<p>Hi Guys,
My name is Hui Ming and I'm from Penang, Malaysia.
I'm finishing my 'O' levels here in Malaysia, and the next step that typical Malaysian students would take is to either continue school for the STPM, which is similar to the A levels or go international for higher education. I understand that American colleges require 12 years of formal education for entrance into their schools. There a few rare examples here in Malaysia, which some of the top students take the TOEFL and SAT during their high school years and admit straight away into the Ivy Leagues after their ' O ' level. I need advice on the next step that I should take: Should I enrol first in a pre-u programme, say A levels, AP or the IB diploma? Or, should I concentrate on the SAT, TOEFL, get the grades required, and start applying to American colleges? Or, should I do both, sign up a pre-u programme, and at the same time study the SAT and the TOEFL ? Could you please advise me the possible route that I should take to gain admission into American colleges? I'm a science student, taking Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Nevertheless, I'm particularly interested in Law, which I understand is a graduate study in US. I would like to do Law but I do not want to forgo my Science background as well. Is there any way that I could do both in the US? What is the basic degree that I should take before embarking into Law ?The reason that I'm interested in obtaining my higher education in the US is the flexibility offered by those colleges which other higher instituitions in the UK, Aus does not. As an international, I understand that I have to deal with serious competition with other nationalities as well as the locals. Could you advise me how I could better equip myself before starting my college education in the US. </p>
<p>Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who is reading my post and I hope that you guys could provide some insights that applies to my situation. Thanks and God BLess!</p>
<p>Sorry, but I'm not familiar with Malaysian education systems...what grade are you in and when will you be applying for college?</p>
<p>I agree with abhishiv about doing both, but if the work load is too heavy try to prioritize. Have you started preparing for the SAT yet? Based on your English fluency demonstrated in your post, I think you have the ability to ace the TOEFL easily. SATs are more difficult, though, and maybe you should think about how much time it will take for you to prepare for SATs...then, based on careful analysis, develop a list of priorities, get a calander, and plan out a schedule accordingly.</p>
<p>I'm from Taiwan, by the way, and American college admissions can sometimes be very frightening when seen from thousands of miles away. Ask all the questions you like on CC (there are lots of really nice and helpful people here!), and everything will be, if not easy, at least easier. I'm sorry I can't offer much information... I'm only a high school senior perplexed about college admissions as well...but, in any case, good luck!! :)</p>
<p>Hi Rockao! Nice to hear from you and thanks for the advice. Anyway, how's high school in Taiwan? I'm finishing Fifth Form this dec and will be signing up for a pre-u programme ( A levels/IB). What are your plans? Feel free to contact me via my email. Cheers!</p>
<p>I'd considered applying to US after my O level but many schools does not accept O level (esp the top schools)..Some accept but they said it would put you at a disadvantage. But trinity college (CT) and Purdue do accept O level. But it's recommended you finish your A level. It's just 2 more years and you have alot more options.</p>
<p>btw, there is no undergrad law..It's only offered at grad school so just get into any undergrad school first</p>