Something to Ponder: It’s not string of A’s that counts

This is an extract from The Star, Saturday 23 May 2009.

It’s not string of A’s that counts
Foreign universities prefer those who excelled in extra-curricular activities

PETALING JAYA: Foreign universities are looking beyond a string of A’s in SPM as they prefer all-rounders who also excelled in extra-curricular activities.
British Council education director Peter Clack said some British universities were “put off” by the number of A’s which Malaysian students boasted about.
He welcomed the Government’s move to limit the number of subjects students could take in SPM. “It’s quite worrying to see that the academic side is seen as more important than the mental and emotional sides of education. Hence, parents put a lot of emphasis on the exam results. This should be discouraged in any way possible.”
Jerry Tan, general manager of education advisory body Studylink Sdn Bhd, agreed with Clack. “Foreign universities are skeptical about the number of A’s which Malaysian students are achieving. The admission depends a lot on interviews,” he said. He said the universities would offer scholarships to students with 10A’s if they were all-rounders. Tan hoped the Government would end the open certificate practice as local colleges were raising the bar in offering scholarships.
Coordinator of the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (Educational Advising Centre) Doreen John said US universities looked for all-rounders rather than just excellent SPM results. “Were they head prefects before? Did they do something for the community?” she asked.
Generally, US universities require students to sit for entrance examinations after SPM, such as the SAT Reasoning Test, while British and Australian universities require students to complete a foundation course before commencing a degree program.

Note: I wish all policy makers, educators, parents and students in Malaysia read this...