So I am seating for my SPM this year.
At first, I was thinking of doing IB diploma in ISKL (because of full scholarship given and if I get it)
I am planning to get straight 10A+ for my trials and also the official exam.
The reason I am pushing myself so far is because I NEED to get scholarship if not, there is no way and no how I can further my education locally and also overseas cause my parents does not have the funds for it.
So I came across ADP, and I was wondering should I do it? My dream is to attend Columbia Uni, if that is not achievable, then NYU. I am looking at locations in New York because I want to take up journalism there.
My utmost dream is to be a Editor for a magazine in the States.

I did not bother about ADP at first because I read somewhere on the net saying that it is hard to enter Ivy League unis with ADP. But then recently, my aunt told me that I am studying too much if I took IB (2 yrs ) + Bachelor (4) so I did some research and found out that Columbia Uni and NYU was in the list of Taylor's ADP US uni's that accept our students for transfer. I got so euphoric knowing about this, plus the cost is so much cheaper than pursuing my full 4 yr bachelor in Columbia.

So any advice? and if I am doing this, I will be either going to Taylor's, Sunway or INTI. But I am leaning heavily towards Taylor's because of Columbia and NYU. Sunway is NYU and as for INTI, if I were to go there is most probably for the price.

And also, after doing 1 years here or 2 years here locally for ADP, are there full scholarships or 50% scholarships given out to ADP students wanting to go to NYU or Columbia?

Please advice, thank you.

This post has been edited by americandream: Feb 8 2014, 02:18 PM

sorry i am not able to help you, just a little interrupting, what is the full name of ADP?

American Degree Transfer Program

You don't need ADP. Since you have big dreams, why not work towards that dream by undertaking the common route?

After SPM, you can take up any PreU course. It's not important which PreU course you have completed, US unis are very flexible. The common PreU qualification is A Level, but you can do IB, SAM, STPM, Matrikulasi, whatever. After that ( or before that ), you must have taken your SAT's.

If the fees are an issue to you, you must first work on your SPM. Yes, 10A+s will make the process a little bit easier since you won't have to worry about funding for your PreU. However, 10A+s require commitment, perseverance and sacrifice and you must be ready for the stress which might consume you. I did my SPM in 2013, I shudder at the thought of how hard I had to work with limited resources because I very badly wanted the bursary. Now I realise that if you don't widen your options, you will only add more pressure to yourself.

Let's say if the SPM results are announced around March and I don't achieve my target of straight A+s. Will that crush my dreams of studying in the USA? No. I can study A Level somewhere else which could grant a full tuition waiver, or I could take up STPM. In fact, quite a lot of students who end up in top universities in the USA weren't straight A1 or A+ scorers.

One advice which I'd want to give you is to concentrate on your SPM first. I always emphasize this to SPM candidates. You have limited time to prepare and a lot of content to cover, if you get distracted along the way, your hopes of getting perfect scores will be dashed. The process of applying to US universities is a long and tedious one, but you will have all the time you need after your SPM to ask more questions. Also, I'd want you to widen your options. Narrowing down your options to NYU and Columbia is a risky move, what if you don't get into any one of them? There are many more good schools in the US for you to consider. Your decision now may also be premature, interests change all the time and it'll be good if you read more and think more about what interests you.

That's it I guess. I can help you with your SPM if you have doubts, feel free to private message me. All the best.

I am already facing a lot of stress currently, attending so many co-curricular activities to build up a good profile and also taking every free time I have to study.

Your reply did make think. But I don't think I would want to do A-Levels, because I have checked in the Uni's in the States and they don't really recognize A - Levels. It would just be a reference for them to see how well you do in your studies.

I can't help but feel overwhelmed by all this, plus my parents aren't giving me much help. My mum is asian, and you know how asian mothers get, all worked up about your future. She is constantly asking me to plan now so she can roughly prepare the money for my further education. Yes I do agree with you, narrowing down my options is really risky but this two are just the only uni's that I really want to get into. But I would also apply to other uni around like safety schools and such.

