Clovers & Roses

The time has finally come for me to decide which pathway I want for my impending future. But before I get ahead of myself, I should start with the beginning.

Firstly, my results were released a few weeks back and to say that I am happy with it is completely untrue. I definitely expected more for my Biology and Chemistry. I expected at least one A or something but I got only B's for my three subjects. Disappointing but oh well, life goes on.

As disappointing as my results were, I am grateful that at least I manage to get the minimum requirements for Pharmacy. At least I still have a shot at doing the course.

Naturally, after getting results, the application process comes next. It was not much different for myself. Right after I got my results, I was busy filling up application forms and arranging time for me to go to the prospective university's campus.

The question now would be:
Where did I apply to?

It was pretty straight forward I suppose for my case. I didn't need to think about overseas and visa and whatnot. An overseas education was not written in the plan for me so I just applied for local programs. Those that offered 4 years done locally. At a reasonable price range too. I guess a part of me does wish an overseas education was part of my education plan but sometimes things just aren't meant to be. I settled with what I can have here. And I picked two universities to apply to.

#1. IMU (International Medical University)

The name of this university itself screams what kind of courses they offer. It goes without saying that IMU is one of the pioneer and renowned universities when it came to health sciences. They have practically everything you can think of when it comes to health sciences. You name it, they most probably will have it.

Like the rest of my class who are planning to study locally or twinning, IMU was the top on their list. Because everyone thinks IMU is the best university to go to when you want to be a doctor or a pharmacist or a chiropractor or a medical biotechnologist or a nutritionist or a nurse or a Chinese medicine specialist and etc. So you get my point.

Frankly speaking, I am not one of them whom puts IMU on the top of my list. I mean at first yeah it sounded pretty prestigious and all that. But after visiting the campus and thinking more about it I changed my perspective in regards to IMU.

 Sure people will say looks are deceiving and I cannot just judge a university's prestige based on the outlook of its' campus. But how many know that IMU selects students based on their results? Whereby those who have the strings of A's are prioritized whereas those who achieve the minimum requirements are considered last. If that is how they are selecting students then all that glory and achievements aren't exactly the work of the lecturers.

The logic is this: You select a bunch of top quality brains and what do you expect the outcome to be? Obviously they will produce the outstanding results that they do. That's because they have the brains and capabilities.

Nevertheless, I submitted my application for IMU as well as paid the RM150 processing fee. The next step was just sit my ass down and wait. Wait to see if I will be offered a place in their limited seats intake.


#2. Taylor's University

My second choice gave me even more drama and complications. Basically, the whole entire universe, or at least the one that I revolve in, has this mega unshakable impression that the Taylor's name equals a huge shitload of money when it comes to education. Yes I do agree at some certain level but for the course that I intend to do, it is cheaper than option #1. And it's not like a few hundred bucks cheaper. We're talking about a few grand cheaper.

Then there's the issue of how new the course is. Yes I know it's a risk applying to go to a university whose course doesn't even have one graduation batch but honestly these days there are so many other universities out there offering the same course without a graduating class either. I mean you are living under a rock if you didn't notice how many universities suddenly appear offering courses in health sciences. At least I am applying into a reputable university that has been there for decades. Although it is not as established in the field of Pharmacy.

Looking through the course, graduating from here I will get two certificates. One, a degree in Pharmacy awarded by Taylor's and two, a diploma in Pharmaceutical Studies awarded by Cardiff University. I'd like to think that getting two certificates and one being awarded by a university in the UK is more valuable compared to a single certificate awarded by the local university itself.

The same as option #1, I paid the processing fee/interview fee of RM200 (Yes I actually HAD an interview for this university unlike option #1). I scheduled the interview and I was good to go. Although the company I had with me at that time showed complete disapproval with me submitting my application. I mean I didn't hear the words uttered but I certainly saw the frown of disapproval and the flash of annoyance reflected in the eyes when I took charge and decided to go ahead and submit the application and pay the fee.

*****
So that was basically my application process post-results day. Nothing huge or major but still something.

And I know my family, both intermediate and extended, are in total judgmental mode right now with the choice I made. I am pretty sure they are all trying to get me to go to another university. Everyone is like psycho-ing my decision. What's worse is they are saying to my ever gullible mum. Not that I am trying to insult anyone. I'm just stating my thoughts and opinions here.