Related Posts:
- Why Did I Choose STPM?
- Is STPM The RIGHT Choice For You?
- Why I Started My Blog In 2022?
- I’ve Completed My Finals in MBBS
STPM (Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia) is a pre-university Programme which lasts for a duration of 18 months (1 year and 6 months) and is a 3 semesters programme.
I did my STPM back in 2015 and graduated in 2016.
Before I begin, do you know if STPM is the pre-university course you should embark on?
If you are unsure, do read up on my post “Is STPM the RIGHT Choice For You?”.
In this article, I will be elaborating on points why STPM might be the RIGHT Pre-University choice for you.
1. Syllabus
This is a major factor why there are many people discouraging students to do Form 6.
However, the opposite can be said for me.
There is a large knowledge gap between the Form 5 / SPM syllabus and Form 6 / STPM syllabus.
To put it in simpler words, “the syllabus in Form 6 encompasses almost the first 2 years of your degree syllabus.” Hence, it is extremely important for you to choose the subjects that is in line with your course during degree.
As I mentioned, the STPM syllabus is extremely condensed and the Biology subject covers a lot of topics as deeply as you will learn during your first 2 years in medical school.
However, take note, the syllabus is extremely condensed and as I mentioned earlier, it is a HUGE leap from SPM to STPM. You are basically learning half of what the medical students are learning in their first 2 years without being in medical school.
Some might say this is a waste of time. However, that depends on each individual.
I wanted to enter medical school being as prepared as I could. Besides that, I needed to know if I was able to handle the intensity of the STPM syllabus for I know that if I could, I would be alright. It was just merely a self-reassurance for me.
Hence, ask yourself if you are willing to dip your toes into the medical school syllabus right after high school or would a build-up approach suit you more?
Due to the intensity of the syllabus, covering all the topics in a short span of time might be extremely difficult for some people.
I have met peers who transitioned out of STPM and into Foundation Year or A-Levels as STPM was too much for term at that time. However, they still managed to pull through medical school successfully.
Thus, take some time to research and reflect if this programme would be a suitable journey for you to partake.
2. FORCES You To Get Used To The HUSTLE
Being in medical school, studying consistently with long hours need to be second nature on top of completing your assignments and projects as well as… getting enough sleep.
Due to the intensity of the STPM syllabus being covered in a short duration of time, transitioning into medical school with the hustle mentality came second nature to me.
I was able to study consistently, work part-time, be active in several events or clubs as well as join other events organised.
My quality time with my friends and family did not suffer and I still managed to find time for myself, all from first year of medical school itself.
Many would cautioned against the idea of working part-time as the syllabus in medical school, especially the first two years are extremely deep and requires multiple readings from several books or sources before you can start to take it lightly during clinical years.
The first two years are the foundation years of your medical school to ensure a smoother pathway during clinicals.
Please do not take the first 2 years of pre-clinicals lightly.
It may not make sense at that time and you will start wondering when you are actually going to study or be a proper medical student, going into hospitals and wards and watch procedures.
You will. You absolutely will. It will make sense during your clinicals.
Albeit, you will eventually adapt and tune yourself to the business and hectic lifestyle in medical school, like all of us did. It came second nature to me and I was able to divide my time efficiently in medical school.
3. Opportunities – Public, Private, Overseas
I definitely wanted to keep my options vast.
If I were to take Foundation Year, I most definitely had to study in the same university or at least remain in the private sector of tertiary education in Malaysia. Most likely, I was unable to use my certification abroad if I wanted to.
For those of you who is absolutely sure on the university you plan to continue your degree in, the Foundation Pathway serves as an excellent and secure option as it guarantees your seat in the course upon completion.
Next, if I were to accept my offer into Malaysian Matriculation Programme, my place in public and private sector would be secured. However, it is not the same for abroad unless I’m under scholarship.
Besides that, I was not too keen on their syllabus. Hence, that leaves me with either STPM or A-Levels.
Would I want my parents, since they are funding my education, to pay for my pre-university when I can do something similar and willing to put in the extra effort for basically free?
In addition to that, STPM is recognised in most countries and also gives me an opportunity to apply into public universities. Of course, studying abroad was not in my plan but it was nice to have the option.
Here are some helpful points for you to consider as you embark on your journey in choosing the suitable pre-university programme and especially one suitable for you if you are considering to apply into medicine.
I hope that you were able to gain some insight from this article.
Related Posts:
- Why Did I Choose STPM?
- Is STPM The RIGHT Choice For You?
- Why I Started My Blog In 2022?
- I’ve Completed My Finals in MBBS
The Theoretical Doctor 
good info jewel
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