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Friday, June 01, 2012

Complete Guide to Malaysia Matriculation Programme (Program Matrikulasi)

The guest post below was written by Marc Raphael Parrikal, who has completed his matriculation programme (program matrikulasi) this year and is currently waiting for enrollment into local public university (IPTA). You too, can share with us your secondary, pre-tertiary or university life at school, college or university by writing a guest post!

LIFE AT MATRIKULASI

A guide/memoir, by Marc Raphael Parrikal

I’ve decided to institute some order to this post by giving it subheadings where appropriate. This also means you can read/skim the stuff you want and ignore the rest.

Now let’s get to it, shall we?

Author’s Perspective

1 year ago, almost to the day, I arrived at the gates of Negeri Sembilan Matriculation College (KMNS), far from eager to embark on what I expected would be a dreadfully dull year of “college life”, if you can even call it that.

12 months later here I am, alive and well, offering you what I can by way of advice and experiences to expect.

I hope you bear in mind throughout this post that I’m writing from a non-bumi POV. As you probably already know, matrics is only 10-15 % non-bumiputera, and getting in requires that you score fairly well in your SPM. Consequently, you’ll find that non-bumis make up much of the nerd crowd at matrics. If you’re non-bumi you’ll probably need a perfect CGPA (don’t piss yourself, it’s easily done) and high koko marks, otherwise it’ll be hard getting into your preferred course later on.

Orientation Week at KMNS (I don’t know if the exact same applies to other colleges)

HATEFUL.

That’s the first adjective to pop up when I attempt to describe orientation week. Don’t get me wrong, the week is important. It’s when they explain things like college rules, how the system works, dos and don’ts, basically everything you need to know. Every question you could possibly have will be answered in a series of lecture-style sessions with the relevant staff (for example, the college librarian will conduct a session on library usage procedures, koko teacher will brief you on importance of extra-curricular involvement and how to get marks etc). These sessions will be spread out across the week.

So why then did I despise it? Because for reasons I could never fathom, they seemed bent on turning what could easily have been a relaxed yet informative week, into an exhausting nightmare for everyone. It was infuriating. Needless activities like the “boys vs girls cheer competition”, and “sesi bersama mentor” will saturate the timetable and leave you with no room for rest between talks. Sometimes they make you all sing the Negaraku for fun, just to mess with you. They know that you’re new, scared, friendless, and ultimately helpless. Suffer in silence, that’s what we all did.

That said, orientation week is also your chance to make some friends. You’ll need friends to get you through this, trust me.

Orientation only lasts a week, so there’s no point in dwelling on it for too long.

After orientation you jump right in to lectures, tutorials, labs…...matrics life.

My Life As a Matriculation Student

Me with the guys of my class. (I'm bottom row, in black)
Overall, I really grew to like the “boring” lifestyle at matriculation. No hassle. For me it was just studying half the time, and chilling out on the internet the other half. I didn’t have to worry about family matters, friends bugging you to go out all the time, social events etc. I appreciated being away from it all in that tiny little town of Kuala Pilah.

But all good things come with a price, obviously.

You can’t go out on weekdays over here. It’s a little ridiculous once you think about it. There we were, legal adults at the mature age of 18, and they just caged us in 24/7 because they thought it was best for us. Even weekend outings are sometimes disallowed because they want to hold some event/activity and they need you to make up the numbers. I hope you’re getting the picture here. They treat you like school kids. If you thought you’d be enjoying the same liberties as your friends at private colleges, you can forget about it. Unlike private institutions, matriculation colleges aren’t looking to profit from your fees, so they really don’t care if you’re unhappy and want to leave. Leave, by all means. About a million others would do anything for your spot.

My days were spent mundanely, mostly behind books or my laptop screen. After all, what else was there to do? Sports facilities were present, but I never really got into that because it’s so crowded most days, and unless you hang with the right people, you may never get a chance to play.

If you’re like me, then evenings = sleep, and night = study. Chilling out with friends is usually between classes, during meals, or on weekends. Assignments are brutal, but complete them (or not) at your own will and risk. I’m no exemplar for hard work. I barely ever did tutorial assignments, just concentrated on what I was weak at. But of course, this all depends on how strict your lecturer is. I had no male teachers, so lucky me I guess. =D

How To Score

Okay don’t worry, I’m not going to be one of those people who defend the standards of matriculation and compare it directly to STPM.

Let’s get real. This sh*t is easy. Anybody can do well here. Trust me.

