Your way to US as an undergraduate

Strange buildings of all shapes and sizes stood boasting the magnificent exterior of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as I sauntered around the enormous campus.  It was a pleasure to have had my footprint in the world’s first ranked University, but what made the whole experience even more fruitful was the chance to meet Malaysian MIT students. I was there on a holiday for 3 weeks. The rendezvous gained me vicarious insights of what a Malaysian undergraduate MIT student experiences, including the gruelling yet fulfilling process of getting into an American University. Thus, this blog narrates the life of a Malaysian student who wants to get into MIT and other universities alike in the States. 

Since this blog displays tonnes and tonnes of words, I thought it would be easier if I could group them into four main steps. It can be a tiring read, but after skimming through (eats up around 10 minutes), I can guarantee you one thing. You would be a tad richer (intellectually :D) than others because you know the way to an undergraduate course in the US.

1. SECONDARY SCHOOL

             Most of us would have had our ambitions at this point in time (in secondary school). But, what we fail to understand is the way the world functions today. Gone were the days where a Malaysian is limited to the mainstream yet mundane four main careers: doctor, lawyer, engineer and perhaps a teacher. In today's ever-changing world, the determination towards an ambition based on passion is an elusive decision that not many youngsters have achieved. The US tertiary education system acknowledges this and has made it its mission for students to explore during their undergraduate programme. For an example, if you enrol into Harvard with the intention of studying Biology, u might find English literature more interesting (you are allowed to switch classes with certain t & c) and graduate with a degree in English lit. This feature is rare in most part of the world, even in Malaysia.

             So, it's okay and completely fine if you do not have an ambition because you are not going to go behind bars for this. As a Malaysian secondary school student, it is important to maintain high grades as these grades will be needed in the application to the US later on. As these top universities scout for well-rounded students, it is also vital to be active in co-curricular activities. The Malaysian students I met in MIT differ in their co-curricular background. One is a national athlete, another who is actively involved in social activities, and another student who was an avid public speaker.

             From what I've gathered, it is not more on the number of co-curricular activities you were involved but more on how the activities benefit you and vice versa. I have come across students who join these activities for the sake of getting certificates. But these top universities can easily identify students who are insincere in what they do.

             As a secondary school student, it is also very important to be on your teacher's good book. Though it may sound disingenuous, your teachers need to 'rave' you in the recommendation letters. The content of those letters carries a huge weight in your application.

            

             2. Pre-University STUDIES

          Now that you have completed the monumental SPM, life starts moving in a serious phase as you crack your head on what Pre-U course suits you the best. The students I've talked to vary in their Pre-University studies as well. Though A - levels have been their top choice, there are some who have taken the STPM, American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). I have yet to come across US students who have done the local matriculation (matrikulasi). 

             Before we break down each of these Pre-U courses, know that the US universities do not specify international students to a certain Pre-U education. Meaning, you can even apply to study in the US with an SPM qualification. But, there's a mandatory test (SAT) which determines your academic achievement to the US Universities. The SAT will be explained in step 3. Meanwhile, the students in MIT advised against sitting for SAT right after SPM even if you have aced the latter. This is because the SAT covers a wider syllabus than the SPM. More regarding this will be explained in step 3. 

• Cambridge A-levels

             Cambridge A-level is the most common course that many students take before pursuing their degree. I believe the reason to this is that it gives a wider range of options. A-levels is recognised worldwide and it covers the SAT syllabus too. This enables you to apply to Universities in the UK and also, helps you sit for the SAT and apply to Universities in the US. You are basically killing two birds with one stone. 

              My thoughts are very much inclined towards this option. I have yet to decide, but I definitely will update on which course I've taken and the experience thereafter. 

• STPM

              While visiting MIT I came to know that a student had previously sat for STPM before getting admitted into MIT. Unfortunately, I could not meet the student. But knowing someone who has journeyed this road less travelled increases your confidence if you decide to take the STPM.

              However, another student whom I met advised against STPM because it is tough. Also, know that these Pre-University courses cover more than what you need for the SAT. Therefore, the only preparation for SAT would be self-studying in the form of constant revision and practise tests (this will be explained in step 3). Thus, it is difficult to concentrate on both STPM and the SAT at the same time. I am not sure on how difficult this is but it is not entirely impossible if you work hard and strive for the best.

• American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)

              American Degree Transfer Programme depends on the college you're at. From what I've learnt each college have their own set of US universities that are affiliated with their ADTP.

              None of the Malaysian MIT students I met has taken the ADTP. From their view, it is very difficult to enter the Ivy Leagues & Ivy+ (World's Top Universities) as a transfer student unless your ADTP college is affiliated with those universities. From what I have surveyed so far, ADTP is mostly affiliated with the second and third tier Universities. 

              But I do know a student who took ADTP and was admitted into the University of Michigan (ranked 23rd in the world). Again, it depends on where you do your ADTP.

