What is your next step?

SPM results have been out for 2 weeks, Congratulations for the high achievers, top scorers and congratulations also for you guys who had tried your best for the exam.

By this time, you should not look back towards your past glory or not so great past. It's time to move on and grab the opportunities to light up your future even more.

Ok, straight to the point, SPM graduates have many pathway to choose from. Matriculation, Foundation, STPM, A-level, IB and the list goes on.

My advice to the juniors are, first, right now you need to set your target university or college you want to do your degree. You do not want to study science in matriculation but wanting to do accounting for degree.

If you are still undecided of your future, i would recommend you to pick matriculation for the next 11 months since you can have more choices for degree. My brother is a graduate from matriculation and now is furthering his studies in zoology (which is not common)

Next, if you planned to further your studies in Europe or the US, then A-level and IB are the right choices for you. Most Ex-INTI college (did their A-level) managed to study abroad and I heard some of them are studying at NUS. Basically, A-level offers wide range of subjects, and many university especially in the Europe recognise A-level. Another tips for A-level is, if you have average understanding for additional mathematics during your form 4,5, then your first semester will be full of repetitive lecture on add. Maths.

STPM. It's a tough choice. STPM means you still have to go to school. If you miss your schooling, then it would be one of the reason STPM suits you. If you want me to compare between STPM and other options, STPM is tough, difficult, and a lot of assignments to work on. However, STPM will be a perfect pick for you if you are hardworking and don't mind the high standard set by the government.

Foundation @ asasi. There are plentiful of choice for foundation and I am sure you will find the right course for you. Examination are set by your lecturer. So I cannot quite say how difficult foundation is. Frankly speaking, if you want to experience the outside world, get some challenges, then you should go to university. There you will have to live on your own. Remember, living in the university will bring all sorts of challenges and you need to be prepared physically and mentally.