I have just completed my pt3 examinations, which is basically the new examination system that has been introduced in regards of replacing the old pmr exams. Not meaning to brag, but I have been put into the first science stream class of my school which, needless to say, isn't the easiest to get in to. However, I am more inclined to language. After much thought and research, I have realized that my potential lies more linguistically. I have done some reading over the internet and have found myself to be very interested in mass comm. Journalism seems to be something I would enjoy pursuing. Unfortunately, the conflict I am currently having is my choice between the streams. At first, when I found out that I was accepted into the first science stream class, I was overjoyed. I absentmindedly thought to myself that if the school believes in me, why shouldn't I believe in myself? Hence, from that day forth, I made up my mind to accept the science stream and just work exceptionally hard to obtain exemplary results. Although it seems as though I have made up my mind, the thought of "will I be good enough?" still lingered in the back of my mind. As one merely states, generally, the majority of parents push their kids into entering the Science stream. It is of a complete opposite with my parents. My mum is an English teacher which may have contributed a little to my love of language. I honestly really do love language, both Bahasa Malaysia and English. This may seem slightly cocky, but I have excelled in them far more than I have been able to score in Science and Mathematics. Back to the point, my parents are encouraging me to enter the Arts stream. They feel as though I may not manage to cope with the pressure of being in the science stream since I am sort of an over achiever and I always try my hardest ( and sometimes successfully achieve ) to be at the top of my form. I am prone to breaking down if I do not understand anything and every night before my exams, I am extremely restless. The fact that my parents want me to enter the Arts stream is also slight worrying and has made me sad. Their actions make me feel as though I am not good enough to be in the Science stream. After giving this much thought, I gave in and finally decided to go for the Arts stream. Alas, another problem arises when I checked all the subjects in the commerce class of the arts stream offered by my school. Apparently, my principal has made it compulsory for all non-science students to take the pendidikan seni visual subject as according her, it is easy to pass. I am definitely not artistic in that way. I cannot draw for my life. Although I have requested to drop seni, she doesn't allow it so now I am in the midst of confusion between the two streams. Personally, I think that seni would definitely ruin my chances of getting straight A pluses in my spm examinations as what I yearn for. My question for all you much wiser,respected seniors out there,do you think I should just choose the arts stream and try to improve my art skills? or should I just accept the science stream and work harder? Thanks if you do reply!!
Regards,
Supriya.

This post has been edited by supriyasvbln: Nov 11 2014, 01:59 PM

Well, congrats!

First of all, Science stream provides a wider scope which includes journalism in it. Studying the science subjects won't hurt you at all. You're quite comfortable with numbers right? Then, this particular stream wouldn't be a tough call as long as you keep on practicing. By the way, you might change your mind later, which is quite risky. Being in science stream provides a failsafe alternative to these kind of questions. Believe me, I do know a few people who did their science subs and currently in Journalism. Maybe you might drop Biology and take on ICT instead. It would be fruitful as ICT is closely knitted to journalism (in terms of application) and at certain part of your life, Physics and Chemistry might help

Try giving it a shot. If you couldn't cope up, just change your stream. But sometimes, pushing yourself might cause discover the hidden talent in yourself.

I did struggled a bit in the beginning, but fall comes before rise right?

Your reply is much appreciated! Thank you for your opinion but my school doesn't offer the ict subject! I may have to look further into journalism as I was not aware that ICT is closely related to it. but one thing I would like to know is, do you think it is a waste to go through all the hassle that comes with entering the science stream and end up doing something that isn't in the field of science?

This post has been edited by supriyasvbln: Nov 11 2014, 01:56 PM

Hi dear, just a quick introduction of me, I'm currently taking SPM now and I'm in pure science stream. Trust me, I understand what you feel now, I suppose you're in form 4 now? Well maybe just partially understand I remember when I was in form 3, I hate science a lot, all my friends did too. We swore we wouldn't be in science stream, even if we were send into science class, we would appeal to change to art class. But hey, we end up got choosen into science class but we didn't change to art class. I don't know if this applies to you but in my school, art class were for students who are slacking and couldn't score well in almost anything. So we just accept the fate.

