SPM: What's Next?

It has been more than a week since the SPM results were released. By now, those who were happy or anywhere near contented would have already had their fair share of celebration. Likewise, those who had expected better results would have overcome their 'grief' and disappointment.

I am sure the days leading up to the release of the results must have been nerve-wracking. Decades ago, my friends and I shared the same anxiety. Even the candidate who is usually an atheist would suddenly say, "We must pray very hard" while others would cheekily reply, "It's too late to pray now. Should have prayed harder back when we were sitting for the exams!"

One of my friends' mother offered the best advice, "The results are secondary. What you do with the results is far more important." How very true!

To be honest, most students are left at the crossroads after sitting for major exams. As if the entire ordeal of choosing between Arts Stream and Science Stream back in Form Four was not stressful enough, one has to decide what to do after SPM. And the worst part?

You are either extremely sure of what you would like to do, or you are one of the majority who simply have got no clue. 

So if you happen to fall into the second category, don't fret yet. Rest assured that it is absolutely normal NOT to be certain of your choices at this point. That is why you should explore the possibilities out there.

As much as I hate being on edufair duties, I have to acknowledge the importance of providing accurate and adequate information to both parents and students who are still searching for the most suitable academic pathway. Thus I have decided to pen my point-of-view in this blog entry, in case anyone out there wants a slightly clearer picture. 

*A note of disclaimer, though: I am not a professional education counsellor. Instead I am merely an ordinary lecturer who has had years of observation behind the booths at education fairs. 

First of all, you need to know the different pathways after SPM. Here are a few of the more popular choices:

a) work and gain experience

b) local matriculation or public university programmes

c) STPM i.e. Form 6

d) Diploma

e) A-Levels

f) Foundation

g) American Degree Program

Do bear in mind that options (b) to (f) are all considered PRE-university courses, which means you will only enroll for a Degree course AFTER you have completed one of these. 

a) Work and gain experience

Let's face it, not everyone is cut out for studying. It goes against the principles of an educator to make such remarks but I have seen too many students who have been forced to study but either do not have that aptitude or passion for the academics. Needless to say, they end up repeating their courses and wasting the time they could have used to gain experience elsewhere. 

Do not get me wrong, it is also not that these individuals do not have any intelligence. On the contrary, these students are usually much more streetwise and creative. One just has to acknowledge that their intelligence and talent lies in other areas. If that be true, wouldn't it make much more sense to discover the areas of their strengths and nurture them instead? 

b) Local matriculation or public university programmes 

Honestly I am not too familiar with this particular pathway anymore. During our time, matriculation was solely reserved for bumiputra candidates, but there were other 'program asasi' which promised between 1-1.5 years of foundation before entering a 3 year degree course in a public university. The last I checked, the matriculation course may have opened its doors to non-bumiputras as well. I should think school teachers may have more information on that. It is definitely more affordable, but your results have to be really good, and you will have to be prepared to study locally. 

Advantages:

• much more affordable, considering it is a local course
• paves the way to secure a place in public university
• not too long (usually 1-1.5 years); faster than entering public university via STPM

Disadvantages:

• only good results will be considered
• courses may be quite limited
• if you do not enjoy or are not familiar with the local setting, you may have a hard time fitting in

c) STPM i.e. Form 6

If you are the slightly more studious type who are good at continuously looking at books and want to save cost by studying locally, this would be a good choice. It may take a bit longer than other pathways, but the advantage is that you become more mature while waiting to discover your preferences, thus making more informed choices later on. 

However, if you do not enjoy studying or are sick of the school environment, you should consider staying away from this option. There has been a misconception that your certificate goes to waste if you do not get a place in a local university. That is absolutely untrue. As long as you have 2 principle passes in STPM, you should be able to enroll in a Degree programme at any private college.