First thing you want to do is drop Bio if you’re uninterested and it has nothing to do with your course ambitions. Don’t plague yourself with it. Last year, when presented with that option (switching to Module 2), many were apprehensive and chickened out because Module 2 meant taking Computer Science instead. At the time, CS was a new introduction, so many didn’t dare.

As it turned out, Computer Science was probably the easiest subject in the entire matriculation program. Loads of useful tech knowledge too (and programming!). I highly recommend it. I know so many people left kicking themselves for not taking the chance. Instead they were all stuck with Bio, many late nights, and tonnes of regret. If you want a more relaxed experience at matrics, do yourself a favour and take my advice. Also, NO LAB REPORTS FOR CS! What more could you ask for?

As for studying practices, to each his own. But keep in mind, matrics is fast-paced. You’ll be breezing through chapters and it can overwhelm you eventually. Sometimes I wonder if anybody has time to digest anything. Lecturers rush through stuff during lectures, but many make up for it in tutorials (which are like tuition classes I guess haha). Try to keep up. If you can’t, you’re expected to go see them personally.

If your English isn’t too bad, you should really make use of reference books for better explanations. I can’t stand people who don’t bother buying reference books, preferring to rely solely on condensed lecture notes, then start complaining about not being able to follow what’s going on in class. Some lecturers give great notes, some don’t. It’s important that you recognise the difference. The library also has foreign references if you want a deeper understanding of things (especially Physics and Chemistry). You can also download them if you know where to look  ;D

30% of your grade will come from “PB”, i.e. Penilaian Berterusan (a.k.a. Penilaian Bonus). Update from anidha's comment: PB only accounts for 20% of the marks, another 10% from UPS (mid-sem exam). Just hand in your assignments when they ask you to, don’t cut class, finish those annoying lab reports, and you’re well on your way to that A.

If you find that your classmates are lagging behind, help them out. Like I said before, not everybody can keep up, so don’t be an as*hole by letting the people around you fend for themselves. It’s not their fault everything is in English and they sometimes need a little support. They’ll be grateful, and you will have made yourself some awesome friends. I grew very attached to my classmates. After all, you spend so much time together, just the 20 of you.

Koko Marks

This was the only thing that bugged me throughout. I really wasn’t that involved. But fortunately, as I came to realise later, the point accumulation system they used made scoring very….errr...easy? Seriously, STPM students rage when they read this. Here’s what I mean:

Activity among hostel block members? Considered district level.

Activities within college? Considered state level.

Competitions against other colleges (e.g. KAKOM)? Considered national level.

If you win anything, you immediately get even more as markah pencapaian. Tournaments/programs will be organised throughout the year, so just get involved. Chess tourney, Scrabble tourney, calligraphy contest, Mini-KAKOM (many diff sports, competition within college), KAKOM (many diff sports, inter-college competition), Battle of the Bands, you name it. There are so many to choose from. Take part in one or two at least.

Maybe I should have run for JPP (student council thing). Seriously, it’s very easy to get on. Elections are a joke. There were 21 seats to be decided, and only about 25 candidates dared to run. As you can see, you really can’t screw this up unless people really hate you for some reason. So if you don’t mind giving one small campaign speech, I highly recommend running for a spot. Huge koko marks up for grabs.

STPM will soon be a 3-part course, and maybe it’ll be easy to get good grades there too. But even then, I can’t see STPM students amassing the koko marks on offer here at matrics, so that’s something you should definitely consider.

Little Myth I’d Like To Debunk

YES, it is possible to gain admission to premier foreign universities with your matriculation qualification. Here’s an official list (non-exhaustive) by Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

A friend of mine even got an offer from Imperial College London (amongst several others), and he’s currently waiting on scholarship replies before he decides on whether or not to go there.

Thanks For Reading

Just for LOLs, here’s a pic of my roommate trying to get to sleep while I’m still studying
I don’t regret my time there. It was a learning experience (interacting with people from all over the country, many different backgrounds). Well worth it.

