 AM

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One more word on the TOEFL thing. My English is good enough that native English speakers didn't believe I had never lived in an English speaking country (before, of course, I actually did come to live in an English speaking country to work in English to Spanish Translation). Even if your language skills are not THAT good, the exam is still pretty easy, even if it is a little bit annoying to take. That said, I wouldn't go in cold... even with my level of English, I still took some lessons beforehand, to make sure I knew what I was getting into.
Just get a private teacher that will show you around the exam and tell where you need work instead of signing up for a full lessons course.

This post has been edited by Guillo: Mar 23 2011, 02:38 AM
zacknistelrooy
post Mar 4 2011, 10:22 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 3 2011, 08:29 PM)
Man, I think I really need to think about where I gotta stay if I were to study there  tongue.gif Btw, do you get to travel out of state or even back to MY during holiday seasons?

And, just wondering, was the TOEFL you took difficult? You have to sit for a short course before applying for the test itself right?
*
you just need get the practice book and CD for TOEFL and practice those test and you should be alright.
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QUOTE(dreamer101 @ Mar 2 2011, 06:57 AM)
thenemesis,

3) Those who work and pay their own way through college.  And. this kind of people do not go for the most expensive school.

Dreamer
*
+1
After deducting cash from on-campus jobs, the cost per year is just slightly more than what you pay studying in Taylors.
LZ Zach
post Mar 4 2011, 04:25 PM

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QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Mar 3 2011, 09:32 PM)
CS = Computer Science

Insights? What I feel about TOEFL is it really tests your confidence rather than your English, although you must have a strong foundation in English ie. your vocabulary must be good (though its standard is way lower than that of SAT). Reading is easy, if you know your English. Listening is OK, just that you have to focus on the lecture/conversation for quite sometime (~5 min). For these 2 sections, one of them will have an extra section (not sure what they call it), that is, you'll have either more articles to read or more conversations to listen. For my case, I have to endure those [c]boring[/c] "interesting" talks for 9 times!!! (the duration of the listening topic gets longer and longer, the most is around 5 minutes) At first I tried to note down every single details I think is somewhat important, but I gradually got tired of it. So, instead of writing everything down, I just sat there and listen the talk as a whole. Guess what, it works!

Speaking...try not to be nervous, and practice some critical thinking as you have little time to prepare for your speech.

Writing. There will be two essays. The first one, you'll read a short article, then listen to a lecture, then write the essay. Normally the article and the lecture will have contradicting points ie. article says a=1, b=2, c=3, but the lecturer says the other way round. So, in your essay, you'll have to relate the points in the article and in the lecturer's speech. The second one will be of a random topic, so this is the time to show your writing skills biggrin.gif One note though, it's better to write more. I wrote ~500 words for the second essay and got quite a decent score. Write an organized, coherent essay.

For TOEFL test centers, you can refer to TOEFL HomePage to check whether the center is available on the test date. I took the test in Subang Jaya near INTI College.
*
Is the whole test itself long? Like continuous or does it stop at intervals for you to prepare/rest? blink.gif Very curious about that part, thanks for sharing your experience anyways biggrin.gif

QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 3 2011, 09:44 PM)
U will have summer break in US smile.gif unless u wish to continue studying
*
Oh I see, thanks.

QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 4 2011, 01:13 AM)
It doesn't really matter lah, unless you have relatives there and you wish to stay with them to cut costs! I have a friend who's going to Georgia Tech just because (apart from the fact that the courses that he is interested in are available there) he has an aunt who lives a few miles from the campus.. sweat.gif

I'm not sure wether I'll be able to travel out of state or return to Malaysia, that depends on wether I want to come back or wether my family will come to the States to visit me.. more like, visit the shopping malls here HAHAH.

It's not exactly difficult.. although the way they present the test to you is somewhat foreign to us. Tonnect91 provided a good summary of TOEFL test (which is also how I see it), so read up on that one. No, you don't have to sit for the TOEFL preparatory course.. it costs money (not sure how much) and I believe you have a very high command of English, so you won't need it. You just need to familiarize yourself with the format of the test, that's all. smile.gif
I second what tonnect91 said about TOEFL. I was rather nervous during the speaking part (I did not prepare for the TOEFL at all - totally forgot about it) and half of the time allocated for answering into the microphone were garbled sounds and "err.. ahh.. um..". sweat.gif

Nevertheless, I did manage to squeeze in the points when I DID speak some sense.. I got 100 for my TOEFL score. smile.gif
*

'
Wow, 100 out of 120, congrats laugh.gif
I can't say for sure if my english is really good, but I love english anyways.

I also did a registration on their web a few days ago, and I thought I would receive newsletter to my mail, and I unexpectedly received it by mail today?! It's a catalog it seems?!



QUOTE(thenemesis @ Mar 4 2011, 02:13 AM)
wow. u all are reli good  rclxms.gif

Lz zach, do u speak in english among ur friends?
*
Yeah I do, but I'm not really confident in it if you say it's a test.

tonnect91
post Mar 4 2011, 05:06 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 4 2011, 04:25 PM)
Is the whole test itself long? Like continuous or does it stop at intervals for you to prepare/rest? blink.gif Very curious about that part, thanks for sharing your experience anyways biggrin.gif
*
The total time is ~ 4 hours, but you can leave if you have finish it earlier. It does have a 10 minute break after listening. In the listening and speaking section you would have some time to prepare before answering/going to next question (not sure for listening though tongue.gif )

It's not a test, just an English exercise. Think like that and you'll be fine biggrin.gif
chew1991
post Mar 4 2011, 08:22 PM

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more like " its an insult to someone's intelligence" lol
latias93
post Mar 4 2011, 09:53 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 4 2011, 04:25 PM)
Is the whole test itself long? Like continuous or does it stop at intervals for you to prepare/rest? blink.gif Very curious about that part, thanks for sharing your experience anyways biggrin.gif
Oh I see, thanks.

'
Wow, 100 out of 120, congrats  laugh.gif
I can't say for sure if my english is really good, but I love english anyways.

I also did a registration on their web a few days ago, and I thought I would receive newsletter to my mail, and I unexpectedly received it by mail today?! It's a catalog it seems?!
Yeah I do, but I'm not really confident in it if you say it's a test.
*
The whole test is about 4 hours long! The time allocated is 9:00am-1:30pm for me, but I left at about 12:45pm. There is a 10-minute break somewhere in the middle of the test, you can go take a piss or quickly go buy water or something before returning. smile.gif

Thanks! Well.. judging from your posts here, your English should be just as good as mine hahah.. so no worries!

Are you talking about AAU? If so, yes, they do ship out a THICK catalog to you. It's very informative and nice to read. I ended up reading the book cover-to-cover although I really needed to read only the Game Design section LOL!

If you're talking about TOEFL.. no, they don't ship out anything AFAIK.. I didn't receive anything at all. sad.gif
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post Mar 5 2011, 02:40 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 4 2011, 09:53 PM)
The whole test is about 4 hours long! The time allocated is 9:00am-1:30pm for me, but I left at about 12:45pm. There is a 10-minute break somewhere in the middle of the test, you can go take a piss or quickly go buy water or something before returning. smile.gif

Thanks! Well.. judging from your posts here, your English should be just as good as mine hahah.. so no worries!

Are you talking about AAU? If so, yes, they do ship out a THICK catalog to you. It's very informative and nice to read. I ended up reading the book cover-to-cover although I really needed to read only the Game Design section LOL!

If you're talking about TOEFL.. no, they don't ship out anything AFAIK.. I didn't receive anything at all. sad.gif
*
Ah, thanks for sharing your experience, I guess I shouldn't worry too much about the test huh? tongue.gif

Yeah, it's really thick, unlike the brochures I got from TOA. I'm still trying to find a college that suits to my needs in animation, so the curriculum really matters to me most ohmy.gif
latias93
post Mar 5 2011, 11:37 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 5 2011, 02:40 PM)
Ah, thanks for sharing your experience, I guess I shouldn't worry too much about the test huh? tongue.gif

Yeah, it's really thick, unlike the brochures I got from TOA. I'm still trying to find a college that suits to my needs in animation, so the curriculum really matters to me most  ohmy.gif
*
You're welcome! When you sign up for TOEFL, you can choose several packages. You can choose to include the TOEFL Official Guide + Practice Tests eBook or you can have them shipped to your home (for a fee).. I bought the eBook, didn't read it though (only realized I have TOEFL the day before the test) so I just did a few sections of the practise test. I suggest you take this package and spend some time familiarizing yourself with the test format. smile.gif

Yeah.. it's a book, not even a brochure LOL! The curricula is broken down in the catalog. Spend some time reading it! smile.gif
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post Mar 6 2011, 11:53 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 5 2011, 11:37 PM)
You're welcome! When you sign up for TOEFL, you can choose several packages. You can choose to include the TOEFL Official Guide + Practice Tests eBook or you can have them shipped to your home (for a fee).. I bought the eBook, didn't read it though (only realized I have TOEFL the day before the test) so I just did a few sections of the practise test. I suggest you take this package and spend some time familiarizing yourself with the test format. smile.gif

Yeah.. it's a book, not even a brochure LOL! The curricula is broken down in the catalog. Spend some time reading it! smile.gif
*
Can you actually get those packages without signing up for TOEFL? tongue.gif Just so I'm kind of curious and I wanna try out the format.

And, all these times, I was baffled by why TOEFL and not IELTS? Aren't they almost the same, with equal purposes to measure your grasp of english?
latias93
post Mar 8 2011, 09:40 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 6 2011, 11:53 AM)
Can you actually get those packages without signing up for TOEFL? tongue.gif Just so I'm kind of curious and I wanna try out the format.

And, all these times, I was baffled by why TOEFL and not IELTS? Aren't they almost the same, with equal purposes to measure your grasp of english?
*
Sorry for the late reply, Zach (may I call you that?). Was busy in the past couple of days. sad.gif

Well, I'm sure you can (tell me what you COULDN'T get over the internet hahah..). But the way the TOEFL eBook is given to you is pretty weird and pirate-proof. It's sent in the form of an .exe file, which is a downloader. You start the program and authenticate it. Then, it'll start contacting the TOEFL servers to download the eBook. The eBook isn't in a .pdf format, it's started by a program. sweat.gif But I'm pretty sure somebody's uploaded .pdf version already, you can Google for it. smile.gif

To be honest, I have no idea. But it seems most of them want TOEFL, so what the heck. My friend told me that he has to take IELTS as he's going to Australia after completing his AUSMAT here in KBU International College. I'm not entirely sure about this, but I'll just assume that TOEFL is generally for those going to the States.
Hikari0307
post Mar 8 2011, 09:46 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 6 2011, 11:53 AM)
Can you actually get those packages without signing up for TOEFL? tongue.gif Just so I'm kind of curious and I wanna try out the format.

And, all these times, I was baffled by why TOEFL and not IELTS? Aren't they almost the same, with equal purposes to measure your grasp of english?
*
It's quite simple really, TOEFL was designed for the purpose of University admission for those who are thinking or going to the United States while IELTS was designed for places like the UK and Aussie and are also administered by groups from those places.


Added on March 8, 2011, 9:48 pm
QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 8 2011, 09:40 PM)
To be honest, I have no idea. But it seems most of them want TOEFL, so what the heck. My friend told me that he has to take IELTS as he's going to Australia after completing his AUSMAT here in KBU International College. I'm not entirely sure about this, but I'll just assume that TOEFL is generally for those going to the States.
*
Weird that you friend has to take IELTS or rather he just took in case?
Since if he did something like ESL during your 12 then one would not need IELTS and a lot of Unis in Aussie accept GCE-O 1119 in the place of IELTS or he didn't meet entry requirements using both or rather a lot of people just take it since everybody else also take =D

This post has been edited by Hikari0307: Mar 8 2011, 09:48 PM
latias93
post Mar 8 2011, 10:53 PM

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QUOTE(Hikari0307 @ Mar 8 2011, 09:46 PM)
Weird that you friend has to take IELTS or rather he just took in case?
Since if he did something like ESL during your 12 then one would not need IELTS and a lot of Unis in Aussie accept GCE-O 1119 in the place of IELTS or he didn't meet entry requirements using both or rather a lot of people just take it since everybody else also take =D
*
Actually, I have no idea! He did not clarify his situation to me, but as determined from his text messages it sounds more like it's a requirement for the Australia-bound AUSMAT students. I didn't ask further.

What about you? I've seen you around the forums (since back in the SPM 2010 thread). What're you planning to do and where are you going to? smile.gif
Hikari0307
post Mar 8 2011, 10:58 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 8 2011, 10:53 PM)
Actually, I have no idea! He did not clarify his situation to me, but as determined from his text messages it sounds more like it's a requirement for the Australia-bound AUSMAT students. I didn't ask further.

What about you? I've seen you around the forums (since back in the SPM 2010 thread). What're you planning to do and where are you going to? smile.gif
*
ahaha I don't quite remember what I posted there but I took SPM a few years back =D
I'm currently a business student at the University of Queensland in Australia
LZ Zach
post Mar 8 2011, 11:22 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 8 2011, 09:40 PM)
Sorry for the late reply, Zach (may I call you that?). Was busy in the past couple of days. sad.gif

Well, I'm sure you can (tell me what you COULDN'T get over the internet hahah..). But the way the TOEFL eBook is given to you is pretty weird and pirate-proof. It's sent in the form of an .exe file, which is a downloader. You start the program and authenticate it. Then, it'll start contacting the TOEFL servers to download the eBook. The eBook isn't in a .pdf format, it's started by a program. sweat.gif But I'm pretty sure somebody's uploaded .pdf version already, you can Google for it. smile.gif

To be honest, I have no idea. But it seems most of them want TOEFL, so what the heck. My friend told me that he has to take IELTS as he's going to Australia after completing his AUSMAT here in KBU International College. I'm not entirely sure about this, but I'll just assume that TOEFL is generally for those going to the States.
*
Yup, Zach it is.
Nah, it's okay. I'm still in a midst of finding the right college, with too many choices and some tuition fees are ridiculously exorbitant! I guess that's the price for acquiring a high quality education...

I think someone just told me about an ebook version of it, and yah, he even offer to send it to me blink.gif But like what you said, using the pdf. file wouldn't breach something(privacy), right? BTW, if it's an exe., do you still get to execute it even if you had that file for years after?
Thanks for the reply btw
sweat.gif

QUOTE(Hikari0307 @ Mar 8 2011, 09:46 PM)
It's quite simple really, TOEFL was designed for the purpose of University admission for those who are thinking or going to the United States while IELTS was designed for places like the UK and Aussie and are also administered by groups from those places.
Thanks for the info smile.gif It does seem like they'd wanna separate the differences of American Eng & British Eng; that's what the two obviously shows...I can tell it hmm.gif
invinciblebunny
post Mar 10 2011, 11:14 AM

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EducationUSA Connects Session is back! Get first hand responses from representatives of various universities on applications, admission essays, early action and deadlines and more. To check our the sessions available, head on to http://www.educationusa.info/edusa_connects/

The universities participating are (all time have been converted to Malaysian zone):

University of Kentucky, March 10, 2011 - 12:00 am to 1:00 am
University of Kentucky, March 12, 2011 - 12:00 am to 1:00 am
Cottey College, March 22, 2011 - 12:00 am to 1:00 am
College Board, March 24, 2011 - 12:00 am to 1:00 am
The George Washington University, March 25, 2011 - 12:00 am to 1:00 pm
The George Washington University, March 39, 2011 - 10:00 pm to 11:oo pm
latias93
post Mar 10 2011, 05:55 PM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 8 2011, 11:22 PM)
Yup, Zach it is.
Nah, it's okay. I'm still in a midst of finding the right college, with too many choices and some tuition fees are ridiculously exorbitant! I guess that's the price for acquiring a high quality education...

I think someone just told me about an ebook version of it, and yah, he even offer to send it to me  blink.gif But like what you said, using the pdf. file wouldn't breach something(privacy), right? BTW, if it's an exe., do you still get to execute it even if you had that file for years after?
Thanks for the reply btw
sweat.gif
Thanks for the info smile.gif It does seem like they'd wanna separate the differences of American Eng & British Eng; that's what the two obviously shows...I can tell it hmm.gif
*
True that. Good things don't come cheap. Take your time, you still have plenty of time to choose, decide and plan. Don't rush it. smile.gif

I don't think so it will breach anything hahah. Many eBooks are distributed freely over the internet. Yes, I do. The .exe is mine to keep forever. smile.gif

No problem. smile.gif
LZ Zach
post Mar 11 2011, 11:39 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 10 2011, 05:55 PM)
True that. Good things don't come cheap. Take your time, you still have plenty of time to choose, decide and plan. Don't rush it. smile.gif

I don't think so it will breach anything hahah. Many eBooks are distributed freely over the internet. Yes, I do. The .exe is mine to keep forever. smile.gif

No problem. smile.gif
*
Do you mind if you share the e-book? Or would it be too much unsure.gif Sorry for asking.
And I was wondering, have you tried borrowing study loans? What are the requirements and criteria?

I know this might sound stupid and maybe I've could done it myself, but I just wanna get inputs and experiences from you guys, so thanks for reading smile.gif
latias93
post Mar 12 2011, 12:20 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 11 2011, 11:39 PM)
Do you mind if you share the e-book? Or would it be too much  unsure.gif Sorry for asking.
And I was wondering, have you tried borrowing study loans? What are the requirements and criteria?

I know this might sound stupid and maybe I've could done it myself, but I just wanna get inputs and experiences from you guys, so thanks for reading smile.gif
*
I'll upload it later, my Internet is really slow at the moment (Could an undersea cable possibly be affected by today's Japan earthquake? It happened when there was the Taiwan earthquake). To make matters worse, I'm downloading some torrents heheh. Downloading movies to watch with gf. wink.gif

Anyway, I found some links on Google to get the eBook for free - I can't share it here though, it's against forum rules to share pirated stuff. sad.gif

It's okay, you can ask anything haha, I'm more than glad to share my experience as well as help others. smile.gif
LZ Zach
post Mar 12 2011, 12:27 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 12 2011, 12:20 AM)
I'll upload it later, my Internet is really slow at the moment (Could an undersea cable possibly be affected by today's Japan earthquake? It happened when there was the Taiwan earthquake). To make matters worse, I'm downloading some torrents heheh. Downloading movies to watch with gf. wink.gif

Anyway, I found some links on Google to get the eBook for free - I can't share it here though, it's against forum rules to share pirated stuff. sad.gif

It's okay, you can ask anything haha, I'm more than glad to share my experience as well as help others. smile.gif
*
Thanks for replying, it's enough than ever tongue.gif

Have you considered borrowing loans? May I ask what are your source of study funds right now ?
latias93
post Mar 12 2011, 02:21 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 12 2011, 12:27 AM)
Thanks for replying, it's enough than ever tongue.gif

Have you considered borrowing loans? May I ask what are your source of study funds right now ?
*
You're welcome. The other 'Studying in the US' threads were pretty much dead last year - I couldn't find many people who were the least helpful at all. I intend to keep this thread alive so that more people can come in and access as well as pool information. smile.gif

I did apply for financial aid, but they'll get back to the students later for this. The fundings for my education are from my parents. We had to sell off one of our old houses. sweat.gif
LZ Zach
post Mar 12 2011, 11:10 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 12 2011, 02:21 AM)
You're welcome. The other 'Studying in the US' threads were pretty much dead last year - I couldn't find many people who were the least helpful at all. I intend to keep this thread alive so that more people can come in and access as well as pool information. smile.gif

I did apply for financial aid, but they'll get back to the students later for this. The fundings for my education are from my parents. We had to sell off one of our old houses. sweat.gif
*
I see, I really hope more people who studied or currently studying in US would be willing to share some insights here with us smile.gif

Wow, did the funds fully enough to satisfy of your tuition fees? blink.gif

This post has been edited by LZ Zach: Mar 12 2011, 11:11 PM
chew1991
post Mar 12 2011, 11:47 PM

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om nom nom nom.

I recommend all of you to apply for fall intake instead of spring intake due to simple reasons: easier to adapt, and fall intake is usually the bigger intake, thus higher chances of getting in.

And always always try to apply before priority deadline. biggrin.gif

I wish all the transfer/freshman students the best in their applications biggrin.gif
latias93
post Mar 13 2011, 01:09 AM

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QUOTE(LZ Zach @ Mar 12 2011, 11:10 PM)
I see, I really hope more people who studied or currently studying in US would be willing to share some insights here with us smile.gif

Wow, did the funds fully enough to satisfy of your tuition fees? blink.gif
*
I know there's more people around LYN that are in the US! No idea why they're too shy to come in here and say hi. tongue.gif

Er.. from the house sale alone.. no. But that's why we have savings! laugh.gif

QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 12 2011, 11:47 PM)
om nom nom nom.

I recommend all of you to apply for fall intake instead of spring intake due to simple reasons: easier to adapt, and fall intake is usually the bigger intake, thus higher chances of getting in.

And always always try to apply before priority deadline. biggrin.gif

I wish all the transfer/freshman students the best in their applications biggrin.gif
*
I second that. Have YOU applied? tongue.gif
chew1991
post Mar 13 2011, 03:57 PM

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Yeap , got accepted already. biggrin.gif

Waiting to fly soon biggrin.gif biggrin.gif
latias93
post Mar 13 2011, 04:27 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 13 2011, 03:57 PM)
Yeap , got accepted already. biggrin.gif

Waiting to fly soon biggrin.gif biggrin.gif
*
Congrats! Where are you going to and what course are you taking? When're you leaving? yawn.gif
TSthenemesis
post Mar 13 2011, 05:00 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 13 2011, 03:57 PM)
Yeap , got accepted already. biggrin.gif

Waiting to fly soon biggrin.gif biggrin.gif
*
wow. congrats smile.gif
chew1991
post Mar 13 2011, 11:09 PM

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Purdue. but i wanna confirm with them again. biggrin.gif leaving in fall.
got ohio state also but i prefer purdue biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

hmm , im suppose to do aerospace engineering but unfortunately purdue closed the intake for that major so i applied for agro engineering. But they said i couldn't directly transfer into agro engineering but i can go into their "first year engineering" program and after this program, i can transfer my credits and get into my intended major. so rejoice biggrin.gif

This post has been edited by chew1991: Mar 13 2011, 11:11 PM
latias93
post Mar 13 2011, 11:44 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 13 2011, 11:09 PM)
Purdue. but i wanna confirm with them again. biggrin.gif  leaving in fall.
got ohio state also but i prefer purdue biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

hmm , im suppose to do aerospace engineering but unfortunately purdue closed the intake for that major so i applied for agro engineering. But they said i couldn't directly transfer into agro engineering but i can go into their "first year engineering" program and after this program, i can transfer my credits and get into my intended major. so rejoice biggrin.gif
*
Wow, that's an excellent and reputable university you're going to! Both my cousins are at Ohio State. But Purdue would be much more prestigious and rewarding for you, no? smile.gif

How're you funding your studies there?

This post has been edited by latias93: Mar 13 2011, 11:45 PM
chew1991
post Mar 13 2011, 11:46 PM

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parental funds.

Yes, Purdue is definitely more prestigious university especially in the field of Engineering.

Where are you heading to?
latias93
post Mar 13 2011, 11:51 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Mar 13 2011, 11:46 PM)
parental funds.

Yes, Purdue is definitely more prestigious university especially in the field of Engineering.

Where are you heading to?
*
Same here.

Well they do have impressive facilities for the students. I saw pictures of their Engineering Mall in a magazine. That'll be my dream uni, if I ever had an interest in the field of engineering. biggrin.gif

I'm heading to Acacemy of Art University, San Francisco. Doing Game Design. smile.gif
OMG!
post Mar 26 2011, 11:17 PM

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Anyone know any data/statistics regarding the enrolment of the liberal arts colleges among students studying in US liberal art college?
latias93
post Mar 29 2011, 06:50 PM

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QUOTE(OMG! @ Mar 26 2011, 11:17 PM)
Anyone know any data/statistics regarding the enrolment of the liberal arts colleges among students studying in US liberal art college?
*
No, sorry. But welcome to the thread! smile.gif

p/s: OI WHERE IS EVERYONE ELSE? D:
chew1991
post Mar 29 2011, 07:48 PM

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dah mati biggrin.gif

@OMG! im not too sure bout overall US universities.
but if you want individual statistics , you can go to the uni's website, go to enrollment/academic profile or sth like that to get the statistics smile.gif

This post has been edited by chew1991: Mar 29 2011, 07:48 PM
rokai88
post Apr 2 2011, 01:14 AM

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heading to cmu this coming fall. any lyn members at cmu?
XterNalz
post Apr 2 2011, 09:10 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 2 2011, 01:14 AM)
heading to cmu this coming fall. any lyn members at cmu?
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is it for master/phd?

Do you mind to share your profile(gpa, experiences, gre/toefl)?
41LY45
post Apr 2 2011, 10:09 AM

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Hello fellas!

Taking ACTP now. Didn't manage to get min CGPA for ATP. cry.gif cry.gif

Some of my pals got MIT, Brown. Most got Washington, Seattle.
chew1991
post Apr 2 2011, 10:45 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 2 2011, 01:14 AM)
heading to cmu this coming fall. any lyn members at cmu?
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Congrats bro ! wink.gif
which major r u in?
rokai88
post Apr 3 2011, 01:51 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Apr 2 2011, 10:45 AM)
Congrats bro ! wink.gif
which major r u in?
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computer science
spunkberry
post Apr 3 2011, 04:31 AM

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I have been in the US for almost 4 years now, finishing up my degree this May and graduating YEAAHHHH
rokai88
post Apr 3 2011, 08:09 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 3 2011, 04:31 AM)
I have been in the US for almost 4 years now, finishing up my degree this May and graduating YEAAHHHH
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good luck!
spunkberry
post Apr 5 2011, 09:44 AM

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thanks! I need to make my project work though lolol
Raymond7693
post Apr 7 2011, 08:48 PM

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what is the procedure to apply for ivy league universities in usa...i've just got my spm results and obtained 10As....and btw is a-levels necessary to apply for universities in usa.
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post Apr 7 2011, 08:50 PM

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QUOTE(Raymond7693 @ Apr 7 2011, 08:48 PM)
what is the procedure to apply for ivy league universities in usa...i've just got my spm results and obtained 10As....and btw is a-levels necessary to apply for universities in usa.
*
go to their websites and check it.
Your SPM results don't mean nothing to them. It's leadership qualities that they are looking for. You might also need to take SAT and TOEFL
Raymond7693
post Apr 7 2011, 08:53 PM

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^pre u and foundation is it necessary or i can straight away take toefl and sat then apply for the university
Visionary
post Apr 7 2011, 08:53 PM

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just wanna know. hows the student life in us? racism? discrimination? lol
katana18
post Apr 7 2011, 10:02 PM

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I'm stateside. Actuarial Science at Drake University, Iowa. About to complete 1 year. Another 2 to go!
spunkberry
post Apr 7 2011, 10:52 PM

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QUOTE(Raymond7693 @ Apr 7 2011, 08:48 AM)
what is the procedure to apply for ivy league universities in usa...i've just got my spm results and obtained 10As....and btw is a-levels necessary to apply for universities in usa.
*
QUOTE(Hikari0307 @ Apr 7 2011, 08:50 AM)
go to their websites and check it.
Your SPM results don't mean nothing to them. It's leadership qualities that they are looking for. You might also need to take SAT and TOEFL
*
QUOTE(Raymond7693 @ Apr 7 2011, 08:53 AM)
^pre u and foundation is it necessary or i can straight away take toefl and sat then apply for the university
*
no it's not necessary. I know some Malaysians who are here at my uni straight out of Form 5. Go to their websites and look up what they want, my goodness lah I hate it when people expect us to do the research for them!

QUOTE(Visionary @ Apr 7 2011, 08:53 AM)
just wanna know. hows the student life in us? racism? discrimination? lol
*
None of that at all. My group of friends is almost entirely white and they love me, I love them smile.gif
If anything, it's the international students who are racist and only stick to their own groups that speak their own language and pretty much leave everybody else out of it
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post Apr 9 2011, 02:21 AM

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I guess theres a huge tendency for asian-transfer students to just click among themselves not willing to mix around with the local peeps. sad.gif i hope i won't be one though.
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post Apr 9 2011, 03:57 AM

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you'll disgust me if you do. you pay thousands, millions of ringgit to fly overseas to hang out with malaysians. you wanna do that you stay in malaysia... wasting money.
latias93
post Apr 9 2011, 11:14 AM

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QUOTE(Visionary @ Apr 7 2011, 08:53 PM)
just wanna know. hows the student life in us? racism? discrimination? lol
*
Nope, no such thing. Unless you're unfortunate enough to encounter such an individual. Racism is stronger in Malaysia than in the entire of United States.

QUOTE(katana18 @ Apr 7 2011, 10:02 PM)
I'm stateside. Actuarial Science at Drake University, Iowa. About to complete 1 year. Another 2 to go!
*
Cool! Another LYN member in America. biggrin.gif

QUOTE(chew1991 @ Apr 9 2011, 02:21 AM)
I guess theres a huge tendency for asian-transfer students to just click among themselves not willing to mix around with the local peeps. sad.gif i hope i won't be one though.
*
Yeah. I'm rather glad that the university I'm applying to (AAU) does not have any Malaysians at all. I'm still waiting for my acceptance letter into San Diego State University (SDSU) and I expect that there'll be a few Malaysians there, as it's a state school. But I won't be clinging to them like barnacles.

AAU has tons of different dorms, including the International House which like the name suggests, is for international students, but not limited to them. Americans can stay there too. But I'm not really an "Asian" (I'm Malay and I can't speak any major Asian language such as Chinese or Japanese) so I doubt I'll be clicking with their same-race same-language groups LOL.

QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 9 2011, 03:57 AM)
you'll disgust me if you do. you pay thousands, millions of ringgit to fly overseas to hang out with malaysians. you wanna do that you stay in malaysia... wasting money.
*
True that. I know many Malaysians who are in the States but don't have many American friends (or any, for that matter) just because they've been sucking up to their Malaysian Students Association. It's good that they're there to celebrate each other's culture when Raya or CNY or Deepavali comes up but seriously man, they might as well go to UiTM or MMU Cyberjaya if they wanna hang out around Malaysians 24/7.
chew1991
post Apr 9 2011, 01:40 PM

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chill berry, chill. I prob won't tongue.gif no worries kay smile.gif

@latias93 , i have to agree those people involved in the malaysian students association will eventually stick with malaysians themselves. sad phenomena.
btw, are fret houses still practice razing? I might be interested in an engineering fret but I wouldn't join it if they still practice razing.
latias93
post Apr 9 2011, 10:11 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Apr 9 2011, 01:40 PM)
chill berry, chill. I prob won't tongue.gif no worries kay smile.gif

@latias93 , i have to agree those people involved in the malaysian students association will eventually stick with malaysians themselves. sad phenomena.
btw, are fret houses still practice razing? I might be interested in an engineering fret but I wouldn't join it if they still practice razing.
*
Frat houses? I think you mean hazing, not razing. Razing means to destroy buildings. xD

Some frats actually do practice hazing for freshies. It really depends on the frat house itself. Usually only the first day, week or month of their newcomer selections are subject to hazing and doing menial jobs for the higher-ups. But once you're in, everythings all smooth. I suggest you watch this TV series called Greek, it's an almost-accurate representation of fraternities and sororities in American colleges (verified by my family members who are currently frat members/last time used to be frat members).
chew1991
post Apr 9 2011, 11:07 PM

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oops yeah. my bad. i meant hazing yeah. oh.
alrite , thanks for da info mang smile.gif
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post Apr 9 2011, 11:56 PM

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I know here at my uni hazing is not allowed and any frat found to be hazing their new initiates is suspended lol
SUSalaskanbunny
post Apr 10 2011, 01:14 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 9 2011, 03:57 AM)
you'll disgust me if you do. you pay thousands, millions of ringgit to fly overseas to hang out with malaysians. you wanna do that you stay in malaysia... wasting money.
*
to the point of disgust? oh mai... are u white washed?

i dont see anything wrong hanging out with msians in a foreign country... but of course not 'just' hanging out with own countrymen... even if you spent just a little of your time with others, it is good enough for me... these people with other cultural values sometimes dont click, so just learn n understand them only.. thats good enough, if the person shares the same interest and values... then friends maybe

you dont need to have them inside you or you inside them to feel and know them...

QUOTE(chew1991 @ Apr 9 2011, 11:07 PM)
oops yeah. my bad. i meant hazing yeah.  oh.
alrite , thanks for da info mang smile.gif
*
eh, i thought msians like to use ragging
defectivelasagna
post Apr 10 2011, 01:54 AM

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I'll be heading to the states next year, hopefully if i pass my pointer i will smile.gif

I don't think its fair to look down on those who stick to their own race, although it's not the best of what's overseas experience supposed to be, but not everyone is able to mingle around easily. language barriers, cultural barriers, many factors. What should be done is to help them out maybe? Instead of scorning them, which would make it worse.

Anyway, im hoping to apply to University of Washington. very keeeen on it biggrin.gif
spunkberry
post Apr 10 2011, 05:22 AM

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QUOTE(alaskanbunny @ Apr 9 2011, 01:14 PM)
to the point of disgust? oh mai... are u white washed?

i dont see anything wrong hanging out with msians in a foreign country... but of course not 'just' hanging out with own countrymen... even if you spent just a little of your time with others, it is good enough for me... these people with other cultural values sometimes dont click, so just learn n understand them only.. thats good enough, if the person shares the same interest and values... then friends maybe

you dont need to have them inside you or you inside them to feel and know them...
eh, i thought msians like to use ragging
*
why does feeling disgust for such people mean I'm white-washed? As it is, a lot of Malaysians like to say they studied overseas ... but all their friends are Malaysian. Why did you go overseas then? Where are your multi-cultural, multi-racial friends that aren't Malaysian? Making excuses about "cultures not clicking", that is YOUR face problem because you're not accepting of others and expecting them to accept you.

QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 9 2011, 01:54 PM)
I'll be heading to the states next year, hopefully if i pass my pointer i will smile.gif

I don't think its fair to look down on those who stick to their own race, although it's not the best of what's overseas experience supposed to be, but not everyone is able to mingle around easily. language barriers, cultural barriers, many factors. What should be done is to help them out maybe? Instead of scorning them, which would make it worse.

Anyway, im hoping to apply to University of Washington. very keeeen on it biggrin.gif
*
in the US? Language barrier is not an excuse at all, because all Malaysians speak some competent level of English (I hope). Cultural barriers how? It's not like they're forcing theirs on you nor should you be forcing yours on them. So many excuses as to why Malaysians stick to Malaysians overseas ... I think the one I would accept is "I'm afraid of white people", but then that begs the question:

Why are you going to the West for studies if you're afraid of white people? laugh.gif
OMG!
post Apr 10 2011, 10:12 AM

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Anyone know which celebrity or any famous figures who study at US top notch university besides Mark Zukermberg, the FB founder.
defectivelasagna
post Apr 10 2011, 10:13 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 10 2011, 05:22 AM)
why does feeling disgust for such people mean I'm white-washed? As it is, a lot of Malaysians like to say they studied overseas ... but all their friends are Malaysian. Why did you go overseas then? Where are your multi-cultural, multi-racial friends that aren't Malaysian? Making excuses about "cultures not clicking", that is YOUR face problem because you're not accepting of others and expecting them to accept you.
in the US? Language barrier is not an excuse at all, because all Malaysians speak some competent level of English (I hope). Cultural barriers how? It's not like they're forcing theirs on you nor should you be forcing yours on them. So many excuses as to why Malaysians stick to Malaysians overseas ... I think the one I would accept is "I'm afraid of white people", but then that begs the question:

Why are you going to the West for studies if you're afraid of white people?  laugh.gif
*
Cultureshock is a very real and alive phenomenon, even if in malaysia you speak a competent level of english, it doesn't mean you can click culturally, most malaysians don't have that strong command of english to the point of confidence. Why is it that you say that they aren't accepting of others? Could it be that they just don't know HOW to interact? and so they keep quiet and just do what they know they can do? Isn't it a defense mechanism? to be with the familiar? Like i said, of course it'd be great to get out of your comfort zone, especially in the US. But for those who do have a problem, looking down on them and shunning them is only gonna make it worse. As to studying overseas, some people value the education as it is, an education, just a degree. So they don't feel the need to have all the social interaction for them to feel that it's worthwhile eventhough i disagree with that.

Anyway, back on topic. I know that TOEFL is the main english proficiency test for the US, could IELTS serve as a substitute? my sponsors are only willing to pay for IELTS unfortunately.


Added on April 10, 2011, 10:15 am
QUOTE(OMG! @ Apr 10 2011, 10:12 AM)
Anyone know which celebrity or any famous figures who study at US top notch university besides Mark Zukermberg, the FB founder.
*
Natalie Portman went to Yale, Emma Watson went to Brown. dunno who else lol

This post has been edited by defectivelasagna: Apr 10 2011, 10:15 AM
mumeichan
post Apr 10 2011, 10:28 AM

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QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 10 2011, 01:54 AM)
I'll be heading to the states next year, hopefully if i pass my pointer i will smile.gif

I don't think its fair to look down on those who stick to their own race, although it's not the best of what's overseas experience supposed to be, but not everyone is able to mingle around easily. language barriers, cultural barriers, many factors. What should be done is to help them out maybe? Instead of scorning them, which would make it worse.

Anyway, im hoping to apply to University of Washington. very keeeen on it biggrin.gif
*
Eee, while I'm not disgusted at Malaysian who just stick to Malaysian, I know for sure that the bolded part is a very lame excuse. It's in fact an excuse born when politicians, psychological and sociological on the 20th century try to give a scientific sounding terms or explanation for every small problem.

In reality, while cultural and language barriers do exist, I do not think it's anything like a 'barrier'. It's at the most a short period of uneasiness, unless you set it as a barrier in your mind. In Malaysia, there is a huge cultural difference between many races and in many areas, Indians and Chinese do not speak the same kind of Malay that Malays use to speak among themselves. I mean the slang words and such. While we may not be very integrated, I don't think anyone see it as a big problem to make friends with or talk to members or other races, or feel particularly uncomfortable if one is invited to a cultural festival or another race. So really it isn't much harder to mix with whites or blacks.


Added on April 10, 2011, 10:40 am
QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 10 2011, 10:13 AM)
Cultureshock is a very real and alive phenomenon, even if in malaysia you speak a competent level of english, it doesn't mean you can click culturally, most malaysians don't have that strong command of english to the point of confidence. Why is it that you say that they aren't accepting of others? Could it be that they just don't know HOW to interact? and so they keep quiet and just do what they know they can do? Isn't it a defense mechanism? to be with the familiar? Like i said, of course it'd be great to get out of your comfort zone, especially in the US. But for those who do have a problem, looking down on them and shunning them is only gonna make it worse. As to studying overseas, some people value the education as it is, an education, just a degree. So they don't feel the need to have all the social interaction for them to feel that it's worthwhile eventhough i disagree with that.

Anyway, back on topic. I know that TOEFL is the main english proficiency test for the US, could IELTS serve as a substitute? my sponsors are only willing to pay for IELTS unfortunately.


Added on April 10, 2011, 10:15 am
Natalie Portman went to Yale, Emma Watson went to Brown. dunno who else lol
*
Honestly I haven't really met anyone who has been culture-"shocked". And you don't need to speak English competently to be able to communicate with them. Sometimes I don't get half the things a black person is speaking is they use ebonics to the full. There are alot of people who are very poor at English and mingle around very well. There are alot alot of people who speak good English by have an accent. Alot of white have a hard time understanding what I say if I talk too fast cause my accent sounds weird to them.

And erm, some colleges do accept IELTS, most don't. Of course you should email your college. And I don't think it's too hard to persuade your sponsor to pay for your TOEFL.

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Apr 10 2011, 10:40 AM
defectivelasagna
post Apr 10 2011, 10:49 AM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 10 2011, 10:28 AM)
Eee, while I'm not disgusted at Malaysian who just stick to Malaysian, I know for sure that the bolded part is a very lame excuse. It's in fact an excuse born when politicians, psychological and sociological on the 20th century try to give a scientific sounding terms or explanation for every small problem.

In reality, while cultural and language barriers do exist, I do not think it's anything like a 'barrier'. It's at the most a short period of uneasiness, unless you set it as a barrier in your mind. In Malaysia, there is a huge cultural difference between many races and in many areas, Indians and Chinese do not speak the same kind of Malay that Malays use to speak among themselves. I mean the slang words and such. While we may not be very integrated, I don't think anyone see it as a big problem to make friends with or talk to members or other races, or feel particularly uncomfortable if one is invited to a cultural festival or another race. So really it isn't much harder to mix with whites or blacks.


Added on April 10, 2011, 10:40 am

Honestly I haven't really met anyone who has been culture-"shocked". And you don't need to speak English competently to be able to communicate with them. Sometimes I don't get half the things a black person is speaking is they use ebonics to the full. There are alot of people who are very poor at English and mingle around very well. There are alot alot of people who speak good English by have an accent. Alot of white have a hard time understanding what I say if I talk too fast cause my accent sounds weird to them.

And erm, some colleges do accept IELTS, most don't. Of course you should email your college. And I don't think it's too hard to persuade your sponsor to pay for your TOEFL.
*
Well, what do you suggest is the reason malaysians stick together? They simply don't want to?

hmm it seems that practically all unis that i want to apply to do accept IELTS, thanks though smile.gif


mumeichan
post Apr 10 2011, 11:03 AM

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QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 10 2011, 10:49 AM)
Well, what do you suggest is the reason malaysians stick together? They simply don't want to?

hmm it seems that practically all unis that i want to apply to do accept IELTS, thanks though smile.gif
*
Then take IELTS lor... As long as the school accepts it and you're above the cut off point, I don't think it makes a difference which you take.


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post Apr 10 2011, 11:28 AM

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IELTS and TOEFL are both accepted


Added on April 10, 2011, 11:28 am
QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 9 2011, 10:13 PM)
Cultureshock is a very real and alive phenomenon, even if in malaysia you speak a competent level of english, it doesn't mean you can click culturally, most malaysians don't have that strong command of english to the point of confidence. Why is it that you say that they aren't accepting of others? Could it be that they just don't know HOW to interact? and so they keep quiet and just do what they know they can do? Isn't it a defense mechanism? to be with the familiar? Like i said, of course it'd be great to get out of your comfort zone, especially in the US. But for those who do have a problem, looking down on them and shunning them is only gonna make it worse. As to studying overseas, some people value the education as it is, an education, just a degree. So they don't feel the need to have all the social interaction for them to feel that it's worthwhile eventhough i disagree with that.
*
what mumei said.

Lame. Ass. Excuses.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 10 2011, 11:28 AM
latias93
post Apr 10 2011, 01:05 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 10 2011, 05:22 AM)
why does feeling disgust for such people mean I'm white-washed? As it is, a lot of Malaysians like to say they studied overseas ... but all their friends are Malaysian. Why did you go overseas then? Where are your multi-cultural, multi-racial friends that aren't Malaysian? Making excuses about "cultures not clicking", that is YOUR face problem because you're not accepting of others and expecting them to accept you.
in the US? Language barrier is not an excuse at all, because all Malaysians speak some competent level of English (I hope). Cultural barriers how? It's not like they're forcing theirs on you nor should you be forcing yours on them. So many excuses as to why Malaysians stick to Malaysians overseas ... I think the one I would accept is "I'm afraid of white people", but then that begs the question:

Why are you going to the West for studies if you're afraid of white people? laugh.gif
*
True, true.

There are no real "cultural barriers" in the US. The only culture is the one we're bringing in. Correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I am concerned the Americans have no real culture that is so hard to adjust to. It's not like we are in Cambodia where we might be made to eat some fried insects or have some weird ceremony in the jungle that might conflict with your beliefs.

Malaysians relatively stick to themselves as they find it much more comfortable and easy to click.. c'mon, all you have to say to make friends is, "Which part of Malaysia are you from?" and BAM! new friends made. It's not at all different in making friends with Americans. They're just not making the effort.


QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 10 2011, 10:13 AM)
Cultureshock is a very real and alive phenomenon, even if in malaysia you speak a competent level of english, it doesn't mean you can click culturally, most malaysians don't have that strong command of english to the point of confidence. Why is it that you say that they aren't accepting of others? Could it be that they just don't know HOW to interact? and so they keep quiet and just do what they know they can do? Isn't it a defense mechanism? to be with the familiar? Like i said, of course it'd be great to get out of your comfort zone, especially in the US. But for those who do have a problem, looking down on them and shunning them is only gonna make it worse. As to studying overseas, some people value the education as it is, an education, just a degree. So they don't feel the need to have all the social interaction for them to feel that it's worthwhile eventhough i disagree with that.

Anyway, back on topic. I know that TOEFL is the main english proficiency test for the US, could IELTS serve as a substitute? my sponsors are only willing to pay for IELTS unfortunately.


Added on April 10, 2011, 10:15 am
Natalie Portman went to Yale, Emma Watson went to Brown. dunno who else lol
*
Malaysians are too comfortable speaking Manglish. Not that it's bad, but I know some of them are very afraid and try very hard to keep a 'normal' English sentence while talking to foreigners instead of speaking rojak as one would do to other Malaysians. Those in the US actually have competent level of English. Being in Malaysia, sometimes seeing a mat salleh is such a big deal to us (especially when we're younger). Perhaps it's this? Something we carry forward till adulthood?
mumeichan
post Apr 10 2011, 01:16 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 10 2011, 01:05 PM)
Malaysians are too comfortable speaking Manglish. Not that it's bad, but I know some of them are very afraid and try very hard to keep a 'normal' English sentence while talking to foreigners instead of speaking rojak as one would do to other Malaysians. Those in the US actually have competent level of English. Being in Malaysia, sometimes seeing a mat salleh is such a big deal to us (especially when we're younger). Perhaps it's this? Something we carry forward till adulthood?
*
Err no, they don't. And for casual conversations, the level of English hardly matters. Some international students write very well but have a hard time stringing sentences in speech, that doesn't matter. And honestly, does anyone not use colloquial language when they're speaking. And I guarantee you, even if someone ended every sentence with "la" it wouldn't hinder the conversation one bit, they'd just get used to it. In fact, even if you pronounce the word wrong, they'd get it, cause language is flexible. You can say fla for flour, sal-men for salmon and they'd still get you despite the large difference. If they have negative prejudices against international people, that's one thing, but if they're willing to be friendly from the beginning, language is their least concern.
latias93
post Apr 10 2011, 01:30 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 10 2011, 01:16 PM)
Err no, they don't. And for casual conversations, the level of English hardly matters. Some international students write very well but have a hard time stringing sentences in speech, that doesn't matter. And honestly, does anyone not use colloquial language when they're speaking. And I guarantee you, even if someone ended every sentence with "la" it wouldn't hinder the conversation one bit, they'd just get used to it. In fact, even if you pronounce the word wrong, they'd get it, cause language is flexible. You can say fla for flour, sal-men for salmon and they'd still get you despite the large difference. If they have negative prejudices against international people, that's one thing, but if they're willing to be friendly from the beginning, language is their least concern.
*
That's pretty true as well. Okay, let me revise my sentence. MOST of them have competent level of English, on paper, if not in real life situations. I do know a few people who have really bad English upon arrival in the States, eventhough they're 'bright' students fully sponsored by the government to study in Northwestern and Syracuse. I have no idea how they managed to get in with their rudimentary English.

As for myself, I do sometimes let slip a 'lah' loose (out of habit), but my white friends have taken a liking to it and even sometimes say 'lah' when speaking to me. Language is indeed not a barrier. In the end it all boils down to the individual.
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post Apr 10 2011, 11:33 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 10 2011, 05:22 AM)
why does feeling disgust for such people mean I'm white-washed? As it is, a lot of Malaysians like to say they studied overseas ... but all their friends are Malaysian. Why did you go overseas then? Where are your multi-cultural, multi-racial friends that aren't Malaysian? Making excuses about "cultures not clicking", that is YOUR face problem because you're not accepting of others and expecting them to accept you.
in the US? Language barrier is not an excuse at all, because all Malaysians speak some competent level of English (I hope). Cultural barriers how? It's not like they're forcing theirs on you nor should you be forcing yours on them. So many excuses as to why Malaysians stick to Malaysians overseas ... I think the one I would accept is "I'm afraid of white people", but then that begs the question:

Why are you going to the West for studies if you're afraid of white people?  laugh.gif
*
because u feel disgust just because ur own kind wants to stick among themselves more.. errr, studying overseas means studying, not making friends overseas... to get a better education? errr, msians are multi-cultural in the 1st place... come on you're living so long with foreigners dont tell me their culture is not diff? accepting and understanding is enough.. you dont have to force yourself to follow or even be like them.. face prob? come on la, kopitiam is the other side --->>>

so if there's no forcing why go and force yourself and others? as long as you're comfortable there, it doesnt matter whether u are mingling around with foreigners or not? it is not an excuse in the 1st place but trying to explain to you that there're several reasons why people prefer to mingle among themselves most of the time.. msians have a right to choose, if they choose to mingle among themselves who are you to say they should do this and should do that?

errr, to receive white ppl's education but not to go and hangout with them... and even if msians choose to mingle with them, it is their own choice, not on your accord all msians that go overseas must mingle with foreigners

QUOTE(OMG! @ Apr 10 2011, 10:12 AM)
Anyone know which celebrity or any famous figures who study at US top notch university besides Mark Zukermberg, the FB founder.
*
obama rclxms.gif
spunkberry
post Apr 11 2011, 12:21 AM

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QUOTE(OMG! @ Apr 9 2011, 10:12 PM)
Anyone know which celebrity or any famous figures who study at US top notch university besides Mark Zukermberg, the FB founder.
*
Emma Watson at Brown University
Natalie Portman (was) at Harvard University

QUOTE(alaskanbunny @ Apr 10 2011, 11:33 AM)
because u feel disgust just because ur own kind wants to stick among themselves more.. errr, studying overseas means studying, not making friends overseas... to get a better education? errr, msians are multi-cultural in the 1st place... come on you're living so long with foreigners dont tell me their culture is not diff? accepting and understanding is enough.. you dont have to force yourself to follow or even be like them.. face prob? come on la, kopitiam is the other side --->>>

so if there's no forcing why go and force yourself and others? as long as you're comfortable there, it doesnt matter whether u are mingling around with foreigners or not? it is not an excuse in the 1st place but trying to explain to you that there're several reasons why people prefer to mingle among themselves most of the time.. msians have a right to choose, if they choose to mingle among themselves who are you to say they should do this and should do that?

errr, to receive white ppl's education but not to go and hangout with them... and even if msians choose to mingle with them, it is their own choice, not on your accord all msians that go overseas must mingle with foreigners
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you're still making excuses for malaysians who spend thousands and thousands of ringgit to get an overseas education to hang out with fellow malaysians. I don't tell them what to do, I just say what I THINK they should do. SO defensive you. They want to waste their parents' money doing what they can do in Malaysia, then by all means let them do what they want.

I think they're wasting money. Go overseas, spend 2-3 years there and then come back with a Malaysian girlfriend/boyfriend and then continue complaining that they're stuck in Malaysia.

I WONDER WHY

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 11 2011, 12:22 AM
rokai88
post Apr 11 2011, 12:23 AM

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i am going there soon, and i one of the main reasons why i am going(besides studying) is to experience new things and meet new people. regardless if youre send there by your parents or scholarships i am pretty sure they woudlnt want you to remain in your comfort zone and only sticks with malaysians. since youre there why not mixed around? so you can see more and experience.

however, i do believe that cultural difference might hinder your effort in making new friends. and i am not talking about language barriers here. for example muslims have a lot of restrictions. cannot drink, no touching man-woman, eat only halal food etc. so it would be difficult for them to participate in a lot of social activities since bar is a common hangout place. plus eating is another issues since alot of sociallizing happens during meals its already a negative point.

it also depends what level of friendship is in perspective. is it a hi-h-, bye-bye kind of friends you only meet in class? is it a only academic related (assignments, study) type of friends? or it is the friends who you spend most of the time with hanging out, shopping, movies etc? because if youre talking about the later it would require a lot of compromising from the both party? would they not hangout in bars? would they only eat at halal restaurant? since friendship is based on similarities of interest this can be a major drawback would you think so? if a definition of "fun" differ from one individual to another. maybe being friends is not fun anymore?

i am not saying this can be used as excuses. but it would require a lot compromising and understanding for both side. difficult but can be done. so MAYBE labelling them "disgusting" is a bit harsh.


anyways, i strongly feel sport is the best bonding tools. maybe its the easiest way to start making new friends smile.gif
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post Apr 11 2011, 12:26 AM

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you make it sound like it's such a difficult thing to do lol if anything, Americans find different cultures FASCINATING. As for the Muslim cannot touch man-woman all that jazz, as if our generation abides by that anymore. Most of my Muslim friends drink and smoke ... why should going to the US make that any different?
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post Apr 11 2011, 12:36 AM

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my point is: cultures differences MIGHT be a drawback in making good friends as it requires a lot compomising from both party.

dont pin points on individuals. i am talking as whole here. if for example you dont abides the islamic rules anymore my arguments wouldnt be valid on you anymore.

besides don't assume all muslims are your friends smile.gif
spunkberry
post Apr 11 2011, 12:42 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 10 2011, 12:36 PM)
my point is: cultures differences MIGHT be a drawback  in making good friends as it requires a lot compomising from both party.

dont pin points on individuals. i am talking as whole here. if for example you dont abides the islamic rules anymore my arguments wouldnt be valid on you anymore.

besides don't assume all muslims are your friends smile.gif
*
true, they're not all my friends, but just observing others too. Meh there are always the few devout ones that I respect very much smile.gif
defectivelasagna
post Apr 11 2011, 12:49 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 11 2011, 12:26 AM)
you make it sound like it's such a difficult thing to do lol if anything, Americans find different cultures FASCINATING. As for the Muslim cannot touch man-woman all that jazz, as if our generation abides by that anymore. Most of my Muslim friends drink and smoke ... why should going to the US make that any different?
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okay now THAT is ignorant, there are many malaysian muslims who do abide by those rules. if you know malaysian muslims(well, practically malays) culture well enough then you'd know what you said was blatant generalization. Just because you know a couple of people who don't doesn't mean it represents everyone.

you don't seem to see it from their side, some people find other things more difficult than other people do.


mumeichan
post Apr 11 2011, 12:49 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 11 2011, 12:23 AM)
i am going there soon, and i one of the main reasons why i am going(besides studying) is to experience new things and meet new people. regardless if youre send there by your parents or scholarships i am pretty sure they woudlnt want you to remain in your comfort zone and only sticks with malaysians. since youre there why not mixed around? so you can see more and experience.

however, i do believe that cultural difference might hinder your effort in making new friends. and i am not talking about language barriers here. for example muslims have a lot of restrictions. cannot drink, no touching man-woman, eat only halal food etc. so it would be difficult for them to participate in a lot of social activities since bar is a common hangout place. plus eating is another issues since alot of sociallizing happens during meals its already a negative point.

it also depends what level of friendship is in perspective. is it a hi-h-, bye-bye kind of friends you only meet in class? is it a only academic related (assignments, study) type of friends? or it is the friends who you spend most of the time with hanging out, shopping, movies etc? because if youre talking about the later it would require a lot of compromising from the both party? would they not hangout in bars? would they only eat at halal restaurant? since friendship is based on similarities of interest this can be a major drawback would you think so? if a definition of "fun" differ from one individual to another. maybe being friends is not fun anymore?

i am not saying this can be used as excuses. but it would require a lot compromising and understanding for both side. difficult but can be done. so MAYBE labelling them "disgusting" is a bit harsh.
anyways, i strongly feel sport is the best bonding tools. maybe its the easiest way to start making new friends smile.gif
*
I'm not in for the 'disgusting' deabte but...you have a few misconceptions. I feel it's partly due to the mass media.

First, many people go to the bars on Saturday, after exams, freer weeks and such, but it's not like the bar is the de facto hanging out place. Most people hangout on campus, the dorms and local restaurants, not the bar. Not everyone drinks. The people who actually party are even rarer. No one needs to mix with that crowd if it isn't their thing. And I mean even for people who drink and party, it's not like they are doing it 24/7.

I'm not saying their all nice and good, like any place in the world, you can find saints and angels down to bastards and b****es. But there are enough friendly people around.

And just because you're friends it doesn't mean you need to hangout with them 24/7. If one likes movies, then go for movies, but one might not like football, then just skip the football game. It doesn't mean ditching Malaysian, but it means not living in a Malaysian coconut shell exclusively. Of course we're Malaysians, and we should get acquainted with the Malaysia there and be friends with them. We can promote out culture and language too and we can always invite them to our place for Malaysian festivities.

There are ALOT of Jews in US and the religious ones also follow all kinds of strict rules like Muslims. I don't see them complaining about making friends? ANy Muslim person can easily friends Americans who will go out of the way to a halal restaurant, or hangout at an ice-creame shop or drink shop or buy stuff from the halal shop to cook.

Yea it requires compromising and understanding, everything does, even here in Malaysia. It's not doing anything unusual or bizarre by being compromising. And like spunkberry said, Americans are crazy over Asian culture. Sometimes you wonder why Malaysia has so many tourist right? They just like it, seeing different things. If you tell them you're from Malaysia, the first thing they'll say it "wow cool" but they don't even know where Malaysia is. But as it goes along they'll take an interest in it.

And again, by no means I think it's all roses. Sure I've experience discrimination and such before. But I really don't see it as a hindrance, and I think having that mindset keeps one for being really open to other people.


Added on April 11, 2011, 12:53 am
QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 11 2011, 12:36 AM)
my point is: cultures differences MIGHT be a drawback  in making good friends as it requires a lot compomising from both party.

dont pin points on individuals. i am talking as whole here. if for example you dont abides the islamic rules anymore my arguments wouldnt be valid on you anymore.

besides don't assume all muslims are your friends smile.gif
*
See, why does it require "alot" of compromising? Do you feel like you're giving up a whole lot by not eating char siew with your Malay friends? Do you think you Malays are giving up alot when they hear Chinese and Indian people speak Malay in their accents?

I'm not arguing with you about me being right and you being wrong. I'm saying that some implicit attitudes like this, feeling "alot" when there really isn't alot of compromising does make it harder to make friends. People may not be consciously aware of everything they do, but the amount of smiles, the way we smile, the tone of our voice and alot of body language comes into play. This is believe is far more of a hindrance to making friends than language or culture can ever be.

I've nothing to gain or lose by arguing here, so that's not my reason of posting, I do sincerely wish they you guys who will be spending a hell lot of money on your education get the most out of the cultural experience. That you'll make close friends from all over the world, not just US, who you'll be calling back 10 years from now. A Lot of people do come here with ideal of making friends and such but suddenly fall back to their own culture pocket, why because they really have some mental block in going out, and not everyone realizes it or even wants to admit it. I'm not free from that either.

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Apr 11 2011, 01:00 AM
spunkberry
post Apr 11 2011, 12:55 AM

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QUOTE(defectivelasagna @ Apr 10 2011, 12:49 PM)
okay now THAT is ignorant, there are many malaysian muslims who do abide by those rules. if you know malaysian muslims(well, practically malays) culture well enough then you'd know what you said was blatant generalization. Just because you know a couple of people who don't doesn't mean it represents everyone. 

you don't seem to see it from their side, some people find other things more difficult than other people do.
*
well first of all, I agreed with rokai when he called me out on generalizing based on a small sampling so I don't know why you're still biting my head off - maybe because you didn't read what I said. What I'm saying is not only based off what my friends do but also what I see other people do. I agree with you that there are still those that are devout, also what I said in my response to rokai, and I respect them highly.

A lot of Malaysians claim to be open-minded and accepting, yet shun MY ways of thinking and call me white-washed. I wonder who really is open-minded?

QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 10 2011, 12:49 PM)
See, why does it require "alot" of compromising? Do you feel like you're giving up a whole lot by not eating char siew with your Malay friends? Do you think you Malays are giving up alot when they hear Chinese and Indian people speak Malay in their accents?
*
thank you very much.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 11 2011, 12:58 AM
defectivelasagna
post Apr 11 2011, 01:00 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 11 2011, 12:55 AM)
well first of all, I agreed with rokai when he called me out on generalizing based on a small sampling so I don't know why you're still biting my head off - maybe because you can't read. What I'm saying is not only based off what my friends do but also what I see other people do. I agree with you that there are still those that are devout, also what I said in my response to rokai, and I respect them highly.

A lot of Malaysians claim to be open-minded and accepting, yet shun MY ways of thinking and call me white-washed.
thank you very much.
*
Or maybe it's because he replied while i was still typing? thanks for the assumption though.


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post Apr 11 2011, 01:09 AM

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you mean I replied, and I changed my response to be less provocative but I suppose you still want to continue? I'm at least making an effort now.

Anyway, I stand by what I said earlier about Malaysians sticking with Malaysians overseas annoying me, and I'm not imposing that on anybody. It's my opinion, and I doubt I'm the only one in the whole world who thinks like this.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 11 2011, 01:17 AM
rokai88
post Apr 11 2011, 01:31 AM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 11 2011, 12:49 AM)
I'm not in for the 'disgusting' deabte but...you have a few misconceptions. I feel it's partly due to the mass media.

First, many people go to the bars on Saturday, after exams, freer weeks and such, but it's not like the bar is the de facto hanging out place. Most people hangout on campus, the dorms and local restaurants, not the bar. Not everyone drinks. The people who actually party are even rarer. No one needs to mix with that crowd if it isn't their thing. And I mean even for people who drink and party, it's not like they are doing it 24/7.

I'm not saying their all nice and good, like any place in the world, you can find saints and angels down to bastards and b****es. But there are enough friendly people around.

And just because you're friends it doesn't mean you need to hangout with them 24/7. If one likes movies, then go for movies, but one might not like football, then just skip the football game. It doesn't mean ditching Malaysian, but it means not living in a Malaysian coconut shell exclusively. Of course we're Malaysians, and we should get acquainted with the Malaysia there and be friends with them. We can promote out culture and language too and we can always invite them to our place for Malaysian festivities.

There are ALOT of Jews in US and the religious ones also follow all kinds of strict rules like Muslims. I don't see them complaining about making friends? ANy Muslim person can easily friends Americans who will go out of the way to a halal restaurant, or hangout at an ice-creame shop or drink shop or buy stuff from the halal shop to cook.

Yea it requires compromising and understanding, everything does, even here in Malaysia. It's not doing anything unusual or bizarre by being compromising. And like spunkberry said, Americans are crazy over Asian culture. Sometimes you wonder why Malaysia has so many tourist right? They just like it, seeing different things. If you tell them you're from Malaysia, the first thing they'll say it  "wow cool" but they don't even know where Malaysia is. But as it goes along they'll take an interest in it.

And again, by no means I think it's all roses. Sure I've experience discrimination and such before. But I really don't see it as a hindrance, and I think having that mindset keeps one for being really open to other people.
great pov. ditto!

QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 11 2011, 12:49 AM)
See, why does it require "alot" of compromising? Do you feel like you're giving up a whole lot by not eating char siew with your Malay friends? Do you think you Malays are giving up alot when they hear Chinese and Indian people speak Malay in their accents?
hahaha. my arguments is on culture difference in respective of muslim believer. i dont know why you made it a "malay" thing. i see you have "somethings" againts the malays. i seriously woudlnt want to go into that. lets keep it a healthy thread smile.gif


Added on April 11, 2011, 1:34 am
QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 11 2011, 01:09 AM)
you mean I replied, and I changed my response to be less provocative but I suppose you still want to continue? I'm at least making an effort now.

Anyway, I stand by what I said earlier about Malaysians sticking with Malaysians overseas annoying me, and I'm not imposing that on anybody. It's my opinion, and I doubt I'm the only one in the whole world who thinks like this.
*
good. i have no issue with that. i am just stating out points from a different perspective. and it doesnt need to echo everyone here smile.gif

This post has been edited by rokai88: Apr 11 2011, 01:37 AM
spunkberry
post Apr 11 2011, 02:46 AM

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rokai: I don't think she's making it a malay thing, she's just pulling examples that so happen to be that smile.gif
mumeichan
post Apr 11 2011, 04:22 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 11 2011, 01:31 AM)
hahaha. my arguments is on culture difference in respective of muslim believer. i dont know why you made it a "malay" thing.  i see you have "somethings" againts the malays. i seriously woudlnt want to go into that. lets keep it a healthy thread smile.gif
*
I'm sorry if it sounded like a 'malay thing' to you. I really didn't intend that.
latias93
post Apr 11 2011, 06:05 PM

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Wow, looks like there's been a hot debate going on in this thread! laugh.gif

Personally, I don't really intend to be clinging around Malaysians in the US. I don't hate them, in fact I would be more than happy to meet some of them in the States. It's be nice if I had some Malaysian friends to celebrate Hari Raya with, considering my family won't be there.

I just feel that being in United States, we should mingle with their people and people of a culture foreign to us. Sure, we are all free to decide who we want to hang out with - but why limit ourselves to only Malaysians? I definitely did not go to USA to hang around Malaysians - I am going there because I want to experience a different culture and hang out with people from all walks of life.

I won't be seeing much of Malaysian students in San Francisco, I doubt there are many enrolled in the city, if not the Bay Area. As far as I am concerned, the nearest schools with MSAs are Stanford and USC.
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post Apr 11 2011, 08:51 PM

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there's no need to hate Malaysians, I never said I did. But it's good that you intend to mingle around ... I kinda got tired of the whole "I went overseas but I came back with a Malaysian boyfriend/girlfriend and now I want to complain for the rest of my life that I'm stuck in Malaysia" deal lol
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post Apr 11 2011, 10:24 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 11 2011, 12:21 AM)
you're still making excuses for malaysians who spend thousands and thousands of ringgit to get an overseas education to hang out with fellow malaysians. I don't tell them what to do, I just say what I THINK they should do. SO defensive you. They want to waste their parents' money doing what they can do in Malaysia, then by all means let them do what they want.

I think they're wasting money. Go overseas, spend 2-3 years there and then come back with a Malaysian girlfriend/boyfriend and then continue complaining that they're stuck in Malaysia.

I WONDER WHY
*
spending $$$ is their personal matter, getting an overseas education is the emphasis, hanging out with foreigners or not is just secondary.. of course they should, but it is up to them.. i are not defensive wub.gif whether it is a waste or not only the future can decide.. in msia you dont have top notch schools, instead in msia you have plenty of ang mohs you can hangout with if you want to.. especially when they are raring for asian girls

so you think going overseas then coming back with a foreign partner is a success? whether or not they hang out with foreigners and whether or not they migrate is 2 diff matters... well, if they complain then that's their prob

why? i dunno lol...
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 11 2011, 06:05 PM)
I just feel that being in United States, we should mingle with their people and people of a culture foreign to us. Sure, we are all free to decide who we want to hang out with - but why limit ourselves to only Malaysians? I definitely did not go to USA to hang around Malaysians - I am going there because I want to experience a different culture and hang out with people from all walks of life.

I won't be seeing much of Malaysian students in San Francisco, I doubt there are many enrolled in the city, if not the Bay Area. As far as I am concerned, the nearest schools with MSAs are Stanford and USC.
*
of course if you limit yourself then you're anti-social.. you dont go and purposely just stick to your own fellow country or the other way around purposely go and stick with foreigners... just do whats comfortable to you, that way you will have a better experience

you will be surprised at how many asians are there in san fran... lol, it is asian town there... usc in LA ler, i think u mean ucsf? actually berkeley is nearby too...
QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 11 2011, 08:51 PM)
there's no need to hate Malaysians, I never said I did. But it's good that you intend to mingle around ... I kinda got tired of the whole "I went overseas but I came back with a Malaysian boyfriend/girlfriend and now I want to complain for the rest of my life that I'm stuck in Malaysia" deal lol
*
errrr, disgust?

lol, it is up to them to complain lor... are you going to stay in the state and work there after graduation?
latias93
post Apr 11 2011, 11:09 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 11 2011, 08:51 PM)
there's no need to hate Malaysians, I never said I did. But it's good that you intend to mingle around ... I kinda got tired of the whole "I went overseas but I came back with a Malaysian boyfriend/girlfriend and now I want to complain for the rest of my life that I'm stuck in Malaysia" deal lol
*
Yeah, these scenarios are definitely the norm for those who came back here.. nobody asked them to return to Malaysia! Haha! My dad's friend married a fellow Malaysian that he met as they were the same batch that were sponsored to SIU Carbondale, if I'm not mistaken. They stayed there, became citizens, and now both their children are born and raised in America as well as pursuing their studies in top-notch places like Carnegie Mellon and Penn State.