I have to be honest here, I am quite materialistic. Honestly speaking, if I can't get into a good school in the States, I don't think I even want to go there and study anymore. I know it is bad to have such mentality, but I feel if I give my all, get straight A's, feeling tired all the time and I can't get into a good school, I would feel it's not worth it.
I would rather get a full scholarship to study my bachelor locally or somewhere else.

I don't think my decision is premature because this is what I have wanted since I was kid. I am always letting myself lost in the ocean of books and I love writing.

Thank you really for your advice. It really did make me think about what I want and what I need.

But would you recommend if I did ADP? because I kind of want to go on the fast route like US high schoolers who just submit their IB/AP + SAT right after they graduate.

i wont recommend All Day Party course ... - from adp marketing graduated

Why is it so?

Firstly, attending so many extra curricular activities will only jeopardise your chances of straight A+s. Your extra curricular marks will not help one bit in your life unless you're planning to enroll in a Malaysian public university. I was only involved in activities which I liked in form one, two, and four. I ditched everything in form five because I knew the marks would bring me no good, they are overrated, their usefulness are constantly perpetuated by ignorant teachers and school authorities.

"Your reply did make think. But I don't think I would want to do A-Levels, because I have checked in the Uni's in the States and they don't really recognize A - Levels. It would just be a reference for them to see how well you do in your studies."

Wrong. In proving a fallacious claim, one could disproof it by providing a counterexample. I'd want to do the latter. One great example is Avinash Subramaniam, who did A Level at HELP and is currently studying at Harvard. There are just too many if you talk about A Level. The interesting bit is there are students who did only STPM and have managed to land a spot at Harvard, MIT, CALTECH. You see, as I've said, US unis don't care about your qualifications. They don't really care about your grades. More weight is placed on your personal statement, essays, interviews and stuff. This varies according to institution.

You tell your mum that you have everything sorted out. Then, you think and work on your own without distractions.

"I have to be honest here, I am quite materialistic. Honestly speaking, if I can't get into a good school in the States, I don't think I even want to go there and study anymore."

I can relate to that because I was like that in Form Five. I very badly wanted to study Physics at MIT, my dream school since form one and if I can't achieve that, I don't want to study anymore. All I can tell you is that it sounds pretty childish to me now. Life is beautiful and full of uncertainties. If you continue with that mentality you will be constantly miserable. You don't need to get into a top school in order to be somebody successful. Heck, I don't think that NYU/Columbia is a ticket to being a magazine editor. You could study at University Malaya and still be somebody in the future. It's not about where you study but how you think and how you adapt to circumstances. You don't always get what you want in life. But even if you don't, something better awaits you.

"But would you recommend if I did ADP? because I kind of want to go on the fast route like US high schoolers who just submit their IB/AP + SAT right after they graduate."

No. In doing that you burden your parents. Do something which you can afford. You WILL have an equal opportunity to attend Columbia/NYU. Where did you get the idea about IB being more favoured in the first place? It's time to widen your horizons.

"I am already facing a lot of stress currently."

Just take a break from worrying and relax. Feast on mandarin oranges and cookies or something. Stressing out about your future will not change anything, because it remains to be uncertain. If anything, it will only add to the pressure and there might be a possibility of you burning out during crucial times like Trials or SPM.

But don't scholarships look at your co-curricular too? I always hear people saying that you need to be good in your co-curricular too get scholarship. I always read the scholarship requirements and it says one needs to have excellent results and along with the lines of 'outstanding co-curricular'.

And as for A-Levels, I would say that I am not so in favor of taking A-Levels because I feel is a waste of time in my personal opinion because I already know what I want. It is rather more suitable for students who are still unsure of what they want to do.

I am actually really interested in computer science, that is why I was opting for IB because it provides that course and also it is more well rounded. I am not saying IB is more favoured, I am saying that normally the requirements for a student to enter uni's in the states is that you need to submit your SAT/ACT plus your IB/AP scores. A-Levels are also accepted but I was thinking I might have an advantage if I got IB as an international student.

Yes I do agree that studying in NYU or Columbia isn't my golden ticket to be an editor, but it does give me a head start because NYC is where most of the magazine companies are and it would better for me to intern there. And for the part of not wanting to further my studies in the states anymore if I could not get into those uni, you are right. I should be just contented if I get a full scholarship to study anywhere.