Sorry if I’ve left a lot of stuff out. I was rushing to get this done. If you have further questions, leave it in the comments please. Thanks for reading.
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Comments
129 Comments

129 comments:

  1. I knew it....easier than stpm...thanks for exposing...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol Yeah, I don't think it was that big a secret in the first place.
      Matrics only real challenge is in its rapid progression through the syllabus. You'll have to be on your toes throughout, that's all. It remains very manageable for most people, especially if you've tasted hard work during your SPM prep ;)

      Delete
  2. Very good write, it really help another non bumi student to see bright side of matric which many feel is waste of time and that STPM far better. I too thought all dumb bell in matric as it easy to pass compare to stpm. But i still think the hard way learning from stpm make a different when enter Public U. They will good in something and matric will good something. Good luck to Marc. Very proud of you and thanking you for sharing i will forward this post to as many students for their reading.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rayappan, I appreciate your well wishes! =D

      Yeah STPM is definitely the greater challenge, but that's not saying Matriculation is terribly inadequate haha. I would place STPM on par with A-levels, and Matriculation with SAM/AUSMAT. Those are fairer comparisons I guess.

      Delete
    2. there is one form for you to write your choice of courses after finishing the matriculation right?
      got 8 choices right?
      can i write the 8 choices as the same course but different universities?
      will it really easier to get into local university with matriculation?
      but if i am a non-bumiputera and go for matrix, then after matrix, will i really can obtain the course i want?
      because i am neither malay nor bumiputera...

      Delete
    3. No basis to compare? Matrik is the sub-standard pre-university program in our Bolehland to admit below-par Bumi students into IPTAs.

      Delete
  3. Thanks man. That sounds like fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. actually matrics sounds very boring in my opinion. but at least can get in ipta easily. very worth it for those who are lucky.

      Delete
  4. thanks for the article, really helpful.

    koko marks really unfair. stpm students have to compete with form 5, lower 6, n others to get even little marks....and much bigger pool of students. this is crazy man...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, how do you apply to matriculation? Do you apply to all the college or just at the MOE ? My son is sitting for his SPM this year (2012) and he is interested in medical. When i check University of Malaya Asasi Sains & the Ministry of Education Matriculation Programme it is stated for bumiputras only. I gor worried. How then can you get in?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey. Well, the asasi programs are indeed bumiputera-only, but matriculation is for non-bumis too. If he's in a public school, his school (usually counselling department) will announce when the application window is open (usually early July, which is about now). The school will then handle transactions between its students and the bank (BSN) for buying the pin code necessary to actually make an online application. The pin will cost 6 bucks or something like that. After he gets a pin, he can apply online. Closing date for online apps is in October I think.

      If he's not in a public school, or if he's too late in seeing his counselling teacher, then you'll have to get the pin yourself at your nearest BSN bank. While you're there, might as well open a BSN account, cos he'll need one if he gets into matrics anyway.

      (Actually at BSN atm machines I think can buy also, but not sure.)

      Btw, here's how students are chosen : It's a point accumulation thing.

      "The only subjects they take into account is : 1)Mathematics 2)Add Math 3)Biology 4)Physics 5)Chemistry (Of the three science subjects, 2 of the highest score will choosen e.g. Phyic A+, Biology A-, Chemistry A+, only Physic and Chemistry will be taken into consideration)

      The marks are counted as such:
      A+ = 25 m
      A = 24 m
      A- = 23 m
      and so on.

      Formula for Academic Marks:
      ((Maths)+(Add Maths)+(Science Sub 1)+(Science Sub 2))/100 *90

      After your Academic marks is calculated, your koko will (CGPA) be added into your academic marks. Thus making a total of 100 marks.

      For example :
      Student X has scored 4A+ in SPM, namely Bio, Che, Maths and Add maths and had a CGPA of 8.1 for koko.

      A+ =25m

      (25+25+25+25)/100*90=90
      Add in koko marks
      90+8.1 = 98.1"

      So as you can see, assuming your son can get the A+'s necessary, which a lot of people do, he still needs good koko marks to compete with other non-bumis.

      Anyway, good luck to your son! =D

      Delete
  6. Good write up, well done :)
    I'm a lecturer in another Matriculation College, and I must praise you for your honest and precise opinion. It IS a "kacang putih" programme.

    Btw, PB only accounts for 20% of the marks, another 10% from UPS. But good advice - don't be an a*shole and you shall be well on your way to an A.

    Wish u all the best in getting the course u want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your feedback and well wishes =D

      Oops yeah you're right about the PB. Haha hopefully the editor will amend that.

      Delete
    2. May i know what is UPS ?

