Help: Inquiry about Pre-U and Universities

[Kiwinism]

I'm new on this forum. Hi guys! :)

So recently, I have finally finished my SPM on the 30th November and my Dad has been asking a lot about my future college studies in which I still have no idea what and where to begin with. Knowing my father, he expects a full on report on the matter as soon as possible.

Do keep in mind that I am interested to pursue in cognitive psychology.

Regarding Pre-University studies, I have yet to decide whether to take A Levels or Foundation. Which is a better choice for a girl who wishes to pursue studying in the United Kingdom? What makes it different and how can I continue on from there?

If it is decided that I am taking A Levels I am torn between going to HELP or TARC. I am vaguely aware of the pros and cons on each college so will somebody explain to me again to clear my doubts. I do not come from a wealthy family, hence my choice of college but my parents have flashed me the green light so I take this opportunity as a blessing.

Approximately how much does it cost for the whole semester for A Levels and Foundation? Is there any possible way to apply for financial aid, a loan maybe? Can I choose the subjects or will there be a package? Which subject is most suitable for further study in Psychology?


Your thought and opinions are most welcomed and appreciated.

[frostbyte13]

Originally Posted by Kiwinism

I'm new on this forum. Hi guys!

So recently, I have finally finished my SPM on the 30th November and my Dad has been asking a lot about my future college studies in which I still have no idea what and where to begin with. Knowing my father, he expects a full on report on the matter as soon as possible.

Do keep in mind that I am interested to pursue in cognitive psychology.

Regarding Pre-University studies, I have yet to decide whether to take A Levels or Foundation. Which is a better choice for a girl who wishes to pursue studying in the United Kingdom? What makes it different and how can I continue on from there?

If it is decided that I am taking A Levels I am torn between going to HELP or TARC. I am vaguely aware of the pros and cons on each college so will somebody explain to me again to clear my doubts. I do not come from a wealthy family, hence my choice of college but my parents have flashed me the green light so I take this opportunity as a blessing.

Approximately how much does it cost for the whole semester for A Levels and Foundation? Is there any possible way to apply for financial aid, a loan maybe? Can I choose the subjects or will there be a package? Which subject is most suitable for further study in Psychology?


Your thought and opinions are most welcomed and appreciated.

Wow, cognitive psychology. Kudos to you because at least you not only have some sort of idea which field you want to be in, but you are quite specific about it. Good for you. However, I hope this is in lieu to the fact that you have done extensive research on whether your interests suits this field of job, the job opportunities both locally and internationally, and of course, whether you have meet the other requirements besides academic to pursue it. If this ambition of yours was established in your childhood years, when everyone of us was idealistic, I strongly suggest doing the research to give you further affirmation. Reality starts to kick in the older we are, but for some, it always kicks in too late and too inconvenient of a time.

If you are absolutely keen on heading to UK, I would strongly suggest A-level hands down. A-level in an internationally recognized pre-university program in comparison to some small time local education provider namely HELP in this case. If HELP had the status equivalent to that of Monash University in Australia that even has it's own franchised Foundation Year program, that would not be a problem then. However, that is not the case. Oh, good Lord haha. It's going to take more than just one post just to go through the differences and the outcomes of taking either the A-level or Foundation program, dear girl There's not only the recognition both locally and internationally that we have to talk about. There's the matter of academic difficulty, time period of program, overall grading system, subjects, and course content. Not to mention those are just the major academic differences. I strongly suggest that if you really want good and reliable information, find a good education counselor at the colleges to find out more about which program will suit you. But since you mentioned UK, I'm sure any education counselor with a good brain on his/her shoulder will also tell you what I've just advised you for. You could contact me too if you really want some information on these differences and outcomes. I'll leave my Facebook contact at the end of this post

Haha, vaguely aware is a very subtle way of expressing your confusion. I am quite sure you wouldn't even know that HELP and TARC both offer A-level of different examination boards yes ? HELP offers Edexcel but TARC offers Cambridge A-level. Do try and do some research on these two different boards as much as possible, because although they sound the same, they are two different examination systems all together. Even their course content is only about 70% similar. Not to mention the fact that TARC's Cambridge A-level offer fewer subjects then their other counterparts that offer more, like KDU, Taylor's, INTI and Sunway. Just for your information, Edexcel is also offered by UCSI, MCKL and KBU, but again, their subjects offered probably differ as well. Please note that if you are intent on taking either A-level or Foundation, do your research on what subject combination is suitable for you should you choose A-level and a suitable Foundation if you are doing the latter.

Cost is not something I or even the other members are familiar with at this moment. Do keep in mind inflation also impacts the price of education, so what was last year's cost may not necessarily be the same this year. Not to mention both colleges have different administration fees outside the tuition fees. Just to give you a very rough guide, it will be almost 2.x more expensive to take A-level than it is to take Foundation. The logic in that is that A-level, no matter which board, comes from UK. Financial aid should be in terms of their scholarships, but it's not something I intend to spoon-feed you. Simply because it's simple information you can Google yourself off the net. If you can find yourself in this forum, you can find whatever you want around a simple college's website In the case of loans, you can always look out for the PTPTN scheme, but I am not very familiar with it, and not many of my friends take PTPTN. So, this is on your own research time. Hmm, subjects are like what I said, that you need to research on your own. However, no college is so good enough to design a package of subjects for you to take just for Psychology. It should be you deciding what you want, and then ask opinions from seniors, lecturers and the academic head of your pre-university department whether it fits further study in Psychology. Frankly speaking, I don't know if you intend to pursue a medicinal path in that field of psychology you mentioned, or just consultation and advisory. Decide that and it should make the task of choosing suitable subjects for A-level easier. As for Foundation, I have no comment. This is because I am not aware what kind of Foundation enables you to go into the field of Psychology. One thing you must take note of is that Foundation do not offer such a broad spectrum of subjects to choose from that are indefinitely different from each other like A-level. Which is the reason why I will only say you should do Foundation is that if you are absolutely sure that is what you want to study. At least A-level gives you the flexibility to change that option should you regret later.