But why wouldn't you recommend me doing ADP? Wouldn't it be cheaper? Studying in Columbia takes up about RM200K+ for a 4 yr bachelor. But if I were to do ADP, I would only have to pay RM38,000+ (INTI) for 2 yrs and pay less in Columbia and still get a degree from there.

Please feel free to give opinions and correct me.

No, wait. You're confused about a few things here.

If you're aiming for 10A+s, get your bursary, and land a place at Columbia, JPA will sponsor you without looking at your extra curriculars. Even if you don't get your bursary, if you're admitted into Columbia, you can apply for JPA Tajaan Ivy, which doesn't require extra curriculars. Okay?

How do you know that you're interested in computer science? Do you like programming, writing lines of codes, learning all the different languages of programming, discrete mathematics, probability theory ? Sometimes it's easy to get fooled by your perceptions. For example, a person who dislikes algebra and calculus and loves Physics may think that doing a Physics degree is a great idea, but it's the biggest mistake because Physics at uni is very different. It's like doing a Maths degree. That's why I suggested A Level. Even if you are interested in CS, you need a strong foundation in basic Maths and Science. Specializing too early is bad, you will end up with superficial knowledge. CS in IB will be nothing like CS at uni. Think about it.

No, you won't have an advantage with IB. American universities want to admit you, not your scores or your qualifications. It doesn't matter what you study, I think I've emphasised this three times already.

Why not ADP? As you've said it yourself, you will burden your parents. Is that a good idea? Secondly, ADP is not the favoured route to good universities in the US of A. Most people I know who are studying at good schools in the US did not do ADP. They took a PreU course, did their SAT's then applied. You will probably learn a lot less in ADP, I am against learning less when it comes to university preparations. I am against short-cuts.

Nobody in his/her right mind would want to pay the full amount to attend a prestigious US university if he/she is not well off. They look for avenues. There are many avenues.

I am a little bit confused, maybe you are confused at well. On one hand you want to secure a scholarship, on the other you are considering to pay for uni.

I did not know about that scholarship. Well that is relieve then, I can focus more on my studies now. Just wondering, if I got 9A+, am I still eligible? Because I have one subject which is still in pending whether I can take it up from my school. And can you also explain more about this? Because I have not heard of this.

My dad is good with computers, programming and etc. He taught me when I was younger till now. I have fiddled with HTML and I am good in physics. But I am not gonna make a career out of it, maybe a part time one. So if I really want to take CS, I would make it my minor.

Hmm you kind of convinced me to re-consider of taking up A-Levels. Do you happen to know the difference between A-Levels and IB? And also, would you recommend foundation? since it's only 1 year.

I think I wasn't that clear, sorry. I was giving an illustration meaning like if I were to ADP it should be cheaper compare to a full degree in Columbia. There is no way my parents could find the funds for me to study in Columbia.

Sorry for all these questions.

It's under KPM Bursary. Yes, the requirement is minimum 9A+. If you think you'll secure 9A+s, then you can stop worrying right now and focus on your studies.

Well, all I can say is SPM Physics is a far cry from actual Physics. Just read an STPM Physics book and you'll notice the difference straight away. SPM Physics is very conceptual and you can just rely on 'common sense' to come up with answers but nature doesn't work that way. A lot of concepts in Physics are counter-intuitive. Tell me if you're interested in Physics, I have a lot of resources for you.

There are a lot of differences. Both are equally good, but the thing I dislike about IB is the workload. Too many assignments, extended essays, project work, volunteer work, and you cannot take more than 2 science subjects. You'll have to take a combination of science, maths and humanities. I'm not a project person, I just want to get to the meat of the material, which is the academic side. Not to mention that IB is very expensive. However, IB could potentially prepare you for project intensive courses, since you're interested in journalism, IB may be suitable for you because you will definitely write a lot of essays. You may love Theory of Knowledge too.

Don't worry, we're all learning. Ask as much as you can, if I can no longer answer them, some other person might.