• International Baccalaureate (IB) 

              I met a Malaysian Harvard student who had taken the IB programme. Though it is a two-year programme, it is tougher because you need to write a lot be it essays or reports and etc. But the IB helps especially when you have to do course works in the US universities which require lots of writing too. So, IB gives an early exposure. 

              From what I have looked into so far, IB is an expensive yet comprehensive pre-U programme. But, know that some institutes do provide scholarships for this. The IB definitely is more than enough to prepare yourself for the SAT. 

• Matriculation (local)

             I am not sure whether matriculation covers the SAT syllabus. But, you can always google the SAT syllabus and compare it with your matriculation textbooks. I've not met any US undergraduate student who has taken this Pre-U course. I will definitely update if I receive anything regarding this.

Refer to step 1 as you will be needing recommendation letters from your lecturers and active participation in co-curricular activities is a must. 

              3. SAT 

             SAT is a US university entrance test that all students who intend to go to the US must sit for. If I'm not mistaken, even the US high school students sit for SAT before entering a university. Whether you have finished your SPM, STPM, A-levels or anything else for that matter, SAT score is the academic achievement to an undergraduate study in the US.

           

             The students whom I've talked to do self-studying of the SAT. Everything regarding SAT can be found here: https://www.collegeboard.org 

              

             This SAT is handled by college board and they have this test all year long in certain centres all over Malaysia, that can be taken as an independent test. Books regarding SAT can be found in main bookstores, also online practice tests are given out too. The Khan Academy provides free practice tests and revision online. The college board which carries out the SAT gives a detailed explanation of SAT.

              Since SAT is the only form of academic qualification the US Universities require, you can even sit for the test after SPM. But as the SAT covers a syllabus a tad wider than SPM, it is advised to sit for the SAT after a Pre-University course.

              The common practice among Malaysian students is that they sit for the SAT either after the Pre-U test or simultaneously with it. This is because the Pre-U course (I'm not sure of the local matriculation yet) covers a larger syllabus than the SAT. Therefore, students often do self-studying of SAT together with a few practice tests (takes roughly around a month) before sitting for the SAT. One student, I talked to managed to prepare for the SAT in a span of two weeks. So, it depends on your personal progress.

There are two main parts to SAT. The first part, that is the general test tests on English and basic Mathematics. English here is tough. Be prepared! The Maths here is general like SPM mathematics. 

The second part of SAT is on Maths and one of the three sciences (Physics, Chemistry or Biology). These can be covered by the earlier mentioned Pre-U courses. There are two different math (math level 1 and 2). Math level 1 is very straight forward while Math Level 2 is tougher. It doesn't matter in which math level you choose. Do know that, further mathematics in A-levels is not a compulsory to tackle math level 2 questions.  




The paragraph above has been italicised because this is based on the admission of MIT and is more science focused. I am sure the admission is different for arts-based universities. Please Google and reach out to the admissions officers of the University you are looking for. I have personally talked to some of the admission officers and they are there to help you on your doubts.

This is an update. SAT is generally accepted by all US colleges and the students I have talked to so far have all taken the SAT. Do know that SAT is not the only test that is accepted. The first part of the SAT that is the general test, can be substituted with either ACT or TOEFL. Meanwhile, the SAT subject tests on maths and either one of the 3 sciences has no alternatives.
You can always seek the admission officer's guidance on what tests suit your interests. 

          4. APPLICATION to your desired University




             Once you're confident with your SAT scores, there's just one final step left to do. Preparing necessary documents and the process while applying to US universities can take up to few months. There are few key points that I would like to explain.

             The personal statement is the most important part of your application. The essay you write should reflect who you are and also hook the reader's attention to it. In around 500 words, you should write your essay in a way that it stands out from thousands of other applicants. Give your completed essay to few people and get their opinions. They can be parents, teachers, friends or even better, strangers. 

             The recommendation letters can be taken from your secondary school teachers and Pre-U lecturers. The letters should (obviously) praise you to the highest standard possible. This might be a problem because not many Malaysian teachers are familiar with the way recommendation letters should be written. So, it is your homework to make sure they write it well and accurately.  

             The exam results and certificates from secondary school should be translated into English. I am not sure of how you translate them but talk to the admissions officers and they will be more than happy to guide you through.

             Finally, seek Mr Google for more information on sample recommendation letters or personal statements. Please do some research!

             From what I know, USapps also helps students who are interested in pursuing their undergraduate studies in the US. Follow this link: http://www.usapps.org

             The Ivy League also give up to 100 % scholarships that are bond-free. 

             Once you have been shortlisted, you might be called for an interview. The interview depends on the interviewer and please be prepared!

A few weeks later, a letter arrives saying you have been accepted and....

Abracadabra! You are in the United States doing your undergraduate studies. Earliest Congratulations! Wishing you all the best!