The Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) is a crucial milestone for students, shaping their educational and career trajectories.
While high grades are celebrated, the experience of a recent SPM candidate reveals that success is not solely about accumulating ‘A’s.
M’sian student with 7As in SPM rejected from universities
A TikTok video by @almondnadee brought attention to the struggles faced by a student who, despite scoring 7A in the SPM, was hindered by a ‘D’ grade in English.
In their post, they lamented, “It’s okay, you have a lot of A’s.”
The next slide revealed the painful truth.
“But because of English D grade, all applications were not eligible.”
This grade alone became a barrier to furthering their education, illustrating the challenges students face beyond mere academic performance.
This setback didn’t deter them. They sought a review of their English grade, hoping for an upgrade that would open doors to higher education institutions.
After a nerve-wracking nine-day wait, their ‘D’ was revised to a ‘C+’, allowing them to apply for a matriculation program.
Rejected again despite scoring a C+ in English
However, optimism soon gave way to disappointment when their matriculation application was rejected due to the minimum requirement of a ‘C’ in English.
Their experience underscores a sobering truth: in the competitive landscape of higher education, proficiency in English is non-negotiable.
Reflecting on their journey, they urged future SPM candidates to prioritise English proficiency.
“The impact of English is huge. For younger students, English is extremely important. Even with good grades overall, without at least a credit in English, it won’t suffice,” the student shared.
The online community responded with an outpouring of support and practical advice. Many encouraged the student to explore alternative pathways and not to lose hope.
One user recommended, “You should consider STPM. When applying for a degree, STPM and matriculation students are often prioritised by the Ministry of Higher Education in the UPU system, increasing your chances of admission to top universities and your desired course.”
Another comment pointed out the real-world importance of English, stating, “English is crucial. I now realise that many companies prioritise English proficiency as the first impression over other qualifications.”
A third user stressed the need to focus on core subjects: “BM, BI, and history, don’t take these three subjects lightly.”
Read the original post here.