Then while in form 4, we all struggle very hard to understand what is bio, chemi, physics and add maths are all about. The results for every exam we took was worse than the last one. We were really feeling hopeless. But it's kinda too late back then to change class we thought. So from this year, means form 5, i tell myself i have to understand, google it if i couldn't understand, always ask people from school, internet, anywhere. And from D in biology and others, now I score A for it in trial. Not to brag or what but I want to let you know in this cruel society, they values science stream student more than art stream student. At least that's what my mum told me, because she's in charge of interviewing applicants. That's why she tell me I have to do my best. It's really a struggle when you start form 4 syllabus. I even thought I was in the wrong form.

I know I might be thinking old-fashionly or what, but this is what I think and did for the past 2 years. Do correct me if I'm wrong in some way. Everyone has their different talent, maybe I found mine in science field? Maybe you could score well too if you try harder? Trust me, you might think that I'm bullshiting or what but staying up late just to revise for what you've learn have to be your daily routine now

Wow I must have said a lot by now? But do think twice about your choice, I sincerely hope you can do well in any stream Cheers

hello amely! Thanks for your reply!! Reading what you have said, it clearly seems as though remaining in the science stream would be much more of a benefit to me! I am currently only form 3 but I have to make a decision by the end of this week to avoid any confusion when I begin my upper secondary schooling life next year. The thing that concerns me the most is my future. As I stated, mass comm is what I seem to be interested in. Does pursuing a career in mass comm really require me to study in the science stream? And also I would like to know, will my chances in the future be higher if I enter the science stream than if I decided to study in the arts stream? Thanks you so much and good luck in your upcoming spm papers!!

Well, there are some seniors that I know take science stream and score very well in it, but end up becoming air stewardess, taking accountant. It really doesn't matter, what it matters is, the science subjects you're taking right now won't be repeated in your foundation year, but what you're taking in the art class like economics, perdagangan, will be repeated all over again in your foundation year. Do think wisely. I remember I always thought of becoming accountant in the future and I'm determined in it. But after further learning in science subjects, I found that I can do more than that. I start to change my ambition into some what more extreme :B so I just wanna say, what you want right now, you might not want it later. If you're determined to take mass comm, it's alright I wouldn't make you change your mind. But as an experienced student, I think I have the need to tell you all this. And thanks for your wish, a bit more till the final paper TvT

I would suggest going for science stream first. Give it a try, and if you truly find it repulsive, go for commerce after SPM.

What you study in form 4 and form 5 might change you. I once hated Physics when I was in form 4 and form 5, but because I couldn't study Biology, I opted for Physics in STPM and now I have actually grown to like Physics a lot! It takes exposure for changes.

While it may be true you hate science and mathematics now, give it a try, there's no harm anyway. If economics is much more inviting to you, then opt for it after SPM. I personally believe you should at least give yourself a chance to try as you simply do not show interest in Maths and Science right now, and showing no interest is much better than actually hate it. Studying something you hate is going to be torturing and thus I do not think taking Arts is a good idea.

Before SPM I dreamt to be a doctor, after accepting the fact I couldn't study Biology, I opted for Physics, have grown to like it, and am now studying engineering. Things could change - you need to give yourself a chance to test it. You may not give up journalism in the end, and I hope you won't, but you may start to love Science soon. Who knows? It happened to me.

I recommend sticking to science stream for form 4. As a science stream student, you can go for art subjects at university, but the vice versa is not possible.

Do not worry about Pendidikan Seni Visual. The drawing is only a small part of it.

First, you will have to complete a folio under the guidance of your school teacher. This is course work and not hard.

Second is the theory exam which is also not that hard.

Third is the drawing exam which the question will be given a week ahead for preparation.

Most good students will be able to score. I have a handful of science stream students coming for tuition every year and they all get A or A+ no problem. Since you have a school teacher, you don't even need tuition.

