Not really, while memory work plays a part in exams it is not everything in an Advanced level test. It is structured to test how well you know the subject matter.

Some useful input, foundation is a broad term, it is used in many ways. Many institutions offer foundation programs that when completed, allows one to enrol into a degree program awarded by that institution or some partner institution. It is usually assess internally and pretty much tailored for the degree course that you intend to do.

A-levels is simply form 6, british sixth form, it prepares one for tertiary studies. The malaysian equivalent is the STPM. They offer a variety of subjects and the topics covered is far higher than what one has encounterd at SPM or O-levels.




This post has been edited by feynman: Dec 2 2005, 08:34 PM

Even if you know what you want to do, A-levels or stpm is still a good choice as it provides a solid foundation for your tertiary studies, besides you can be very certain that the results you get are impartial as the papers are marked externally. Also doing such courses allows you to apply for a course that you want at any institution.

Foundation on the other hand only allows you to enrol yourself to a a program that you want at certain partner institution and the standard can be questionable as there is nothing that can stop the lecturers from giving out exam tips and hints.

Yes it is true, foundation courses typically last for 6-12 months.

We need to be careful when we use this term as foundation is a blanket term which puts everything under one roof.

To give a clearer picture, Some foundations are not recoginised, some are.

For example, engineering foundation at inti college. I believe that it is an internal program, tailored and moderated for certain foreign universities, once you have completed the course with satisfactory result, it is possible for you enrol yourself into one of the engineering twinning programs at inti. However the universities that you can transfer to in your later years or enrol yourself in the first year is pretty much restricted. Only universities which have an agreement with inti allow you to transfer into their programs.

There are also foundation programs which act as a feeder program to the parent university. For example, MUFY, UNSWFY and others. Such courses last for a year and if you meet the minimum requirements, you will be guaranteed a place in that particular university. You will still be able to enrol yourself in another university but you will be subjected to other requirements.

In the end, it depends on what foundation program you are doing.

PS: If you intend to do MUFY or UNSWFY i suggest that you do a broad based pre-u course as the options are wider in the event that you change your mind about the university you wanna go.

A person holding an Advanced level qualification must take the IELTS or TOEFL unless the person concerned has a grade C in english in the IGCSE/GCSE/O-levels exams.

PS: 1119 is not regarded as an O-level english paper, O-level english means english exams examined and awarded by GCE awarding bodies.

Yes, All A-level students must take IELTS or TOEFL unless one has obtain grade C and above for GCE Ordinary Level/IGCSE/GCSE english.

SPM english is not recognised for a variety of reasons. MUET too is not recognised by foreign universities generally.

start googling......

Anywhere except local public universities.

Only to the US as proof of completion of secondary studies, you must have the SATs too.

Entering local public universities with A-levels? Impossible, unless you are doing weird courses.....

No...don't go anywhere during that critical period. Besides people will usually visit the UK during summer, that is the holiday season, warmer too.

STPM is STPM, not distinction no matter where you did it.

A-levels as far as i know has a greater number of subjects to choose from, but we only see the common ones here because not many people would study ICT, performing arts, music, psychology, government and politics etc....

STPM is free, it is unnecessary to pay to do form 6.

If you want the figures, check out TARC's website, thats the least you can do.

You are required to labour for both courses, the only difference is the method of labouring.

However, It is much easier to maintain grades of AAA than to consistently maintain a grade point of 99.0 and above for your TER.

Yes, you can use SAM to enter british universities, however you may need to contact the respective admission tutors to see what are their specific requirements from applicants with SAM.

I do not recommend SAM if you want to do medicine in the UK, it is nearly impossible to get in with SAM. Medical places in the UK have quotas for international students, so students who apply for medicine are usually the best in their classes. Besides, top british law and medical schools are very traditional, emphasis is still very much on examinations.

No, there isn't any sort of binding in anyway.

You can use SAM to get into the UK and vice versa. However, the proportion of people doing so are much lower than the proportion of people going into australian universities with A-levels.

It is ok....

It is ok....monash is competent...need not worry too much.

Best universities?......try imperial or MIT.....Imperial doesn't offer mechatronics...

Yes, if it affects the calculation of your STPM grades. Other than that, not really useful.

If you are applying to some american universities, a strong ECA would be very encouraging. However, most universities admit students solely on academic achievement.

This post has been edited by feynman: Jan 17 2006, 11:12 PM

why so racist?

Yes, application for undegraduate scholarships will open right after the release of SPM results.

For scholarships, the major requirement must be academic studies no matther what reason. Scholarships must be given to those who can study and not because one is from a less fortunate family.

But if it is loans or convertible loans, then it is different story altogether.

engineering, 3-4 years
medicine, typically 6 years.

To tell the truth, it won't look appleasing if you say you either want to do engineering or medicine.