To the new lower six students,
Congratz and Welcome to Form 6 !! How was orientation? I hope all of you guys had fun, new friends, new environment, and not to mention the new war - the journey to fight for a good place in university.
Many of the lower sixes must feel anxious, anxious and more anxious due to the new syllabus.
My 2 cents opinion, when in doubt, always refer back to the new module given.
Question No 1: can you refer back to senior's notes and older books?
Answer: yes of course. the materials will be pretty similar, other than the slight differences here and there. And not to forget the golden rule, when in doubt, refer back to the new module given.
Question No 2: Many also will asked how to cope with the projects and keep up with the studies.
My suggestion: NEVER keep the projects till the last minute. Repeat after me. NEVER WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE.
Question No 3: Of course, some might ask, if there's a monthly test and a project deadline together and you're screwed, meaning you need to study n hand in the project. (i.e. test and project deadline one after another or on the same day) Which one should you go for?
My suggestion: if the marks from the test is not calculated into your final STPM results, screw it. BUT this does not mean that I suggest you to neglect your test and not study at all. The marks for the projects are taken into the final STPM results immediately, which is why the project will be your priority instead of a monthly test given by teachers in order to see your performance.
Question No 4: What if both tests and projects are taken into the final STPM results
My suggestion: Put up an all nighter, start praying as hard as possible, take the relevant chapters burn it into ashes and drink the water and then start cursing and crying as hard while doing your project.NO I'M KIDDING. This is the worst case scenario, if this happens to you, my condolence.
The real suggestion: Skip School. Yes you didnt read it wrongly, skip school. Wake up the same time you go to school, but instead of going to school, study and finish up the projects. Coffee all day if you need. but remember, whenever there's a test the next day, get good sleep. Nothing beats a good night sleep, waking up fresh, do a quick revise over your short notes and then go to school well prepared with your test and a well done project :)
ps: If there are any teachers reading this, pls dont start scolding me :(
Question No 5: Any tuitions needed?
My suggestion: Personal preference. Of course having tuition means having an 'insured' teacher helping you other than the school teachers. If you think you need tuition, start it early, dont leave it to the last minute because tuition teachers usually finish the syllabus a lot earlier compare to school, as there are no disruptions such as projects/school events. However, you might also be listening to some seniors with good results that strongly advocates self studying and not rely on anyone. Then again, to each his own, not all can study on their own and neither all can learn from tuition. So, whether to take up tuition or not, it is totally up to you.
Question No 6: How to score?
Answer: Very simple. Study consistently and do not procrastinate. Do all your homework everyday and revise daily. Get extra questions from reference books, go through them. Ask your teacher if you dont understand (This is where tuition teachers come in handy, because personally, I'm more comfortable consulting my tuition teacher than school teachers. I dont know why, dont ask me. It has always been like this since primary days) But to be persistent in studies is definitely easier said than done.