QUOTE(alaskanbunny @ Apr 11 2011, 10:24 PM)
of course if you limit yourself then you're anti-social.. you dont go and purposely just stick to your own fellow country or the other way around purposely go and stick with foreigners... just do whats comfortable to you, that way you will have a better experience

you will be surprised at how many asians are there in san fran... lol, it is asian town there... usc in LA ler, i think u mean ucsf? actually berkeley is nearby too...
*
Yes, I agree.

I know how many Asians are there in San Francisco.. California is the melting pot of Asians in America. I think you didn't get what I meant, I meant specifically Malaysians. There are many PRC, Taiwanese, Japanese and Koreans in San Francisco, there's even the famous Chinatown there.

No, I didn't specify the schools to be in San Francisco either - I was just referencing to schools around the Bay Area (or California, for that matter) that have Malaysian Student Associations. UC Berkeley probably has one, but I know that both Stanford and USC have their own MSAs. biggrin.gif
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post Apr 12 2011, 05:00 AM

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QUOTE(alaskanbunny @ Apr 11 2011, 10:24 AM)
spending $$$ is their personal matter, getting an overseas education is the emphasis, hanging out with foreigners or not is just secondary.. of course they should, but it is up to them.. i are not defensive  wub.gif  whether it is a waste or not only the future can decide.. in msia you dont have top notch schools, instead in msia you have plenty of ang mohs you can hangout with if you want to.. especially when they are raring for asian girls

so you think going overseas then coming back with a foreign partner is a success? whether or not they hang out with foreigners and whether or not they migrate is 2 diff matters... well, if they complain then that's their prob

why? i dunno lol...
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


of course if you limit yourself then you're anti-social.. you dont go and purposely just stick to your own fellow country or the other way around purposely go and stick with foreigners... just do whats comfortable to you, that way you will have a better experience

you will be surprised at how many asians are there in san fran... lol, it is asian town there... usc in LA ler, i think u mean ucsf? actually berkeley is nearby too...

errrr, disgust?

lol, it is up to them to complain lor... are you going to stay in the state and work there after graduation?
*
no I don't think it's a success if you end up with a foreign partner ... I mean to emphasize those who make NO foreign friends, marry a Malaysian, and then come back to Malaysia b****ing non-stop about how they're stuck in Malaysia.

QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 11 2011, 11:09 AM)
Yeah, these scenarios are definitely the norm for those who came back here.. nobody asked them to return to Malaysia! Haha! My dad's friend married a fellow Malaysian that he met as they were the same batch that were sponsored to SIU Carbondale, if I'm not mistaken. They stayed there, became citizens, and now both their children are born and raised in America as well as pursuing their studies in top-notch places like Carnegie Mellon and Penn State.
Yes, I agree.

I know how many Asians are there in San Francisco.. California is the melting pot of Asians in America. I think you didn't get what I meant, I meant specifically Malaysians. There are many PRC, Taiwanese, Japanese and Koreans in San Francisco, there's even the famous Chinatown there.

No, I didn't specify the schools to be in San Francisco either - I was just referencing to schools around the Bay Area (or California, for that matter) that have Malaysian Student Associations. UC Berkeley probably has one, but I know that both Stanford and USC have their own MSAs. biggrin.gif
*
being able to stay in America is not easy. You'll have to find a job before you legally stay there.
SUSalaskanbunny
post Apr 12 2011, 08:09 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 12 2011, 05:00 AM)
no I don't think it's a success if you end up with a foreign partner ... I mean to emphasize those who make NO foreign friends, marry a Malaysian, and then come back to Malaysia b****ing non-stop about how they're stuck in Malaysia.
*
making no foreign friends is a no brainer, you eventually would have a few foreign friends in the end.. from group work etc etc

well, complaining is one matter, because no matter where you go ppl will complain... those that got a job and stay back will also complain..

no matter what, studying in US is a blessing nod.gif
Seiryu
post Apr 12 2011, 09:14 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 9 2011, 03:57 AM)
you'll disgust me if you do. you pay thousands, millions of ringgit to fly overseas to hang out with malaysians. you wanna do that you stay in malaysia... wasting money.
*
QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 10 2011, 05:22 AM)
why does feeling disgust for such people mean I'm white-washed? As it is, a lot of Malaysians like to say they studied overseas ... but all their friends are Malaysian. Why did you go overseas then? Where are your multi-cultural, multi-racial friends that aren't Malaysian?
*
People study in America to appreciate the high standard of education offered in the respective universities, either by learning from ivy league graduate professors, indulge in cross national discussion about world politics, using state of the art equipments, or involving themselves in real life projects with established American Companies like Facebook, Google, and GM.

Mixing with American to "learn their culture", while important, is a secondary thing.

By failing to see the difference between American education and the education back in Malaysia, you have failed to appreciate the high quality universities education in United States. You, my dear, are the one who is wasting money studying in the United States and you are the one who is better off studying in local universities.

Seriously, you keep poking the "Malaysian groups", accusing them of not learning the American culture by sticking to their own groups. Enlighten me, what have you learned about American culture, that is so special and unique, that those who "stick to their own groups" cannot learn?

This post has been edited by Seiryu: Apr 12 2011, 09:17 AM
spunkberry
post Apr 12 2011, 10:00 AM

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Seiryu, I obviously know the standard of education here, otherwise why would I even bother coming here? I also don't care if Malaysians don't mix with foreigners, because if I did care, I'd be imposing my views on others aka making them do what they don't necessarily want to do and I don't want that done to me. I've stated an opinion that I think they should. OBVIOUSLY the main point is to study, but if you're gonna stick with Malaysians ... why not do that at home for much cheaper?

People, you need to stop acting like I'm making you do this and like I'm the only one who thinks this way.
I'm just the only one actually saying it.
So defensive, it's laughable.
Do what you want, darlings, I'm not gonna make you do anything you don't want to do. I'm just allowed to say whatever I want about it.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 12 2011, 10:05 AM
mumeichan
post Apr 12 2011, 10:53 AM

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QUOTE(Seiryu @ Apr 12 2011, 09:14 AM)

People study in America to appreciate the high standard of education offered in the respective universities, either by learning from ivy league graduate professors, indulge in cross national discussion about world politics, using state of the art equipments, or involving themselves in real life projects with established American Companies like Facebook, Google, and GM. 


Mixing with American to "learn their culture", while important, is a secondary thing.

By failing to see the difference between American education and the education back in Malaysia, you have failed to appreciate the high quality universities education in United States.  You, my dear, are the one who is wasting money studying in the United States and you are the one who is better off studying in local universities.

Seriously, you keep poking the "Malaysian groups", accusing them of not learning the American culture by sticking to their own groups.  Enlighten me, what have you learned about American culture, that is so special and unique, that those who "stick to their own groups" cannot learn?
*
That parts really applies only to a very small fraction of colleges in US which have foreign students in it. And even in very good schools who have some or all of those, only a small number of students make use of these academic opportunities. I've been in a class with less than 30 people and they don't even know the lecturer's name. So I think immersion into the culture is as important as realizing one's academic goals. Even research professors know that academia is only half the story. I really don't see how it's secondary. American Education is only 'high quality' if one makes use of all the resources and making use of the resources is inseparable from building relationships with Americans. You don't learn much by just sitting in the lecture, you learn by meeting personally with he lecturer, discussing your ideas, involving yourself with research where you inevitably need to work harmoniously with others. How do you have a good discussion about politics and other social issue without getting to know American culture and how there viewpoints are shaped? By relying on sociology and anthropology textbooks about America? No one gets to use any state of the art equipment unless you're close to a professor. Otherwise you're just using normal equipment that can be found everywhere else. Google doesn't come to campus to give people a project they can do at home on their couch, they hold events, competitions and internships where you'll really need to interact and make friends with the people around you, who are mostly going to be Americans. The culture part is inseparable.

spunkberry may be harsh sometimes, but she's not poking "Malaysian groups", her point is going there and setting up a closed Malaysian village is a not something desirable. There's nothing so special about American culture, it's just their culture, something different, a different way of life people ascribe themselves too. A way of life that shapes their perspective of the world. A way of life that has produced a great nation. Do you think all their achievements today came from simply being in a land that became to be known as America? Their culture did produce some grad dreams and their culture pushed them into making those dreams a reality. That success made them what they are today. It's ingrained into their culture. There's good and bad to it, some with out Malaysian culture. Knowledge can be found in any book, but culture is what pushes the society forward. In business all depend on the culture of the company to keep its employees as a cohesive whole. We can stop being to grand and mighty about our culture. It has it good and bad. It has brought it alot of peace and very much less violence compared to many places in the world. But our economy can do much better, we can become a stronger political power and out culture is lacking in those drives. So we learn and bring back difference aspect of foreign culture that is beneficial to the field we are in. Alone it's a very small piece, but a whole of all the Malaysia who study overseas and bring back their small bit, it can create a big effect. Look at Japan, from being a totally closed country, it open up to various foreign culture that it saw was beneficial to them and adapted they way of life. Yet they still remain distinctively Japanese. We don't have to lose out identity by assimilating with Americans for a few years. Being friends with all the Malaysians you can find on campus is a totally different thing with forming a closed group with only Malaysia and being so timid about venturing out. There's a difference between having 100 best friends who are Malaysian and having only 100 friends who are all Malaysia. It's not about putting whites or blacks about anyone, it's about including them in our circle of friends.

If the greatness of American education is attending lectures, taking test and staining some bacteria red and basking in the great things one's university has but never participated in, then it's simply no different from reading a textbook quietly in one's room. Does listening to a Harvard professor and then using the latest DNA spectrometry machine automatically make a person do great things in the future?
Seiryu
post Apr 12 2011, 12:15 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 12 2011, 10:53 AM)
That parts really applies only to a very small fraction of colleges in US which have foreign students in it. And even in very good schools who have some or all of those, only a small number of students make use of these academic opportunities. I've been in a class with less than 30 people and they don't even know the lecturer's name. So I think immersion into the culture is as important as realizing one's academic goals. Even research professors know that academia is only half the story. I really don't see how it's secondary. American Education is only 'high quality' if one makes use of all the resources and making use of the resources is inseparable from building relationships with Americans. You don't learn much by just sitting in the lecture, you learn by meeting personally with he lecturer, discussing your ideas, involving yourself with research where you inevitably need to work harmoniously with others. How do you have a good discussion about politics and other social issue without getting to know American culture and how there viewpoints are shaped? By relying on sociology and anthropology textbooks about America? No one gets to use any state of the art equipment unless you're close to a professor. Otherwise you're just using normal equipment that can be found everywhere else. Google doesn't come to campus to give people a project they can do at home on their couch, they hold events, competitions and internships where you'll really need to interact and make friends with the people around you, who are mostly going to be Americans. The culture part is inseparable.

spunkberry may be harsh sometimes, but she's not poking "Malaysian groups", her point is going there and setting up a closed Malaysian village is a not something desirable. There's nothing so special about American culture, it's just their culture, something different, a different way of life people ascribe themselves too. A way of life that shapes their perspective of the world.  A way of life that has produced a great nation. Do you think all their achievements today came from simply being in a land that became to be known as America? Their culture did produce some grad dreams and their culture pushed them into making those dreams a reality. That success made them what they are today. It's ingrained into their culture. There's good and bad to it, some with out Malaysian culture. Knowledge can be found in any book, but culture is what pushes the society forward. In business all depend on the culture of the company to keep its employees as a cohesive whole. We can stop being to grand and mighty about our culture. It has it good and bad. It has brought it alot of peace and very much less violence compared to many places in the world. But our economy can do much better, we can become a stronger political power and out culture is lacking in those drives. So we learn and bring back difference aspect of foreign culture that is beneficial to the field we are in. Alone it's a very small piece, but a whole of all the Malaysia who study overseas and bring back their small bit, it can create a big effect. Look at Japan, from being a totally closed country, it open up to various foreign culture that it saw was beneficial to them and adapted they way of life. Yet they still remain distinctively Japanese. We don't have to lose out identity by assimilating with Americans for a few years. Being friends with all the Malaysians you can find on campus is a totally different thing with forming a closed group with only Malaysia and being so timid about venturing out. There's a difference between having 100 best friends who are Malaysian and having only 100 friends who are all Malaysia. It's not about putting whites or blacks about anyone, it's about including them in our circle of friends.

If the greatness of American education is attending lectures, taking test and staining some bacteria red and basking in the great things one's university has but never participated in, then it's simply no different from reading a textbook quietly in one's room. Does listening to a Harvard professor and then using the latest DNA spectrometry machine automatically make a person do great things in the future?
*
I'm sorry your post is too wordy. Could you briefly summarize your response to my question:

"what have you learned about American culture, that is so special and unique, that those who "stick to their own groups" cannot learn?"

Also, it seems that you agree with this point:

If Malaysians are utilizing all the resources in the universities (including BUT NOT LIMITED TO getting to know professors, who are not all Americans), then even if they were to only mix with their own peers, they can learn a great deal about American culture and bring back necessary knowledge back to the country. So they are not "wasting their money" studying in America by only mixing with their own peers, as claimed by spunkberry.

This post has been edited by Seiryu: Apr 12 2011, 12:20 PM
spunkberry
post Apr 12 2011, 12:31 PM

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...*sigh* better not.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 12 2011, 12:44 PM
Seiryu
post Apr 12 2011, 12:51 PM

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no offense, spunkberry. good discussion.
rokai88
post Apr 12 2011, 08:41 PM

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so any lyn members in pittsburgh?
XterNalz
post Apr 12 2011, 09:07 PM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 12 2011, 08:41 PM)
so any lyn members in pittsburgh?
*
One of the top STPM 2008 scorers, Mark Wong is studying at CMU - http://www.recom.org/forum/member.php?u=10609

This post has been edited by XterNalz: Apr 12 2011, 09:08 PM
spunkberry
post Apr 12 2011, 09:09 PM

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QUOTE(Seiryu @ Apr 12 2011, 12:51 AM)
no offense, spunkberry.  good discussion.
*
I'm not offended at all, don't worry. I just wanted to say that if you can't be assed to read her post, why should she be assed to answer your question?

as for my answer to your question:
I've learned how they pronounce certain words, some of which I've pronounced incorrectly ... and a LOT of other Malaysians DEFINITELY pronounce incorrectly. I find the culture differences fascinating ... like how the BRIDE pays for the wedding, not the groom. Where I am, people work to get their spending money even as students, I'm considered one of the very lucky ones who depend on the parents for everything ... and even then, I realize the pros and cons just talking with them.

People headed to the US always ask about the racial discrimination and whatnot ... and I say there is little to none. The little that is there is usually towards people who make new kampungs in the US from their home countries. Why? Because they want to be a part of the group but the language barrier (most of these new kampungs use their native languages) and they resent a lot of internationals for that. I don't blame them at all for that - who likes being around people who constantly speak in their native language and basically shove the non-speakers out of the group? I've felt that way around the Korean kampungs. My American friends even learned some BM from me because of all the stuff I shout in lab and converse in with my Malaysian teammate.
Seiryu
post Apr 13 2011, 01:35 AM

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Well it's not that I didn't bother to read her post. It's just that in arguments, it's a courtesy to express your thoughts in the most concise possible way, so that the people on the other side (i.e. me) can take in your points with little to no confusion, and then give appropriate response. It's a form of respect to both people disagreeing with you and general readers (if argument is in written form), and one of the basic rules of establishing fruitful discussions.

Lengthy, wordy arguments with little structure risks confusing people more than trying to state a point. If I were to respond to that lengthy post, I risk not understanding her major points, and establish bigger confusions! So that's why I requested a summary to my question.

Back to the topic. With all due respect, although what you learn from mixing with American friends is valuable, it doesn't show how by not mixing with the Americans, Malaysians lose out a hell lot. Pronunciation is not a problem, many Malaysians who speak Malaysian English end up getting jobs in the U.S. (and there are cases where Malaysians who speak American English could not find a job in the U.S.) Discrimination, well, the sample of friends that you mix with is probably too small to represent the views of the whole American population anyway.

I think it's time we end this discussion. We can agree to disagree on this issue. We don't seem to have new insights to talk about.

This post has been edited by Seiryu: Apr 13 2011, 01:44 AM
spunkberry
post Apr 13 2011, 08:11 AM

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basically you're just saying that it's okay for Malaysians to spend all that money to go overseas to make new kampungs. Okay.
rokai88
post Apr 13 2011, 10:21 PM

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there is china town, little india... so next is malaysia village. hehehe.
latias93
post Apr 17 2011, 05:43 PM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Apr 13 2011, 10:21 PM)
there is china town, little india... so next is malaysia village. hehehe.
*
Haha.. we integrate Chinatown, Little India and Kampung Melayu in it.. not to mention the many other races inhibiting Malaysia.. laugh.gif


EducationABC
post Apr 18 2011, 10:45 PM

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Hi, I am Form 4 and I am interested to study in US. I have a question: Can you study in US using SPM for secondary education qualification and A levels in place of High school? Most american unis didn't mention much about this. I know taking ADP would be easier, but I want to keep my choices open to UK universities as well plus the fact that I am only interested in 3 American universities: MIT, University Berkeley California and Stanford.
Currently interested in studying chemical engineering. By the way, I have learned that they require evaluation/recommendation letters, so should I ask for one after I finished form 5 and college? We don't seem to have that kind of practice back in Malaysia.....
chew1991
post Apr 20 2011, 12:34 PM

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@Education ABC , yes you can do that. Everyone i know who is in US doing a 4-year degree undergo A-lvls. smile.gif

And yes , get recommendation letters from your high school form teacher/principal, and from your key lecturers when you're in college smile.gif
spunkberry
post Apr 20 2011, 12:55 PM

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the 3 universities that you'll have to be like the most amazing person ever to get into. MIT ... top engineering university in the US. UC Berkeley ... they cater 99% to California residents only. Stanford ... not really known for engineering but whatever floats your boat.
EducationABC
post Apr 20 2011, 05:47 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 20 2011, 12:55 PM)
the 3 universities that you'll have to be like the most amazing person ever to get into. MIT ... top engineering university in the US. UC Berkeley ... they cater 99% to California residents only. Stanford ... not really known for engineering but whatever floats your boat.
*
Actually, I didn't mean that I will only apply to these 3 universities. Cambridge and Oxford top my list, followed by Imperial, then these 3 universities. The reason I am applying to these 3 unis is that I want to increase my chance of getting admitted to top unis. I am not naive enough to think I will definitely get a place in any of these unis, so my full list consist of
1. Cambridge or Oxford
2. Imperial College London
3. MIT or UCB or Stanford
4. NUS or Melbourne or McGill
5. Monash or Nanyang(SG)
6. Nottingham (Malaysia)

As you can see, If I don't even try to apply for the top unis I can find, the chances of entering any prestigious uni would be slim. And if you are wondering, Stanford ranks No. 5 in QS world university rankings by chemical engineering.

http://www.topuniversities.com/university-...cal-engineering

I know that rankings do not always reflect the the truth, but what I am looking towards to is not only the academics, but the what employers like as well. Besides, attending top unis also enable you to gain transferable skills ( particularly US ones) which are deemed critical as not all chemical engineers managed to find a job in a chemical plant.

SUSalaskanbunny
post Apr 20 2011, 10:35 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 20 2011, 12:55 PM)
the 3 universities that you'll have to be like the most amazing person ever to get into. MIT ... top engineering university in the US. UC Berkeley ... they cater 99% to California residents only. Stanford ... not really known for engineering but whatever floats your boat.
*
berkeley 99% residents? .... more like 40% asians... same for ucla, ucsd, ucsf...


Added on April 20, 2011, 10:39 pmstanford not really known for engineering? you gotta be kidding me...

This post has been edited by alaskanbunny: Apr 20 2011, 10:39 PM
chew1991
post Apr 21 2011, 12:59 AM

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Yes, there might be 40% asians but they're still residents of California. It'll typically occur in every californian school because the state has a 50:50 asian:white population if im nt mistaken.

lol, stanford is renowned for engineering, but not as good as the other two unis, UCB and MIT. lol
reiben05
post Apr 21 2011, 01:42 AM

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planning on going to the states in 2 years time (transfering after 70 credits or so)..

but i might change to Canada if its too expensive because i'll be aiming to study in California (cost of living + studying is expensive).. San Diego looks tough to enter.. and California state university sweat.gif

im doing Computer Science atm.. but might consider changing to Engineering or Business..

chew1991
post Apr 21 2011, 03:11 AM

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try San Jose State U if you wanna pursue computer science engineering in cal, affordable fees and decent for computer science major smile.gif
maru&box
post Apr 21 2011, 06:01 AM

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Um hello everyone,

I'm new here but I would like to ask if anybody here has secured jobs/internships yet during their studies?I'm having a tough time deciding if I should stay or leave. I'm graduating soon and I am not very optimistic about my job prospects(Even though I'm an Electrical Engineer).Sadly,most of the internships offered to undergraduates are basically coding,programming and database management, which has nothing to do with my interests, which is in hardware and electronics.And coding+ programming here is more towards the types you would do in computer science, not so much in electrical engineering. It's the same story with research positions.I did manage to secure some research work in a different branch of engineering but it doesn't seem to be useful in the career I want to pursue.Most of the entry level jobs in hardware and electronics engineering have been outsourced to China (And other countries),and the remaining jobs are for Masters and PhD holders(for the large companies at least).I don't know if smaller companies would want to hire a foreigner?The companies that do hire lots of degree holders are defense companies that can't outsource their low level workers.

So,I am torn between leaving the US to get a masters or trying finding a job here first before going back to graduate school.I still have summer to prepare my resume etc for the job fairs I guess.
spunkberry
post Apr 21 2011, 09:56 AM

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internships are hard to get because they mean that the company trains you with no guarantee that you will work for them in the future, so they don't like to invest that sort of time, unfortunately. Full-time is more likely, and actually .. I recently accepted a full-time job offer smile.gif

The trade-off is this:
Large companies can afford to pay for the H1B for you, but they're more difficult to get a job offer from.
Small companies are more likely to offer you a job, but more likely don't have enough clout to pay for the H1B.


Added on April 21, 2011, 10:23 am
QUOTE(EducationABC @ Apr 20 2011, 05:47 AM)
Actually, I didn't mean that I will only apply to these 3 universities. Cambridge and Oxford top my list, followed by Imperial, then these 3 universities. The reason I am applying to these 3 unis is that I want to increase my chance of getting admitted to top unis. I am not naive enough to think I will definitely get a place in any of these unis, so my full list consist of
1. Cambridge or Oxford
2. Imperial College London
3. MIT or UCB or Stanford
4. NUS or Melbourne or McGill
5. Monash or Nanyang(SG)
6. Nottingham (Malaysia)

As you can see, If I don't even try to apply for the top unis I can find, the chances of entering any prestigious uni would be slim. And if you are wondering, Stanford ranks No. 5 in QS world university rankings by chemical engineering.

http://www.topuniversities.com/university-...cal-engineering

I know that rankings do not always reflect the the truth, but what I am looking towards to is not only the academics, but the what employers like as well. Besides, attending top unis also enable you to gain transferable skills ( particularly US ones) which are deemed critical as not all chemical engineers managed to find a job in a chemical plant.
*
that's reasonable then, I thought you were just another one of those "I'm gonna apply to all these impressive universities and act like I'm gonna get in for sure!" smile.gif
Chemical Engineering was my second choice, but I was obviously more interested in my first.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 21 2011, 10:23 AM
maru&box
post Apr 21 2011, 03:29 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 21 2011, 09:56 AM)
internships are hard to get because they mean that the company trains you with no guarantee that you will work for them in the future, so they don't like to invest that sort of time, unfortunately. Full-time is more likely, and actually .. I recently accepted a full-time job offer smile.gif

The trade-off is this:
Large companies can afford to pay for the H1B for you, but they're more difficult to get a job offer from.
Small companies are more likely to offer you a job, but more likely don't have enough clout to pay for the H1B.
Did you aim for smaller companies then or was it through connections or internships?I'm worried that small companies won't even consider me once they see that I'm a foreigner...
spunkberry
post Apr 21 2011, 08:42 PM

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QUOTE(maru&box @ Apr 21 2011, 03:29 AM)
Did you aim for smaller companies then or was it through connections or internships?I'm worried that small companies won't even consider me once they see that I'm a foreigner...
*
it's a large company and it was done completely on my own smile.gif
I think you shouldn't worry about whether they would consider you or not and just go for it.
latias93
post Apr 23 2011, 01:46 PM

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QUOTE(reiben05 @ Apr 21 2011, 01:42 AM)
planning on going to the states in 2 years time (transfering after 70 credits or so)..

but i might change to Canada if its too expensive because i'll be aiming to study in California (cost of living + studying is expensive).. San Diego looks tough to enter.. and California state university sweat.gif

im doing Computer Science atm.. but might consider changing to Engineering or Business..
*
It's actually not very hard to enter the schools in the CSU system. You should create a CSUMentor account and just apply to all the CSU schools that you're interested in - CSU East Bay, CSU Fullerton, San Jose State, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the likes. San Diego State is a good school, in fact I applied there too - my application is being handled on a case-by-case basis because I had to send in my high school transcripts late as SPM results were released on 23rd March while the deadline was 2nd March. I've also applied to California State University, Monterey Bay. I was accepted into their B.A. Teledramatic Arts program. I've also been accepted into Academy of Art University in their B.F.A. Game Design program. You can say that both of these are my 'safety net' schools, in case I didn't get into San Diego State.

It costs roughly RM100,000 per year in California (Studying + housing + living expenses).

IcyDarling
post Apr 23 2011, 04:21 PM

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Civil Engineering. What do you guys recommend? Budget can adjust la, but probably a mid-range type?
chew1991
post Apr 23 2011, 05:00 PM

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If you're not aiming for ivy leagues but just a decent U.

Michigan State, U Minnesota, Purdue, U Wisconsin madison, Iowa state U.
Thats what i can think of for now.
spunkberry
post Apr 23 2011, 10:34 PM

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don't forget Illinois Urbana-Champaign
latias93
post Apr 24 2011, 03:27 AM

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Guys,I have something to ask. Can the F-1 Student Visa be used to enter multiple schools? I'm rather confused about it. I'm about to receive my I-20 form from Academy of Art University (AAU). What I want to know is, when I get interviewed at the US Embassy to apply for the Student Visa, will the Student Visa be valid only for AAU?

My application for San Diego State University (SDSU) will take a long time to process and I intend to go there and ditch AAU should I get accepted into that school. If I already have a F-1 Student Visa through an I-20 which states my course in AAU, do I have to apply for another F-1 Student Visa?

I'm unclear about this, so I would appreciate it if anyone could clarify this matter for me. I'd rather apply for an F-1 Visa for AAU first so as to not waste time. I don't intend to wait so long for SDSU to reply me (they're holding my application at the moment as my transcripts arrived late) and I don't even know for sure where I'll be accepted in or not.
mumeichan
post Apr 24 2011, 04:31 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 24 2011, 03:27 AM)
Guys,I have something to ask. Can the F-1 Student Visa be used to enter multiple schools? I'm rather confused about it. I'm about to receive my I-20 form from Academy of Art University (AAU). What I want to know is, when I get interviewed at the US Embassy to apply for the Student Visa, will the Student Visa be valid only for AAU?

My application for San Diego State University (SDSU) will take a long time to process and I intend to go there and ditch AAU should I get accepted into that school. If I already have a F-1 Student Visa through an I-20 which states my course in AAU, do I have to apply for another F-1 Student Visa?

I'm unclear about this, so I would appreciate it if anyone could clarify this matter for me. I'd rather apply for an F-1 Visa for AAU first so as to not waste time. I don't intend to wait so long for SDSU to reply me (they're holding my application at the moment as my transcripts arrived late) and I don't even know for sure where I'll be accepted in or not.
*
The VISA is given to you because your sponsored (I don't mean financially) by the school to stay in the US to study. In some sense, the school assumes some responsibility in letting the government know whether or not you're a person suited to be allowed to stay in the US for a long period of time.

Hence, when you apply for your VISA using an I-20 issued by AAU, it means you're applying for the US government to let you stay in US to study at AAU and you're backing up your application with the I-20 from AAU.

If you get into SDSU, then you will need an I-20 issued by SDSU. I believe you do not need to reapply for a VISA but there is some paperwork you will need to do. I also think there is some rules concerning studying in a another college(usually a community college) over summer for credits to transfer over to your 'main' school.

The VISA and Immigration page has info on this for SURE because I was thinking about a similar thing about half a year ago but I just don't know the details. And if there is anything left unclear, email/phone them. Immigration law is very important to be adhered to. Not understanding it isn't an excuse!
maru&box
post Apr 24 2011, 04:32 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 24 2011, 03:27 AM)
Guys,I have something to ask. Can the F-1 Student Visa be used to enter multiple schools? I'm rather confused about it. I'm about to receive my I-20 form from Academy of Art University (AAU). What I want to know is, when I get interviewed at the US Embassy to apply for the Student Visa, will the Student Visa be valid only for AAU?
*
The F-1 has the name of your school printed on it.You cannot change it unless you drop out of school,lose the visa and apply for another one at the embassy again.


QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 24 2011, 03:27 AM)
My application for San Diego State University (SDSU) will take a long time to process and I intend to go there and ditch AAU should I get accepted into that school. If I already have a F-1 Student Visa through an I-20 which states my course in AAU, do I have to apply for another F-1 Student Visa?
*
I waited for all my offers to come before I applied for a visa.Once they print you a visa for AAU, you are probably going to cause a lot of headaches for yourself and the embassy people of you suddenly tell them you want an F-1 for another place.From what I remember,the visa processing was fast(1 week?) so there is no need to rush.You have until August/September for this.


QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 24 2011, 03:27 AM)
I'm unclear about this, so I would appreciate it if anyone could clarify this matter for me. I'd rather apply for an F-1 Visa for AAU first so as to not waste time. I don't intend to wait so long for SDSU to reply me (they're holding my application at the moment as my transcripts arrived late) and I don't even know for sure where I'll be accepted in or not.
*
There is a very high chance you will get into California state schools now(unless you told them you failed high school or something really bad),with the budget crisis for the state,they are taking in any international students they can get to cover for their loss of funding.
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post Apr 24 2011, 05:50 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 23 2011, 03:27 PM)
Guys,I have something to ask. Can the F-1 Student Visa be used to enter multiple schools? I'm rather confused about it. I'm about to receive my I-20 form from Academy of Art University (AAU). What I want to know is, when I get interviewed at the US Embassy to apply for the Student Visa, will the Student Visa be valid only for AAU?

My application for San Diego State University (SDSU) will take a long time to process and I intend to go there and ditch AAU should I get accepted into that school. If I already have a F-1 Student Visa through an I-20 which states my course in AAU, do I have to apply for another F-1 Student Visa?

I'm unclear about this, so I would appreciate it if anyone could clarify this matter for me. I'd rather apply for an F-1 Visa for AAU first so as to not waste time. I don't intend to wait so long for SDSU to reply me (they're holding my application at the moment as my transcripts arrived late) and I don't even know for sure where I'll be accepted in or not.
*
I recommend you wait for all your offers to come in before you start applying for visas. Like mentioned, the F-1 has the name of your university on it and your I-20 is issued by the university that is sponsoring your stay in the USA. Accepting an offer because you were impatient about other offers is just giving yourself a massive headache, and I see that coming now since you're already getting an I-20 from AAU.
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post Apr 24 2011, 01:49 PM

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You'll be creating a big mess for yourself if you wish to switch schools after applying for visa. BIG mess. Worst come to worst, defer a semester to see if you got accepted to SDSU or not. Then decide from there.
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post Apr 25 2011, 12:23 AM

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US Immigration is NOT fun
latias93
post Apr 26 2011, 12:31 AM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 24 2011, 04:31 AM)
The VISA is given to you because your sponsored (I don't mean financially) by the school to stay in the US to study. In some sense, the school assumes some responsibility in letting the government know whether or not you're a person suited to be allowed to stay in the US for a long period of time.

Hence, when you apply for your VISA using an I-20 issued by AAU, it means you're applying for the US government to let you stay in US to study at AAU and you're backing up your application with the I-20 from AAU.

If you get into SDSU, then you will need an I-20 issued by SDSU. I believe you do not need to reapply for a VISA but there is some paperwork you will need to do. I also think there is some rules concerning studying in a another college(usually a community college) over summer for credits to transfer over to your 'main' school.

The VISA and Immigration page has info on this for SURE because I was thinking about a similar thing about half a year ago but I just don't know the details. And if there is anything left unclear, email/phone them. Immigration law is very important to be adhered to. Not understanding it isn't an excuse!
*
QUOTE(maru&box @ Apr 24 2011, 04:32 AM)
The F-1 has the name of your school printed on it.You cannot change it unless you drop out of school,lose the visa and apply for another one at the embassy again.
I waited for all my offers to come before I applied for a visa.Once they print you a visa for AAU, you are probably going to cause a lot of headaches for yourself and the embassy people of you suddenly tell them you want an F-1 for another place.From what I remember,the visa processing was fast(1 week?) so there is no need to rush.You have until August/September for this.
There is a very high chance you will get into California state schools now(unless you told them you failed high school or something really bad),with the budget crisis for the state,they are taking in any international students they can get to cover for their loss of funding.
*
QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 24 2011, 05:50 AM)
I recommend you wait for all your offers to come in before you start applying for visas. Like mentioned, the F-1 has the name of your university on it and your I-20 is issued by the university that is sponsoring your stay in the USA. Accepting an offer because you were impatient about other offers is just giving yourself a massive headache, and I see that coming now since you're already getting an I-20 from AAU.
*
Alright, thanks to everyone for your elaborate and insightful responses! I really appreciate that. I guess I'll just wait for a little while longer until SDSU finally got around to replying me (and accepting me into their school, for that matter). Also, are you guys sure that the visa processing takes only 1 week? I've always thought it took about.. more than a month? Care to share a little more detail, please? smile.gif

QUOTE(chew1991 @ Apr 24 2011, 01:49 PM)
You'll be creating a big mess for yourself if you wish to switch schools after applying for visa. BIG mess. Worst come to worst, defer a semester to see if you got accepted to SDSU or not. Then decide from there.
*
Ha.. that'll be the last resort. But thanks anyway!

QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 25 2011, 12:23 AM)
US Immigration is NOT fun
*
I would suppose so. :/

spunkberry
post Apr 26 2011, 01:02 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 25 2011, 12:31 PM)
Alright, thanks to everyone for your elaborate and insightful responses! I really appreciate that. I guess I'll just wait for a little while longer until SDSU finally got around to replying me (and accepting me into their school, for that matter). Also, are you guys sure that the visa processing takes only 1 week? I've always thought it took about.. more than a month? Care to share a little more detail, please? smile.gif
Ha.. that'll be the last resort. But thanks anyway!
I would suppose so. :/
*
no it doesn't take that long. I remember I was running through the train stations from Yokohama to Tokyo to make the visa application interview and I know about a week or so later, they had the visa to me. As long as you're not a criminal or anything, just bank on them getting it to you in two weeks smile.gif

as for my comment about US immigration not being fun, trust me it isn't. I'm dealing with work status issues now and the paperwork is *facepalm*

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 26 2011, 01:02 AM
mumeichan
post Apr 26 2011, 03:11 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 26 2011, 12:31 AM)
Alright, thanks to everyone for your elaborate and insightful responses! I really appreciate that. I guess I'll just wait for a little while longer until SDSU finally got around to replying me (and accepting me into their school, for that matter). Also, are you guys sure that the visa processing takes only 1 week? I've always thought it took about.. more than a month? Care to share a little more detail, please? smile.gif
Ha.. that'll be the last resort. But thanks anyway!
I would suppose so. :/
*
Actually it can take less than a week. Once you've completed all the paperwork and paid the fees in advance, you just need to schedule an appointment for the interview. Scheduling is as simple as clicking on a day that isn't full in your web browser. You'll have your interview early in the morning and you'll know the result on the spot. Your VISA will be ready the next business day and can be collected at WISMA MCA. However, what can happen is that you forget to do something and your information isn't complete and you are asked to come back again. Another that can happen is you're a male and you get chosen by random for the 1 month extended screening where they will research your background first and only issue you the VISA after 1 month even though you've already been approved. Hence, applying for VISA last minute is a big no-no.

spunkberry
post Apr 26 2011, 02:18 PM

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I didn't know if I had my visa on the spot, and this is the US embassy in Tokyo.
latias93
post Apr 26 2011, 06:47 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 26 2011, 01:02 AM)
no it doesn't take that long. I remember I was running through the train stations from Yokohama to Tokyo to make the visa application interview and I know about a week or so later, they had the visa to me. As long as you're not a criminal or anything, just bank on them getting it to you in two weeks smile.gif

as for my comment about US immigration not being fun, trust me it isn't. I'm dealing with work status issues now and the paperwork is *facepalm*
*
Wow, that's fast! I guess I shouldn't be THAT worried about the time taking too long. Thanks! Also, a forumer from Japan/Malaysian from Japan. blink.gif It must be awesome to have lived in so many places! biggrin.gif

QUOTE(mumeichan @ Apr 26 2011, 03:11 AM)
Actually it can take less than a week. Once you've completed all the paperwork and paid the fees in advance, you just need to schedule an appointment for the interview. Scheduling is as simple as clicking on a day that isn't full in your web browser. You'll have your interview early in the morning and you'll know the result on the spot. Your VISA will be ready the next business day and can be collected at WISMA MCA. However, what can happen is that you forget to do something and your information isn't complete and you are asked to come back again. Another that can happen is you're a male and you get chosen by random for the 1 month extended screening where they will research your background first and only issue you the VISA after 1 month even though you've already been approved. Hence, applying for VISA last minute is a big no-no.
*
That's even faster than I thought! Thanks for the heads up on the extended screening, I hope SDSU sends me my I-20 by mid-June to allow ample time for visa processing and the probable extended screening.
tonnect91
post Apr 26 2011, 11:40 PM

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Hey anyone going U-Wisconsin Madison?
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post Apr 27 2011, 01:16 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 26 2011, 06:47 AM)
Wow, that's fast! I guess I shouldn't be THAT worried about the time taking too long. Thanks! Also, a forumer from Japan/Malaysian from Japan. blink.gif  It must be awesome to have lived in so many places! biggrin.gif
*
yeah it's pretty quick. I'm just saying give it two weeks JUST IN CASE shit happens, but if you fulfill everything you need with no issues, you'll get it fast. lol I'm Malaysian and I lived in Japan for five years and have been in the US for almost four years now. graduating in May and going to start a new job.


Added on April 27, 2011, 1:16 am
QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Apr 26 2011, 11:40 AM)
Hey anyone going U-Wisconsin Madison?
*
what do you want to know?

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 27 2011, 01:16 AM
latias93
post Apr 27 2011, 02:49 AM

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QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Apr 26 2011, 11:40 PM)
Hey anyone going U-Wisconsin Madison?
*
I don't think so there are any here in this thread, but there's a sizeable Malaysian community in University of Wisconsin, Madison.

QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 27 2011, 01:16 AM)
yeah it's pretty quick. I'm just saying give it two weeks JUST IN CASE shit happens, but if you fulfill everything you need with no issues, you'll get it fast. lol I'm Malaysian and I lived in Japan for five years and have been in the US for almost four years now. graduating in May and going to start a new job.


Added on April 27, 2011, 1:16 am
what do you want to know?
*
That's nice! Oh, I assume you've got the green light for the OPT. Congratulations! I'm getting rather nervous about me, four years from now. I'm pretty sure that it's not that hard to get an OPT, but it would probably be hard to get an employer to sponsor for my H1-B Visa (and subsequently, a green card). I don't intend on returning to Malaysia and working here.

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post Apr 27 2011, 10:33 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 26 2011, 02:49 PM)
That's nice! Oh, I assume you've got the green light for the OPT. Congratulations! I'm getting rather nervous about me, four years from now. I'm pretty sure that it's not that hard to get an OPT, but it would probably be hard to get an employer to sponsor for my H1-B Visa (and subsequently, a green card). I don't intend on returning to Malaysia and working here.
*
no I haven't gotten my OPT approval yet, since I just mailed the packet off today. it's not hard to get OPT, no, but it allows you only 3 months of unemployment. if you have no job, you have to leave after those 3 months. H1-B visa you'll have to go for a large company (which is very difficult to get more so than a small company, but a small company might not be able to sponsor the kind of money for H1-B) ... and the green card/us citizenship takes five years on a work visa. Your student years do not count.
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post Apr 28 2011, 12:27 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 27 2011, 10:33 AM)
no I haven't gotten my OPT approval yet, since I just mailed the packet off today. it's not hard to get OPT, no, but it allows you only 3 months of unemployment. if you have no job, you have to leave after those 3 months. H1-B visa you'll have to go for a large company (which is very difficult to get more so than a small company, but a small company might not be able to sponsor the kind of money for H1-B) ... and the green card/us citizenship takes five years on a work visa. Your student years do not count.
*
Looks like I won't be seeing myself as a certified American (on paper) until at least 10 years or so from now!

If I'm not mistaken, F-1 visa holders are required to return to their home country within 60 days upon graduation. Unless, of course, I pursue a graduate program or I get approved for OPT. It seems that in the game design/animation industry (which I'm pursuing), there are more employment options from startup companies than big companies (which, as you pointed out, is much more difficult to get). Hopefully the job market clears by the time I graduate. LOL!
mumeichan
post Apr 28 2011, 04:48 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 28 2011, 12:27 AM)
Looks like I won't be seeing myself as a certified American (on paper) until at least 10 years or so from now!

If I'm not mistaken, F-1 visa holders are required to return to their home country within 60 days upon graduation. Unless, of course, I pursue a graduate program or I get approved for OPT. It seems that in the game design/animation industry (which I'm pursuing), there are more employment options from startup companies than big companies (which, as you pointed out, is much more difficult to get). Hopefully the job market clears by the time I graduate. LOL!
*
If you;re in a research university, it's not hard to do research as your OPT.
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post Apr 28 2011, 05:44 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Apr 27 2011, 12:27 PM)
Looks like I won't be seeing myself as a certified American (on paper) until at least 10 years or so from now!

If I'm not mistaken, F-1 visa holders are required to return to their home country within 60 days upon graduation. Unless, of course, I pursue a graduate program or I get approved for OPT. It seems that in the game design/animation industry (which I'm pursuing), there are more employment options from startup companies than big companies (which, as you pointed out, is much more difficult to get). Hopefully the job market clears by the time I graduate. LOL!
*
Yes that is correct.
It's definitely easier to get jobs with startup companies ... but the risk is that they cannot sponsor your work status. MORE difficult (borderline impossible) to get jobs with big companies, but they would definitely be able to sponsor your work status. Oh such is life.

I gave the industry two years to clear up and it didn't. I'm lucky as hell to have even landed the job
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post Apr 28 2011, 09:51 AM

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Added on April 27, 2011, 1:16 am
what do you want to know?
*

[/quote]
Just any forumer(s) heading there. I guess none sad.gif
spunkberry
post Apr 28 2011, 01:24 PM

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well why do you need to know if anybody's going there? to start up a new kampung, izzit?
tonnect91
post Apr 29 2011, 12:00 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 28 2011, 01:24 PM)
well why do you need to know if anybody's going there? to start up a new kampung, izzit?
*
I don't need to know, just want to know, and there's already a huge kampung there smile.gif

In any case, just to meet some new friends biggrin.gif
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post Apr 29 2011, 02:12 PM

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lol I suggest you get there and make them.
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post Apr 30 2011, 02:54 PM

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[quote=tonnect91,Apr 28 2011, 09:51 AM]

Added on April 27, 2011, 1:16 am
what do you want to know?
*

[/quote]
Just any forumer(s) heading there. I guess none sad.gif
*

[/quote]
hey. its ok to be the first one smile.gif its a reputable school. u wont regret nod.gif
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post May 1 2011, 10:36 PM

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yes it is smile.gif
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post May 3 2011, 07:42 AM

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I was wondering if anybody had experience with big job+internship searching sites based in the US like monster.com? Any feedback on how effective it is in reaching out to people?Is this popular in m'sia too?

The idea is that:
Employers basically can actively search you up and you can also actively search them up as well for jobs,internships and even part time work.I'm more used to the idea of sites just gathering job postings into a huge database.Apparently any employer in the world can look you up if you let them.

I'm a little skeptical about this since the idea is still relatively "new" to me since I've never heard of anybody landing a job or internship among my friends this way(not yet at least) where the employer actually hired you from a websearch.

I just started by putting up my resume.I'm going to try and strengthen my profile over the coming weeks before I try mass applying for jobs smile.gif .
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post May 3 2011, 09:21 AM

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QUOTE(maru&box @ May 3 2011, 07:42 AM)
I was wondering if anybody had experience with big job+internship searching sites based in the US like monster.com? Any feedback on how effective it is in reaching out to people?Is this popular in m'sia too?

The idea is that:
Employers basically can actively search you up and you can also actively search them up as well for jobs,internships and even part time work.I'm more used to the idea of sites just gathering job postings into a huge database.Apparently any employer in the world can look you up if you let them.

I'm a little skeptical about this since the idea is still relatively "new" to me since I've never heard of anybody landing a job or internship among my friends this way(not yet at least) where the employer actually hired you from a websearch.

I just started by putting up my resume.I'm going to try and strengthen my profile over the coming weeks before I try mass applying for jobs smile.gif .
*
try www.speedwing.org they had sent a couple of them this season. not too sure which field though.
invinciblebunny
post May 5 2011, 08:18 PM

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Still thinking of going in for a 2011 intake? Yes, people will tell you it's a little late and timing is a little tight to make an application, but apparently not for these schools. Check this list out, and you'll be surpirsed you may still be in time for it.

http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResour...veyResults.aspx
latias93
post Jun 6 2011, 04:21 PM

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Hey guys, my F-1 visa has been approved. I've received an email from USTravelDocs saying that "Your Document is ready for pickup.".

Do I have to pick it up at the embassy, or at the Aramex courier office? (Where the Embassy instructed me to drop off my passport)

Or will they courier it back to my home?

I'm a little unsure as "Your Document is ready for pickup." is all they wrote in the email. A little uncertainty.. would appreciate it if you guys would help me clear this up.

Edit: Welp, just found out the answer on http://www.ustraveldocs.com/my/my-niv-passporttrack.asp . But I still think that "Your Document is ready for pickup." is a little too shady a description considering that they're dealing with important documents here..



This post has been edited by latias93: Jun 6 2011, 04:24 PM
3sk1m0
post Jun 7 2011, 01:53 AM

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Hi guys, I've just graduated from KTAR with the twinning program with Campbell University in North Carolina. I was majored in Information System Engineering. Currently I'm looking an opportunity to pursue for a master degree. As stated above, I have obtained both advance diploma and bachelor degree with the twinning program offered in TARC associate with Campbell U. Just doubting whether bachelor cert that I've obtained from this program is considered as an American Degree? Do you guys think that this cert could be used for master degree application? And btw, can u guys suggest me some famous U that offering majors in postgraduate Information Tech? Or maybe Comp Sci?Haha, I don't really think that it is possible for me to get in to the famous U's like MIT or Yale or Harvard as my CGPA is not the most outstanding 1 (3.75), but maybe some U that isn't requiring that excellence? Haha, I know that Comp Sci and I.T are different but seems like most U are offering comp. sci instead of I.T majors, so will it be difficult if I'm applying for comp. science courses?
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http://www.facebook.com/CSCAdmissions

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This post has been edited by invinciblebunny: Jun 30 2011, 07:12 PM
TSthenemesis
post Jun 25 2011, 11:28 AM

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how u guys doing? :0
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post Jun 25 2011, 01:00 PM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Jun 25 2011, 11:28 AM)
how u guys doing? :0
*
Enjoying summer break...
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post Jun 25 2011, 03:59 PM

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Is it a must to take SAT if I want to apply to US while holding A-Levels as my qualification?
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QUOTE(strategist @ Jun 25 2011, 03:59 PM)
Is it a must to take SAT if I want to apply to US while holding A-Levels as my qualification?
*
Yes. I have asked this question before. No matter where you study in the US, you'll need SAT or ACT.

chew1991
post Jun 30 2011, 10:48 AM

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Whos flying this August to US? biggrin.gif
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post Jun 30 2011, 11:41 AM

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QUOTE(strategist @ Jun 25 2011, 03:59 PM)
Is it a must to take SAT if I want to apply to US while holding A-Levels as my qualification?
*
No, some universities do not require SAT/ACT/whatever standardized test scores. You have to check with the universities you are applying to.


Added on June 30, 2011, 12:02 pm
QUOTE(latias93 @ Jun 6 2011, 04:21 PM)
Hey guys, my F-1 visa has been approved. I've received an email from USTravelDocs saying that "Your Document is ready for pickup.".

Do I have to pick it up at the embassy, or at the Aramex courier office? (Where the Embassy instructed me to drop off my passport)

Or will they courier it back to my home?

I'm a little unsure as "Your Document is ready for pickup." is all they wrote in the email. A little uncertainty.. would appreciate it if you guys would help me clear this up.

Edit: Welp, just found out the answer on http://www.ustraveldocs.com/my/my-niv-passporttrack.asp . But I still think that "Your Document is ready for pickup." is a little too shady a description considering that they're dealing with important documents here..
*
Huh? The person who tells you your visa is ready is the officer at the US embassy when you go for the interview. He will say you got the visa and you can pick it up at Wisma MCA the following day. the only expception if you are placed under a 30 day security clearance, which means you get to pick it up 30 days later.


Added on June 30, 2011, 12:04 pm
QUOTE(maru&box @ May 3 2011, 07:42 AM)
I was wondering if anybody had experience with big job+internship searching sites based in the US like monster.com? Any feedback on how effective it is in reaching out to people?Is this popular in m'sia too?

The idea is that:
Employers basically can actively search you up and you can also actively search them up as well for jobs,internships and even part time work.I'm more used to the idea of sites just gathering job postings into a huge database.Apparently any employer in the world can look you up if you let them.

I'm a little skeptical about this since the idea is still relatively "new" to me since I've never heard of anybody landing a job or internship among my friends this way(not yet at least) where the employer actually hired you from a websearch.

I just started by putting up my resume.I'm going to try and strengthen my profile over the coming weeks before I try mass applying for jobs smile.gif .
*

Even freshman in my university can get internships. I don't think you need anything grand on your resume. And honestly, why wait for people to contact you. Even if the site works, can't you just apply for what you want?

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Jun 30 2011, 12:04 PM
nelsonyap48
post Jun 30 2011, 05:33 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Jun 30 2011, 10:48 AM)
Whos flying this August to US? biggrin.gif
*
me. Purdue. anyone else going Purdue?
TSthenemesis
post Jul 3 2011, 12:15 AM

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QUOTE(nelsonyap48 @ Jun 30 2011, 05:33 PM)
me. Purdue. anyone else going Purdue?
*
wow grats. u from inti/taylors? biggrin.gif
latias93
post Jul 3 2011, 02:46 PM

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So many of us leaving for the States this fall! I'll be leaving on the sixth of August, what about the rest of you?

I have a little question to ask those of you who are currently studying in the States - what do you guys do during the summer break? I'm not sure wether to return to Malaysia for a couple of months or to stay there. Any advice? Internships, building my portfolio, San Diego Comic Con 2012, whatever, share some ideas on how to spend my summer next year! biggrin.gif
reconnaissance
post Jul 3 2011, 04:03 PM

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Well.. Staying back home with your loved parents aren't a bad idea..
They've been with you nearly all your life, and when you off for college, they're the first to experience an emptier home. All that's been a regularity in their life changed, with them not having to expect you almost every moment of their life. I've encountered many students eager to get into college, and shared that enthusiasm with their parents. Though happy along, most don't realize that they've been holding their emptiness.. This would varies with mentality though, but this is what I would take in account, as I would be happily endure a new life in a new world, with them at home facing the same old boring life. sleep.gif
nelsonyap48
post Jul 4 2011, 12:42 AM

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QUOTE(thenemesis @ Jul 3 2011, 12:15 AM)
wow grats. u from inti/taylors? biggrin.gif
*
thanks. i'm from INTI.


Added on July 4, 2011, 12:43 am
QUOTE(latias93 @ Jul 3 2011, 02:46 PM)
So many of us leaving for the States this fall! I'll be leaving on the sixth of August, what about the rest of you?

I have a little question to ask those of you who are currently studying in the States - what do you guys do during the summer break? I'm not sure wether to return to Malaysia for a couple of months or to stay there. Any advice? Internships, building my portfolio, San Diego Comic Con 2012, whatever, share some ideas on how to spend my summer next year! biggrin.gif
*
where you will be going?

This post has been edited by nelsonyap48: Jul 4 2011, 12:43 AM
tonnect91
post Jul 4 2011, 02:00 AM

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Nelson, nice to see you here smile.gif
mumeichan
post Jul 4 2011, 06:56 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Jul 3 2011, 02:46 PM)
So many of us leaving for the States this fall! I'll be leaving on the sixth of August, what about the rest of you?

I have a little question to ask those of you who are currently studying in the States - what do you guys do during the summer break? I'm not sure wether to return to Malaysia for a couple of months or to stay there. Any advice? Internships, building my portfolio, San Diego Comic Con 2012, whatever, share some ideas on how to spend my summer next year! biggrin.gif
*
I'd love to give suggestions, but don't think too much now la. You have 8 months of school and you will meet many people during that period of time. You'll probably get involved in some activities too. Those experiences will shape what you want to do for the summer. Most people begin planning their summer around late February.
latias93
post Jul 4 2011, 04:11 PM

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QUOTE(reconnaissance @ Jul 3 2011, 04:03 PM)
Well.. Staying back home with your loved parents aren't a bad idea..
They've been with you nearly all your life, and when you off for college, they're the first to experience an emptier home. All that's been a regularity in their life changed, with them not having to expect you almost every moment of their life. I've encountered many students eager to get into college, and shared that enthusiasm with their parents. Though happy along, most don't realize that they've been holding their emptiness.. This would varies with mentality though, but this is what I would take in account, as I would be happily endure a new life in a new world, with them at home facing the same old boring life. sleep.gif
*
Thanks for your beautiful insight. I believe what you described is also called the "empty nest syndrome" when the children leaves their home. My parents have and will always be a central part of my life, they are very supportive of my ambitions (Game Design, I know most Malaysian parents would scoff at the thought of that and tell their children to get a 'real' job). nod.gif

QUOTE(nelsonyap48 @ Jul 4 2011, 12:42 AM)
where you will be going?
*
I'll be going to Academy of Art in San Francisco! When're your flight date? I'm leaving for LAX on August 6. smile.gif

QUOTE(mumeichan @ Jul 4 2011, 06:56 AM)
I'd love to give suggestions, but don't think too much now la. You have 8 months of school and you will meet many people during that period of time. You'll probably get involved in some activities too. Those experiences will shape what you want to do for the summer. Most people begin planning their summer around late February.
*
Hm, you're right. Thanks for the advice. I'm just a little apalled at the duration of the summer break.. it's so long! doh.gif
chew1991
post Jul 4 2011, 06:10 PM

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QUOTE(nelsonyap48 @ Jun 30 2011, 05:33 PM)
me. Purdue. anyone else going Purdue?
*
I'm flying to Purdue this August also WOOT !!

HOLA HOLA HOLA !
ketchum92
post Jul 6 2011, 07:53 PM

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how does adtp works?which uni is better for engin or it courses which offer adtp?loan?
fion@gem
post Jul 7 2011, 05:38 PM

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Hello there,

Im going to US next month but im not quite sure what else to prepare. As in documents.

Another problem is, what about the money? since we have to declare if you bring more than 20k to US. So how am I suppose to like create a bank account there ? Anyone have idea ?
chew1991
post Jul 7 2011, 11:53 PM

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QUOTE(ketchum92 @ Jul 6 2011, 07:53 PM)
how does adtp works?which uni is better for engin or it courses which offer adtp?loan?
*
ADTP is simple. You do your freshman & Sophomore year ( General years ) here in Malaysia, earn the credits , transfer to US so you do less years in US to graduate.
Check usnews for engineering rankings. I use it most of the time although its a lil biased towards American Us.
Since ADP covers the general years, the specific major offered depends on the unis in US rather than the one here. you can get into engineering and still consider whether to choose electrical, aerospace, chemical etc etc etc until you start applying for the US unis in your second year here.
PTPTN loan normally covers the second year only.

QUOTE(fion@gem @ Jul 7 2011, 05:38 PM)
Hello there,

Im going to US next month but im not quite sure what else to prepare. As in documents.

Another problem is, what about the money? since we have to declare if you bring more than 20k to US. So how am I suppose to like create a bank account there ? Anyone have idea ?
*
I20, Visa, Uni contacts, Sevis receipt, housing contract, health insurance ( if you have ), air tickets, passport, past transcripts, results and certs, birth cert. Anything else to add on?

You bring less cash on hand, when you're there , open a bank account ( you need some money to open if im nt mistaken ) and ask your parents to transfer the money to your account via wire. saves the trouble.

Which U are you going to?

This post has been edited by chew1991: Jul 7 2011, 11:55 PM
mumeichan
post Jul 8 2011, 10:33 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Jul 7 2011, 11:53 PM)
ADTP is simple. You do your freshman & Sophomore year ( General years ) here in Malaysia, earn the credits , transfer to US so you do less years in US to graduate.
Check usnews for engineering rankings. I use it most of the time although its a lil biased towards American Us.
Since ADP covers the general years, the specific major offered depends on the unis in US rather than the one here. you can get into engineering and still consider whether to choose electrical, aerospace, chemical etc etc etc until you start applying for the US unis in your second year here.
PTPTN loan normally covers the second year only.
I20, Visa, Uni contacts, Sevis receipt, housing contract, health insurance ( if you have ), air tickets, passport, past transcripts, results and certs, birth cert. Anything else to add on?

You bring less cash on hand, when you're there , open a bank account ( you need some money to open if im nt mistaken ) and ask your parents to transfer the money to your account via wire. saves the trouble.

Which U are you going to?
*
Err, birth cert and certificates don't need la I think. I never brought them over also. If you really want a copy of your birth cert and a copy of your most important certificates is sufficient.

For cash I would say 400 is more than enough. Spread it over your body and bags so you won't be screwed if you are unlucky enough to get mugged. Keep a copy of your passport and visa in each place you keep the cash. Those two are the msot important things no matter what.
MaggieMee
post Jul 8 2011, 03:13 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Jul 8 2011, 10:33 AM)
Err, birth cert and certificates don't need la I think. I never brought them over also. If you really want a copy of your birth cert and a copy of your most important certificates is sufficient.

For cash I would say 400 is more than enough. Spread it over your body and bags so you won't be screwed if you are unlucky enough to get mugged. Keep a copy of your passport and visa in each place you keep the cash. Those two are the msot important things no matter what.
*
I would disagree that 400 is enough, it is definitely not enough. Sure you can open a bank account and wire that in, but if that doesn't work there is absolutely nothing to fall back on (unless you have a credit card).

You should expect that your initial month spending and deposits to somewhere north of $1500. Expect to spend on things from health insurance to shampoo.

In terms of cash, 400 is enough, but take like $2000 worth of traveler's checks.
fion@gem
post Jul 8 2011, 11:03 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Jul 7 2011, 11:53 PM)

I20, Visa, Uni contacts, Sevis receipt, housing contract, health insurance ( if you have ), air tickets, passport, past transcripts, results and certs, birth cert. Anything else to add on?

You bring less cash on hand, when you're there , open a bank account ( you need some money to open if im nt mistaken ) and ask your parents to transfer the money to your account via wire. saves the trouble.

Which U are you going to?
*
Is it easy to open a bank account in the States ? Im quite worried. Since im going there all by myself lol.

Im going to City Tech in NY. smile.gif Cheaper fees and my aunt stays nearby the campus.



QUOTE(mumeichan @ Jul 8 2011, 10:33 AM)
Err, birth cert and certificates don't need la I think. I never brought them over also. If you really want a copy of your birth cert and a copy of your most important certificates is sufficient.

For cash I would say 400 is more than enough. Spread it over your body and bags so you won't be screwed if you are unlucky enough to get mugged. Keep a copy of your passport and visa in each place you keep the cash. Those two are the msot important things no matter what.
*
you mean 400usd ? My mom was way too worried, she said bring she will exchange USD to traveller's cheque and let me bring it over to US. :/
chew1991
post Jul 9 2011, 11:48 AM

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bring around 500 in cash then 1500 in travellers check, then open an account in US, yes its pretty simple i think. all my friends there use US banks.

then tell your mom to send the money via wired transfer to your US bank account.
mumeichan
post Jul 9 2011, 01:20 PM

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QUOTE(fion@gem @ Jul 8 2011, 11:03 PM)
Is it easy to open a bank account in the States ? Im quite worried. Since im going there all by myself lol.

Im going to City Tech in NY. smile.gif Cheaper fees and my aunt stays nearby the campus.
you mean 400usd ? My mom was way too worried, she said bring she will exchange USD to traveller's cheque and let me bring it over to US. :/
*
Yup I mean 400 dollars. And of course, you can bring as much traveler's checks as you want, but I don't because they are expensive. If you've the money northing's stopping you from buying the luxury of loading your self up with cash, credit card or traveller's checks.

Opening a back account is very simple. Just bring your documents and go to the bank. You'll get your account and some checks in less than an hour. I think I just needed my passport and student ID. The first account I opened before I even got my student ID. Wiring money over(TT) is very simple. They will surely give you an infromation sheet when you sign up and even if your parent's know nuts about banking, you can jsut email the sheet over and let the bank staff here read it and get all the necessary information. The money shouldn't take more than 5 business day's to arrive.

I pay my rental deposit and 1st month's rent before I fly over. You can mail the check over even if this is your first time flying to the states. My school fees aren't due until the end of September. I buy books used on Amazon after I've determined what books my professor actually used. I assume your bedroom is furnished.

400 can easily pay for your taxi(let's say so cham la it cost 100), food for 10 days and a microwave oven. And please make sure you settle your health insurance before you arrive or the very minute the offices open upon landing.
dwin95
post Jul 10 2011, 01:16 AM

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just wondering , is there any way that an individual could obtain a green card to serve their military ? My brother is somewhat interested in serving for the United States Air force to gain qualifications and priceless experience and then leave after a full service to pursue his dreams in aviation .

Sorry for all these questions , our family isnt quite familiar about all of these things . thanks smile.gif
chew1991
post Jul 10 2011, 01:36 PM

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QUOTE(dwin95 @ Jul 10 2011, 01:16 AM)
just wondering , is there any way that an individual could obtain a green card to serve their military ? My brother is somewhat interested in serving for the United States Air force to gain qualifications and priceless experience and then leave after a full service to pursue his dreams in aviation .

Sorry for all these questions , our family isnt quite familiar about all of these things . thanks smile.gif
*
I'm not too sure. i think you need to get a job there, stay there for a period of time. then apply for the US green card.

but i'm not too sure if the US would allow immigrants to work in the military field. I feel that they'll accept only born and bred americans into the military field.

I didn't do my part of research for it so..yeah, it might not be true.
dwin95
post Jul 10 2011, 11:34 PM

wow i finally get to type here since 2009
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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Jul 10 2011, 01:36 PM)
I'm not too sure. i think you need to get a job there, stay there for a period of time. then apply for the US green card.

but i'm not too sure if the US would allow immigrants to work in the military field. I feel that they'll accept only born and bred americans into the military field.

I didn't do my part of research for it so..yeah, it might not be true.
*
Non US citizens are allowed to apply as long as they have the documents that allows them to be in the states legally for a long2 time .

what about studying abroad first by Visa and maybe get a greencard after that ?
TSthenemesis
post Jul 24 2011, 12:15 AM

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QUOTE(dwin95 @ Jul 10 2011, 01:16 AM)
just wondering , is there any way that an individual could obtain a green card to serve their military ? My brother is somewhat interested in serving for the United States Air force to gain qualifications and priceless experience and then leave after a full service to pursue his dreams in aviation .

Sorry for all these questions , our family isnt quite familiar about all of these things . thanks smile.gif
*
i think job opportunity related to the military for foreigners in the states is very slim.

its like a safety precaution, would you trust Indonesian serving in our military force?
latias93
post Jul 25 2011, 12:05 PM

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So how are the preparations for those of you who will be leaving for the Fall '11 semester? Flight in 2 weeks time, still packing and sorting out my stuff..

QUOTE(thenemesis @ Jul 24 2011, 12:15 AM)
i think job opportunity related to the military for foreigners in the states is very slim.

its like a safety precaution, would you trust Indonesian serving in our military force?
*
That's a good point there. Unless you become a naturalized citizen first, I believe?
TSthenemesis
post Jul 25 2011, 01:11 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Jul 25 2011, 12:05 PM)
That's a good point there. Unless you become a naturalized citizen first, I believe?
*
Yea, but still, the chances is like 1 in a million. US military is very strict and advanced. They cant afford a spy.
latias93
post Aug 1 2011, 03:03 PM

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Hey guys, I'm interested in getting an iPhone 4 when I reach the States. But if I'm not mistaken to get it with the contract I'll have to deposit USD500 because I don't have a SSN.

Also, if I get a postpaid plan, how do I pay for it? Can I like bill it to my parents credit card or something. yawn.gif

A little confused here. icon_question.gif


Added on August 4, 2011, 3:59 pmWhere is everyone? sad.gif

This post has been edited by latias93: Aug 4 2011, 03:59 PM
tonnect91
post Aug 5 2011, 01:36 AM

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QUOTE

Added on August 4, 2011, 3:59 pmWhere is everyone? sad.gif
*
Busy packing?
latias93
post Aug 5 2011, 12:38 PM

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QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Aug 5 2011, 01:36 AM)
Busy packing?
*
So am I. When are you leaving? My flight is tomorrow. laugh.gif
tonnect91
post Aug 6 2011, 03:07 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Aug 5 2011, 12:38 PM)
So am I. When are you leaving? My flight is tomorrow. laugh.gif
*
haha yours is waaayyyyy sooner than mine. I'll fly on the 17th biggrin.gif

Have a safe flight and enjoy your life laugh.gif

This post has been edited by tonnect91: Aug 6 2011, 03:08 PM
latias93
post Aug 7 2011, 05:47 PM

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I've already arrived in LA!

QUOTE(tonnect91 @ Aug 6 2011, 03:07 PM)
haha yours is waaayyyyy sooner than mine. I'll fly on the 17th  biggrin.gif

Have a safe flight and enjoy your life  laugh.gif
*
I am going with my family, they want to go see Disneyland and Legoland first; that's why it's so early. sweat.gif

Thanks! You too! laugh.gif
k-bkeat
post Aug 10 2011, 05:24 PM

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hey, anyone in the US currently or have experience of posting stuffs home?
latias93
post Aug 17 2011, 08:13 AM

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How is everyone doing?

I've just set up an account with Wells Fargo. Pretty simple process, just like mumeichan described.

Also, I just realized that most things, if not all, need SSN to sign up for - such as store membership cards, etc. It's definitely not fun not being able to receive additional discounts!

Does anyone know ANY major brands/retail outlets/ANYTHING that doesn't require a SSN to sign up? laugh.gif
mumeichan
post Aug 18 2011, 03:55 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Aug 17 2011, 08:13 AM)
How is everyone doing?

