Remember when we talked about the nightmare of public university (IPTA) applications and placement in Malaysia, or when we discussed the Government’s announcement that not all top students would receive scholarships? Well, it seems that we have a somewhat expected response coming from State MCA Youth chief Datuk Tan Chin Meng.

He recently advised STPM high scorers who failed to enter universities of their choice and SPM high achievers who failed to attain scholarships to file appeals through MCA Youth. Apparently, he recognizes that even “…students who scored straight As in their SPM or achieve 4.00 CGPAs…” can have their applications rejected, and is already preparing for the storm that will follow.

But he does balance his case a little by saying that there are school-leavers who “…do not even know how to apply to the right universities and choose the right courses…” which I have to admit is quite true. Taking less optimal steps during the application process, whether for universities or scholarships, can definitely result in decreased chances, and perhaps even downright rejection.

But what are the optimal steps? Well, few really know, and the rest can only try their best. I can only suggest one course of action: research, research and research. Of course, any aspiring scholar or undergrad would probably know that already.

[News via The Star Online]