      Delete
  7. hi.i want to ask,how many a's should you get to get into matriks? and it's true that asasi is much more harder compared to matriks but it's easier to get into ipta if u were in asasi? thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well firstly you should know that asasi is for bumis only. And yeah, asasi i s sometimes said to be harder, but that's debatable. Thing about asasi is, your degree options are sort of set in stone (cannot change edi). With matrics, not only is it easy, but you can get into whatever course you want later on. Just do well, and all will be well =D

      As for how easy it is to gain admission, yeah, asasi practically guarantees you a place at the uni in which you did your asasi. Matrics students will apply all over. Don't worry, no matrics student who did reasonably well has ever NOT gotten an IPTA offer.

      Delete
    2. Actually scratch what I said about the degree options thing...

      Delete
  8. ....and getting in requires that you score fairly well in your SPM.

    Why my friends with 4 to 5 A have got Matrik whereas many top students with 10 to 12A+ did get it at all. Is the government afraid of smart students to compete with generally average students in Matrik?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha with 10 to 12 A+ they get called for JPA interviews (not to mention others like Bank Negara, Petronas, etc.). If they fail there (at the interviews), then that's their problem. They had their chance.

      And btw, I hop e you didn't just call me average.

      Delete
    2. Marc, starting this year, all pre-u programs for STPM, Matrik, Asasi & A-Level/IB will be conducted locally under the KPM Bursary Program. Many top SPM scorers applied for Matrik but failed for no reason. You might miss the chance to read the news on media but please ask around your friends and then you'd know why these bright non-bumi students were NOT given a chance under our government's discrimination policy for their right in pursuing public higher education.

      Vote For Change

      Delete
  9. Hi,

    I study at an international school courtesy of my mum who teaches there. Am I eligible to apply for matric? I will be sitting for the SPM exam 2012.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I think the only prerequisite is the SPM qualification. You have to be taking Add Maths though. Anyway you can buy the pin(necessary for online application) from BSN, then submit your application here: http://apps.moe.gov.my/matrikulasi/permohonan/

      Delete
  10. Hi!.
    i wan to study pharmacy.
    so matrics or stpm better?
    i have alredi apply for matrics but if i wan form6, can i still goin for form6 and get scholarship?
    sitting for spm 2012~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pharmacy is critical course and difficult to get into as it is. You stand a much better chance if you get into matrics. Getting into matrics is the hard part haha. Anyway just do well in your SPM and apply for scholarships from there. You may not have to do matrics or Form 6. Someone might send you overseas or something!

      Delete
  11. Hi Marc!
    Can you rank me the colleges?
    Im having some issues here choosing which hehe.
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. latest rankings place KMNS at the top XD

      Seriously, we consistently make the top 5 so KMNS is a good bet. But don't be surprised if you don't get your college of choice haha.

      Delete
  12. I'm wondering whether if I have completed this matriculation, can I join any local private universities/colleges?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yeah you can, in fact I'm in one now (Universiti Teknologi Petronas). Private institutions will always consider you if you're willing to pay, and especially when you score well haha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What was the reason you selected UTP and not any other public university? Which course are you pursuing at UTP? If I am offered full fee waiver for 'A' levels at a private college and also Malaysia matriculation, which should I choose? Are engineering courses in Malaysia public universities conducted in Bahasa Malaysia or English?

      Delete
  14. Thanks for writing this!
    I sure wished I read this before I walked into the gates of Kuala Pilah Matriculation College. But much of what you said is true, and I'm hoping many people out there know about this. Equip yourself with the necessary skills, educate yourself and allow yourself to make full use of what u've gained. There's a lot more to the local universities :) I'm in one myself, and I've never felt so at home :P

    ReplyDelete
  15. Can I know when is the first intake for 2013 matriculation ?

    ReplyDelete
  16. hi!i would like to know which universities accept matriculation student.private universities in malaysia that is.could you maybe list them out??what is science matriculation by the way??

    ReplyDelete
  17. hello. it is really great of you to tell about the life in matriculation. but i have a question here. will they check my koko certs that i obtainted in secondary school when i get to matriculation ? i would also like to know what else should i bring from here to matric ( certs, foods, money, etc )? i really hope you could help me. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No they don't check the certs. Bring all the standard stuff for hostel life. =)

      Delete
  18. Hi~ I'm a bit relieve after i read about your article.Matrics life aren't that bad as i expected :) Im a secondary school student and im gonna take my SPM this year.Im a non-bumiputera.What is the minimum qualification each year for non-bumi to get into matriculation?( As you know each year about 15k of people get straight A's,neglecting the standards of A's ) I dont come from a rich family.So i really need work my way out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Things have changed from my time, now there are bursaries and such after SPM. Matriculation is not as attractive I think. It might be easier.