I've just set up an account with Wells Fargo. Pretty simple process, just like mumeichan described.

Also, I just realized that most things, if not all, need SSN to sign up for - such as store membership cards, etc. It's definitely not fun not being able to receive additional discounts!

Does anyone know ANY major brands/retail outlets/ANYTHING that doesn't require a SSN to sign up? laugh.gif
*
Hardly. The reason they want a SSN is because from your SSN, they can lookup your income and credit history. If you have no SSN, you wouldn't have a credit history anyway because no bank will issue you a credit card. Why, because you need a SSN to work or something like that.
king_lover23
post Aug 22 2011, 09:42 AM

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my friend working in dell...
for his internship..
he getting 6000 USD...
when I heard that,I was like speechless..
but after minus the tax still got around 4k la...
btw,he is the best student... sweat.gif
k-bkeat
post Aug 27 2011, 10:42 PM

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QUOTE(king_lover23 @ Aug 22 2011, 09:42 AM)
my friend working in dell...
for his internship..
he getting 6000 USD...
when I heard that,I was like speechless..
but after minus the tax still got around 4k la...
btw,he is the best student...  sweat.gif
*
wow. the tax are that heavy?
MaggieMee
post Aug 28 2011, 07:04 AM

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QUOTE(k-bkeat @ Aug 27 2011, 10:42 PM)
wow. the tax are that heavy?
*
Around 15% or 20%, check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_the_United_States

Also this is federal tax, there is a also state tax
mumeichan
post Aug 28 2011, 07:51 AM

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QUOTE(k-bkeat @ Aug 27 2011, 10:42 PM)
wow. the tax are that heavy?
*
In total I get taxed 27% for my part time earnings.
zacknistelrooy
post Aug 28 2011, 11:36 AM

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Can anyone recommend some flights to US as there have been people who said that the pacific route is cheapest but after looking at the prices in the net, it looks like that going through the Atlantic route is cheaper compared to the pacific route if I am going to the East Coast.
latias93
post Nov 1 2011, 05:16 AM

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This thread die liao? Where's everyone? smile.gif
chew1991
post Nov 6 2011, 11:57 AM

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Not dead yet. I guess all the US students busy studying now...midterms and finals coming up soon d. jialat.
TimPTGirl
post Nov 6 2011, 06:14 PM

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woah really appreciate dis thread! Thanks TS n everyone who's involved in providing more info..=)
i have a ques, if i'm sure wat course i wanna study d, how can i find colleges dat suit me?
lots ppl reccomend the college board college search, but the choices there r too many! >.<
MaggieMee
post Nov 7 2011, 01:40 AM

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QUOTE(TimPTGirl @ Nov 6 2011, 06:14 PM)
woah really appreciate dis thread! Thanks TS n everyone who's involved in providing more info..=)
i have a ques, if i'm sure wat course i wanna study d, how can i find colleges dat suit me?
lots ppl reccomend the college board college search, but the choices there r too many! >.<
*
It would be best if you tell us what things are you looking for, weather, size of campus, people, planned MAJOR. etc
spunkberry
post Nov 7 2011, 09:05 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Nov 6 2011, 11:57 AM)
Not dead yet. I guess all the US students busy studying now...midterms and finals coming up soon d. jialat.
*
lol how goes it for you?
so glad I'm outta college xD
TimPTGirl
post Nov 8 2011, 01:21 PM

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QUOTE(MaggieMee @ Nov 7 2011, 01:40 AM)
It would be best if you tell us what things are you looking for, weather, size of campus, people, planned MAJOR. etc
*
erm okay, i plan to major in physics, weather, environment, class size not really a concern for me, but preferably not in the urban area, moderate class size. but wat i really hope for is a good exposure to the major i gonna study,dat's y i opt for unis with research..
n if possible, unis which offer financial aid are a bonus. =)
chew1991
post Nov 18 2011, 09:49 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Nov 7 2011, 09:05 AM)
lol how goes it for you?
so glad I'm outta college xD
*
Everything is fine until the study path starts to screw things up.
Because of thermodynamics, i have to stay in Purdue for 6 semesters instead of 5. god damn it. sad.gif

So guys, please check out the plan of studies. Its not necessarily 2+2. or 2+2.5.
J_Vansen_S
post Nov 18 2011, 03:26 PM

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hey all~<

how do you guys apply for Uni's in the US?
Do u apply online straight from their website or go to Education agents?

Place where im currently at, does not do US universities applications. Only all for Oz and Uk
MaggieMee
post Nov 20 2011, 03:32 AM

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QUOTE(J_Vansen_S @ Nov 18 2011, 03:26 PM)
hey all~<

how do you guys apply for Uni's in the US?
Do u apply online straight from their website or go to Education agents?

Place where im currently at, does not do US universities applications. Only all for Oz and Uk
*
You do it yourself, look up the university that you seek to be in, register online and follow their instructions. There are some logistics to deal with that you have to do yourself, like sending your transcripts in.

Back to studying >.<, 3 mid-terms next week.
rokai88
post Nov 20 2011, 01:11 PM

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QUOTE(J_Vansen_S @ Nov 18 2011, 03:26 PM)
hey all~<

how do you guys apply for Uni's in the US?
Do u apply online straight from their website or go to Education agents?

Place where im currently at, does not do US universities applications. Only all for Oz and Uk
*
apply online myself
tonnect91
post Nov 25 2011, 11:59 AM

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Happy Thanksgiving !!! biggrin.gif
GunBlaDeR
post Dec 3 2011, 08:42 PM

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Damn, Fall semester Final exams are next week. cry.gif
tonnect91
post Dec 4 2011, 05:56 AM

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QUOTE(GunBlaDeR @ Dec 3 2011, 08:42 PM)
Damn, Fall semester Final exams are next week. cry.gif
*
Every midterm is like final to me cry.gif
iamjames5
post Dec 4 2011, 01:23 PM

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If i get my Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at The University of Iowa, issit recognized in Malaysia? I heard from sumwhere that degrees from state universities are not recognized in malaysia. issit true?
pokeat
post Dec 11 2011, 05:27 PM

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Hi people ! I just registered for SAT Jan 28th next year, and 've bout 2 months to prepare. Any can share some experience of it ?

One thing I'm not sure is I will be 21y.o next year, is this any extra procedure for that ( International freshman applicant for 21y.o )? Ofcos, I'll submit my scores after I done the exam. I can apply sep intake only sadly sad.gif cos I need to earn sufficient fund before going. And tuition fee is definitely a dead end cos my parents will not

For instance docs need for coll in NY :
1. Application
2. Official high school transcript ( Suppose is SPM Certificate, some will request to be in ENGLISH how then ? )
3. Test scores ( SAT or ACT )
4. Non-refundable $65 application processing fee ( I notice that most unis opt for non-refundable sad.gif
5. Essay (Optional)
6. Personal statement / Letters of recommendation (Optional) ( Is this going to help ? )
7. Further information & recommended reading

8. My question, some unis will need secondary school letter from teacher but I left for years and I don't think my teacher even remember me. Can skip right ?

This post has been edited by pokeat: Dec 12 2011, 12:07 AM
chew1991
post Dec 16 2011, 06:37 AM

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Most of the universities do not require a secondary school letter from your teachers, im not sure about ivy leagues or the top schools, they probably need them.

SPM certificate, translate it and get it chopped by an official.

Personal statement and letter of recommendations are very helpful and i recommend you do it/get it. 3 recommendations should be fine.

don't forget your financial statement that states that you are able to pay for 1 year's living and tuition. even if its not required for the uni, its required for the visa.

senseis who are in US, correct me if i'm wrong.
GunBlaDeR
post Dec 16 2011, 11:43 AM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Dec 16 2011, 06:37 AM)
Most of the universities do not require a secondary school letter from your teachers, im not sure about ivy leagues or the top schools, they probably need them.

SPM certificate, translate it and get it chopped by an official.

Personal statement and letter of recommendations are very helpful and i recommend you do it/get it. 3 recommendations should be fine.

don't forget your financial statement that states that you are able to pay for 1 year's living and tuition. even if its not required for the uni, its required for the visa.

senseis who are in US, correct me if i'm wrong.
*
As far as I know, you are not wrong.

Also you can even get letter of recommendation from your boss if you are working now.
pokeat
post Dec 17 2011, 06:57 PM

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QUOTE(chew1991 @ Dec 16 2011, 06:37 AM)
Most of the universities do not require a secondary school letter from your teachers, im not sure about ivy leagues or the top schools, they probably need them.

SPM certificate, translate it and get it chopped by an official.

Personal statement and letter of recommendations are very helpful and i recommend you do it/get it. 3 recommendations should be fine.

Statement C : don't forget your financial statement that states that you are able to pay for 1 year's living and tuition. even if its not required for the uni, its required for the visa.

senseis who are in US, correct me if i'm wrong.
*
How can I explain to the official, if my high school dun issue this kinda letter ?

And, where to translate the spm cert cos I never do before, commissioner oath ?

I try to beg around, maybe i can get someone high post, definitely related with my undergrad couse ( his job ).


Statement C - my cousin, who just back from US, advice me to take local scholarship ( I don't have money, I will consider to take local loan) . Is that able to to prove I've ability to to stay in US for a year ?
GunBlaDeR
post Dec 18 2011, 05:42 AM

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QUOTE(pokeat @ Dec 17 2011, 06:57 PM)
How can I explain to the official, if my high school dun issue this kinda letter ?

And, where to translate the spm cert cos I never do before, commissioner oath ?

I try to beg around, maybe i can get someone high post, definitely related with my undergrad couse ( his job ).
Statement C - my cousin, who just back from US, advice me to take local scholarship ( I don't have money, I will consider to take local loan) . Is that able to to prove I've ability to to stay in US for a year ?
*
1) Some US universities don't explicit say that they require High school recommendation letter. If they do, well you could do the recommendation letter yourself and ask a teacher or the principal it they can sign it and stamp the envelop. That's what I did when I applied.

2) You can translate the SPM cert yourself and then bring to school to stamp it for prove that it is a true translation

3) I am not sure about the financial loan. I think its ok....
pokeat
post Dec 28 2011, 03:12 AM

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Any SAT Jan 28th candidates ? Let's talk, my average score is about 1400, how can I improve ? All my math skills rust, I didn't study after almost a year sad.gif
TSthenemesis
post Jan 24 2012, 02:01 PM

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happy chinese new year guys!
GunBlaDeR
post Jan 28 2012, 05:33 PM

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QUOTE(pokeat @ Dec 28 2011, 03:12 AM)
Any SAT Jan 28th candidates ? Let's talk, my average score is about 1400, how can I improve ? All my math skills rust, I didn't study after almost a year sad.gif
*
Good luck thumbup.gif

QUOTE(thenemesis @ Jan 24 2012, 02:01 PM)
happy chinese new year guys!
*
Happy Chinese New Year!
rokai88
post Feb 19 2012, 09:24 PM

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bump for this thread. its been a while since this thread is active. i hope all of you guys are doing fine :-)
latias93
post Feb 29 2012, 02:15 AM

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I'm doing fine, I wonder how the rest are doing?

Thread is dying! Are you guys too busy writing Yelp reviews until you've forgotten about Lowyat.Net? laugh.gif
spunkberry
post Feb 29 2012, 08:57 PM

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I resent that! I do NOT spend all my time writing Yelp reviews! tongue.gif
reconnaissance
post Mar 1 2012, 01:50 PM

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QUOTE(pokeat @ Dec 17 2011, 06:57 PM)
And, where to translate the spm cert cos I never do before, commissioner oath ?
*
Just for the convenience of future students who are required to translate certificates or result statements;
I believe the best verified translator would be the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia).

I'm not sure what certificates do they accept to translate but above all, I believe they would be able to translate the certificates they issued themselves. wink.gif
Excerpt on instruction is quoted below.

QUOTE
PANDUAN PERMOHONAN TERJEMAHAN SIJIL
1. Lembaga Peperiksaan menyediakan perkhidmatan terjemahan sijil atau pernyataan ke dalam Bahasa Inggeris.
2. Bagi permohonan terjemahan sijil atau pernyataan atau slip keputusan ( sekiranya sijil atau pernyataan belum dikeluarkan oleh LP ). Laporan polis atau surat sumpah tidak diperlukan.
3. Bayaran proses RM10.00 ( Ringgit Malaysia Sepuluh Sahaja ) dikenakan bagi setiap helaian terjemahan yang dipohon. Bayaran boleh dibuat menggunakan Wang Pos ( Postal Order ) atau Kiriman Wang ( Money Order) atas nama ‘PENGARAH PEPERIKSAAN’. Cek persendirian tidak diterima.

LAIN-LAIN
1. Semua permohonan, sama ada untuk mendapatkan salinan keputusan atau terjemahan hendaklah menggunakan borang yang dikeluarkan oleh Lembaga Peperiksaan, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia.
2. Borang permohonan boleh didapati daripada kaunter di aras bawah bangunan Lembaga Peperiksaan, Blok E11, Kompleks E Putrajaya, atau Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri ( Unit Penilaian Dan Peperiksaan ) atau di laman web LP.
3. Permohonan pernyata keputusan PMR bagi tahun 1998 ke atas dan permohonan salinan keputusan SPM bagi tahun 1994 ke atas boleh diperolehi dalam tempoh satu jam sekirannya pemohon datang sendiri ke Lembaga Peperiksaan.
4. Masa dua minggu diperlukan untuk memproses permohonan penyata keputusan PMR bagi tahun 1997 ke bawah dan permohonan salinan keputusan SPM bagi tahun 1993 ke bawah. Begitu juga bagi permohonan sijil SPMU atau SPM Kertas Julai.
5. Permohonan secara pos akan mengambil masa dua minggu untuk diproses (sekiranya maklumat lengkap). Masa dua minggu lagi diperlukan untuk proses pengeposan.
6. Kaunter permohonan dibuka setiap hari berkerja.

Isnin - Khamis :8.15 pagi - 4.30 ptg
Jumaat          :8.15 pagi - 12.30 t.hari
                    :2.45 ptg - 4.30 ptg

7. Permohonan melalui pos hendaklah dihantar ke alamat berikut :

LEMBAGA PEPERIKSAAN
KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN MALAYSIA
BLOK E11, KOMPLEKS E,
PUSAT PENTADBIRAN KERAJAAN
PERSEKUTUAN, 62604 PUTRAJAYA
(U/P: UPMPD - UNIT KECIL SIJIL)
Tel: 03 - 88843526 / 3528

Nota*
1. Calon yang tidak pernah mengambil sijil asal tidak dibenarkan membuat permohonan salinan keputusan peperiksaan.
2. Lembaga Peperiksaan tidak menyimpan sijil asal calon. Sijil asal boleh diperoleh daripada sekolah di mana calon menduduki peperiksaan atau di Unit Penilaian dan Peperiksaan Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri.

#(http://www.moe.gov.my/lp/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=1:terjemahan-sijil&layout=blog&Itemid=35)
latias93
post Mar 7 2012, 10:34 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Feb 29 2012, 04:57 AM)
I resent that! I do NOT spend all my time writing Yelp reviews! tongue.gif
*
LOL! I was just wondering, is there an American forum that is similar to LowYat.Net? It seems like every little thing has their own forum as opposed to LowYat.Net which has everything under its subforums, thus making it much more convenient.. I had to sign up to more than ten forums that cater to specific topics (e.g. BMW cars, paintball, frisbee..).
spunkberry
post Mar 8 2012, 09:21 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Mar 7 2012, 10:34 PM)
LOL! I was just wondering, is there an American forum that is similar to LowYat.Net? It seems like every little thing has their own forum as opposed to LowYat.Net which has everything under its subforums, thus making it much more convenient.. I had to sign up to more than ten forums that cater to specific topics (e.g. BMW cars, paintball, frisbee..).
*
I don't think so sad.gif
MaggieMee
post Mar 8 2012, 04:02 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Mar 8 2012, 09:21 AM)
I don't think so sad.gif
*
Yes there is, it is called reddit

http://www.reddit.com/r/paintball/
http://www.reddit.com/r/cars/

This post has been edited by MaggieMee: Mar 8 2012, 04:04 PM
spunkberry
post Mar 8 2012, 09:54 PM

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I don't quite consider that a forum, especially since you would agree with me that reddit != lyn.
maybe to me, the difference is the level of intelligence.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Mar 12 2012, 07:25 AM
GunBlaDeR
post Mar 18 2012, 05:40 PM

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www.neowin.net

To me, its pretty similar to LYN smile.gif
iceypain
post Mar 22 2012, 02:24 PM

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forums.somethingawful.com
chew1991
post Mar 30 2012, 09:04 AM

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If anyone is planning to transfer to US to a decently good school. Just do a 1+3. no point doing a 2+2. Thats my advice. smile.gif
magicfinger
post Mar 30 2012, 09:33 AM

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hi there going to graduate soon in mechanical engineering and would like to do master in mechanical engineering in US...cgpa lower that 3.0 do you think i would have difficulty in getting admission or it doesnt really matter?
spunkberry
post Mar 31 2012, 12:38 AM

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QUOTE(magicfinger @ Mar 30 2012, 09:33 AM)
hi there going to graduate soon in mechanical engineering and would like to do master in mechanical engineering in US...cgpa lower that 3.0 do you think i would have difficulty in getting admission or it doesnt really matter?
*
you might have some difficulty. ME is a relatively popular major. I know at my alma mater, the required GPA to enter ME is higher than all the other engineering disciplines.
magicfinger
post Apr 2 2012, 02:40 AM

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hi spunkberry. may I know if ur answer is based on experience or just general assumption? thanks
iceypain
post Apr 2 2012, 07:45 AM

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QUOTE(magicfinger @ Apr 2 2012, 02:40 AM)
hi spunkberry. may I know if ur answer is based on experience or just general assumption? thanks
*
no respectable graduate program here will admit a 3.0 GPA unless you have something else that is amazing (work experience etc.) and even then it's a stretch. if you're aiming for a third-rate program then you're better off saving the money and going to a local school. truth hurts but you should still try if that's what you really want.

This post has been edited by iceypain: Apr 2 2012, 07:47 AM
TrustULoveU
post Apr 3 2012, 09:31 AM

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anyone taking ADTP in inti ? biggrin.gif
spunkberry
post Apr 5 2012, 07:59 AM

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QUOTE(magicfinger @ Apr 2 2012, 02:40 AM)
hi spunkberry. may I know if ur answer is based on experience or just general assumption? thanks
*
my answer was actually based on the undergraduate program at my alma mater.

BUT

QUOTE(iceypain @ Apr 2 2012, 07:45 AM)
no respectable graduate program here will admit a 3.0 GPA unless you have something else that is amazing (work experience etc.) and even then it's a stretch. if you're aiming for a third-rate program then you're better off saving the money and going to a local school. truth hurts but you should still try if that's what you really want.
*
iceypain here is correct. Most people who intend to enter graduate school in the USA maintain a 3.5 or higher - most of my friends who had such intentions maintained a 3.7 and higher, some even 4.0. So yes, I stand by what I said, you will have difficulty.
rokai88
post May 30 2012, 01:46 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 5 2012, 07:59 AM)
my answer was actually based on the undergraduate program at my alma mater.

BUT
iceypain here is correct. Most people who intend to enter graduate school in the USA maintain a 3.5 or higher - most of my friends who had such intentions maintained a 3.7 and higher, some even 4.0. So yes, I stand by what I said, you will have difficulty.
*
hi spunkberry, any opinions on chances of working in states after graduating? from your experience.
with the current recession should i still keep up hope?
what can we do to boost our chances?

thanks! rclxms.gif
mumeichan
post Jun 1 2012, 09:36 PM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ May 30 2012, 01:46 PM)
hi spunkberry, any opinions on chances of working in states after graduating? from your experience.
with the current recession should i still keep up hope?
what can we do to boost our chances?

thanks! rclxms.gif
*
Generally it's very low. I don't think the recession has that big of an impact on the the employment of foreigners because the employers of foreigners are normally very big companies and there is an annual cap on the number of work visas that will be given out by the government. So really, the limit is being placed by the visa cap even with the bad economy (which isn't very bad anyway)
spunkberry
post Jun 6 2012, 10:52 PM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ May 30 2012, 01:46 PM)
hi spunkberry, any opinions on chances of working in states after graduating? from your experience.
with the current recession should i still keep up hope?
what can we do to boost our chances?

thanks! rclxms.gif
*
QUOTE(mumeichan @ Jun 1 2012, 09:36 PM)
Generally it's very low. I don't think the recession has that big of an impact on the the employment of foreigners because the employers of foreigners are normally very big companies and there is an annual cap on the number of work visas that will be given out by the government. So really, the limit is being placed by the visa cap even with the bad economy (which isn't very bad anyway)
*
as much as mumeichan is correct that the rate of employment is low ... it is not limited by the H1B visa cap. with American unemployment at an all time high, it is seen as unpatriotic for companies to hire foreigners over their own citizens. no it's not just America that does this, any country does this, even Malaysia (rampantly).

my F-1 foreign visa status was the brick wall to my employment opportunities, not my qualifications nor the H1B visa cap. even at job fairs, some companies just paste up a sign that says US CITIZENS/PRs ONLY. Defense contractors are also out of the question because those are US citizen only positions - foreigners are spies, basically.

get internships, make sure you actually learn something in your classes and on your internships and stand out above the rest. your GPA is definitely the first step - when companies go through the stack, they remove anything under 3.0 for engineering, higher for others. making connections definitely helps, but don't expect them to basically open the door to you .. they can only expedite the process.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Jun 6 2012, 10:53 PM
rokai88
post Jun 7 2012, 12:27 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Jun 6 2012, 10:52 PM)
as much as mumeichan is correct that the rate of employment is low ... it is not limited by the H1B visa cap. with American unemployment at an all time high, it is seen as unpatriotic for companies to hire foreigners over their own citizens. no it's not just America that does this, any country does this, even Malaysia (rampantly).

my F-1 foreign visa status was the brick wall to my employment opportunities, not my qualifications nor the H1B visa cap. even at job fairs, some companies just paste up a sign that says US CITIZENS/PRs ONLY. Defense contractors are also out of the question because those are US citizen only positions - foreigners are spies, basically.

get internships, make sure you actually learn something in your classes and on your internships and stand out above the rest. your GPA is definitely the first step - when companies go through the stack, they remove anything under 3.0 for engineering, higher for others. making connections definitely helps, but don't expect them to basically open the door to you .. they can only expedite the process.
*
Thanks mumeichan & spunkberry for the insight thumbup.gif
chinti
post Jun 9 2012, 04:06 PM

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QUOTE(TrustULoveU @ Apr 3 2012, 09:31 AM)
anyone taking ADTP in inti ? biggrin.gif
*
hi~ im a former AUP student in INTI~ im now in US doing software engineering~
TrustULoveU
post Jun 9 2012, 06:13 PM

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QUOTE(chinti @ Jun 9 2012, 05:06 PM)
hi~ im a former AUP student in INTI~ im now in US doing software engineering~
*
Which uni are you now ? happy.gif and did most of ur credit hours accepted?
chinti
post Jun 10 2012, 01:36 AM

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QUOTE(TrustULoveU @ Jun 9 2012, 06:13 PM)
Which uni are you now ? happy.gif and did most of ur credit hours accepted?
*
im in Montana Tech now and all of my credit hours r accepted, the main subject though, not those useless easy subject.
TrustULoveU
post Jun 10 2012, 10:54 AM

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QUOTE(chinti @ Jun 10 2012, 02:36 AM)
im in Montana Tech now and all of my credit hours r accepted, the main subject though, not those useless easy subject.
*
heh,what useless easy subject are they? example ?
chinti
post Jun 10 2012, 11:45 AM

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smth lik econs, college chem, college physics~ as for cal1, general chem, n so on can transfer~ bt still its really depends on the uni u apply, some uni can transfer a lot, some cant~
ratloverice
post Jun 10 2012, 12:02 PM

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QUOTE(chinti @ Jun 10 2012, 11:45 AM)
smth lik econs, college chem, college physics~ as for cal1, general chem, n so on can transfer~ bt still its really depends on the uni u apply, some uni can transfer a lot, some cant~
*
Uni of Wisconsin-Eau Claire accepts every subject that I took except MPW.
chinti
post Jun 10 2012, 02:31 PM

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QUOTE(ratloverice @ Jun 10 2012, 12:02 PM)
Uni of Wisconsin-Eau Claire accepts every subject that I took except MPW.
*
MPW r not accepted every where in the world except malaysia...lol~ i nv took MPW although they say must take, waste time, waste money, waste energy~
mumeichan
post Jun 10 2012, 10:11 PM

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QUOTE(chinti @ Jun 10 2012, 02:31 PM)
MPW r not accepted every where in the world except malaysia...lol~ i nv took MPW although they say must take, waste time, waste money, waste energy~
*
Lol no. I got credit for that.


Added on July 1, 2012, 8:34 amSo who is coming to the US this Fall?

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Jul 1 2012, 08:34 AM
rokai88
post Jul 5 2012, 09:59 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Jun 10 2012, 10:11 PM)
Lol no. I got credit for that.


Added on July 1, 2012, 8:34 amSo who is coming to the US this Fall?
*
me! rclxms.gif
mumeichan
post Jul 6 2012, 02:40 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Jul 5 2012, 09:59 PM)
me!  rclxms.gif
*
where are you going to?
rokai88
post Jul 6 2012, 02:40 AM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Jul 6 2012, 02:40 AM)
where are you going to?
*
you already in the us i assume. which uni?

This post has been edited by rokai88: Sep 6 2012, 10:12 AM
mumeichan
post Jul 6 2012, 07:42 AM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Jul 6 2012, 02:40 AM)
carnegie mellon. you already in the us i assume. which uni?
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Yes I'm in Michigan now.
spunkberry
post Jul 6 2012, 10:37 AM

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nice, Michigan. One of my considerations wink.gif
rokai88
post Jul 6 2012, 03:27 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Jul 6 2012, 10:37 AM)
nice, Michigan. One of my considerations wink.gif
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how about you spunkberry? where were you before?
spunkberry
post Jul 6 2012, 09:59 PM

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Pundek XD

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Aug 14 2012, 05:30 AM
lost_destiny
post Jul 7 2012, 07:29 AM

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I have this thought.
"If I were to study in the states, either Ivy League or go home"

Is it worth studying at whatever university you're studying now? Is it because of the experience of studying in the US or whether the university you are at is actually really good/better than those in Malaysia?

Not that I am against studying overseas though, just that I am sceptical of universities that I've never heard of.
mumeichan
post Jul 7 2012, 11:51 AM

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QUOTE(lost_destiny @ Jul 7 2012, 07:29 AM)
I have this thought.
"If I were to study in the states, either Ivy League or go home"

Is it worth studying at whatever university you're studying now? Is it because of the experience of studying in the US or whether the university  you are at is actually really good/better than those in Malaysia?

Not that I am against studying overseas though, just that I am sceptical of universities that I've never heard of.
*
It's up to you what standard you want. If you've already set your mind to IVY or not, then regardless of what other people's experiences are, you're probably not gonna be very satisfied.
spunkberry
post Jul 8 2012, 10:33 AM

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QUOTE(lost_destiny @ Jul 7 2012, 07:29 AM)
I have this thought.
"If I were to study in the states, either Ivy League or go home"

Is it worth studying at whatever university you're studying now? Is it because of the experience of studying in the US or whether the university  you are at is actually really good/better than those in Malaysia?

Not that I am against studying overseas though, just that I am sceptical of universities that I've never heard of.
*
I picked my university because it was within budget AND on the list of the top ten engineering universities in the USA. just because you hear about the Ivy League, doesn't mean that they're the only universities worth attending. Almost none of the Ivy League schools are known for engineering (only UPenn, who isn't even top ten, and Cornell) - does that mean I should go for it anyway because they're names everybody has heard of? Not to mention attendance expense - am I willing to pay that much for a school that isn't even known for what I want to major in?

however, like mumeichan says, if that's what you want, then nothing anybody says will change your mind. Just make sure you do the research and don't act like a dickhead just because you went to an Ivy League school. Almost all the schools I had on my top ten list to apply to, I had never heard of until I did my research.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Jul 8 2012, 10:41 AM
AmericanDreamer
post Jul 8 2012, 04:27 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Jun 6 2012, 09:52 AM)
as much as mumeichan is correct that the rate of employment is low ... it is not limited by the H1B visa cap. with American unemployment at an all time high, it is seen as unpatriotic for companies to hire foreigners over their own citizens. no it's not just America that does this, any country does this, even Malaysia (rampantly).

my F-1 foreign visa status was the brick wall to my employment opportunities, not my qualifications nor the H1B visa cap. even at job fairs, some companies just paste up a sign that says US CITIZENS/PRs ONLY. Defense contractors are also out of the question because those are US citizen only positions - foreigners are spies, basically.

get internships, make sure you actually learn something in your classes and on your internships and stand out above the rest. your GPA is definitely the first step - when companies go through the stack, they remove anything under 3.0 for engineering, higher for others. making connections definitely helps, but don't expect them to basically open the door to you .. they can only expedite the process.
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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Jul 7 2012, 09:33 PM)
I picked my university because it was within budget AND on the list of the top ten engineering universities in the USA. just because you hear about the Ivy League, doesn't mean that they're the only universities worth attending. Almost none of the Ivy League schools are known for engineering (only UPenn, who isn't even top ten, and Cornell) - does that mean I should go for it anyway because they're names everybody has heard of? Not to mention attendance expense - am I willing to pay that much for a school that isn't even known for what I want to major in?

however, like mumeichan says, if that's what you want, then nothing anybody says will change your mind. Just make sure you do the research and don't act like a dickhead just because you went to an Ivy League school. Almost all the schools I had on my top ten list to apply to, I had never heard of until I did my research.
*
Great points here. I myself am a Malaysian who grew up poor, but I studied in the US and graduated a few years ago, and is currently working in the U.S. Allow me to share some tips.

First of all, keep in mind that you can study in the United States for free if you know how to play the system's game. But it will take a lot of persistence and hard work.

Step1: Register every year for the Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_1322.html
It should open around October this year. Think of it as a golden ticket towards an American dream.

For Asia, the winning chance per year for this permanent residence green card is 0.84%. If you get it, you have a 50% chance of getting one of the allocated 50,000 slots. This method allows you to apply for all financial aids just like domestic U.S. students, and you could potentially fund your entire education this way. Also, upon graduation since you're already a PR with green card, you aren't limited by the OPT and H-1B rules. You can stay as long as you want and work anywhere, even off-campus while studying. F-1 international students are usually limited to working on-campus or risk losing their status. There's dozens of other benefits of a green card, look it up.

Step 2: Apply for any Malaysian program that sponsors your education in the US. Like Fullbright: http://www.macee.org.my/index.php/fulbrigh...-for-malaysians

Step 3: Research for U.S. schools that offer in-state tuition for international students. This will save you hundreds & thousands of dollars. A degree is just a piece of paper, your job experience, networking and capability means so much more.

Example - Minnesota schools that offer scholarships/in-state tuition to int. students:
http://www.fundingusstudy.org/SearchResult...&state=MN&spon=

Step 4: Apply for any scholarships out there. Every single one if possible, with a kick-ass personal essay and list of accomplishments on a website portfolio. No email attachments, it must be extremely easy to read or it goes straight into the trash. http://www.fundingusstudy.org/StateSearch.asp

Step 5: If you're determined to graduate from an (Ivy League/expensive reputable school for your major) school, make sure to go to a community college first to earn at least 20 credits before transferring into a 4-year-institution. KILL YOURSELF TO GET THAT 4.0. Apply to as many scholarships as you can. Then make sure to go to a university that offers banded tuition rates, where the tuition is locked after 12 credits. So let's say it costs $15000 for 12 credits per semester. If you take 18 credits, that's a savings of 6 credits and $7500 every semester. Assuming that your major requires 128 credits, and 20 credits transferred in, you'll just need 6 semesters of 18 credits in order to graduate. (3 years) This way, you'll get 36 free credits, that's a savings of $45,000 in the long run. The higher the tuition cost, the more you save.

Step 6: Find an American host family and bond with them greatly. Tell them about your poor upbringing and your dreams to succeed in the U.S. Help them with any problems the best you possibly can. I got free housing, food, and eventually a car by this method. It is also possible to find someone to help sponsor you. All U.S. schools require that you show a minimum financial solvency to support your first year of education, ranging from $25000 to $50000. A sponsor can help you gain acceptance, they just need to write a letter of support and provide original bank statements, they suffer no penalty whatsoever if you fail to pay tuition later. An acceptance gives you the eligibility to apply for scholarships. (Very limited for international students unless you have a green card)

Step 7: Keep in mind that it's possible work in the US and pay off your entire tuition and cover living expenses even if you can't find a scholarship, provided that you attend a school that offers in-state tuition for international students. According to F-1 rules, international students aren't required to take summer courses. So you can work the full 3 months of Summer while working 20 hours max during Spring and Fall semesters. If you can speak chinese you can easily find a waiter job that pays about $3000+ a month. It's a difficult job with long hours, but worth it in the long run. This is the most common approach, you could also do other jobs to supplement your income but it depends on your sets of skills. Note: F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus. But the percentage of getting caught is extremely low. Options like CPT or employment based on severe economic hardship exists, but some restrictions apply that makes it counter-productive. Countries like Canada are more lenient, they allow int. students to work off-campus and PR is easily attainable, but that's another topic for another time. =)

Some people go for plasma/sperm/ovum donations, and become research participants in drug trials to earn a couple thousand dollars in just a month. I do not recommend this as your health is your No.1 asset.

Step 8: This is the fun and easy part. Decide what career you want, and which school & state.

10 lowest unemployment states:
http://www.investinganswers.com/personal-f...-shrinking-4348

10 college majors with lowest unemployment rates:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/10-col...-163049193.html

New emerging jobs with rapid growth and detailed overview:
http://www.onetonline.org/find/bright?b=3&g=Go

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Secret Method: Study in any U.S. university for free.

This method is only possible if you have successfully obtained a green card to be a permanent resident in the U.S. Either via the lottery or other means.

