Why Choose STPM?

Not Really!

This article is directed to those who decided to study STPM 2009.

Most of the SPM 2008 graduates who applied for JPA scholarships should have already gotten their replies, whether or not they received the awards.

Anyhow, I believe there are thousands of students out there failed to get JPA scholarships even though they scored straight 1A's. In Jit Sin alone, there are more than 100 students scoring 10A's and above, maybe even more than that. But what I'm trying to say here is that, JPA scholarships are awarded to you if you're lucky enough.

If you received either JPA scholarship ( overseas U) or Matrikulasi program (local U only), go for it. Either one of them will guarantee you MORE chance to further your studies in university compared to other means. But if you're the unlucky outcast, who failed to get ANY special offers besides form six at highschool, that does not mean your future is totally gone.

I used to think that I was so unfortunate that I had to continue my two years studies at highschool as a sixth form student; but not anymore after I started doing my first month of STPM study. Things can be so bitter that you see friends who went for Matrikulasi or JPA managed to secure a place in universities one year ahead of you, without having to put in as much effort; but hold on, I can assure you that you have just made the right choice by enrolling in sixth form studies.

I am not going to debate why Pre U programs in private universities can be a waste of time of your life if your daddy is not RICH enough, but i'm going to tell you straight, on WHY you're on the right path, STPM.


1. Challenge. Many friends of mine who opted for private colleges right after SPM asked me, Why choose form six. "I heard form six is very hard lar!" , " form six is not for human one!". Yes, they knew form six is tough. I knew it before I finally chosen to stay back at highschool for that. The STPM syllabus covers very wide range of knowledge for each subject. Some say that science stream is especially hard and tough, and I would agree on that. However, I believe that the commerce and arts streams are not easy as well.

STPM is particularly hard because you are required to cram so much stuffs into your head in just 1 and a half year. Most teachers would even call you back to school during saturdays and holidays for extra classes, just to catch up the syllabus before the real exam. I still remember that teachers were still struggling to cover the last few topics less than 4 WEEKS before STPM. And of course, a 7.30am-3.00pm contact hours everyday is not unusual for sixth form students.

But if you carefully think about it, you'll realise that these challenges are fun, and rewarding. You get to spend time doing all sorts of experiments, practicals and assignments with your classmates. You get to learn alot MORE before making your way to the university. So far, all my sixth form ex classmates are really doing their degree programs with confidence and pride. The difference in quality of a STPM graduate and a graduate of a 8-months-preU-program is VERY distinct by the time you get into university.

You can ask any STPM graduates around you IF they have wasted their time rushing and catching up with the mountain of syllabus, most will say no.

2. Future. Many SPM grads who are 'forced' into form six are particularly worried about their future. STPM is only BAD for ONE THING - chance of getting into your dream course in local public university is very small (especially medic, dentistry, and pharmacy). Only about 10% of STPM graduates constitute the total number of students in critical courses(in local public U). However, Many of my classmates got into Nutrition, Biotech, Food Tech courses in local public unversities. These courses are not hard to get in despite their pouplarities, compared to critical courses.

But if you are ready to put effort in it, and give it a good try by working hard in STPM, you can score good results you never expected. Most of the STPM students dont score 4.0 CGPA, but they can still easily get admitted into National University of Singapore (3.5CGPA is still accepted), Nanyang Technology University.

Local private universities? The last time I checked the entry requirements for medicine course in IMU, AIMST and many other medicine schools, a results of BBBB in if more than enough. Pharmacy? Law? Accounting? they are ALOT easier to get in. And dont worry about the fees, as you can borrow PTPTN loans ( of course you need to pay back) to achieve your dreams.

By the way, almost ALL overseas universities recognize STPM certificate. Australia, UK, USA, Taiwan, Indonesia, India , you name it, they are welcoming you as a STPM graduate, if you can afford the tuition fees.

All in all, if you really work hard and do well in STPM, your certificate is invaluable; but if you only get an average result, you will still be HIGHLY REGARDED by ANY universities in any place. There are much more opportunities for STPM grads compared to private colleges pre U graduates.


3. At last, form six is FUN. Whether or not you love your school, it is going to be fun as you stay back at highschool for the final two years. You'll eventually garnered more than just experience, fantastic memories and priceless friendships will follow you for your whole life.


Congrats to ALL future STPM students, you're about to enter the League of Sixers!



Be sure to read Why is STPM a phobia to SPM graduates? as well.


C Guevara