      To be honest I think if your parents are teachers it's easier. That's a trend I've noticed.

      Delete
  19. Hi,

    I'm waiting for matriculation result to be released. However, i've already applied and registered for the course that i want in another private college. I'm actually having dilemma in choosing between matriculation and private college. Because as i know the private college i'm attending gaves me free education since i got straight As in SPM. The only thing that my parents should do is just giving me living allowances. And here is the problem, they said matriculation would save a lot when you're having your degree. Although i'm a science stream student, but i have no interest in science subject at all. I would be afraid that matriculation would be tough on me. Since then matriculation would save my parents' money, should i go for it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your degree will be cheaper simply because you'll be able to do it at a public university, and any course you want. If you don't mind public universities, go for it.

      Delete
  20. Do we need to study any subject related to malay during matriculation ?I'm suffering now cause I got both offer from A level and matrix from kpm . My friends advise me to take matrix because I'm aiming for critical course ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are one or two, but those don't count toward your CGPA.

      And yeah, if you're going for critical course then matrics is for you.

      Delete
  21. If I am not going for critical subject like psychology, then A Level or Matrics?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The problem is you can't really get into public uni with A-levels. Confident of doing well in A-levels and getting scholarship to go private for degree after that? Public uni no scholarship also no prob because it's super cheap (90% subsidised by gov).

      Delete
  22. Thank you so much for this post...For now, i think i kinda get an overview of how matriculation would be.. Recently, i was offered a place at Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan...the same matriculation college as urs..but the thing is i want to pursue medicine and i have always wanted to do stpm due to its many beneficial reasons...now with this offer i need ur advice pls... should i take up tis offer? will it really help me once im in university? what are your views on stpm? Thank you so much for ur help:D God Bless You

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Want to do medicine then do matrics. STPM too risky because you may not score well enough to get place in public uni for medicine.

      Delete
    2. thanks for the reply....do i need to bring a desk lamp?? what about laptop? by the way are the assignments really stressful? thanks..

      Delete
    3. 1) no
      2) i'd recommend that
      3) yes

      Delete
    4. ok..thanks...i heard some said that u dun nidda laptop cos there is a comp lab where u cn do ur assignments n stuff...how true is tat though??? is orientation week really a torture?? what r the essentials tat i nidda bring other than wht is in d list given...thanks

      Delete
    5. bring usual asrama school stuff. don't worry, within the campus there are shops where u can buy everything u need if u forget. err computer labs not open for everyone to use freely. Much better to have your own laptop, although yeah, even I didn't get one until second semester. Not ESSENTIAL, but will help with certain assignments and for entertainment/googling stuff. Many people come without laptop, but in the end they buy aso lol. Orientation week is shit, but it'll be over soon.

      remember to make friends.

      Delete
    6. thanks again bro! can i get a detailed version of ur orientation week?? sorry for digging up old memories....

      Delete
  23. Hello Marc, thanks for the informative post but I'd like to knw if I'm going to pursue a dentist career. Is physics a compulsory subject? I'm deciding between module 1/3.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not compulsory, but will make your qualifications look better, then you're more likely to get place in one of the top universities (research unis like UM/UKM/UPM) for dentistry.

      Delete
  24. Hi Marc,

    Upon completion of the 1 yr prog, which university does the majority of KMNS student gets into? Is KMNS a feeder school for particular universities? Is there a quota system set for each college whereby only a certain number of students gets admitted for key courses in reknown universities? TQ



    Do you know the rough % of non bumi students gets accepted for medic or dentistry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is not a feeder school, that's like a long long time ago lol. These days matriculation colleges qualify you for any public university. There's no quota per college, and you can apply to any university you like, and if your results are good, you can get into research universities which are what everyone wants. In my batch, everyone with 4.0 got a place for Medicine/Dentistry, but some med students didn't get research uni unfortunately (quite a few got UMS in sabah).

      Delete
    2. Marc, TQ for your prompt resp. Appreciate it. BTW, how many non bumi were there in yr batch? Did all of them gets a CGPA of 4.0? I also understand that in order to get selected for Medic/Dentistry, you need to have a good score in co-curriculum as well. What are the societies that wld give you the leverage.