All American schools are open areas and usually do not check for student ID. This means that anyone who looks like a student can freely walk in to any class and listen to lectures, if the class is big enough. When there's 100+ students in a big room, you will not stand out. You're there to just learn. You can also easily obtain the class syllabus for your desired majors and find out the course structure, so that you know what books to buy. Most of college education is self education anyways.

If you're in an engineering or computer science field where most of the material can be learned with just a computer and a book, you can gain valuable knowledge in order to start your own projects and be hired from that alone. It's a little more difficult if you don't have a degree, but remember, it's just a piece of paper.
The hardest part would be acquiring enough funds to move to your desired University's area, and cover living expenses.

Note: Steve Jobs dropped out of college after six months and spent the next 18 months dropping in on creative classes, including a course on calligraphy. He continued auditing classes at Reed while sleeping on the floor in friends' dorm rooms, returning Coke bottles for food money, and getting weekly free meals at the local Hare Krishna temple. Jobs later said, "If I had never dropped in on that single calligraphy course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Open Method#1: Study in a U.S. university remotely

This helps you gets used to the U.S. education system, and explore your range of interests before committing to a major. It's always difficult to decide your major without trying the courses first, so the best method is to try everything with promising career outlooks and see which major truly keeps you interested.

MIT Opencourseware: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/

MITx: https://6002x.mitx.mit.edu/courseware/6.002...erview/Welcome/

Harvard+MIT starting Fall 2012: http://www.edxonline.org/about.html

Stanford: http://see.stanford.edu/see/courses.aspx

Misc free online courses:
http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
(Oxford, UC Berkeley, MIT, Yale, Harvard, UCLA, etc)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Open Method#2: Be taught by the best U.S. professors & experienced professionals remotely.

Udacity - 21st Century University http://www.udacity.com/
(Taught by Sebastian Thrun - Stanford, Steve Huffman - Cofounder of Reddit, etc)


Okay, that's enough for now, just to get you started. Apologies in advance for the long post, I hope it was somewhat helpful. Remember, it's only impossible if you give up. Good luck~! =)


This post has been edited by AmericanDreamer: Aug 11 2013, 12:41 AM
rokai88
post Jul 8 2012, 09:45 PM

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wow, awesome piece of info there
MaggieMee
post Jul 9 2012, 01:19 PM

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QUOTE(AmericanDreamer @ Jul 8 2012, 04:27 PM)
Note: F-1 students are not allowed to work off-campus. But the percentage of getting caught is extremely low. Like 0.01%.
False, CPT and OPT allows you to work off campus, google if you want to know more.
AmericanDreamer
post Jul 9 2012, 01:52 PM

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QUOTE(rokai88 @ Jul 8 2012, 07:45 AM)
wow, awesome piece of info there
*
Glad I could help. Make sure you follow Step 1, entries will open around October! =)

QUOTE(MaggieMee @ Jul 8 2012, 11:19 PM)
False, CPT and OPT allows you to work off campus, google if you want to know more.
*
CPT requires enrollment for one academic year before you're eligible and is for internships. Also, CPT requires the awarding of academic credit, so this means that you have to pay additional tuition fees in order to be allowed to earn off-campus income, that's counter-productive, no? Furthermore, OPT is end-game so that's not really relevant yet.

If you really wanna work off-campus to support yourself financially, the employment based on severe economic hardship that allows F-1 students to work off-campus is more suitable compared to CPT. But then again, the 1-year enrollment rule still applies for severe economic hardship employment, and the $380 fee with months worth of waiting for the employment authorization card isn't too appealing either.

This post has been edited by AmericanDreamer: Aug 11 2013, 12:00 AM
mumeichan
post Jul 12 2012, 10:34 AM

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QUOTE(capricorn_girl604 @ Jul 11 2012, 07:00 PM)
Hi everyone-- check out how creative this student was to get the Admissions staff at the Univ. of Michigan interested in him! http://www.annarbor.com/news/hes-in-unusua...-bring-success/
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I can't encourage this.
latias93
post Sep 5 2012, 03:31 AM

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I almost forgot to wish everyone here a belated Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! How did the celebrations go for you guys? The one we had in Los Angeles was quite large and were attended by not just Malaysian students, but members of the embassy and Malaysians residing in San Diego/Los Angeles. Some even came from as far as Boston, MA.
immabee
post Sep 8 2012, 07:47 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Sep 5 2012, 03:31 AM)
I almost forgot to wish everyone here a belated Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! How did the celebrations go for you guys? The one we had in Los Angeles was quite large and were attended by not just Malaysian students, but members of the embassy and Malaysians residing in San Diego/Los Angeles. Some even came from as far as Boston, MA.
*
Awww, I left LA early. Too bad =(. Should have stay there a lil longer.
OH-
post Sep 17 2012, 04:51 PM

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Anyone near Atlanta? hmm.gif
latias93
post Sep 20 2012, 11:02 AM

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QUOTE(immabee @ Sep 8 2012, 03:47 AM)
Awww, I left LA early. Too bad =(. Should have stay there a lil longer.
*
Oh, where are you now? Are you home for the holidays, transferred to a different state or are you done? yawn.gif

Which university did you attend?
immabee
post Sep 22 2012, 06:49 PM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Sep 20 2012, 11:02 AM)
Oh, where are you now? Are you home for the holidays, transferred to a different state or are you done? yawn.gif

Which university did you attend?
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Am based in Australia for full time study. Went to UCLA recently for summer programme.
TechnoDude94
post Sep 24 2012, 07:01 PM

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Hi guys, urgent question here. May I know how do I convert my SPM results into GPA scores? I went to MACEEs today and they said that the results I attained (10As) will result in GPA of 4.0 which in my opinion is too high cause I've got 2A-.. sweat.gif . Shouldn't it be around GPA of around 3.8? Cause I don't wanna send a too high GPA during my application form to the US unis that I'm applying for, makes it sound a bit LCLY. Thanks! biggrin.gif

This post has been edited by TechnoDude94: Sep 24 2012, 07:01 PM
spunkberry
post Sep 25 2012, 08:37 AM

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10As is a perfect score, so a perfect GPA is 4.0
I'm not sure how you can really convert SPM grades into GPA because GPA is calculated thusly:

# of credit hours for the class * grade you received (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0)

divided by

Total # of credit hours.
TSthenemesis
post Oct 2 2012, 10:22 PM

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QUOTE(AmericanDreamer @ Jul 8 2012, 04:27 PM)
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «
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thanks for the info. Seems pretty dead over here. Time to bump!
Imsilly
post Oct 14 2012, 10:33 PM

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Anyone here applying for next fall?
I'm going to retake my SATs soon, really need to get good score this time.
melvin418
post Oct 28 2012, 02:11 AM

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can i get a job in US after getting a degree in their uni? i heard my friend applying PR needs a long time. if no PR still can get job? like intern..?
ThehWS
post Jan 2 2013, 03:57 PM

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Opinion on Iowa State Uni please? Anyone? Wanna study Electrical Engineering there.
LesAffreux
post Jan 2 2013, 07:15 PM

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Eh hi guys! I just recently finished my SPM and whatnot, planning to take my SAT soon. I'm planning to apply as a freshman instead of a transfer student to a couple of American universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Irvine (definitely not Ivies, but still ridiculously competitive).

Just curious, are there any programs that I can do besides Taylor's 1+4 and A Levels to apply as a freshman? Taylor's fees seem to be quite exorbitant and I'm not very keen on taking A levels.
dwin95
post Jan 2 2013, 09:00 PM

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QUOTE(LesAffreux @ Jan 2 2013, 07:15 PM)
Eh hi guys! I just recently finished my SPM and whatnot, planning to take my SAT soon. I'm planning to apply as a freshman instead of a transfer student to a couple of American universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Irvine (definitely not Ivies, but still ridiculously competitive).

Just curious, are there any programs that I can do besides Taylor's 1+4 and A Levels to apply as a freshman? Taylor's fees seem to be quite exorbitant and I'm not very keen on taking A levels.
*
you can do adp anywhere (well I know of inti and taylor) and still do 1+4 provided you have a gpa of 3.5 above. 3.9 to secure a spot.
LesAffreux
post Jan 2 2013, 09:22 PM

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QUOTE(dwin95 @ Jan 2 2013, 09:00 PM)
you can do adp anywhere (well I know of inti and taylor) and still do 1+4 provided you have a gpa of 3.5 above. 3.9 to secure a spot.
*
Thank you so much notworthy.gif . So INTI does offer a 1+4 program that allows me to apply as a freshman? Sorry for all the questions. I tried asking at edufairs, but all of the spokespeople seemed very ... well, misinformed. And the INTI counselor hasn't been free for weeks rclxub.gif
dwin95
post Jan 2 2013, 09:44 PM

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QUOTE(LesAffreux @ Jan 2 2013, 09:22 PM)
Thank you so much  notworthy.gif . So INTI does offer a 1+4 program that allows me to apply as a freshman? Sorry for all the questions. I tried asking at edufairs, but all of the spokespeople seemed very ... well, misinformed. And the INTI counselor hasn't been free for weeks  rclxub.gif
*
Of course, who wouldn't want to go to the ivies, UCLA, UCB, Boston U, Columbia, Brown etc?

They said if you did your first year really well, like maybe with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, you can apply and then stand a chance to be admitted to the top U's . Well from what I thought was the first year is equivalent to their 12 year of high school so its basically the same thing where you enter as a freshman again and do all 4 years there and burn on the rm20k you spent here.

This post has been edited by dwin95: Aug 16 2013, 08:58 PM
LesAffreux
post Jan 2 2013, 10:00 PM

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QUOTE(dwin95 @ Jan 2 2013, 09:44 PM)
Haha, I did ask before I enrolled myself to INTI. Of course, who wouldn't want to go to the ivies, UCLA, UCB, Boston U, Columbia, Brown etc?

They said if you did your first year really well, like maybe with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, you can apply and then stand a chance to be admitted to the top U's . Well from what I thought was the first year is equivalent to their 12 year of high school so its basically the same thing where you enter as a freshman again and do all 4 years there and burn on the rm20k you spent here.
*
Haha, I was afraid of that. So in conclusion the universities will still take into account your GPA (and of course SAT score) but your credits will not be transferable? doh.gif Hmm, how's INTI? Has anyone successfully gone to the higher-tiered aforementioned universities through their ADP program? I'm guessing it's virtually impossible to get into competitive unis through the 2+2 program?

dwin95
post Jan 2 2013, 10:04 PM

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QUOTE(LesAffreux @ Jan 2 2013, 10:00 PM)
Haha, I was afraid of that. So in conclusion the universities will still take into account your GPA (and of course SAT score) but your credits will not be transferable?  doh.gif Hmm, how's INTI? Has anyone successfully gone to the higher-tiered aforementioned universities through their ADP program? I'm guessing it's virtually impossible to get into competitive unis through the 2+2 program?
*
Pay the school a visit and you'll see accomplishments of students getting into Ivies and many into UCLA/B around the corridor. Someone even managed to transfer 24 credit hours into an Ivy League!


LesAffreux
post Jan 2 2013, 10:23 PM

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QUOTE(dwin95 @ Jan 2 2013, 10:04 PM)
Pay the school a visit and you'll see accomplishments of students getting into Ivies and many into UCLA/B around the corridor. Someone even managed to transfer 24 credit hours into an Ivy League!
*
Omg. That person must be a legend. I'll definitely drop by soon. Thanks sooo much for your help! notworthy.gif
Imsilly
post Jan 3 2013, 06:20 PM

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QUOTE(LesAffreux @ Jan 2 2013, 10:00 PM)
Haha, I was afraid of that. So in conclusion the universities will still take into account your GPA (and of course SAT score) but your credits will not be transferable?  doh.gif Hmm, how's INTI? Has anyone successfully gone to the higher-tiered aforementioned universities through their ADP program? I'm guessing it's virtually impossible to get into competitive unis through the 2+2 program?
*
It's not virtually impossible to get into competitive unis through 2+2 program.
I have several friends who transferred to Cornell (ivy league), Carnegie Mellon, John Hopkins and the UCB and UCLA from ADP at Taylor's.

Cornell accepts the largest amount of transfers (22% in '11) compared to rest of the Ivies.

Transferring to Ivies and top schools like UChicago is extremely tough as the acceptance rates are extremely low.(Harvard only acceptance rate for transfer is only 1%)

ADP may only limit your options if you apply as a transfer and ADP isn't as well known as A levels or IB. However, the 1+4 option is pretty good, got a friend who was waitlisted for Boston college as he applied as a transfer and asked for financial aid. Only reason why he didn't get in was because he couldn't afford the school.

Applying as a transfer is bad if you are unable to afford college as generally US colleges don't give scholarships or financial aid for international transfers, unless it's a needblind school. (need blind schools admissions doesn't consider whether you'll be able to pay for college or not as they'll provide financial aid if they accept you)
LesAffreux
post Jan 6 2013, 07:17 PM

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QUOTE(Imsilly @ Jan 3 2013, 06:20 PM)
It's not virtually impossible to get into competitive unis through 2+2 program.
I have several friends who transferred to Cornell (ivy league), Carnegie Mellon, John Hopkins and the UCB and UCLA from ADP at Taylor's.

Cornell accepts the largest amount of transfers (22% in '11) compared to rest of the Ivies.

Transferring to Ivies and top schools like UChicago is extremely tough as the acceptance rates are extremely low.(Harvard only acceptance rate for transfer is only 1%)

ADP may only limit your options if you apply as a transfer and ADP isn't as well known as A levels or IB. However, the 1+4 option is pretty good, got a friend who was waitlisted for Boston college as he applied as a transfer and asked for financial aid. Only reason why he didn't get in was because he couldn't afford the school.

Applying as a transfer is bad if you are unable to afford college as generally US colleges don't give scholarships or financial aid for international transfers, unless it's a needblind school. (need blind schools admissions doesn't consider whether you'll be able to pay for college or not as they'll provide financial aid if they accept you)
*
Ah, thank you for giving this little tidbit of information! I was just about to come back here and poke around about needblind universities. I'm currently quite financially stable at the moment but I'd liked to be prepared in advanced and do my research in case anything should happen.

Wasn't expecting to get this much much information from the forums. Pleasantly surprised, I must say. Thanks so much everyone!
Imsilly
post Jan 6 2013, 10:14 PM

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QUOTE(LesAffreux @ Jan 6 2013, 07:17 PM)
Ah, thank you for giving this little tidbit of information! I was just about to come back here and poke around about needblind universities. I'm currently quite financially stable at the moment but I'd liked to be prepared in advanced and do my research in case anything should happen.

Wasn't expecting to get this much much information from the forums. Pleasantly surprised, I must say. Thanks so much everyone!
*
Haha, no problem smile.gif Need any help feel free to PM me.


Btw, for those who aren't sure of checking costs for schools, don't just rely on sites like USNews for tuition and fees prices. Those prices are poor estimates for us international students as it usually doesn't include room and rent etc. Be sure to double check on the school's actual website.

Eg: Boston U's tution and fees on USNews - $42,998
(http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/boston-university-2130)

Actual total costs:$56,184
(http://www.bu.edu/admissions/apply/costs-aid-scholarships/tuition-and-fees/)
NaDou
post Jan 6 2013, 11:30 PM

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QUOTE(Imsilly @ Jan 3 2013, 06:20 PM)
It's not virtually impossible to get into competitive unis through 2+2 program.
I have several friends who transferred to Cornell (ivy league), Carnegie Mellon, John Hopkins and the UCB and UCLA from ADP at Taylor's.

*
Speaking of Carnegie Mellon, what school your friend is in? Correct me if I'm wrong, their Tepper Business School is very strict and does not accept any transfer students.
dafengXX
post Jan 8 2013, 04:40 PM

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anyone have experience of dropping your studies in US?(because of some issues for example visa issue,uni management issue etc)

i have few friends who didnt manage to finish up their studies due to above mentioned problems and in the end have to continue in malaysia.sad,but true sad.gif
Juggerballz
post Jan 8 2013, 10:19 PM

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Nice to meet you everyone, i've just finished my SPM and planning for my tertiary education now. Is it better to do ADP here or enroll to a college in US(flying there straight)? Feedback required, thanks =)
Imsilly
post Jan 9 2013, 02:56 PM

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QUOTE(NaDou @ Jan 6 2013, 11:30 PM)
Speaking of Carnegie Mellon, what school your friend is in? Correct me if I'm wrong, their Tepper Business School is very strict and does not accept any transfer students.
*
Just went do double check with them, my mistake. My friends who applied to JH and Carnegie both applied as Freshmans instead of transfer. My bad.

Edit: However, I do think it's possible to transfer though, but much harder to get in and not all subjects taken in Malaysia are transferable.

This post has been edited by Imsilly: Jan 9 2013, 02:57 PM
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post Jan 9 2013, 03:42 PM

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my sister @ havard now.. will be come back to malaysia in 3 month~ :')
latias93
post Jan 24 2013, 02:57 AM

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QUOTE(LesAffreux @ Jan 2 2013, 03:15 AM)
Eh hi guys! I just recently finished my SPM and whatnot, planning to take my SAT soon. I'm planning to apply as a freshman instead of a transfer student to a couple of American universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Irvine (definitely not Ivies, but still ridiculously competitive).

Just curious, are there any programs that I can do besides Taylor's 1+4 and A Levels to apply as a freshman? Taylor's fees seem to be quite exorbitant and I'm not very keen on taking A levels.
*
A-levels are a waste of time.

Why not go to a 2-year community college and then transfer into the UC's as a junior?

I'm currently in Santa Monica College (SMC) in Santa Monica, CA. Fees are about $8,000/year which is about the same as Taylor's ADP (so my two Taylor's friends tell me, they both transferred from Taylor's to SMC). If you're already considering to join the UC system as a freshman, then I should probably not have to warn you about the living costs should you take the community college path; it is relatively cheap. And that's saying something, as I live in Los Angeles.

I'm planning to transfer to either UCLA, UC San Diego, or CSU Long Beach after I complete my 60 units here.

By the way, all the Malaysians I know that came from ADP programmes wished that they "knew about community colleges sooner" and would've come here straight had they known that the costs were pretty much the same, save for the living expenses, and they would've enjoyed the American college experience for a couple extra years. Do give it some though.

If you need more info about this, shoot me a message. It seems that you're interested in California, then I'm your guy if you'd like to know more about the cost of living, etc. smile.gif
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post Jan 24 2013, 05:43 AM

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QUOTE(latias93 @ Jan 24 2013, 02:57 AM)
A-levels are a waste of time.

Why not go to a 2-year community college and then transfer into the UC's as a junior?

I'm currently in Santa Monica College (SMC) in Santa Monica, CA. Fees are about $8,000/year which is about the same as Taylor's ADP (so my two Taylor's friends tell me, they both transferred from Taylor's to SMC). If you're already considering to join the UC system as a freshman, then I should probably not have to warn you about the living costs should you take the community college path; it is relatively cheap. And that's saying something, as I live in Los Angeles.

I'm planning to transfer to either UCLA, UC San Diego, or CSU Long Beach after I complete my 60 units here.

By the way, all the Malaysians I know that came from ADP programmes wished that they "knew about community colleges sooner" and would've come here straight had they known that the costs were pretty much the same, save for the living expenses, and they would've enjoyed the American college experience for a couple extra years. Do give it some though.

If you need more info about this, shoot me a message. It seems that you're interested in California, then I'm your guy if you'd like to know more about the cost of living, etc. smile.gif
*
I wouldn't say that A-levels are a waste of time though. I gained about 20 hours worth of credit from that before coming to the states as a freshman. An advantage of taking A-levels I feel is that you still have the option of applying for the UK or Australia if you do decide to change your mind.

On a personal level though, I don't think I would have taken the community college route even if I had known about it before applying. I don't know what the transfer rates are from SMC to any of the unis you have mentioned are, but I'm guessing that it's not a given that a person will be able to get into any of those. I'm not sure that I like the uncertainty of that path. Not trying to detract from your experience, latias, I'm just stating my own personal opinion about this.

Ah yes, to anyone who can afford it, California's a much nicer place to be than the Midwest. It's dreary and cold here sad.gif
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post Jan 24 2013, 11:11 AM

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QUOTE(p3nguin @ Jan 23 2013, 01:43 PM)
I wouldn't say that A-levels are a waste of time though. I gained about 20 hours worth of credit from that before coming to the states as a freshman. An advantage of taking A-levels I feel is that you still have the option of applying for the UK or Australia if you do decide to change your mind.

On a personal level though, I don't think I would have taken the community college route even if I had known about it before applying. I don't know what the transfer rates are from SMC to any of the unis you have mentioned are, but I'm guessing that it's not a given that a person will be able to get into any of those. I'm not sure that I like the uncertainty of that path. Not trying to detract from your experience, latias, I'm just stating my own personal opinion about this.

Ah yes, to anyone who can afford it, California's a much nicer place to be than the Midwest. It's dreary and cold here  sad.gif
*
Hm, that's true. I guess it's more of a biased personal opinion on my side. But I stand my ground, I still think it's an unnecessary distraction as there are less 'torturous' ways of getting to the States! tongue.gif

As a matter of fact, SMC is the top transfer college in California and serves unofficially as a 'feeder' school to the UC system, as every year, over a thousand SMC grads were transferred in. In addition, students who are in the Scholars program in SMC are given priority admission to several universities including UCLA. You seem misinformed about this, so I'm just trying to clear it up. Simply put, it's exactly the same as doing a twinning/ADP program - you earn credits to transfer, except that this 'ADP' is within the States itself. smile.gif

Where in the midwest are you? It seems that the Midwestern Malaysian students find themselves heading to sunny, sunny California in the summer in droves! Are you one of them? xD


p3nguin
post Jan 24 2013, 11:57 AM

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Hahaha, honestly I didn't find A-levels torturous at all. Quite a lot more relaxing than the pace of classes here. Again, that's just my personal opinion.

I wouldn't exactly say misinformed; uninformed more particularly about SMC would be more apt tongue.gif In general though, I believe that transfer acceptance rates into a lot of US universities are rather low, but perhaps feeder colleges are a different ball game altogether. Well you have the better experience in this matter. Although, the point I was trying to make is, as high as the transfer rates might be from SMC into UC, it's still not an absolute given, am I right, and from my point of view, no matter how minute the possibility of me not getting into UC from SMC might be, in my books it's still enough to unnerve me. Personal preference, like what I said earlier. The uncertainty would drive me a bit nuts tongue.gif

Corny old Illinois here. Miles and miles of cornfields surround my university. Not exactly the most happening place to be, but at the very least the rent is cheap here.

Well, I headed over there over the winter break to escape the cold tongue.gif
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post Mar 28 2013, 02:32 PM

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Anyone here studying in the States atm? What school are you guys in?
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post Mar 30 2013, 10:49 PM

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QUOTE(Imsilly @ Mar 28 2013, 02:32 PM)
Anyone here studying in the States atm? What school are you guys in?
*
p3nguin is smile.gif
mumeichan
post Mar 31 2013, 02:05 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Mar 30 2013, 10:49 PM)
p3nguin is smile.gif
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Aren't you?
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post Apr 1 2013, 01:34 AM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Mar 31 2013, 02:05 PM)
Aren't you?
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No. I graduated in 2011 and have been working since.
happy_berry
post Apr 4 2013, 03:01 PM

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What is with US' education system that makes students want to further their studies in that country and rejecting the UK?
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post Apr 4 2013, 10:42 PM

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QUOTE(happy_berry @ Apr 4 2013, 03:01 PM)
What is with US' education system that makes students want to further their studies in that country and rejecting the UK?
*
The only major difference I know of between the US and UK is that the UK is very exam-based while the US incorporates coursework as well. It's possible that these students know that they aren't good exam-takers and prefer the help of coursework for grades.

QUOTE(bannanna @ Apr 4 2013, 04:31 PM)
actually between US, Uk and Aust, which is better?
*
It depends on what you want to do, where you want to be, what degree you are pursuing. If you want to be close to family, Australia is better and they have good universities. If you're a good exam taker and want to be done with university in three years, the UK would be a good choice.

These are gross simplifications of the three systems, but you get the gist.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 4 2013, 10:43 PM
happy_berry
post Apr 4 2013, 10:50 PM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 4 2013, 10:42 PM)
The only major difference I know of between the US and UK is that the UK is very exam-based while the US incorporates coursework as well. It's possible that these students know that they aren't good exam-takers and prefer the help of coursework for grades.
It depends on what you want to do, where you want to be, what degree you are pursuing. If you want to be close to family, Australia is better and they have good universities. If you're a good exam taker and want to be done with university in three years, the UK would be a good choice.

These are gross simplifications of the three systems, but you get the gist.
*
Some people have the impression that it is easier to academically score in the us than the uk = us is of low quality... Kinda annoys me a little.

I wonder what it means when people say the us' education system is more liberal... hmm.gif
maru&box
post Apr 4 2013, 11:43 PM

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QUOTE(happy_berry @ Apr 4 2013, 10:50 PM)
Some people have the impression that it is easier to academically score in the us than the uk = us is of low quality... Kinda annoys me a little.

I wonder what it means when people say the us' education system is more liberal...  hmm.gif
*
There are good and bad universities in both countries. If you go to the top tier universities, the competition is more intense.

The education system in the US is more liberal in the sense that your conditions to graduate in a certain field hinge upon taking a bunch of core subjects and some electives.

However, it does not stop you from taking classes in other fields like dance, jazz and anything else they are willing to offer. You are also mandated to take some general education classes in some cases which comprise of fields in the sciences,arts and humanities. But the subject matter is mostly your choice. For example, I might need to take a history class, but I can chose to study either latin american,african or asian history.

Also, things like FYPs are not really there. There may be 1 class that is solely focused on doing a big project but there are many mini projects spread across different classes throughout the 4 year degree.

And you can even chose to hang around for 5 or 6 years if that's how long you take to graduate. I've heard of people graduating in 2.5-3 years even though it's supposed to be a 4 year program.



In comparison, a UK degree is tailored more towards a "practical" education where you are taught the things you need to know when you are on the job. It's more focused but a little less flexible because of that.
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post Apr 4 2013, 11:57 PM

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QUOTE(happy_berry @ Apr 4 2013, 10:50 PM)
Some people have the impression that it is easier to academically score in the us than the uk = us is of low quality... Kinda annoys me a little.

I wonder what it means when people say the us' education system is more liberal...  hmm.gif
*
happy_berry,

UK / Australia system is focused..

USA system's goal is to produce well rounded person.

In term of Engineering,

UK / Australia system teach more engineering in undergraduate.

USA system force engineer to take classes like Social Science and so on. Less engineering classes. You focus on Engineering when you do master degree.

I have BSEE and MSEE from USA.

I studied History, Politic, Economy and so on in addition to Engineering for my BSEE. Over the long run, this serves me well. I had 10+ jobs over 20+ years across technical, sales, marketing, and product management. This would had been harder if my undergraduate engineering degree is in the UK / Australia system.

Anyhow, I am an UNIQUE person. I read and kept thousands of books on many subjects at home. It may not apply to others.

Dreamer
spunkberry
post Apr 5 2013, 02:03 AM

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QUOTE(dreamer101 @ Apr 4 2013, 11:57 PM)
happy_berry,

UK / Australia system is focused..

USA system's goal is to produce well rounded person.

In term of Engineering,

UK / Australia system teach more engineering in undergraduate.

USA system force engineer to take classes like Social Science and so on.  Less engineering classes.  You focus on Engineering when you do master degree.

I have BSEE and MSEE from USA.

I studied History, Politic, Economy and so on in addition to Engineering for my BSEE.  Over the long run, this serves me well. I had 10+ jobs over 20+ years across technical, sales, marketing, and product management.  This would had been harder if my undergraduate engineering degree is in the UK / Australia system.

Anyhow, I am an UNIQUE person.  I read and kept thousands of books on many subjects at home.  It may not apply to others.

Dreamer
*
while I agree with your other descriptions regarding the UK, Australian and graduate school (masters), I disagree that the US system has less engineering classes in undergraduate years. Sure, they throw in required electives, but I don't feel that I had as many to take than I did engineering classes. Most electives can be cleared out in the first year foundation courses or even test out or transfer credits, leaving the next three years to be solely focused on your chosen engineering field - which ends up being similar to the UK system.

I was not one of those fortunate ones with the ability to do away with many elective classes (I received transfer credit for only one and it wasn't a class I would have taken anyway). Even so, for every three engineering classes that I was required to take, I had only one or no electives, so I reiterate my disagreement that the US system has less undergraduate engineering classes.

A masters or even PhD in engineering (in the US at least) focuses on a specific area of interest within engineering, hence the totality of engineering classes taken in graduate school. I opted for specialization in the industry, rather than school, though I still am toying with the idea of a masters.

But happy_berry, like marubox said, the difficulty (or ease) in obtaining a US degree depends entirely on two things: the caliber of the school and your abilities.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Apr 5 2013, 02:20 AM
dreamer101
post Apr 5 2013, 02:38 AM

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QUOTE(spunkberry @ Apr 5 2013, 02:03 AM)
while I agree with your other descriptions regarding the UK, Australian and graduate school (masters), I disagree that the US system has less engineering classes in undergraduate years. Sure, they throw in required electives, but I don't feel that I had as many to take than I did engineering classes. Most electives can be cleared out in the first year foundation courses or even test out or transfer credits, leaving the next three years to be solely focused on your chosen engineering field - which ends up being similar to the UK system.

I was not one of those fortunate ones with the ability to do away with many elective classes (I received transfer credit for only one and it wasn't a class I would have taken anyway). Even so, for every three engineering classes that I was required to take, I had only one or no electives, so I reiterate my disagreement that the US system has less undergraduate engineering classes.

A masters or even PhD in engineering (in the US at least) focuses on a specific area of interest within engineering, hence the totality of engineering classes taken in graduate school. I opted for specialization in the industry, rather than school, though I still am toying with the idea of a masters.

But happy_berry, like marubox said, the difficulty (or ease) in obtaining a US degree depends entirely on two things: the caliber of the school and your abilities.
*
spunkberry,

I got my BSEE and MSEE 20+ years old. So, things may had changed. I was the last batch of BSEE that do not have to choose a SPECIALIZATION of EE in the undergraduate program. Most people in my batch had to use 5 years of full time study to get their BSEE. After my batch, people in BSEE program had to pick one EE specialization. Then, they can finish in 4 years.

There is another difference too which may or may not exist now.

In UK system, you get into the university after form 6. In USA system, you only need 12 years of schooling plus SAT/ TOFEL. So, technically, you can get into US college after form 5.

So, it may be 3 years after form 6 for UK. But, it is 4 years after form 5 in USA. In the end, it is the same.

Dreamer

dreamer101
post Apr 5 2013, 02:43 AM

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Folks,

In summary, UK / Australia system is highly structured and inflexible. You are fixed into what to learn and when. There is a fixed schedule.

In USA system, it is flexible. You pick what to learn and when to learn. You can go slow or fast. You learn as much or as little. You graduated with more or less knowledge.

Dreamer
cakes&cream
post Apr 10 2013, 04:32 PM

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Hello there!

I would like to know, has anyone here taken the MCAT before?
latworx
post Jun 7 2013, 09:07 PM

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Sorry if I'm jumping into a repeated question. As far as i read through this thread, I didn't find anyone that currently do PhD in US. I'm quite unsure about their system for PhD program. I'm planning to do it at Southern University of Illinois in the near future, but I still worried that I didn't fit with US edu system. As I'm fully supported, I'm afraid that, if I didn't finish my PhD in the time frame given, I need to pay back all the cost spent on me.

This post has been edited by latworx: Jun 8 2013, 12:13 AM
spunkberry
post Jun 12 2013, 10:24 PM

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QUOTE(latworx @ Jun 7 2013, 09:07 PM)
Sorry if I'm jumping into a repeated question. As far as i read through this thread, I didn't find anyone that currently do PhD in US. I'm quite unsure about their system for PhD program. I'm planning to do it at Southern University of Illinois in the near future, but I still worried that I didn't fit with US edu system. As I'm fully supported, I'm afraid that, if I didn't finish my PhD in the time frame given, I need to pay back all the cost spent on me.
*
what will you be coming with? you have a bachelor's already? Masters? My understanding is that you have to complete Masters requirements on the way to your PhD.
loveynn
post Jun 19 2013, 11:53 PM

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Just want to know that which Uni in the states are good for biotech? I am more interested towards the business side of biotech and my current first aim for the Uni is Purdue University. Any help?

And is there any internship for such major?
AmericanDreamer
post Jun 23 2013, 05:49 AM

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Friendly reminder: If you're serious about studying and eventually working in the U.S, please register every year for the Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery. It should open around October this year. Think of it as a golden ticket towards an American dream. Why?

A green card allows you to apply for all financial aids just like domestic U.S. students, and you could potentially fund your entire education with scholarships. Also, upon graduation you're already a PR with a green card, so you aren't limited by the OPT and H-1B rules. You can stay as long as you want and work anywhere, even off-campus while studying. F-1 international students are usually limited to working on-campus or risk losing their status unless they're doing CPT or OPT. There's dozens of other benefits of a green card. Here's a website that shows all the benefits of a green card: http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/benefits...ident-card.html

For Asia, the winning chance per year for this permanent residence green card is 0.84%(1/119). If you are selected, you have a 50% chance of getting one of the allocated 50,000 slots. So if you try every year, you have a higher chance of winning. It's not impossible, just a matter of probability. I would know, since I got it after trying a couple times. smile.gif

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


Lastly, I previously wrote some other advice here if you're interested.
Best of luck to fellow American dreamers~! thumbup.gif

This post has been edited by AmericanDreamer: Aug 11 2013, 12:33 AM
xDjWanNabex
post Jul 10 2013, 04:26 PM

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hello guys. thinking of pursuing my masters, and i've looked at UK/Aussie already. Was thinking of trying for uni's in USA too.

Is there anysite similar to http://www.prospects.ac.uk/ where i can search for a course, and the uni's that offer it are shown?

i keep trying to look for uni's that offer what i want (msc in information/computer/cyber security) but when i do, only UK based unis pop-up. i did try to query for US based uni's but not much luck lol.