Anyway, here's my Facebook URL. If you need anymore answers, feel free to message me or add me up. Be sure to specify who you are in the message attachment service, if not I will automatically delete your friend request.

Cheers

https://www.facebook.com/Ndr3w

[Kiwinism]

Thanks! You helped me quite a lot.

I did some research on both official websites. I just found out that in TARC the subjects are offered in combinations. Can i just confirm about the choosing of subjects in HELP college?

[frostbyte13]

Originally Posted by Kiwinism

Thanks! You helped me quite a lot.

I did some research on both official websites. I just found out that in TARC the subjects are offered in combinations. Can i just confirm about the choosing of subjects in HELP college?

TARC restricts choices of mixing your subject combination, but I'm not sure for HELP. It's best you ask personally to their education counsellors.

[senksiang90]

Originally Posted by Kiwinism

I'm new on this forum. Hi guys!

Regarding Pre-University studies, I have yet to decide whether to take A Levels or Foundation. Which is a better choice for a girl who wishes to pursue studying in the United Kingdom? What makes it different and how can I continue on from there?

If it is decided that I am taking A Levels I am torn between going to HELP or TARC. I am vaguely aware of the pros and cons on each college so will somebody explain to me again to clear my doubts. I do not come from a wealthy family, hence my choice of college but my parents have flashed me the green light so I take this opportunity as a blessing.

Approximately how much does it cost for the whole semester for A Levels and Foundation? Is there any possible way to apply for financial aid, a loan maybe? Can I choose the subjects or will there be a package? Which subject is most suitable for further study in Psychology?


Your thought and opinions are most welcomed and appreciated.

Just a note to you :

(1) A Levels give you choices throughout the world in case you decided not to go UK(normally 3A's will get you anywhere in UK or the world for A Level)

(2) My friend who scored 1B 2C for Alevels in Taylors went to Help and still managed to do twinning to study law in UK

(3) In the end you have to ask yourself this question : Are you financially sound?
Because if you are, doesn't matter what your results are, and if you don't really care which uni you go to as long as it is in UK, then no biggie. Sorry if I sounded harsh to all those rich kids out there but this is the fact. Study nowadays is no longer about the result. It's about the money. As long as you have 'em you are in.

That's how the world is nowadays. Sorry to sound so horrible but seriously, if you've got the money, you'd get whaT you want.

(4) You could try to apply for scholarships from the college itself. Most colleges provide scholarships for good results.

(5) UK's study fees is your only obstacle. If you get a uni scholarship, your life in UK will be a nice one. As long as you spend wisely, 250 pounds will be more than enough for your monthly allowance.

[Kiwinism]

I understand the money is of the essence. My brother is heading to the UK to further his studies in accountancy and I sort of get the idea of the approx. living cost and what not that is required. I think I had a mini heart attack when i saw the figures. Man, I wish I was born super filthy rich... Hahaha

So with that said, it seems that TARC is the better option for me. I saw the combinations of subjects listed on their website, which stream do you think is better, Arts or Science? Dad has always emphasized that Psychology is medical. So...? Any opinions on this?

[xxy]

Psychology is a Science subject, some universities award Bsc Psychology. Psychiatry is medical. You need a medical degree before pursuing specialization in psychiatry.

[Kiwinism]

Originally Posted by xxy

Psychology is a Science subject, some universities award Bsc Psychology. Psychiatry is medical. You need a medical degree before pursuing specialization in psychiatry.

Right ! Thank you! I've been so confused about this matter. Oh, and another thing I just want to confirm. The Psychology Foundation in HELP. How is that conducted? I heard it is a one year study and then three(3) years of degree afterwards? Is the foundation strong enough to qualify me for a spot in the UK provided I achieve an excellent grade?

[xxy]

Originally Posted by Kiwinism

Right ! Thank you! I've been so confused about this matter. Oh, and another thing I just want to confirm. The Psychology Foundation in HELP. How is that conducted? I heard it is a one year study and then three(3) years of degree afterwards? Is the foundation strong enough to qualify me for a spot in the UK provided I achieve an excellent grade?

I'm not sure about how they conduct their foundation program as it varies for every institution. It will usually be a combination of coursework, internal assessment and final exams. You should check with respective UK universities if they accept the foundation that you're doing before going for it. Generally, UK institutions prefer a Pre-U program like A-levels, IB, STPM and some matriculation over foundation if they are not partner universities with the institution offering the foundation. The 3 years psychology degree program offered in HELP is probably an external program, degree completed locally, degree awarded by the overseas institution.

[Kiwinism]

Can i just have an approx cost for A Levels in Sunway,KDU,Taylors and Methodist?