For US and UK applicants it is necessary for them to have teachers write references on their behalf.

Usually teachers will cover some or all of the following points:

• your academic performance in IB/A-Levels
• your potential for academic success in higher education
• why the course you have chosen is suited to you
• any personal qualities which will benefit you at university, such as skills, aptitude, enthusiasm
• what you can bring to the university, such as extra-curricular activities and interests.

It’s important that students do the following:

1. DO NOT ask many teachers to write a reference then just try to use the best one(s). It can take several hours to write a good reference and seeing that work wasted will not endear you to teachers!
2. Choose a teacher that knows you well, and preferably within the subject area that you are applying for.
3. Supply the teacher a copy of your personal statement or essay as well as CV. Discuss your achievements, how many languages you speak, etc. Give them something good to work with.
4. Ask for the reference WELL IN ADVANCE. If within a short time frame the teacher may not have time to write you a reference or will write a poor one. So provide plenty of notice.
5. Lastly, show some appreciation. It is not something they must do for you. A teacher can give up several hours of their time to help you out and it is nice to know that effort is appreciated.

Till next time….

 A parent recently raised the issue with me about Law and which qualifications are deemed acceptable for admission to the Malaysian Bar. Some research lead me to a very interesting article here: High time for a new Bar

Apart from bemoaning the standard of new lawyers coming through the system the article lists the appropriate universities and courses, both internationally (mostly UK, Australia and NZ) and within Malaysia. It’s interesting to note that no North American universities are qualified, nor is the law degree in Hong Kong recognised for purposes of admission to the Malaysian Bar. Three universities in Singapore and one in Ireland are also recognised.

For admission requirements for Malaysian citizens studying in Australia or NZ you can read the guidelines or download more information here.

So if you are a Malaysian citizen and looking to practice in Malaysia please do choose your institutions wisely. And study hard too so that you will return with more than “rudimentary legal skills” that are better than “good to grotesque”

For the latest guidelines, please contact the Legal Profession Qualifying Board Malaysia at:

Tel: (603) – 2691 0054 / (603) – 2691 0080
Fax: (603) – 2691 0142

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-22/foreign-students-to-get-visa-incentive/2911346

Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans says the Government is reducing the amount of money students must have in the bank before coming to Australia.

It will also allow students to stay for work experience once they have completed their studies.

Every summer there are numerous pre-college summer possibilities For those heading into Year 12 or Year 13. These can help students develop their abilities, focus their goals and find the path that will lead them on from Uplands.

One such possibility is LeadAmerica, an organisation with whom I have previous experience in China, and their 2012 LeadAmerica National Student Leadership Conferences

Lead America (and a number of other like minded groups) offer outstanding, high-achieving high school students the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and the experience of real college life at some of the top colleges and universities throughout the United States, including Stanford, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, George Washington and many others. LeadAmerica programs are designed to better prepare students academically and emotionally for the transition to college and beyond.

Here are some of the benefits students can enjoy:

• Study abroad at a leading U.S. university
• A competitive advantage when applying for college
• The experience of campus life that helps prepare them for college and beyond
• Exploration of future career paths and the fields they want to study in college
• Development of leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, independence and maturity
• The possibility of some college credit

If you are interested I need to nominate students by Friday, October 21, 2011. Please see me asap.