Thanks!
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post Jul 18 2013, 09:31 AM

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QUOTE(loveynn @ Jun 19 2013, 11:53 PM)
Just want to know that which Uni in the states are good for biotech? I am more interested towards the business side of biotech and my current first aim for the Uni is Purdue University. Any help?

And is there any internship for such major?
*
Purdue University? Looking at their website, there is no "Biotechnology" major. What exactly are you planning to do?


Biochemistry

Biological and Food Process Engineering

Biological Engineering - multiple concentrations

Biology

Biology - Biochemistry

Biology - Biology Education

Biology - Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology

Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Sciences

Biology - Genetic Biology

Biology - Health and Disease

Biology - Microbiology

Biology - Neurobiology and Physiology

Biomedical Engineering

Brain and Behavioral Sciences
Cap Jones
post Aug 6 2013, 11:17 PM

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Quick question , sorry to chime in .

I kinda interest to pursue graduate study in U.S. so I'm currently planning to sit for GRE , since the knowledge of the past still intact in my brain cell , so straight way to the exam hall but the problem is , I tried to contact one which is the nearest to my house , smart test (M) , but they don't seem to respond .


Can I just go to the test centre , book the date and just take the exam , is it mandatory to go the classes ?

What's the cost taking the exam only ?

I plan to study on summer ? Should I already , begin to apply now ?


icon_question.gif icon_question.gif icon_question.gif icon_question.gif


Thank you for your time guys ! wink.gif

This post has been edited by Cap Jones: Aug 6 2013, 11:25 PM
AmericanDreamer
post Aug 11 2013, 12:21 AM

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Cap Jones, I took the GRE once but that was in the United States.

I found a Kuala Lumpur test center on the official website:
http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/reg.../centers_dates/
Call them if you have any questions.
Fees: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/fees/

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


There's no need to take any classes, just buy a GRE study book and go for it.
Review your study book, estimate preparation time and then reserve the exam. It took me a week of intense study.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


Test structure: http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/content/cbt
Quantitative Reasoning section was easy, nothing above trigonometry.
Analytical Writing was fun but Verbal Reasoning was troublesome.

Hope this helps, and good luck! thumbup.gif

This post has been edited by AmericanDreamer: Aug 11 2013, 12:29 AM
whyyyyy
post Aug 19 2013, 02:19 PM

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For those studying In US,

are u guys managed to secure JPA loan? how much? full amount?

Any other sort of loan(with low interest rate) provided by US bank or NGO or anything else?

Thanks.
RedoxRxn
post Aug 20 2013, 11:15 AM

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Hi, i wish to study Forensic Science in US. Is there any study loan for this? How about JPA loan? Thx smile.gif
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post Aug 26 2013, 09:01 PM

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QUOTE(cakes&cream @ Apr 10 2013, 04:32 PM)
Hello there!

I would like to know, has anyone here taken the MCAT before?
*
I've studied for it, but haven't taken it yet
Stuffi
post Oct 20 2013, 12:36 AM

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I'm interested in applying to liberal art colleges in the States. I'm currently sitting for SPM.

May I know do people go for liberal art colleges after SPM or do they normally go after having pre-u?

It's a little confusing cause I've seen people go right after SPM.
mumeichan
post Oct 20 2013, 12:53 AM

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QUOTE(Stuffi @ Oct 20 2013, 12:36 AM)
I'm interested in applying to liberal art colleges in the States. I'm currently sitting for SPM.

May I know do people go for liberal art colleges after SPM or do they normally go after having pre-u?

It's a little confusing cause I've seen people go right after SPM.
*
Go after SPM.
Stuffi
post Oct 20 2013, 01:06 AM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Oct 20 2013, 12:53 AM)
Go after SPM.
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Hey thanks for the quick reply.

I guess I will have to start preparing for SAT and TOEFL then. But I guess I won't be able to make it cause some of the application closes in Jan/Feb.
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post Oct 20 2013, 01:36 AM

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QUOTE(Stuffi @ Oct 20 2013, 12:36 AM)
I'm interested in applying to liberal art colleges in the States. I'm currently sitting for SPM.

May I know do people go for liberal art colleges after SPM or do they normally go after having pre-u?

It's a little confusing cause I've seen people go right after SPM.
*
You can apply straight after SPM.
Some colleges don't even require SAT.
Even if they do, you still have the time.

mumeichan
post Oct 20 2013, 08:26 AM

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QUOTE(Stuffi @ Oct 20 2013, 01:06 AM)
Hey thanks for the quick reply. 

I guess I will have to start preparing for SAT and TOEFL then.  But I guess I won't be able to make it cause some of the application closes in Jan/Feb.
*
Depends what kind of a school you want to get in and how much you're willing to spend on your total education. There is no hard standards for intakes across America so you can probably find something to suit your schedule if you really wanted to. You can PM me your situation if you'd like a more detailed advice.
arconium
post Oct 23 2013, 06:45 PM

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Hi
So basically if I am applying for US college after Form 5, straight after SPM I will be enrolled into a four year Liberal Arts System, whereby I spend 4 years as an undergrad, then graduating as a Bachelor of Arts & Science, then continue on to post graduate study?

Is this the usual system? Or am I any way wrong? lol, trying to clarify..

And btw, what is different in comparision to choosing UK syllabus?


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post Oct 24 2013, 04:34 AM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Oct 23 2013, 06:45 PM)
Hi
So basically if I am applying for US college after Form 5, straight after SPM I will be enrolled into a four year Liberal Arts System, whereby I spend 4 years as an undergrad, then graduating as a Bachelor of Arts & Science, then continue on to post graduate study?

Is this the usual system? Or am I any way wrong? lol, trying to clarify..

And btw, what is different in comparision to choosing UK syllabus?
*
Sounds about right.

The difference between the US and UK is mainly that the UK is exam-based, and it's three years to a bachelor's. This is only because the US has a "foundation" year.
arconium
post Oct 24 2013, 10:26 PM

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So what do people usually do after their undergrad years? after graduating, going after Masters or working already?

in a nutshell,

US - 4 years undergrad
UK - 3 years undergrad

US - a lot of subjects
UK - maybe 3 or 4

US - more focus on extra curricular
UK - more focus on exam results

okay. for US, u need either SATs, ADP, or exchange program right?
but since SAT results and SPM results need to wait for results to arrive, probably won't be in time to apply for application right? SO will need to waste one year waiting for the results?

If not, do we usually use SPM trial results in the portfolio?

I heard something of a one-and-a-half-year intensive course for undergrad, anyone heard anything of it or something similar?

Haha thanks for all the great advice thus far
mumeichan
post Oct 25 2013, 07:26 AM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Oct 24 2013, 10:26 PM)
So what do people usually do after their undergrad years? after graduating, going after Masters or working already?

in a nutshell,

US - 4 years undergrad
UK - 3 years undergrad

US - a lot of subjects
UK - maybe 3 or 4

US - more focus on extra curricular
UK - more focus on exam results

okay. for US, u need either SATs, ADP, or exchange program right?
but since SAT results and SPM results need to wait for results to arrive, probably won't be in time to apply for application right? SO will need to waste one year waiting for the results?

If not, do we usually use SPM trial results in the portfolio?

I heard something of a one-and-a-half-year intensive course for undergrad, anyone heard anything of it or something similar?

Haha thanks for all the great advice thus far
*
Actually, most people graduate from US high schools knowing much more than the average A-Level student. Since they have the freedom to choose their subjects in high school, it's common for them to take Advance Placement or even university level classes while in high school. Personally I did math for my first two years so I did see freshman who had already taken 2 years worth of university level math in high school already.

So actually a determined student can complete their degree in two years if they wanted to. I switched majors in my 3rd year and actually took about 1 year to complete all the necessary classes for my new major.

Why do people spend 4 years there? They don't overload classes and do research, summer internships, community work, attend conferences or company presentations.

Hence a graduate there would already have 2 years of internships if he was on a career path and 3-4 years of research experience if he was on a research path.

It's also no unusual for them to take 1-2 years break after college. Some build up their credentials, some do Peace Corps, Teach for America etc.

It's very different there. They care about what you have done and can achieve rather than nonsense people here care about like how you look like(no one attaches pictures in their resume, job or college applications), your major (you can be a philosophy major and join an investment firm), your age(I've never seen an age limit in a job application there).
tishaban
post Oct 25 2013, 03:37 PM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Oct 24 2013, 10:26 PM)
okay. for US, u need either SATs, ADP, or exchange program right?
but since SAT results and SPM results need to wait for results to arrive, probably won't be in time to apply for application right? SO will need to waste one year waiting for the results?

If not, do we usually use SPM trial results in the portfolio?

I heard something of a one-and-a-half-year intensive course for undergrad, anyone heard anything of it or something similar?

Haha thanks for all the great advice thus far
*
Some US universities (and UK universities too) will accept your SPM trial results for your applications. The application cycle starts usually towards the end of the year and you get an offer by the spring (April onwards) for entrance in Aug/September. So yes for the most part you'll have 9+ months of not much to do.

Note however that top US universities eg. the Ivy Leagues, MIT etc are starting to require 12 years of education so you no longer can apply straight after SPM. They'll take A-levels or form 6 as the 12th year.

arconium
post Oct 25 2013, 04:06 PM

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Well what about attending US College first? 4 years of undergrad right?
Shyuejer
post Oct 25 2013, 07:58 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Oct 25 2013, 07:26 AM)
Actually, most people graduate from US high schools knowing much more than the average A-Level student. Since they have the freedom to choose their subjects in high school, it's common for them to take Advance Placement or even university level classes while in high school. Personally I did math for my first two years so I did see freshman who had already taken 2 years worth of university level math in high school already.

So actually a determined student can complete their degree in two years if they wanted to. I switched majors in my 3rd year and actually took about 1 year to complete all the necessary classes for my new major.

Why do people spend 4 years there? They don't overload classes and do research, summer internships, community work, attend conferences or company presentations.

Hence a graduate there would already have 2 years of internships if he was on a career path and 3-4 years of research experience if he was on a research path.

It's also no unusual for them to take 1-2 years break after college. Some build up their credentials, some do Peace Corps, Teach for America etc.

It's very different there. They care about what you have done and can achieve rather than nonsense people here care about like how you look like(no one attaches pictures in their resume, job or college applications), your major (you can be a philosophy major and join an investment firm), your age(I've never seen an age limit in a job application there).
*
Hey there it's me again with more questions, hope you don't mind answering ...

Currently I have a decent SAT score(slightly >2000), and haven't take SAT II yet, I considered applying for EA / ED however more of those schools who have these offers are on CommonApp and typically the deadline for application is Nov 1 ... Any recommendation for me if I don't wanna do SAT II at all? Can I still get into one of the good unis ?

In another thread I didn't list what's my major gonna be, erm it's actually Economics biggrin.gif I really admire people like Robert Schiller / Paul Krugman / Joseph Stiglitz reading their work and from reading many other titles written by economics journalist I find this subject way more deeper and interesting than what I learn in A-level currently.

The thing is most good unis(Yale, UChicago) are private ones and they are so expensive to attend rclxub.gif To begin with I don't have any scholarships yet, and my budget is likely to be around 350k for the entire study. I've been thinking about cheaper ways to go to US - 1) Go to a community college and transfer 2) Go to public unis (Wisconsin-Madison or Minnesota Twins) either directly or via transfer from another public u - and try to finish the study within 3 years if I cannot secure any scholarship next year.

Any suggestions for me who wants to save n' still go into a nice econs school? Also is A-level grades generally available for credit transfer in universities, try looking it up but to no avail.(Kinda regret doing A-levels instead of ADTP sweat.gif ) Next thing of course is how to look for a scholarship when public unis are relatively more stingy than their private counterparts? My friend is trying Stanford's ED and he requested no financial aid, presumably to have a higher chance of getting in, but is it advisable to place such a huge bet, since there's a legal bind on his admission ?


mumeichan
post Oct 25 2013, 08:21 PM

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QUOTE(Shyuejer @ Oct 25 2013, 07:58 PM)
Hey there it's me again with more questions, hope you don't mind answering ...

Currently I have a decent SAT score(slightly >2000), and haven't take SAT II yet, I considered applying for EA / ED however more of those schools who have these offers are on CommonApp and typically the deadline for application is Nov 1 ... Any recommendation for me if I don't wanna do SAT II at all? Can I still get into one of the good unis ?

In another thread I didn't list what's my major gonna be, erm it's actually Economics biggrin.gif I really admire people like Robert Schiller / Paul Krugman / Joseph Stiglitz reading their work and from reading many other titles written by economics journalist I find this subject way more deeper and interesting than what I learn in A-level currently.

The thing is most good unis(Yale, UChicago) are private ones and they are so expensive to attend  rclxub.gif To begin with I don't have any scholarships yet, and my budget is likely to be around 350k for the entire study. I've been thinking about cheaper ways to go to US - 1) Go to a community college and transfer 2) Go to public unis (Wisconsin-Madison or Minnesota Twins) either directly or via transfer from another public u - and try to finish the study within 3 years if I cannot secure any scholarship next year.

Any suggestions for me who wants to save n' still go into a nice econs school? Also is A-level grades generally available for credit transfer in universities, try looking it up but to no avail.(Kinda regret doing A-levels instead of ADTP sweat.gif ) Next thing of course is how to look for a scholarship when public unis are relatively more stingy than their private counterparts? My friend is trying Stanford's ED and he requested no financial aid, presumably to have a higher chance of getting in, but is it advisable to place such a huge bet, since there's a legal bind on his admission ?
*
Well tbh, 2000-2100 is on the low end of for the best schools. You might get into to the likes for Yale, MIT etc with a very strong extra-curricular. I don't really know how much weight ED adds to your application since the statistics are rather vague on that. Whether you can send in your SAT 2 scores late or not depends on the school too. And remember for schools of Yale level, everyone probably has a full 800 on their SAT 2s.

Good public schools like U Chicago, U Illinois, U Michigan etc take in more students thus have a wider range of admission, but you won't get a scholarship. Seriously you won't. You might get a few grants here and there that won't amount to much. They aren't any cheaper either.

It's extremely unlikely that you will get into Yale level schools by transferring halfway.

You'll need 50k USD a year for tuition, 12k for living. I've written alot of cheaper routes to US, don't feel like rewriting them today.

Harvard and Yale might not give you credit for A-Level, but I think most others will if you got As. Gotta speak with the actual person incharge of the credits.

If your friend can afford the whole 4 years at Standford why not? If he can't, well I think he should be able to weigh pros and cons if he is aiming this high. I've written quite alot about what I think is important about undergrad and graduate education if you need more information to make that call.

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Oct 25 2013, 08:23 PM
Shyuejer
post Oct 25 2013, 08:33 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Oct 25 2013, 08:21 PM)
Well tbh, 2000-2100 is on the low end of for the best schools. You might get into to the likes for Yale, MIT etc with a very strong extra-curricular. I don't really know how much weight ED adds to your application since the statistics are rather vague on that. Whether you can send in your SAT 2 scores late or not depends on the school too. And remember for schools of Yale level, everyone probably has a full 800 on their SAT 2s.

Good public schools like U Chicago, U Illinois, U Michigan etc take in more students thus have a wider range of admission, but you won't get a scholarship. Seriously you won't. You might get a few grants here and there that won't amount to much. They aren't any cheaper either.

It's extremely unlikely that you will get into Yale level schools by transferring halfway.

You'll need 50k USD a year for tuition, 12k for living. I've written alot of cheaper routes to US, don't feel like rewriting them today.

Harvard and Yale might not give you credit for A-Level, but I think most others will if you got As. Gotta speak with the actual person incharge of the credits.

If your friend can afford the whole 4 years at Standford why not? If he can't, well I think he should be able to weigh pros and cons if he is aiming this high. I've written quite alot about what I think is important about undergrad and graduate education if you need more information to make that call.
*
Well I have done my research and I knew that's the low end too, that's why I wasn't really aiming for Ivies but rather public unis. What I wanna confirm is whether that transfer from one public uni to another is simple n has higher chance than going to a community college firstly ?

The thing is my friend only thinks about getting offer first and hunting scholarship later but do you see all the stanford freshman getting corporate scholarships/ JPA? Frankly speaking I think he hasn't thought of the consequence of choosing ED thoroughly enough even though I told him the risk at stake. On the other hand, is expecting corporate scholarship/ JPA to cover the tuition fees a realistic approach?

Anyway can pls u brief me those cheaper routes to US smile.gif Or post any links here.

PS : Do you volunteer for USAPPS before ? Just curious.
mumeichan
post Oct 25 2013, 08:51 PM

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QUOTE(Shyuejer @ Oct 25 2013, 08:33 PM)
Well I have done my research and I knew that's the low end too, that's why I wasn't really aiming for Ivies but rather public unis. What I wanna confirm is whether that transfer from one public uni to another is simple n has higher chance than going to a community college firstly ?

The thing is my friend only thinks about getting offer first and hunting scholarship later but do you see all the stanford freshman getting corporate scholarships/ JPA? Frankly speaking I think he hasn't thought of the consequence of choosing ED thoroughly enough even though I told him the risk at stake. On the other hand, is expecting corporate scholarship/ JPA to cover the tuition fees a realistic approach?

Anyway can pls u brief me those cheaper routes to US  smile.gif Or post any links here.

PS : Do you volunteer for USAPPS before ? Just curious.
*
The fees at another public uni wouldn't be much cheaper, plus I don't think it will make your chances higher to transfer between equal level school. I don't see any problem transferring from a community college to a public school. Just maintain the exceptional results and make sure your SATs and TOEFL is still valid.

JPA has changed their system lately. I'm not too sure what the chances are of getting sponsored if he got into Stanford.
Private sponsorships are there, but again, 800000/48 is giving 16000 a month to someone to study. Even with a bond of 7 years, that's almost paying the guy 10k a month to work. Will a Standford undergrad bring in more than 800000 value to the company over 7 years? And he's tying himself to a major and to a company here. If that's the price he is willing to pay for an education than it's worth it.

You can read up this whole US thread and some of my other posting.

And yea I've been at that event before smile.gif

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Oct 25 2013, 08:52 PM
Shyuejer
post Oct 25 2013, 09:05 PM

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QUOTE(mumeichan @ Oct 25 2013, 08:51 PM)
The fees at another public uni wouldn't be much cheaper, plus I don't think it will make your chances higher to transfer between equal level school. I don't see any problem transferring from a community college to a public school. Just maintain the exceptional results and make sure your SATs and TOEFL is still valid.

JPA has changed their system lately. I'm not too sure what the chances are of getting sponsored if he got into Stanford.
Private sponsorships are there, but again, 800000/48 is giving 16000 a month to someone to study. Even with a bond of 7 years, that's almost paying the guy 10k a month to work. Will a Standford undergrad bring in more than 800000 value to the company over 7 years? And he's tying himself to a major and to a company here. If that's the price he is willing to pay for an education than it's worth it.

You can read up this whole US thread and some of my other posting.

And yea I've been at that event before  smile.gif
*
There's this Southern Illinois Uni which offers in-state tuition fee to existing Sunway students, so I'm considering it. Have heard about the community colleges being overcrowded and experiencing decline in students successfully transferred. Getting in a 4-year uni is going to be hard isn't it sweat.gif ? Still gotta hear more about that when the school rep comes on the following Monday for presentation @@

Again thanks a lot on your comment above. Definitely will dig up all the useful info here page by page.



This post has been edited by Shyuejer: Oct 25 2013, 09:37 PM
mumeichan
post Oct 25 2013, 10:10 PM

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QUOTE(Shyuejer @ Oct 25 2013, 09:05 PM)
There's this Southern Illinois Uni which offers in-state tuition fee to existing Sunway students, so I'm considering it. Have heard about the community colleges being overcrowded and experiencing decline in students successfully transferred. Getting in a 4-year uni is going to be hard isn't it  sweat.gif ? Still gotta hear more about that when the school rep comes on the following Monday for presentation @@

Again thanks a lot on your comment above. Definitely will dig up all the useful info here page by page.
*
With a 2000 SAT score, you should be aiming for University of Illinois and not Souther Illiois. Please at least tell me you got into some top 50 school in the world. If you can already afford 350k which is enough for 2yrs+, beg on your knees if you have to for the remaining amount. I would have seriously wasted my time replying if you're gonna shortchange yourself that much sad.gif

I await good news from you and hope you will contribute to the future generations here at LYN. thumbup.gif

This post has been edited by mumeichan: Oct 25 2013, 10:11 PM
arconium
post Oct 26 2013, 10:06 AM

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hi i have a fast question: so mostly its recommended to go for A levels here then apply for Transfer to US schools, but usually thats the HARD way to get in, why dont people apply directly after form 5?? i mean, from most of the websites they are prioritizing admissions more than transfer students am i right??
maru&box
post Oct 26 2013, 12:56 PM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Oct 26 2013, 10:06 AM)
hi i have a fast question: so mostly its recommended to go for A levels here then apply for Transfer to US schools, but usually thats the HARD way to get in, why dont people apply directly after form 5?? i mean, from most of the websites they are prioritizing admissions more than transfer students am i right??
*
You do not "transfer" to US schools from A-lvls unless you are taking the American Degree Transfer program.

People in the states complete their admission requirements and get offers by the time they graduate high school.

For people here, they are busy preparing for their SPM so by the time you finish in December, you need another year to take the tests and fill in the applications to apply for the following intake which is usually in Fall. That time lag between finishing SPM and getting into college is roughly 1.5 years.

Instead of wasting your time doing nothing but take standardized tests for 1.5 years, people decide to take A-lvls so that they can get credits towards their degree. They also have more options because A-lvls is a general certificate.

ThehWS
post Oct 26 2013, 08:58 PM

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Hey guys, am having trouble deciding on which university I want to transfer to (currently in INTI's AUP/ATDP). Hope you guys (especially those with extensive knowledge regarding universities in US) can help me out here ok?

My major is electrical engineering and budget preferably below 35K USD per year.

So far, my choices are Iowa State University and California State University Fresno... Are these universities good for electrical engineering? Are there any other recommendable univeristies that fit my budget? How about Canadian universities?

Thanks wink.gif
Shyuejer
post Oct 28 2013, 02:09 PM

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Hey there, if I'm going to enter a uni after I have completed A-levels am I a transfer students / freshman ?

Intermission
post Oct 28 2013, 03:57 PM

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QUOTE(Shyuejer @ Oct 28 2013, 02:09 PM)
Hey there, if I'm going to enter a uni after I have completed A-levels am I a transfer students / freshman ?
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Freshman. You are a transfer student only if you are from a degree programme/ADP/Community college.
arconium
post Nov 3 2013, 12:28 PM

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thought freshmen meant 15 year olds in the US ? hehe
mumeichan
post Nov 3 2013, 03:17 PM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Nov 3 2013, 12:28 PM)
thought freshmen meant 15 year olds in the US ? hehe
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Highschool freshman.
Stuffi
post Mar 7 2014, 02:24 PM

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Thought I should share this here, it's about the major overhaul of the SAT exam taking effect in 2016.

QUOTE
The SAT college admission test will no longer require a timed essay, will dwell less on fancy vocabulary and will return to the familiar 1600-point scoring scale in a major overhaul intended to open doors to higher education for students who are now shut out.


Full story here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/educat...src=al_national

And the College Confidential discussion link here


Anyways, not sure if I should take the exam before or after the change. Seems like both have their advantages. rclxub.gif

reconnaissance
post Mar 8 2014, 07:40 PM

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QUOTE(Stuffi @ Mar 7 2014, 02:24 PM)
Thought I should share this here, it's about the major overhaul of the SAT exam taking effect in 2016. 
Full story here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/educat...src=al_national

And the College Confidential discussion link here
Anyways, not sure if I should take the exam before or after the change.  Seems like both have their advantages.  rclxub.gif
*
It truly depends on when do you need it.
Anyways, the newer SAT to be implemented has a great resemblance to the ACT.

Just take them when you need them. I've gotten 2380 in my first sitting and 36 in ACT, without practises. So, I doubt there'll be much change in difficulty.
Stuffi
post Mar 8 2014, 08:36 PM

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QUOTE(reconnaissance @ Mar 8 2014, 07:40 PM)
It truly depends on when do you need it.
Anyways, the newer SAT to be implemented has a great resemblance to the ACT.

Just take them when you need them. I've gotten 2380 in my first sitting and 36 in ACT, without practises. So, I doubt there'll be much change in difficulty.
*
Yeah that's what they said at the discussion. I'm still gonna take SAT, already bought the book so...

lol, tbh, I can actually choose to sit for either one (or both sweat.gif ), just finished SPM last year and since they require 12 years of schooling, I think I'll go for Pre-U first.

That's really impressive btw. laugh.gif








reconnaissance
post Mar 8 2014, 10:05 PM

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QUOTE(Stuffi @ Mar 8 2014, 08:36 PM)
Yeah that's what they said at the discussion.  I'm still gonna take SAT, already bought the book so...

lol, tbh, I can actually choose to sit for either one (or both  sweat.gif ), just finished SPM last year and since they require 12 years of schooling, I think I'll go for Pre-U first.

That's really impressive btw.      laugh.gif
*
I'll say take it within this year, along with 2 subject tests, preferably Biology and Math II, since I've gotten 800 for them without practise.
Then, apply for early decision by the end of this year, and the UCs such as UCLA by November, and you're ready to enter college by next year.
Stuffi
post Mar 8 2014, 10:49 PM

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QUOTE(reconnaissance @ Mar 8 2014, 10:05 PM)
I'll say take it within this year, along with 2 subject tests, preferably Biology and Math II, since I've gotten 800 for them without practise.
Then, apply for early decision by the end of this year, and the UCs such as UCLA by November, and you're ready to enter college by next year.
*
I'm confused here but both the subjects are easier? Is that the reason?

But what about the 12 years schooling prerequisite? We're only at 11 years at SPM level.

Are you in the States now?
reconnaissance
post Mar 8 2014, 11:20 PM

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QUOTE(Stuffi @ Mar 8 2014, 10:49 PM)
I'm confused here but both the subjects are easier? Is that the reason?

But what about the 12 years schooling prerequisite? We're only at 11 years at SPM level.

Are you in the States now?
*
Those subjects aren't difficult over the others, but SPM have most parts covered. You just need to supplement yourself a little more.

The 12 years of schooling is too vague for most universities. To play on the safe side, and of course, a better chance, you can admit yourself into pre-u for it. Colleges with long standing of Malaysian students require them and readily assess the completion of 12 years, but most don't because they do not at all understand the system. Riskier, though.


arconium
post Mar 15 2014, 02:18 PM

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does the SAT Subject Tests need to have something to do with the degree you're pursuing?
Gemisha
post Mar 25 2014, 01:18 AM

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anyone know where i can get a list of us uni with Malaysian student?

only found 1 hit in macee website.

can i get the list from mara or goverment?
p3nguin
post Mar 25 2014, 05:20 PM

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QUOTE(Gemisha @ Mar 25 2014, 01:18 AM)
anyone know where i can get a list of us uni with Malaysian student?

only found 1 hit in macee website.

can i get the list  from mara or goverment?
*
I'm assuming that you're looking at this as a way of looking at unis you want to potentially apply to? Maybe what you could do is look at the Malaysian Students in the US facebook group, and ask out about the unis you're looking at.

Although, based on personal experience and observation, the more unfamiliar the people around, the more you might push yourself to break out of your shell, out of your comfort zone.

Good luck! smile.gif
AP.L
post Apr 13 2014, 12:36 PM

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am finding a room near Harvard Uni... anyone can help me ?
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QUOTE(AP.L @ Apr 13 2014, 12:36 PM)
am finding a room near Harvard Uni... anyone can help me ?
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Why not on-campus?
If off-campus, it'd depend on whether would you mind sharing.
Gemisha
post Jun 18 2014, 10:06 PM

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need some advises & opinions

i want to study music tech. but they require experiences which i don't have. so i thought of 3 option that may help me to get into music techno.

right now i'm looking for anyone who know about university that could help me with my option below or what your thought about it, it's possible or not to do it.

1. apply to different major and take music techno as minor

2. apply 2 different major, get 2 + years of experiences and then change major to music technology

3. apply to university that don't need student to choose major right away

acgerlok7
post Jun 19 2014, 10:02 AM

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hi mumiechan, im sjut wondeirng, with so many udergrads around and so many unis in USA, is the reputation of the universities we attending IMPORTANT? Cos i mvery confuse people were telling me all kind of different grandmother stories, of course, when i talk to my counsellor at inti, they say even a degree from any university in USA will be good to go.
spunkberry
post Jul 2 2014, 10:53 PM

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QUOTE(Gemisha @ Jun 18 2014, 10:06 PM)
need some advises & opinions

i want to study music tech. but they require experiences which i don't have. so i thought of 3 option that may help me to get into music techno.

right now i'm looking for anyone who know about university that could help me with my option below or what your thought about it, it's possible or not to do it.

1. apply to different major and take music techno as minor

2. apply 2 different major, get 2 +  years of experiences and then change major to music technology

3. apply to university that don't need student to choose major right away
*
It may be best for you to apply as undecided and then choose your major after a year or so.

QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Jun 19 2014, 10:02 AM)
hi mumiechan, im sjut wondeirng, with so many undergrads around and so many unis in USA, is the reputation of the universities we attending IMPORTANT? Cos i'm very confuse people were telling me all kind of different grandmother stories, of course, when i talk to my counsellor at inti, they say even a degree from any university in USA will be good to go.
*
In Malaysia, an overseas degree is viewed much higher than a local degree, so in that sense, yeah any overseas university degree that you've achieved is better than a local one.

However, I know a hiring secretary at an MNC who told me this: the first thing they look at is your degree class (UK) or your GPA (US). The next thing they look at is your university. I think this applies mainly to the MNCs though, who are international corporations.
Boppyz1994
post Jul 5 2014, 01:50 PM

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Hey guys, I searched the topic and I am still puzzled. Do I need to contact MACEE to register for SAT? If so, where do I sit for SAT here in Malaysia?
Kurogane___
post Jul 5 2014, 03:12 PM

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Is almost everyone who study in US either received full scholarship or by ADP? Because the cost is really high there, my budget is only barely enough for 2 years there or not even enough for 2 years. So, for me, even a RM200k of scholarship will not be sufficient. I can probably only rely on full scholarship if I am going to study in US.

I doubt much people are able to afford for 4 years cost at US (the same goes for UK and Australia), but there are a lot of people studying in these country (don't think all of them are supported by full scholarship). So I wonder how do you guys fund yourself? I mean those who apply to US directly, without going through ADP.

This post has been edited by Kurogane___: Jul 5 2014, 03:13 PM
acgerlok7
post Jul 6 2014, 12:55 AM

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alot of them has rich parents.... UK/AUS is out of reach...i pulled out of a go8 uni last mind because it is so costly to attend the university, just cost of tuition alone is almost equivalent total cost for attending a canadian uni.... in USA, i only apply to places which i can afford, ie TEXAS.
Gemisha
post Jul 6 2014, 06:43 PM

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QUOTE(Boppyz1994 @ Jul 5 2014, 01:50 PM)
Hey guys, I searched the topic and I am still puzzled. Do I need to contact MACEE to register for SAT? If so, where do I sit for SAT here in Malaysia?
*
you can register online for SAT without the help from macee. make sure you have a credit card though. register at collegeboard and choose the place from the website

don't wait until the last minitue, or the places you want will be fully booked.
spunkberry
post Jul 16 2014, 10:50 PM

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QUOTE(Kurogane___ @ Jul 5 2014, 03:12 PM)
Is almost everyone who study in US either received full scholarship or by ADP? Because the cost is really high there, my budget is only barely enough for 2 years there or not even enough for 2 years. So, for me, even a RM200k of scholarship will not be sufficient. I can probably only rely on full scholarship if I am going to study in US.

I doubt much people are able to afford for 4 years cost at US (the same goes for UK and Australia), but there are a lot of people studying in these country (don't think all of them are supported by full scholarship). So I wonder how do you guys fund yourself? I mean those who apply to US directly, without going through ADP.
*
My father was an expat.

Most Malaysians who are overseas in the US are either on ADTP or on a scholarship. I'm not sure why you think that they're fully self-funded.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Jul 16 2014, 10:51 PM
dwin95
post Aug 2 2014, 10:12 PM

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hi, may i know which local bank offers the best rates for MYR to USD for funds transfer? Im looking to open up an account with Bank of America when im there. Thank you!
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post Sep 9 2014, 10:54 PM

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bump.
acgerlok7
post Sep 10 2014, 01:51 PM

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Any Malaysians study in non-conventional places such as North Dakota, Wyoming here?
spunkberry
post Sep 10 2014, 11:04 PM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Sep 10 2014, 01:51 PM)
Any Malaysians study in non-conventional places such as North Dakota, Wyoming here?
*
Probably not. Most attend more well-known, prestigious universities. Is there a particular question you have?
acgerlok7
post Sep 11 2014, 11:28 AM

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Yes...as im applying to places like Texas, Wisconsin and ,aybe Uni of Utah...so just want to find out how's the environment?
spunkberry
post Sep 11 2014, 11:29 AM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Sep 11 2014, 11:28 AM)
Yes...as im applying to places like Texas, Wisconsin and ,aybe Uni of Utah...so just want to find out how's the environment?
*
Texas will be hot during the summer, and nice the rest of the year. Wisconsin is in the Midwest, so the winters can be harsh. I don't know about Utah.
arconium
post Sep 26 2014, 02:39 PM

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Hi I would like to share my future study plans in US, hope to get some insights:

1. Currently SPM,
2. go for AUP(INTI) or ADTP (Taylor's), (optional: get bursary for 30 free credit hours) for 1+3 programme in Engineering
3. After acquiring my Bachelor's, start working in US, and work for PR,
OR
pursue Masters in Engineering, Medicine or Law

So my concept (or misconception) is that, once I get a Bachelor's Degree from a US Uni, i can apply for Professional courses e.g. LSATS or MCAT and once i graduate from that Masters degree I am already the same as a houseman back here in UK systems.

This is because the US only recognise Masters degree as the qualification to be an actual professional in that respective field.