Ya, you're right, your mentality isn't right. Do remember that we don't always get what we want in our lives, and therefore we should brace for alternatives that are less favoured, but still helpful and useful. Not getting into the two Unis perhaps is disappointing, but there are still lots of universities in US that you probably do not know are much better than these two Unis. Keep your options open.

Getting straight A's and not getting what you want does make someone feels like....whatever they've done are down the drain. But like I said, you don't always get what you want, but there is always a solution to that: an alternative that could perhaps proof better.


I personally think co-curricular activities are quite important, especially since TS is still opening his/her doors for possibility to study locally. A good Ko-K will give you advantages in certain scholarship applications.

To TS,

ADP is not necessary. It sounds to me that you're severely financially constraint, so I'll advise you to go for STPM, complete it with good grades, and then sit for SAT and TOEFL. These two exams are the ones that are compulsory for US university entrance. ADP isn't. Even if you go for ADP, you'll still need to sit for SAT and TOEFL. STPM is recognised and accepted by US universities so why don't you consider it. I won't recommend STPM strongly but considering your current condition, I'll say it's the best option for you.

Hi, it's been a while. What have you been up to? Where are you planning to study after the results are announced?

By the way, I've been filling my post-SPM break with STPM Physics. After reading AS books, I bow to STPM students who ace their subjects with infinite respect. Covering the entire Mechanics + Thermodynamics in 5-6 months is not an easy task at all. Couple it with Maths T's Algebra and Geometry or First Term Chemistry ... I wonder how you guys do it.

I've finished Chapters 1-4 for First Term Physics, momentum part took a while, along with exercises from an old book. Those 90's and 80's questions are extremely interesting, some are very challenging. Especially the HSC ones. Do you know where I can get HSC Physics questions?

This post has been edited by maximR: Feb 8 2014, 11:03 PM

user posted image

This post has been edited by Kaizel: Sep 2 2022, 03:54 PM

Thank you, if it wasn't for you I don't think I would have known about this KPM Bursary.

Yes IB is expensive, but ISKL and a few international schools offer full scholarship. I am actually really interested in how IB runs with all the workload but I am quite scared that it's too much for me and that it will affect my results.

Do you have plans to go the states too? and what program are you in now?

Yes, I want to study Physics at M.I.T. If that fails, any other good universities would do. There are a lot of good universities in the US. I like Columbia too, and I'll definitely be applying there. I am in favour of US universities, I just love their system and how they value human potential instead of merely looking at grades.

I'm still enjoying my post-SPM break, driving, reading, preparing for my SAT's, stuff like that. I'll only study after the SPM results are announced, hopefully I'll be able to secure the KPM Bursary. Wish me luck!

I'm not working. Doing sales. Plan to do it till May, quit, and enjoy the remaining 3 months. My term 3 result will be out on next Monday, and after that I'll start applying randomly, but my eyes are aimed at Nottingham (parents' request), and IPTAs.

First term for form 6 is pure nightmare. All subjects are toughest for first term. Mechanics and Thermodynamics are torturing. Physical Chemistry, especially Equilibria, is downright annoying, and Algebra and Geometry are one hell of a twisted jargons. You should see Pengajian Am - you'll puke at the thickness of the book. The ridiculous and oddly highly confidential marking scheme ain't helping either. And the fact that you're trying to get used to STPM level syllabus due to a huge gap between STPM and SPM makes your first term life extremely tough.

That's why first term result's the worst in any schools. Haha.

I don't have HSC Physics questions, but you might be able to find some in libraries.

Take it slow. STPM begins with a very bumpy road. Haha.

This post has been edited by Just Visiting By: Feb 8 2014, 11:45 PM

Same here, i am quite bias towards uni's in the US. Yes i agree with you. Just wondering is the bursary given to spm or trials? Good luck!!

They only look at the actual results. So don't worry too much about your Trials.

what are the proofs that support this point? And isn't it every countries also doing the same?

You want proof? You find it yourself.

I don't want to waste time entertaining such questions. I don't pluck sentences from the sky.

don't so c0cky, you're just a senior with a father that earns less than 20k a month

I can only smile at a post like this.
All the best in life!

You don't need to highlight what MaximR quoted for so big font size. We all not visual impaired.
Just ask politely, others will guide and answer you.

Mind your manners, please