      Delete
  25. hello.thank you for your info. it is very useful. i too got myself a place in kmns. but i have a few questions.
    1. about the forms that we need to fill in and bring during
    the registration day, the photos should be pasted when we
    fill in the forms or pasted during the registration day ?
    2. in the forms they did ask about our koko participation in
    our school. do we need to include the certs as proof ?
    3. how are the teachers over there in kmns ? are the friendly
    and easy to approach or the other way around ?
    4. are the meals sponsored or should we buy it on our own ? if
    we have to buy it ourself, are the foods in the cafe okay ?
    5. are two person to a room or four to a room ?
    thats all for now. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1) Dunno. Registration day gonna be hectic so make sure you've prepared everything.
      2) Bring it just in case.
      3) Peoples are different but I love all my Physics & English lecturer because they're the cool one. Generally all lecturers are approachable, especially the fellow/warden.
      4) On your own. There 4 cafe in total with more than 6 different seller. The food is okay and some are great, cafe A & D is my favourite, but that was 3 years ago.
      5) 4 per room. Everyone get single bed, 1 desk+chair with lamp, . Male and female in different cluster of building.

      Delete
  26. Are there basketball club?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ex-student batch 2009/10 here,
      There is no active club in matriks as in school, your class(called practicum) will get specified sport that you will play for a semester, and another sport for the next semester(I got golf and volleyball). There 2 basketball court that you can use on evening though.

      You'll get koko mark through the koko class, and something like sports day between hostel and college. Almost all sport including basketball is available and there are competition on all level, selection is loosely based on "showing your face" every now and then in the evening on the playground.

      Delete
  27. there is one form for you to write your choice of courses after finishing the matriculation right?
    got 8 choices right?
    can i write the 8 choices as the same course but different universities?
    will it really easier to get into local university with matriculation?
    but if i am a non-bumiputera?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can i write the 8 choices as the same course but different universities?
      - Definitely.

      will it really easier to get into local university with matriculation?
      - Yes, compared to STPM. Mostly because its harder to score on STPM.

      but if i am a non-bumiputera?
      - Its the same. But please don't apply UiTM :D

      Delete
  28. need help urgently!

    dunno either to choose between...

    1) matriculation or,
    2) utp...civil engineering or,
    3) uniten...power engineering...

    im pretty inexperienced in this sort of stuff so i need all the help that i can get...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hey, i was wondering where r u studying right now coz i kinda get almost the same type of offer like u, just that its from different course..... need reply a.s.a.p

      Delete
    2. Matrics. Take matrics, get your 4-flat, and then you can apply for all those and more for your degree, and they'll come with scholarships too.

      Trust me, matrics opens many doors if you don't have a lot of money.

      Delete
  29. what are the chances to study abroad? for example how many students out of 200 if they all achieve 4 flat?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many don't even bother applying. There are no conventional routes aside from teaching scholarships. You have to apply yourself, either after first sem (so you can get into the early intake), or after completion of matrics. Everything is on your own. Many universities are willing to give you a place, but as for scholarships, again, apply everywhere like Maxis, JPA, Petronas etc. All of which you may be a little late for if you are only gonna apply after matrics. Better to apply like in January after first sem. Don't expect much help from the matrics student councillors either, they're not used to requests by students to study abroad. They know very little about the UCAS application procedure etc.

      Delete
    2. thanks Marc. Youre very helpful :)

      Delete
  30. thanks (y)
    can I ask whether the syllabus is going to change this yr=ear for science subjects?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No idea lol. Information in this article may even be outdated in a year or so from now. I'm no longer in matrics and have already settled at UTP. I've lost track of uni application procedures and matrics stuff.

      Delete
  31. i wish to study engineering. i get modul 1 and i wish to switch to modul 2. but i heard students from modul 2 hardly get their first choice when applying UPU. it tat true? or it is just rumor? thx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No not at all. Assuming you score 4.0, you'll get your first choice most of the time. I got my first choice on my UPU application, although in the end I didn't take it.

      Delete
  32. Hello, thanks for sharing some light. I was just wondering what is the ratio of Malay to chinese? I am chinese but i scared malay will bash/make fun of me. And is it hard to make friends with them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear bumi/non-bumi ratios are slightly better nowadays because there are suddenly more indians lol. But honestly most the Malays there are the FRIENDLIEST you will ever meet. These are Malays who are fairly okay academically too. There's nothing to worry about, hardly any are racist. Your class will be pretty small and you will interact a lot with them. You will make many friends, trust me.