Meaning to say, I will have a Bachelors degree in Engineering, and CAN pursue Masters in Engineering, Law or Medicine. Thus, upon completion of the Masters, I am an actual Engineer/Law/Doctor, just without internship and registration to the respective Board of X Profession.

How true is this?
xowangzi
post Sep 27 2014, 11:35 PM

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Hi everyone.

Well, there are like 3.9k Uni in the US. And how you guys select ?

Im looking for a transfer. Currently studying Diploma in APIIT. Estimate graduate next year Jan.
Actually, Im searching for well known computer sciences university which I can do artificial intelligence and computer security together. In the US they never do any specific computer majors. Just general Major in Computer Science. But what they have is elective subjects like... AI and Security. I like both.

My point is... do you guys have any idea what Uni is good for computer science?
(Pls take out MIT, UCLA, Georgia Tech, CalTech, and other competitive ones. As I'm not a 4.0 student. )

TQTQTQ smile.gif

MisterLee
post Sep 28 2014, 10:22 PM

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Hi everyone,

I'm currently sitting for SPM and now I am lost in what I am going to be doing next year after SPM.
My first choice is NYU, The Stern School of Business and the backups are all generally target schools for Wall Street Firms, UMich Ross, UVA McIntire, UTexas at Austin McCombs(BHP), Georgetown and so on. ( I don't really have the confidence in going to Ivy Leagues but I'll definitely try)

Numerous email exchanges with a senior admissions committee told me that ADP is not the way to go, as it is considered as a foundations program, and our form 5 is actually only 10th grade in the US, so he recommended me to take A Levels. First, questions for A Levels. Is it hard? This is so cliche but I have no idea what A levels look like and how it works, I surely have to take math, how hard is that? Next, I don't know when to attend for the A Levels, Jan or March I don't know, because I still haven't decided if I want to take the SATs. Which brings me to my next question.

For people who have taken the SATs, is it hard for us Malaysians? How long did you guys take to study them all and get a score of at least 2100? And how did you guys study? Because I think I can confirm that I will be taking A levels, so I'd like to plan in advance to accommodate with the SATs.

These should be my questions for now until I can think of more haha
MisterLee
post Sep 28 2014, 10:29 PM

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QUOTE(xowangzi @ Sep 27 2014, 11:35 PM)
Hi everyone.

Well, there are like 3.9k Uni in the US. And how you guys select ?

Im looking for a transfer. Currently studying Diploma in APIIT. Estimate graduate next year Jan.
Actually, Im searching for well known computer sciences university which I can do artificial intelligence and computer security together. In the US they never do any specific computer majors. Just general Major in Computer Science. But what they have is elective subjects like... AI and Security. I like both.

My point is... do you guys have any idea what Uni is good for computer science?
(Pls take out MIT, UCLA, Georgia Tech, CalTech, and other competitive ones. As I'm not a 4.0 student. )

TQTQTQ smile.gif
*
What you are looking for is only available in grad schools in the US, because of how they emphasize the need to be a well rounded person in their undergrad years.

Colleges/ Universities I recommend are UCLA, UCSD, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Carnegie Mellon, University of Washington, UTexas at Austin, UMadison Wisconsin, Rice and University of Maryland College Park.



brianlzf
post Sep 29 2014, 12:50 AM

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Hi. A bit of backstory, I'm currently 17 doing SPM. I've taken the SAT once and got 2100. I plan on retaking it next year.

I have a few questions about education in the US.
1. Colleges require students to have 12 years of formal education. Seeing as I only have 11 years, how do I go about obtaining my 12th year?

2. Is there a difference in the quality of education between public (UCs, for example) and private colleges?

3. Benefits of US over UK/Australia?

Thanks!

This post has been edited by brianlzf: Sep 29 2014, 12:50 AM
maru&box
post Sep 29 2014, 12:59 AM

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QUOTE(MisterLee @ Sep 28 2014, 10:22 PM)
Hi everyone,

I'm currently sitting for SPM and now I am lost in what I am going to be doing next year after SPM.
My first choice is NYU, The Stern School of Business and the backups are all generally target schools for Wall Street Firms, UMich Ross, UVA McIntire, UTexas at Austin McCombs(BHP), Georgetown and so on. ( I don't really have the confidence in going to Ivy Leagues but I'll definitely try)

Numerous email exchanges with a senior admissions committee told me that ADP is not the way to go, as it is considered as a foundations program, and our form 5 is actually only 10th grade in the US, so he recommended me to take A Levels. First, questions for A Levels. Is it hard? This is so cliche but I have no idea what A levels look like and how it works, I surely have to take math, how hard is that? Next, I don't know when to attend for the A Levels, Jan or March I don't know, because I still haven't decided if I want to take the SATs. Which brings me to my next question.

For people who have taken the SATs, is it hard for us Malaysians? How long did you guys take to study them all and get a score of at least 2100? And how did you guys study? Because I think I can confirm that I will be taking A levels, so I'd like to plan in advance to accommodate with the SATs.

These should be my questions for now until I can think of more haha
*
- A levels is the same as Advance Placement tests as far as US universities are concerned. You get some credits from the subjects but that's about it. Some credits often do not transfer very well. Eg. You get 10 credits for Math but 2 of them cannot be used to your major for some reason.

- You generally do not need X years of schooling to get into university. The SAT 1 & SAT 2 tests will test you on that.
- I don't really know how hard the SAT is to others because I only know how hard it is to me.

Looking back now, the most efficient and cheapest route would be to start taking SAT tests and some AP tests right after Form 5 SPM. Then, start applying for unis in November-December.
Then, continue to take AP tests which can be credit transferred until you enrol to uni. Of course this strategy will cause you to be cram studying continuously and bad results mean that you cannot get credits.

The easy way will be to just take SAT 1 & 2. Apply then enrol. You will be studying pre-requisite classes which are the same as A-levels/AP but much more expensive since you are studying overseas.


A levels might be a good idea if you are still 50-50 on where you want to go. ,


Anyway, the understanding of the US schooling system in Malaysia is generally lacking. One of the main hurdles you will face is getting human references and co-curriculum activities.

These 2 will usually be the big weakness for Malaysian students on their application because:
1. People in malaysia don't know shit about writing a good recommendation letter. Sounds harsh but it's true.
2. Extracurricular activities : If you are not active in secondary school, A-levels might be a second chance to fix that.

This post has been edited by maru&box: Sep 29 2014, 01:00 AM
MisterLee
post Sep 29 2014, 04:57 PM

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QUOTE(maru&box @ Sep 29 2014, 12:59 AM)
- A levels is the same as Advance Placement tests as far as US universities are concerned. You get some credits from the subjects but that's about it. Some credits often do not transfer very well. Eg. You get 10 credits for Math but 2 of them cannot be used to your major for some reason.

- You generally do not need X years of schooling to get into university. The SAT 1 & SAT 2 tests will test you on that.
- I don't really know how hard the SAT is to others because I only know how hard it is to me.

Looking back now, the most efficient and cheapest route would be to start taking SAT tests and some AP tests right after Form 5 SPM. Then, start applying for unis in November-December.
Then, continue to take AP tests which can be credit transferred until you enrol to uni. Of course this strategy will cause you to be cram studying continuously and bad results mean that you cannot get credits.

The easy way will be to just take SAT 1 & 2. Apply then enrol. You will be studying pre-requisite classes which are the same as A-levels/AP but much more expensive since you are studying overseas.


A levels might be a good idea if you are still 50-50 on where you want to go. ,
Anyway, the understanding of the US schooling system in Malaysia is generally lacking. One of the main hurdles you will face is getting human references and co-curriculum activities.

These 2 will usually be the big weakness for Malaysian students on their application because:
1.  People in malaysia don't know shit about writing a good recommendation letter. Sounds harsh but it's true.
2. Extracurricular activities : If you are not active in secondary school, A-levels might be a second chance to fix that.
*
Well, according to the NYU senior admissions committee, he told me that A Levels are both Standardized Tests as well as a proof of completion for high school, since we only have 11 years and they require 12 years.

So how did you do in you SAT's? How long did you study for it?
Where do you take these AP tests? Are they hard?

I think I will be going for A Levels in April 2015, and study the SAT's in between SPM and the start of the A Levels April intake, would that be enough time? I honestly don't know.
And I am sure where I want to go already, A Levels is international so I'm not really worried about its acceptance in US colleges.

Yeah! I know! These two and the personal letter is really just a headache to me right now. What is considered a good recommendation letter? I'd like to get one from my English and my Social Studies teacher. And the EC's I really have to brainstorm something out, but I would like to try to be an intern in a bank and volunteer for stuff, I personally am interested in finding a way to deal with the homeless in KL.

Have you enrolled into a US school? If so, where?

MisterLee
post Sep 29 2014, 05:19 PM

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QUOTE(brianlzf @ Sep 29 2014, 12:50 AM)
Hi. A bit of backstory, I'm currently 17 doing SPM. I've taken the SAT once and got 2100. I plan on retaking it next year.

I have a few questions about education in the US.
1. Colleges require students to have 12 years of formal education. Seeing as I only have 11 years, how do I go about obtaining my 12th year?

2. Is there a difference in the quality of education between public (UCs, for example) and private colleges?

3. Benefits of US over UK/Australia?

Thanks!
*
First of all, I'd like to know when did you do your SAT's? And how long did you prepare for it without (or with) guidance

1. Well, if you opt for a top school, like those Ivy Leagues and New Ivies (NYU, UChicago, Stanford and such)or Public Ivies (UCB,UMich,Utexas at Austin, UVA) , take the A Levels IB or STPM, if you're not looking to aim that high, go through the ADP, easiest path.

2. Well, the Public Ivies, as stated above, are actually on par or sometimes surpassing some private colleges. They also do not provide alot of financial aid, especially to international students, its really close to nothing at all, and they are not as cheap as people say. The rest of course, are cheap, quality of course, I'm talking about schools like University of Minnesota, U of Arizona, U of Florida, U of Massachusetts and the likes, but not as good as the well regarded Public Ivies, if you are looking to Finance, go for Public Ivies, if the rest, you can try the others, work hard and NETWORK, you will have a bright future in the US either way.

3. Well, to me, and doing unfathomable amounts of research, the US really has alot of advantages compared to the UK and Australia. First and most obvious of all, the US has a much higher salary than in the UK and quite a bit more than Australia. And then there is the cost of living, the UK and Aus has a really high cost of living while real estate is also sky high, both aggregate and compared to wages.

Also, it helps that the US is the largest economy in the world, by far, providing people with a large market for businesses, opportunities, diversity and dynamism. Because ask yourself this, where else can you find a country that leads in so many aspects? If you go for finance, there is an enormous market backing you up, with an abundance of capital and or private equities to fuel your needs, unparalleled. If you go for engineering, good god, you'd be surrounded by the best engineers in the entire world, with a country that leads in aerospace, software and just about any type of engineering. You'd be essentially consumed by opportunities offered by this country, provided you work your ass off. I have so many family members that go there and are either rich as hell (business) or a loaded professional (pays very very well) .

I can probably think alot more, but then I'd be flooding this post, if you'd like to know more, you can PM me. smile.gif laugh.gif thumbup.gif
maru&box
post Sep 29 2014, 10:40 PM

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QUOTE(MisterLee @ Sep 29 2014, 04:57 PM)
Well, according to the NYU senior admissions committee, he told me that A Levels are both Standardized Tests as well as a proof of completion for high school, since we only have 11 years and they require 12 years.

So how did you do in you SAT's? How long did you study for it?
Where do you take these AP tests? Are they hard?

I think I will be going for A Levels in April 2015, and study the SAT's in between SPM and the start of the A Levels April intake, would that be enough time? I honestly don't know.
And I am sure where I want to go already, A Levels is international so I'm not really worried about its acceptance in US colleges.

Yeah! I know! These two and the personal letter is really just a headache to me right now. What is considered a good recommendation letter? I'd like to get one from my English and my Social Studies teacher. And the EC's I really have to brainstorm something out, but I would like to try to be an intern in a bank and volunteer for stuff, I personally am interested in finding a way to deal with the homeless in KL.

Have you enrolled into a US school? If so, where?
*
If you know where you want to go then you should read the admission requirements yourself to see if it really does say that. But that 1 extra year of schooling requirement is quite ambiguous and might not be true for all schools.

My SATs were average - 2000 to 2100. Subject tests were easy if you already studied some A-levels.
I studied seriously for 1 month and another month familiarizing with the test by doing questions without any time pressure. That may have been a bad idea because the really exam was very time intensive.

One nice thing about the SAT is that you can resit as many times as you want and send the best scores.

AP tests and SAT are administered by the same people. I would imagine there are testing centers in Malaysia just like the SAT test sites.
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home?navid=gh-aps
AP tests are easier in the sense that once you get a high enough score, you can just forget about it and focus on the next subject - but you study for it yourself. A-levels is more of a continuous learning process but at least you have a lecturer to guide you.

-----
A good letter is one that shows you have a relationship with the person writing about you. And that relationship is close enough such that he/she can express your personal character and intellect through very precise examples that highlight the things you want the admission people to know about you.

A terrible letter is : Good student. Cares about his work and produces good results. <-- Seriously, I got shit like this when I asked for a letter.

Your ideas for EC activities sounds good.


I've already finished studying from one of the upper tier schools in California. I still visit once in a while and my work now deals with people on the West coast all the time anyway. I don't know much about the East coast since I never had much interest in travelling there.
spunkberry
post Sep 29 2014, 11:05 PM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Sep 26 2014, 02:39 PM)
Hi I would like to share my future study plans in US, hope to get some insights:

1. Currently SPM,
2. go for AUP(INTI) or ADTP (Taylor's), (optional: get bursary for 30 free credit hours) for 1+3 programme in Engineering
3. After acquiring my Bachelor's, start working in US, and work for PR,
OR
pursue Masters in Engineering, Medicine or Law

So my concept (or misconception) is that, once I get a Bachelor's Degree from a US Uni, i can apply for Professional courses e.g. LSATS or MCAT and once i graduate from that Masters degree I am already the same as a houseman back here in UK systems.

This is because the US only recognise Masters degree as the qualification to be an actual professional in that respective field.

Meaning to say, I will have a Bachelors degree in Engineering, and CAN pursue Masters in Engineering, Law or Medicine. Thus, upon completion of the Masters, I am an actual Engineer/Law/Doctor, just without internship and registration to the respective Board of X Profession.

How true is this?
*
Untrue, at least in the US. A Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a Bachelor of Engineering is enough for you to be an "actual" engineer. Obtaining a Masters merely specializes you further, and a pay grade bump.

To be a Professional Engineer, is a separate, external examination. You have to first take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and obtain your Engineer Intern license. After 5+ years in the field, you can opt to take the (very expensive) PE exam to be certified as a professional. This then tacks on the "PE" designation after your name, much like an MD. The main field that needs this is Civil Engineering. It is optional for other fields.

This post has been edited by spunkberry: Sep 29 2014, 11:09 PM
MisterLee
post Sep 29 2014, 11:24 PM

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QUOTE(maru&box @ Sep 29 2014, 10:40 PM)
If you know where you want to go then you should read the admission requirements yourself to see if it really does say that. But that 1 extra year of schooling requirement is quite ambiguous and might not be true for all schools.

My SATs were average - 2000 to 2100. Subject tests were easy if you already studied some A-levels.
I studied seriously for 1 month and another month familiarizing with the test by doing questions without any time pressure. That may have been a bad idea because the really exam was very time intensive.

One nice thing about the SAT is that you can resit as many times as you want and send the best scores.

AP tests and SAT are administered by the same people. I would imagine there are testing centers in Malaysia just like the SAT test sites.
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home?navid=gh-aps
AP tests are easier in the sense that once you get a high enough score, you can just forget about it and focus on the next subject - but you study for it yourself. A-levels is more of a continuous learning process but at least you have a lecturer to guide you.

-----
A good letter is one that shows you have a relationship with the person writing about you. And that relationship is close enough such that he/she can express your personal character and intellect through very precise examples that highlight the things you want the admission people to know about you.

A terrible letter is : Good student. Cares about his work and produces good results. <-- Seriously, I got shit like this when I asked for a letter.

Your ideas for EC activities sounds good.
I've already finished studying from one of the upper tier schools in California. I still visit once in a while and my work now deals with people on the West coast all the time anyway. I don't know much about the East coast since I never had much interest in travelling there.
*
Well I can tell you that most top colleges in the US do accept A Levels, considering it a more advanced course than the ones offered in their own country. Plus, I think I can transfer some credits over.

2000-2100 ain't really average lol, that's seriously in the top end of a graph, although no harm in getting higher grades, right?
Hmm, how serious is serious? I'm like 70/20 for SAT now, because I just want to be sure I can cope and get a >2000 score in the time between December and the first week of April, is that doable? And yeah, I am aware how time intensive the SAT is, really tests your patience. Also, do you mind sharing tips to me about the SAT's? What book I should get and such? Through PM or whatever smile.gif

I don't know... What do you think? Does it help my chances? I mean Stern is the hard NYU school, and I would murder someone to get in!

I think I can get a good letter out of my social studies teacher? I mean he is kinda the only few that likes me haha
Do you think my EC ideas are doable over the course through A Levels? I'm just worried that I'd be too occupied with EC's and ignoring academics later.

What did you study and what field are you in now?
I have always been interested in the East Coast, much less so the West, but if I get the chance I'd like to travel the whole country.
maru&box
post Sep 30 2014, 11:02 AM

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QUOTE(MisterLee @ Sep 29 2014, 11:24 PM)
Well I can tell you that most top colleges in the US do accept A Levels, considering it a more advanced course than the ones offered in their own country. Plus, I think I can transfer some credits over.

2000-2100 ain't really average lol, that's seriously in the top end of a graph, although no harm in getting higher grades, right?
Hmm, how serious is serious? I'm like 70/20 for SAT now, because I just want to be sure I can cope and get a >2000 score in the time between December and the first week of April, is that doable? And yeah, I am aware how time intensive the SAT is, really tests your patience. Also, do you mind sharing tips to me about the SAT's? What book I should get and such? Through PM or whatever smile.gif

I don't know... What do you think? Does it help my chances? I mean Stern is the hard NYU school, and I would murder someone to get in!

I think I can get a good letter out of my social studies teacher? I mean he is kinda the only few that likes me haha
Do you think my EC ideas are doable over the course through A Levels? I'm just worried that I'd be too occupied with EC's and ignoring academics later.

What did you study and what field are you in now?
I have always been interested in the East Coast, much less so the West, but if I get the chance I'd like to travel the whole country.
*
Yes I know they accept A-levels because I used it to get credits too. But the process to get those credits is annoying and about 20% of the credits I got were undefined. It's annoying because there is more paperwork and running around because it's not a US accreditation. And once you do get the credits, some of the credits may be undefined. Meaning, the stuff you learned did not translate to any applicable course but you got awarded (useless) credits anyway. This is why if I had a second chance I would have just taken AP tests assuming I was 100% set on US universities.

Serious studying meant going through all the prep books in a month and studying word lists daily. I remember using the Princeton Review series or something but I probably got rid of those books by now.

Collegeboard should have stats for NYU. Average SAT scores etc. If you get slightly above the average score for applicants by April you should be good to go. Then you can focus on other things. If you still don't like your score you can try again later.

Your case is sort of different from mine in the sense that I had applied to a number of places but had no particular preference. I just had a rough idea where I wanted to go but I didn't put all my hopes in 1 place. I adjusted my activities and studies as I went along. I put more emphasis on studies because I was aiming for tech based majors where people are expected to have good grades.

I studied electrical engineering so being close to silicon valley was the only place to be if you want to learn from the best. I'm still working in my field in a US based multinational.

acgerlok7
post Sep 30 2014, 12:32 PM

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Guys.. any idea what would be a good school for a Geoscience program in the USA? Is Texas A & M University transfer friendly? I've applied to this school but have yet to hear from them.
MisterLee
post Sep 30 2014, 07:59 PM

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QUOTE(maru&box @ Sep 30 2014, 11:02 AM)
Yes I know they accept A-levels because I used it to get credits too. But the process to get those credits is annoying and about 20% of the credits I got were undefined. It's annoying because there is more paperwork and running around because it's not a US accreditation. And once you do get the credits, some of the credits may be undefined. Meaning, the stuff you learned did not translate to any applicable course but you got awarded (useless) credits anyway. This is why if I had a second chance I would have just taken AP tests assuming I was 100% set on US universities.

Serious studying meant going through all the prep books in a month and studying word lists daily. I remember using the Princeton Review series or something but I probably got rid of those books by now.

Collegeboard should have stats for NYU. Average SAT scores etc. If you get slightly above the average score for applicants by April you should be good to go. Then you can focus on other things. If you still don't like your score you can try again later.

Your case is sort of different from mine in the sense that I had applied to a number of places but had no particular preference. I just had a rough idea where I wanted to go but I didn't put all my hopes in 1 place. I adjusted my activities and studies as I went along. I put more emphasis on studies because I was aiming for tech based majors where people are expected to have good grades.

I studied electrical engineering so being close to silicon valley was the only place to be if you want to learn from the best. I'm still working in my field in a US based multinational.
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I don't think I have much of a choice, I mean they asked for A Levels and that's what they're getting. I have heard lots of horror stories about credit transfers, especially in the US. I dunno about AP tests, but if that's what you are recommending me, and if it heightens the chance of me getting accepted (does it?), I'll definitely consider it, I am always just worried about not being able to cope with it or can't catch up and ending up with unsatisfactory grades. I am also worried that what if A Levels take too much of my hours and I end up with nothing.

A month of serious studying and you got 2000-2100, that's awesome! Do you mind recommending me on what books to buy? I've heard alot of mouths that the blue book from college board is fantastic, is it true? And I called Princeton Review KL once, and the fees are too goddamn expensive! What about SAT math? Is it difficult? How did you study for it? And what of the SATII Subject Test Math? Is it essentially the same thing?

Oh really? How can you be sure? (Not trying to challenge, purely being curious)

Well, I'm not exactly putting all my hopes in one place, as I will definitely apply for other schools as backups, because I would be really dumb not to. It's just NYU is the school I want, so of course I will work hard towards it. But in finance, people are supposed to have good grades too sad.gif cry.gif

Wow, you must be brilliant! thumbup.gif I'm just guessing, did you go to the UC's? Berkeley? Or am I severely underestimating you and you went to Stanford?



MisterLee
post Sep 30 2014, 08:43 PM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Sep 30 2014, 12:32 PM)
Guys.. any idea what would be a good school for a Geoscience program in the USA? Is Texas A & M University transfer friendly? I've applied to this school but have yet to hear from them.
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Texas A&M is definitely transfer friendly, especially with ADP. You should check the dates of the final decision from the school, or you can just email them.

I know Penn State, U of Arizona, The UC's, U of Colorado-Boulder and U of Wisconsin-Madison have fantastic science programs and not all that hard to get in, so you can definitely try that.

How old are you anyway and what are you doing now?
acgerlok7
post Oct 1 2014, 12:03 AM

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HI bro Mister Lee, thanks you so much for such good recommendations, to be honest, im not very young anymore, am 22 yrs old this year, I finished my A Levels and did some credits here before applying. Deferred my studies before this due to personal reasons, my dad passed away during my A Levels. That affected me emotionally.

Yup, i had emailed them already. Insofar as it's concerned, they mentioned that results will be out beginning end of September ie anytime form now onwards. Nevertheless, the results are on a rolling basis, which means the earlier i hand in my admission/stuff, the better my chances of knowing whether im out of the race or will be an Aggie soon... smile.gif ahhhh...so stressful man applying to USA.

If you dont mind me asking, may i know which part of US of A you studied previously? and what major? biggrin.gif drool.gif

This post has been edited by acgerlok7: Oct 1 2014, 12:31 AM
MisterLee
post Oct 1 2014, 12:32 AM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Oct 1 2014, 12:03 AM)
HI bro Mister Lee, thanks you so much for such good recommendations, to be honest, im not very young anymore, am 22 yrs old this year, I finished my A Levels and did some credits here before applying.  Deferred my studies before this due to personal reasons, my dad passed away during my A Levels. That affected me emotionally.
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My sincerest condolences to you, my friend. sad.gif
I have good news for you though, US colleges don't reject people because of age, and you might be easily qualified for the schools I recommended, provided you give satisfactory A Level grades. What credits did you do? I do recommend you to apply for an American college as fast as possible though, because we don't want more delaying, do we?

PM me if you want more detailed information, I'd prefer not to flood this thread with my replies whistling.gif
acgerlok7
post Oct 1 2014, 12:35 AM

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OK my CGPA with ADP is 3.54 excluding A Levels, A Levels results was not THAT satisfying though, considering the predicament i was in during that tumultuous period of time. I got ABBC... Average grade at best...defo not ivy league or Top 10 school material...not like im aiming for one anyway lol
MisterLee
post Oct 1 2014, 12:37 AM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Oct 1 2014, 12:03 AM)
HI bro Mister Lee, thanks you so much for such good recommendations, to be honest, im not very young anymore, am 22 yrs old this year, I finished my A Levels and did some credits here before applying.  Deferred my studies before this due to personal reasons, my dad passed away during my A Levels. That affected me emotionally.

Yup, i had emailed them already. Insofar as it's concerned, they mentioned that results will be out beginning end of September ie anytime form now onwards. Nevertheless, the results are on a rolling basis, which means the earlier i hand in my admission/stuff, the better my chances of knowing whether im out of the race or will be an Aggie soon... smile.gif ahhhh...so stressful man applying to USA.

If you dont mind me asking, may i know which part of US of A you studied previously? and what major? biggrin.gif drool.gif
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Yeah, applying to the US is really a lot of work here in Malaysia, as we don't have alot of routes to choose from.

Well actually, I'm still sitting for SPM, but I am looking to banking and finance. I will be pursuing A Levels next year in April. I do a lot of research, so I think I'm confident enough not to mislead anybody sweat.gif
MisterLee
post Oct 1 2014, 12:40 AM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Oct 1 2014, 12:35 AM)
OK my CGPA with ADP is 3.54 excluding A Levels, A Levels results was not THAT satisfying though, considering the predicament i was in during that tumultuous period of time. I got ABBC... Average grade at best...defo not ivy league or Top 10 school material...not like im aiming for one anyway lol
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Wait wait wait, there are GPA's in A Levels? I might know quite alot about the American system but definitely not the British Curriculum ohmy.gif

What subjects did you take? I think you're not in such a bad position, in the least you've got an A and 2 B's to show. Should be safe, pretty impressive GPA by the way, considering what happened. But I can recommend some more schools if you want. smile.gif
acgerlok7
post Oct 1 2014, 12:45 AM

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Yeah pls PM me the schools if possible...haha if not moderator will think we hijacked the forum for our own convo tongue.gif .. No, the GPA was for my post-A level ADP... i did ADP for 3 semesters ie 1 year before applying to USA. I figured out some credits can be done here anyway, so save up even more... hence the 3.54 GPA came about. A Levels never have any GPA. It's very rigid anyway, i wish i took IB or ADP right form the start, A Levels was like high school all over again.
acgerlok7
post Oct 1 2014, 12:49 AM

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banking and finance is good... the schools you've mentioned to me have strong finance programs as well, esp UW madison and the UCs, particularly UC Berkeley. Of course, the best has gotta be Wharton, Harvard . But those are out of my reach, at least at this moment.
MisterLee
post Oct 1 2014, 12:53 AM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Oct 1 2014, 12:49 AM)
banking and finance is good... the schools you've mentioned to me have strong finance programs as well, esp UW madison and the UCs, particularly UC Berkeley. Of course, the best has gotta be Wharton, Harvard . But those are out of my reach, at least at this moment.
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Well, I have my own choice of schools and unfortunately, UWisconsin is not one my of my many targets. For Wharton and Harvard, I think they are, as usual, really hard to get in, but I'll definitely try my best. Also, I'm not particularly inclined to the West Coast, I much prefer the East.

You have to know that US colleges have incredibly holistic admissions, unlike the UK and Australia. A bad grade might not be your death knell, at the same time, fantabulous grades will not guarantee admissions, ever.

This post has been edited by MisterLee: Oct 1 2014, 12:54 AM
acgerlok7
post Oct 1 2014, 12:57 AM

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Absolutely, the exact reason why i love them . Look, the real world is not very rigid ie. You get an A* means you gonna b some kickass CEO. American education teaches us soft skills a lot. I took public speaking class in ADP in inti. Altohugh it wasnt a pleasant experience and defo cant compare to what it will be if taken in USA, nontheless, it was such a surreal experience, a lot of people froze when they were summoned to speak in public, which is a pretty important skill, and i dont think our malaysian education imparts that. STEM education in USA is also superb as they emphasis alot on hands on rather than memorising E=MC^2 and dont know what it was all about.Mind PM me ur target schools as well,i will PM you mine. we shall take things off privately then tongue.gif
acgerlok7
post Oct 1 2014, 12:58 AM

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Absolutely, the exact reason why i love them . Look, the real world is not very rigid ie. You get an A* means you gonna b some kickass CEO. American education teaches us soft skills a lot. I took public speaking class in ADP in inti. Altohugh it wasnt a pleasant experience and defo cant compare to what it will be if taken in USA, nontheless, it was such a surreal experience, a lot of people froze when they were summoned to speak in public, which is a pretty important skill, and i dont think our malaysian education imparts that. STEM education in USA is also superb as they emphasis alot on hands on rather than memorising E=MC^2 and dont know what it was all about.Mind PM me ur target schools as well,i will PM you mine. we shall take things off privately then tongue.gif
MisterLee
post Oct 1 2014, 07:08 AM

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QUOTE(acgerlok7 @ Oct 1 2014, 12:57 AM)
Absolutely, the exact reason why i love them . Look, the real world is not very rigid ie. You get an A* means you gonna b some kickass CEO. American education teaches us soft skills a lot. I took public speaking class in ADP in inti. Altohugh it wasnt a pleasant experience and defo cant compare to what it will be if taken in USA, nontheless, it was such a surreal experience, a lot of people froze when they were summoned to speak in public, which is a pretty important skill, and i dont think our malaysian education imparts that. STEM education in USA is also superb as they emphasis alot on hands on rather than memorising E=MC^2 and dont know what it was all about.Mind PM me ur target schools as well,i will PM you mine.  we shall take things off privately then  tongue.gif
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Yes, they emphasize all rounders, you should be familiar with the system since you went for ADP right? You get to learn subjects that are out of your majors, unfortunately, I couldn't go for the ADP so I'll be going for A Levels instead.
Actually, I would love to learn public speaking but I really hate it but you know, it's a really important skill to have.

Their unique school system is exactly why they dominate university rankings AND entire industries.

Oh and I have PM'd you once yesterday, but I think you missed it. Anywho, I will send you one once more biggrin.gif

arconium
post Oct 1 2014, 08:33 PM

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Hi, would like to know what are my options if I take A Levels vs SAM vs ADP if I want to venture into the US to study,
A levels costs 1 and half years while SAM is 1 year.
Assuming costs of Pre U is negligible, if I get a score in A levels of 4A or 3A1B or something like that, won't I still need to pay for 4 years of US Uni afterwards, or if I get a ATAR in SAM of 85 for instance, I would also need to pay for my own education in the US, if there are no scholarships available for such "Mediocre" results (sorry these are just examples, maybe they are great results but this is just quoting a scenario)

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier if I enroll in the ADP program, give in my all, and transfer to a good school in the US, while also having a shot of entering the Ivies (however slim)
Doesn't ADP sound great in this sense?
It saves time.

I believe that we can excel in any course we go in, but I just dont get whats the point of going for A Levels or SAM, if we are NOT the 1%. You are just going to start 4 years of Uni edu when u r done with A Levels, not to mention that your peers in ADP are already starting their 3rd year.

Any comments on this please?

MisterLee
post Oct 1 2014, 09:36 PM

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QUOTE(arconium @ Oct 1 2014, 08:33 PM)
Hi, would like to know what are my options if I take A Levels vs SAM vs ADP if I want to venture into the US to study,
A levels costs 1 and half years while SAM is 1 year.
Assuming costs of Pre U is negligible, if I get a score in A levels of 4A or 3A1B or something like that, won't I still need to pay for 4 years of US Uni afterwards, or if I get a ATAR in SAM of 85 for instance, I would also need to pay for my own education in the US, if there are no scholarships available for such "Mediocre" results (sorry these are just examples, maybe they are great results but this is just quoting a scenario)

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier if I enroll in the ADP program, give in my all, and transfer to a good school in the US, while also having a shot of entering the Ivies (however slim)
Doesn't ADP sound great in this sense?
It saves time.

I believe that we can excel in any course we go in, but I just dont get whats the point of going for A Levels or SAM, if we are NOT the 1%. You are just going to start 4 years of Uni edu when u r done with A Levels, not to mention that your peers in ADP are already starting their 3rd year.

Any comments on this please?
*

Hi, first of all, I'd like to know what kind of schools are you targeting? If you are targeting anywhere from the Ivy Leagues, New Ivies, or even the Public Ivies, you will have no chance if you go through ADP, because they consider it a foundation program and they will not accept that. I know, I've asked. Top schools want 12 years of schooling, and its hard to find otherwise. Our Malaysian curriculum of form 5 is only 10th grade in the US.

It would be recommended that you take the A Levels, as it is international and should have no problem getting accepted, of course, it is still the best that you ask them yourself. Send an email or two.

BTW, scores of 4A's in A Levels is fantastic, its straight A's since they offer a minimum of 3 subs and 5 max. I don't know alot about scholarships, you may be able to find one, I can't say for sure, because I'm doing the same thing myself too.

Well, the US is kinda like an exclusive place, you don't have alot of choices in choosing courses. This could be because there isn't enough demand in Malaysia. As we can all notice, those "study abroad companies" have no problem in helping you to UK or Australian universities, and there are barely any for American universities.

I'll be enrolling into the April intake for A Levels next year, and yeah, I get that its quite time consuming, but for the benefits later, I think I'd sacrifice a bit of time. And also, costs are a problem for me too, all I can hope is the school would be so kind to offer me enough financial aid. cry.gif

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