Deciding Your Stream

Deciding on which stream to go into is hard because frankly speaking most of us don't know jack about any of the streams when we're Form 4.  Malaysians' general perception of the streams can be summarised pretty easily:

• Science- Geniuses
• Arts & Sains Sukan & all vocational streams- Academically weak
• Accounts- Future accountants
• Other- Got some more meh?

Well, if that's what you thought please throw it out the window.

Why? Because it's complete bull and it'll cause you more harm than good.

You're doing it wrong Squidward. 

To find out what stream you're suited for, you've gotta ask yourself a few important questions.

1. What course/major do you wanna take in university?

• Pure Science stream
  Medicine, Engineering, Pure Sciences, etc etc. Though to be really honest, if you take the science stream you can practically enter any course or stream(if you go Form 6) later on which is why most people recommend taking it.

• Arts stream
  Law, Economics, Psychology, etc etc.

• Accounts stream(sometimes paired with science stream)
  Accountancy

• Sports Science/Sains Sukan stream
  Kinesiology

• Engineering Blueprint Drawing/Lukisan Kejuruteraan
  Architecture

• Food Science
  Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Event Management

• Information and Communication Technologies stream(ICT)
  Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering

If you're unsure of what course you wanna take in university then start thinking about it now because it's always better to start planning earlier.

***Obviously, there are more course options for each stream but I only listed the ones with direct correlation to the stream. Also, there are actually more streams(e.g: vocational and technical school stream) than what I have listed here but I cannot possibly list them all as I do not have enough info on them. If there are more that you know of, please tell me in the comments with a short description if possible. ***

2. What's your ambition?  How sure are you that that's what you want to do?

There are two types of people and you have to know which group/category you fall into BEFORE you decide on your stream.

GROUP 1: 

You're one of those people who've known what they want to do with their life since they were in their mother's womb. Okay, that's an exaggeration but you know what I mean. 

Advice

Take the stream that best suits your ambition/passion. 

You're sure of what you want to do so don't let the naysayers bring you down.

GROUP 2: 

You're like me and you have absolutely no idea what you want to do OR you have an idea of what you want to do but you're really sure about yet.

Advice

Take the the Pure Science stream if you think you can handle it and by handle it I mean that you think you can at least pass all the subjects. If you don't think you'll be able to cope with the science stream then take the Arts stream. 

3. How did you do in PMR/PT3?

You have to be realistic in picking your stream. What do I mean by that? For example, if you failed Science and Maths I don't think you should be entering the Pure Science stream. 

If you can't handle Science as a single subject then taking three separate science subjects will kill you. 

That is unless you are willing to put in the effort to do well. You will have to work harder than everyone else because your foundation/basics are weaker. If you really want to then by all means enter the science stream but remember to work hard and smart. If you ever need any help/advice feel free to comment or contact me using the contact box.

No matter what stream you choose I wish you the best of luck!