Advantages:

• cost effective
• provides opportunity to enroll in public universities
• buys time -- to slowly discover your interest and also be more mature
• direct entry to Year 1 of Degree (no need for Foundation)

Disadvantages:

• longer duration (Lower 6 only starts mid-year and STPM will be at the end of the following year). Total = 2 years before enrolling into a degree programme
• if your results are average and you do not get into a local university, you can still enroll directly into the first year of degree in a private college, but the journey takes longer than a foundation programme 

d) Diploma

Diploma is often underrated because the entry requirement is lower than that for Foundation or A-Levels. One needs a minimum of 3 credits in SPM (in contrast to the conventional 5 credits) to enroll into a Diploma course, which usually lasts for another 2 years. The good news is that you can go straight into the 2nd year of the Degree programme once you have completed your Diploma. Do make sure that your credits are transferable, though. Some may not recognize certain subjects and you will have to re-take them. 

Advantages: 

• lower entry requirement (3 credits in SPM)
• direct entry to Year 2 of Degree upon completion

Disadvantages:

• not eligible for PTPN yet (please check, though)
• sometimes (though not always) the quality of education may be slightly diluted to cater to students who come in with a lower entry requirement

e) A Levels

This is quite similar to STPM, except it is an international exam. Many people who take A-Levels have somewhat set their eyes on furthering their education abroad. This does not mean that you must necessarily study overseas. It just gives you the option to do that. Again, if you suddenly find your initial plan to study abroad changing due to some financial setback, you can always choose to enroll in a private university back in Malaysia. Just be sure to get at least 2 passes. 

Advantages:

• internationally standardized and recognized 
• provides the opportunity to enroll in universities abroad

Disadvantages:

• cost can range from affordable to very expensive, depending on the college that you have chosen (please shop well)
• needs at least 5 credits in SPM
• takes approximately 1.5 years (if you pass all your papers) 
• very exam-based

f) Foundation

This is considered one of the more conventional choices for various reasons. First, its duration is shorter than STPM. It usually takes around 1 to 1.5 years to complete the course, after which you can enroll into a 3-year Degree programme. Some Foundation programmes are a bit more specific (Foundation in Psychology, Foundation in Business, Foundation in Mass Communication etc.), but you can always opt to take more general ones like Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science. 

If you ask me, I personally find this pathway much more manageable than STPM or A Levels. Passing rate is certainly much higher. After all, it is designed to serve as a feeder into the college's Degree programmes. Some (but not all) foundation programmes allow you to pursue a course in another university (even abroad). You will need to get the info accurately from the particular college first. 

Advantages:

• less stressful in comparison to STPM or A Levels
• more exposure to various subjects
• aims to prepare students for Degree courses within the same educational institution
• shorter duration (1 - 1.5 years)

Disadvantages:

• not every foundation programme is transferable to other institutions
• classes tend to be quite large
• needs at least 5 credits in SPM 

g) American Degree Program

American Degree Program is most likely the only program that allows you to have direct entry into a Degree course right after SPM. It is very popular among students who tend to fare better in projects and assignments instead of final exam. This is because the weightage for written final exam is much lower. The entire program usually lasts for 4 years, which makes it one of the fastest pathways. 

The entry requirement is also a minimum of 5 credits in SPM. There are programs where you can complete all 4 years here in Malaysia (ADP), but most of them are 2+2 (ADTP = American Degree Transfer Program) i.e. 2 years here, and another 2 years in the States. You would just need to check with the respective colleges. 

Advantages: 

• one of the fastest pathways i.e. 4 years from SPM to completion of a Degree
• less exam oriented; very suitable for students who perform better in projects and assignments
• excellent exposure to many different fields i.e. breath vs. depth of knowledge

Disadvantages:

• fees are usually quite dependent on currency exchange rate
• not suitable for students who prefer to go for depth instead of breadth of knowledge
• the first year is NOT eligible for PTPTN (but please check)

There you go. I really hope the options above can give you a rough picture on what to expect when you drop by at education fairs. It is good to have a basic idea, otherwise you will be easily swayed by the marketing promotions out there. Remember, it is YOUR education, so YOU will have to make the decision. 

I wish I can provide information on other courses such as AUSMAT (Australian Matriculation) etc. but I have yet to teach that. 

All the best in making your decisions. I pray that you have the wisdom to choose one that you will enjoy and excel in.