      Delete
  33. Hello im a student here at KMNS, and can you share any ways or study methods on how to survive here, PSPM is in 3 weeks and id definitely need some advice, thank you

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm a non-bumi... I'm gonna take my spm next year. If I want to get into matriculation, what's the requirement for me(non-bumi)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Score well, high cocu marks. Honestly it's tricky and some very good students won't get in and wonder what they did wrong. Government won't share exact criteria.

      But one thing I noticed is that if your mum/dad is a public school teacher you're more likely to get in..

      Delete
  35. hey marc, u might not rmbr me , we were in the same school but im 18 this year.. just wanna say thanks for writing this article, cuz i was thinking whether to choose matrix or just start my foundation,, this really helped.. tq and all the best to u :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your name is familiar! Kavi's sister? Haha good luck to you

      Delete
  36. Hi Marc, can we drop chemistry in matriculation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope, there are 3 science modules (unless they've changed it since my time)

      Module 1 is Bio, Math, Chem, Physics
      Module 2 is Computer Science, Math, Chem, Physics
      Module 3 is Bio, Math, Chem, Computer Science

      Basically you can only drop Bio or Physics

      Delete
    2. Well, actually chemistry is just like a stepping stone or perhaps it is a must for either engineering or medic.
      A doctor must know what medicine(chemistry) to be given to patient.
      An engineer need to have knowledge on the characteristics of materials(chemistry).

      This was what my chemistry teacher told me when I said I hate chemistry during my life in secondary school...: )

      Delete
  37. Top 3 Matrikulasi Colleges in Malaysia
    1) KMNS
    2) KMK
    3) KMPP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is it officially or non-officially ranked?

      Delete
  38. Hi, yr article is very informative !!! If I want to buy reference books, where can I buy ? Can I get it in the campus? Is there any book shop in the campus?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There will always be booksellers coming to campus to sell reference books. Here's a tip, buy the ones that have answer scheme with explanation, not just final answer.

      Delete
  39. May I know how many Co curriculum activities that we need to take part and When we carry out the co curriculum activities....is it after the lesson /during afternoon ? Secondly, I would like to know is pendidikan moral a must score subject in order for us to obtain 4 flat ?

    ReplyDelete
  40. hi , i wud like to know , hw long will the classes be ? what programmes are normally held on weekends ??..are we given study leave ?? how bout during public holidays ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. class 8-5 with breaks and some free periods. Friday half day. Not all weekends got something, only some. Can't remember if there was study leave.. Of course no class on public holidays

      Delete
  41. Hi. Thanks so much for this. It really gives the idea of matriculation. I got Module 1 but Im right now in a dilemma and i could really use some advice..
    I don't really like physics and I was planning to change to Module 3.. But I'm afraid it'll affect my chances to get to top Uni's even if i get a 4 flat. Im planning to take med or dentistry... Will it really affect my chances if i change to module 3? Please help me..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In my honest opinion, yeah it will affect your chances. Cos for critical courses like medicine and dentistry the top unis can choose their own students, so I guess they will prefer module 1 students because module 1 is harder. Don't worry matrics Physics isn't that hard, you should just take it

      Delete
  42. I really enjoy reading your articles and reading your answers to the comments and questions! Excellent infos for me to motivate my about-to-take-SPM daughter..You are a good man!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi! Quite an interesting read u got here! I am also going for matriculation next week and I was given Module 1. But the thing is, I don't want to take Bio (my elective subject at school) and I'm thinking of taking Module 2 instead which includes CS as one of the subjects. I want to ask, is CS hard for a student like me who don't even have any basic knowledge in that subject? I heard from my senior that CS is quite challenging when u study it in 2nd sem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CS is easy. Or at least it was for me. Programming can be tricky but I liked it.

      Delete
  44. Hi Marc! Is there any washing machine avaiable or we sorta have to wash by hands? (Lol) But thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah there are washing machines. Sometimes even a dobi service from outside the uni that will come in and pick up your laundry and return it the next day if you're willing to pay..

      Delete
  45. Hii u took cs ahh and how was the subject for sem one and two

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CS is easy. Or at least it was for me. Programming can be tricky but I liked it.

      Delete
  46. hello :) i just got into kmns yesterday for the 2014/2015 session and got module 3. but im still deciding which module, either module 1 or 3 shall i take. i want to further studies in pharmacy (UM), and dont actually want to take physics. but is it a must for me to take module 1 if i want to take pharmacy? so that i have more chance to be chosen by top unis?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha bro if you're offered module 3 then you should know that it's pretty hard to get into module 1.. If you can then change then yeah it''s better. If not then just stick with module 3.

