Hey guys,

I'm new here. [/B]So, I wanted to ask your opinion on postgraduate study, for people with bad academic grade history. Overview of my situation; 4 years ago, I was offered 2 different scholarship offers, one is Petronas to do A-level in Kolej Tuanku Jaafar (some said the most expensive A-Level programme in Malaysia) and JPA to study Medicine in Middle East. Studying Medicine was something I really dont want since I've had big affection, love and passion to Mathematics since I was a kid (to give an overview what I'm talking about; I started learning Algebra since I was 8. I'm sorry, not trying to be cocky or whatsoever).

But, I'm really sure you guys understand some dynamics and norm in our culture, so I was forced to study Medicine. I've been reluctant and went through emotional ride since - many things I never thought would happen in my life, happened. Automatically, my grades have not been good as it is expected from me (heck! they're really bad) and I turned out to be a complete different kind of student than I was. I've attempted to dropout couple of times until I realized, it is really hard for me to enter a local university with only SPM cert dated back to couple years ago.

Hence, I changed my mind, trying to focus and realized that there are many intersections and emergence in the field of Medicine like Synthetic Biology, Health 2.0 and many more that can cater my interest and optimize my ability. Realizing these, I'm good already psychologically. I'm also interested in MIT Media Lab's way of thinking - anti-disciplinary (not that I'm thinking of going to MIT - but hey, if it's possible who doesnt want?), as I myself other than unease that I had towards Medicine, and intrigued by elegance of algorithms, combinatrics and all, have wide interests (e.g i do photography for hobby, am always find myself analysing cinematography of movies, i like to see the different in cultures in places i travel).

So, I would like to know, the possibility for postgraduate study in at least good universities (I'm hoping for top unis if it's still possible) anywhere in the world, given my bad academic grades history. As for now, I'm trying my best to focus and trying do my best for the rest of my study, [B]but I would like to know, if they do accept people with bad grades in the past.

And what should I do, to make sure these opportunities lie in front of me?
Thanks!

p/s - I really dont want to sound emo, negative and energy sucking in this post, as I've finished that stage already. I'm just trying to look out for opportunities for my future.

This post has been edited by hanrisian: Dec 5 2012, 04:28 AM

First of all, it is good to see that you are man enough to face your problems
I believe it is possible to pursue your postgraduate studies despite the bad grades, but you might have problems securing scholarships since they are highly dependent on your grades.

Based on what I've seen, you could always start as a research assistant under the supervisor-of-interest. From there, you will have to work hard on your reputation. If you are up to the standard, I'm sure your supervisor would definitely take you in~

But then again, I'm not so sure about the scholarships

Haha thanks! Though it was actually been years because I was in denial and things got worse starting 2 years ago and now things starting to get better because I started seeking out help from people Though seriously I hope I know this forum earlier - 4 years ago so that I can build up a good argument against my parents to not go for Medicine or even a little later so that I was early enough to dropout and breach scholarship contract (or even when I was worried to pay rm9k for my sponsor for leaving during preparation program and opt for KTJ. I know it was really stupid of me but I was 17 barely out of school and been incubated in boarding school for 5 years. that was a huge amount for me). But now, it's too late to opt for another option (friends soon graduate - some in other courses have graduated with their bachelor degree already) and damage is done, the only way out is to calm myself, try to install interest in me and find a better way out. And I need to work hard on that.

Anyway I see that money is the issue here. Guess need to figure out that part eh? But becoming a RA is not a bad idea too. But how is it like, applying directly to Professors? Is it possible to do this in top notch uni? Or is it possible to do this at local uni and will there be opportunities to go to top uni?

This post has been edited by hanrisian: Dec 6 2012, 08:27 AM

It will not be easy to apply for top Universities, unless if you have connections- important people that recommends/ vouches for you. Again, it will take time for you to built up your reputation and also trust from your supervisors. Perhaps you can try work as RAs in local Universities 1st, under a supervisor with active and renowned research work/publications. He/she will definitely have connections with other professionals abroad, some of which will be the top professors Once you have proven yourself to be worthy (this you have to work on it yourself), I'm sure your supervisor WILL recommend you to work/further your studies abroad.

As for the fees, I think some Universities will waive your study fees if you work as RA. But still, you'll have to figure out on how to meet the daily expenditures

@TS: Is synthetic biology considered as a field of medicine?

Hmm..my CGPA is 3.23 during my undergrads.
I wonder if it is very competitive if I want to enrol for postgraduate degree inn the future.

For most good universities, in terms of research postgraduate degrees, it is very difficult for you to be accepted unless you were literally top of the class in your undergraduate course.

They really prefer it if someone had some research experience under their belt before attempting a challenging postgraduate degree.

From my limited experience, many people choose to be a research assistant for a year or two before submitting their postgraduate application form. Others (like myself) would do a research honours degree (for 1 year), which requires you to write a mini-thesis, and allows you to perform your own research.

I think your undergraduate grades do matter if the competition is stiff between prospective candidates but they should primarily look at how well you did in your research or research degree. Becoming an RA or doing a research degree also allows you to work with principal investigators and post-docs who can then vouch for you (priceless) when you apply for postgraduate candidature.

This post has been edited by Farmer_C: Mar 2 2013, 11:41 AM