This post has been edited by barista: Nov 11 2014, 05:08 PM

I would recommend you to take Science stream, even though you think journalism has nothing to do with it. When I was your age, (I sound so old here but I'm actually only an SPM student) I knew for sure which stream I wanted to go to because at that time I aspired to be a psychologist so it was only logical that I take science stream. Now, after realising that there is an influx of medical students in Malaysia and also taking into account the poor job prospects of a psychologist here, my ambition has shifted from that of a psychologist to an accountant. A huge turnaround, I know. But had I known then that I wanted to be an accountant, I would still have chosen to be in the science stream.

Being in the science stream of my school has taught me a lot of things. I do not regret learning Physics, Chemistry, Biology or even the infamous Add. Maths even though I struggled learning these subjects at first. I also took Accounting as an extra subject for the lulz because I wanted that extra A+ for potential scholarships. But thankfully, after much hard work and effort, I overcame the difficulties I faced at the start. What I'm trying to say here is that with a fair amount of hard work and some commitment here and there, being in the science stream is not actually as stressful as you think it is. And also, why do you think the art stream would be more suited for the field of journalism? You still have to learn Science, Basic Economy, Art, Accounting, Business and the likes which doesn't really have much to do with journalism as well.

However, I do also believe it doesn't matter which stream one is it. As long as you are conscientious in what you do and hardworking enough, nothing will be too big of a challenge for you to surmount.

TL;DR : I would suggest that you enter the science stream even though you think journalism has nothing to do with it. Your ambition may change in the future. Moreover, it opens up your eyes, learning the science subjects. And it is also not as stressful as you think it is.

Thanks for your opinion but I honestly do not hate science and maths! In fact, I have a weird love for maths haha it is just that I am afraid if I can't cope with the subjects in my upper secondary years which may cause a downfall in my spm results

Thank you so much for your opinion, it has been taken a lot into consideration. I truly hope that with some hard work I will be able to succeed in the science stream! You have certainly given me a little more confidence. Also, best of luck for your upcoming spm papers x

This post has been edited by supriyasvbln: Nov 11 2014, 06:17 PM

thank you for your opinion and for shedding some light on the art subject!

thank you for your reply! still considering and weighing out the pros and cons between the two.

Always glad to be of some help. Nothing is impossible if you work hard enough and are willing to make some small sacrifices in the long run. And thanks! Hope that you will be able to make a decision which suits you best.

Many many years ago, during my time we have two choices between Seni Gubahan (3-hour exam, questions given one week before), Seni Grafik (3-hour exam, questions given on the spot), and Seni Projek (a 6-month project) and the compulsory theory paper.

Are you still allowed to choose your paper?

While you're still young (15yo), take your time to realize your full potential and discover your hidden powers.

Recall the overjoyed feeling that you have forgotten. You see, happiness occurs when life goes our way.

Not everyone understands how to ride a bicycle the first time. You see, to achieve anything of significance in life, you need commitment. Like a professional athlete, come rain or shine, they turn up. If they are feeling tired, they still show up. Athletes understand that commitment doesn't guarantee success, but without it they might not get of the starting block, let alone complete the race.

Be very clear that joy is love for what is and sadness is love for what is not!

To achieve anything worthwhile in life, you need to work for it. But be careful not to become too attached to the end result.

Nobody can make this decision for you. You don't want to regret over doing what people advise you to do. It's your call. You can always take control of yourself. When things are out of your control, save your energy. Accept what you're being offered without holding on to your preferences.

In psychology, this is called effort justification. You may have a cognition that says “I’m pretty smart to enter a science class” but your inner voice also says “That was a dumb thing to do because it is not the entrance requirement for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications,” which causes a dissonance.

Now there is only Gubahan Fikiran. No more Grafik paper.

Art stream also has wider jobs selection.

Uhm... waste? Totally not. Haha, science is everywhere

it depends on you but never think that if your in the science class your the best because there will be arts student who get good marks but no intend to do science..

may i know what results you get in pt3?? i only got 1A though but i'm also put into science stream xD

aw haha that's not too bad!! the pt3 grading is very very high! I've only got 8A's and 1B



but thanks for all your help! I've decided to go for the commerce stream despite the majority of you who advised me to go for the science stream, I truly hope that I have made a good decision.

Meh... Also got 1A

Dint get into science. Sad life.