      Delete
  47. Please answer :( it'll help me a lot :(

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Marc, thanks for all the advice given. It was most helpful. I started 'A' levels in January at a private college with full fee waiver based on my trial exam results. I have submitted my rayuan for matrikulasi. The result for rayuan will be announced on 12 June. What is your advice? Should I take up matrikulasi if I am offered a place?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Marc. I'm a non bumi student from Penang who just got accepted into KMNS during the 2nd intake. To be honest, I've been finding it difficult to cope and catch up with the topics I've missed in module 1. I'm just a guy with a little-above-average intellectual capabilty( I think). During your time at KMNS, was it the same for the 2nd intake students? Was it hard for them?
    Any tips from you would be really helpful to get through this programme. I find this article really inspiring. Nandri and have a good day Marc :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. give me some more detail for international student especially on all inclusive student accommodation in Sheffield thanks ..
    for this fantastic blog .. ..
    i like your way to help us . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  51. Guys, Marc here (the author). Been a while since I visited this page.
    The information in this article may not be up to date at this point. Please exercise caution!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi,

    Do you have any matriculation mates (non bumi) who are from SMJK (sekolah menengah jenis kebangsaan)? I would like to know my chance getting into matriculation as I am now in SMJK. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  53. What do you do after matrics? Do you continue with degree? And what certs do you get as a matrics student? Its not a diploma aite?

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you so much, it's pretty informative for me cause I got a placing on N.Sembilan matriculation too. Just that I'm really scared that my seniors said that getting 4 flats is actually hard cause the lecturers would rush to finish up the syllabus :( Is it really true? And will the lectures inform us earlier what would come out in the exams so that we could prepare for it in advance? Or just like normal only? And hmm is it hard to get 4 flats? :( Your reply is much appreciated! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thank you so much, it's pretty informative for me cause I got a placing on N.Sembilan matriculation too. Just that I'm really scared that my seniors said that getting 4 flats is actually hard cause the lecturers would rush to finish up the syllabus :( Is it really true? And will the lectures inform us earlier what would come out in the exams so that we could prepare for it in advance? Or just like normal only? And hmm is it hard to get 4 flats? :( Your reply is much appreciated! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  56. if i get matric, will my name appear on f6 list? if not, what should i do ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. no you wouldnt. when you get matrics, you automatically will not get offers for form 6

      Delete
  57. author, please help me. i got matrics in account, i want to take a law degree after finishing matrics, my question is will i get offers from overseas if i were to get good results, and so, in my preferred course which is law? would appreciate it if i get a reply. thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for the very enlightening article. The whole nation should read it.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi there. I'm currently in Kolej Matrikulasi Selangor (KMS) and I'm in GREAT dilemma and I NEED YOUR HELP. You see, I'm not a big fan of physics and I'd do anything to avoid it but I got module 1. I've read up about physics in matrics and I thought that I should give it a go. BUT, I also found out from my mom that physics in not compulsory for medicine students. Now I'm just going in circles and I have no idea what to do. PLEASE HELP.

    ReplyDelete
  60. hi bro.. thanks for publishing this.. it is super helpful !! for the koko activities, are there like public speaking competitions or debate competitions available?? because i am not really into sports.. thank you =)

    ReplyDelete
  61. how about the dress code of female n male ??
    the reference books can buy from the senior ??
    did the syllabus changing every year??

    ReplyDelete
  62. Here's a great post written by Manroshan Singh Bhatt about his learning experiences during his Matriculation journey. Check it out now !
    http://malaysianstudent.com/life-at-matriculation-my-journey/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Can I know the modules offered in matrics other than the science stream ones?

    ReplyDelete
  64. Are we allowed to go back during study leave before PSPM?

    ReplyDelete
  65. Are we allowed to go back during study week?

    ReplyDelete
  66. it's really a good article. I loved it

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi, i just wanna ask.. if i want to study in physiotherapy, do i need to study physics in Matrics?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Hi there! I really enjoyed your look on matrics. I' m going through a crisis, where as a science stream student, I think it is not suitable for me to continue it and go for accounting stream instead. I know you studied science stream, but still as a wise "senior", is it ok for me to change stream? Currently, all my science subjects are bad , like around C's and D's and I love maths. Hoping to get a good feedback :)

    ReplyDelete

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