the problem isn't the quality of the a level syllabus, but the way results are given....

the statistics will explain why the top unis do not bother with the actual a levels results for many years already...

results are given in banded grades....

an average of 28% of students get an a in any subject....and 18% get 3a.....

with such results, how is oxbridge, who only want to select the top 1-2% of students to decide someone applying with 3a is a real top 1% or just a mediocre top 28%?......hence they gave up on a levels, and conducted their own assessments via personal statements, interviews, and targeted testings....

3 years ago, the new grade of a* was introduced to help differentiate students.....but again, the bands are still large...8% gets a* on average for any subject, and 4% gets 3a*.....so again, oxbridge who want top 1% still cannot select based on just the a levels....

is it difficult to get 3a*?.....well.....not really.....4% of students get them...ie top 4% only....

back to matrik.....10% of students get 4.0.... same problem.....and on top of that, the matrik syllabus is shallower than a levels.....

in summary, banded results assessment methods like a levels have too broad bands at the top, thus do not differentiate top students...and this poses a problem for top unis who only want to select the top 1-2 %....they are happier with alternatives that stratify the top better.....like aussie atar rank or ib......

So, is this post saying that we can apply overseas with matrix?
Btw, can anyone tell me which is better: Form 6 (my choice), A-level, foundation

So, is this post saying that we can apply overseas with matrix?
Btw, can anyone tell me which is better: Form 6 (my choice), A-level, foundation

limeuu

You are absolutely correct. The distrust stems from the very reasons you listed here. It will be very interesting to see whether Gove's revamp of the A level is able to address this.

It depends on you and your personal circumstances really.

If one is academically strong and is seeking challenge, go for Form 6 or A level.Foundation no go.

If one can only 'afford' ipta, go for Form 6 .... at the risk of not getting the particular course or particular varsity one prefers.

If one aspires overseas studies eg in UK/Aussie , go for A level. Possibly Form 6 for non-competitive courses.No Foundation.

If one is not seeking 'academic challenge at Pre-U' and 'desperate' to do competitive courses like medicine/dentistry, pick an ipts offering Foundation that fits your bills.

Folks no flaming please ...... just general and 'crude' opinions.

In the context of your preferred choice of doing Form 6 -

a )It saves you money and get to stay within same school/environment, but lacking exposure like A levels or Foundations students in social aspect.

b )If you are financially 'weak' and without scholarship, you would end up in ipta, hopefully of your choice.

c )If you can afford overseas studies , no harm doing Form 6 - provided not doing competitive courses like medicine/dentistry and to a certain extent Engineering ....

d )........ 

good uni wont give a damn on matriculation. surrey? southampton? lol? do these unis even exist?? r u sure u wanna pay 1 million to attend such school ?might as well go UM UKM to study....

It does seem to me lots of labour-ish lazy sods are very against the revamps. Hehe.

Hi,
Is having STPM qualification face obstacles to enter competitive faculties ? Thought STPM same level with A Level ? thanks.

Hi,
Is having STPM qualification face obstacles to enter competitive faculties ? Thought STPM same level with A Level ? thanks.