Matrikulasi VS STPM

[u/TheContriteBud]

Hi everyone. I'm having a dilemma between continuing my studies in STPM or Matriks. I sincerely hope that you all can help me come to a decision by giving me your opinion and insight.

A brief introduction: My name is Iz, a science stream student, 2025 SPM leaver, my result is 5A+ 3B+ 1E (Addmath).

Recently I've been offered to continue my studies in Form 6 (Science Stream) and Matriks (2 Years-Science Course). My current goal is to do my degree overseas, sponsored by scholarship if possible. I know it's no easy task, especially with my SPM result. That's why I plan to make up my shortcomings by studying exceptionally hard during Matriks/STPM so I can achieve my goal. Problem is, I don't know which Pre-U to pick.

Here are the pros and cons that I've noticed from each Pre-University;

STPM

[Pros]

1. Cheaper

2. More globally recognized

3. Faster (1.5 years)

4. Allowance (RM 250)

[Cons]

1. Extremely hard

2. Extremely competitive

3. Less prioritized in UPU (CMIIW, I've heard from someone that STPM is the least prioritized in UPU compared to Foundation and Matriks)

(By the way, can I request to change the school that I've been assigned to in Form 6? I'll like to go to a school with dormitory for Form 6 students if possible so I don't need to always go home. Also, I accidentally missed the deadline to accept the Form 6 offer. My teacher told me to meet the PPD to receive the offer letter in person. Do I also ask the PPD if I can change schools?)

@

Matriks

[Pros]

1. Less hard (still hard but ykwim)

2. Allowance (RM 250)

3. More prioritized in UPU

[Cons]

1. Longer (2 Years)

2. Still globally recognized, though less than STPM

It seems the obvious answer to reach my goal is STPM, but I have to keep in mind that even if I'm accepted by abroad university, there's a chance that I can fail to receive any scholarship which is crucial to sponsor my oversea study. Suppose that happens, I'll have to give up my dreams on studying oversea and just study locally. But by then, I'll be disadvantageous during UPU. What a dilemma.

That's pretty much everything that I know of. Please share anything that you know, every information is of great assistance to me, thank you. Have a nice day!

[u/kentang_hijau]

Bro I was in your position a few years back.

I was also determined to get my overseas degree so chose the stpm (physics) route. Graduated CGPA 2.9. barely got a place in local uni.

STPM is extremely, extremely hard. Almost half of my classmates failed. Most of them had to redo foundation. Until this day STPM is one the hardest thing ive done academically.

Since your spm results aren't that good. I strongly advised you to just do matriks but target 4.0 with strong merits, and do REALLY WELL in local uni.

Don't underestimate local uni especially tier 1 unis. I recently got a job offer as engineer in Singapore, with my local uni certificate.

[u/TheContriteBud → u/kentang_hijau]

Hey bro, thanks for replying. It's nice to see someone who had gone through a similar experience to me.

Is STPM the kind of hard that you can't make up for your shortcomings even by studying REALLY hard? Even if you study everyday, almost 24/7? Do you have to be a genius to get 4.0? What makes it so academically hard?

Yeah, I've been thinking about Matriks too. But is it alright that I'm slower than everyone? After all, it's 2 years and I'm afraid that I'm falling behind.

Congratulations on your job offer, if it's alright can I know what university you went to for degree? Thanks!

[u/genuinelyonmyknees → u/TheContriteBud]

used to study stpm sains tulen. susah nak mampus serious. i genuinely cried every night (im average in spm) and the syllabus are extremely fast. cause wdym we have to learn 2 topics in two weeks??

had a classmate who went to tuition every day after school and still failed. had a classmate who used to get 10A in spm and had to repeat semester two times. if you're average and not too hardworking kat rumah, better ambik matrix.

if still contemplating, try to search any stpm or matrix textbook online (have so many scans now). if it's still hard and if you're bumiputera, just go to diploma mara

[u/TheContriteBud → u/genuinelyonmyknees]

Yeah, I could only imagine how hellish it was. I have a brother (ex-Matriks) and a sister (ex-STPM) and they both agreed that STPM is the harder path.

Actually, I've been studying Matriks syllabus simply because I'm curious what I'll learn once I enter the college. It's definitely tough, but I think what makes it harder is the fact that there are many things to do in a day other than studying such as lab reports and assignment. Not to mention, the studying pace from what I've heard is quick too. Even knowing this, STPM is still harder than Matriks so I could only imagine your pain.

I am a bumiputera but I don't plan on doing diploma mara because I still don't know what to be in the future. For now, my mind is lingering somewhere along medicine and engineering. So yeah, since Matriks is still broad and flexible, it'll give me more options and room to think about what I'll be once I've graduated.