Cambridge A Level: Taylor's College Propels Students To Elite Universities

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29 Nov 2024

7 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Higher education is a transformative journey that brings both challenges and opportunities for growth, which most students pursuing pre-university studies or an undergraduate degree experience as part of their academic and personal development.

 

While excelling in studies can possibly be challenging at times, it is often the unspoken aspects that nobody talks about, like navigating university applications or brushing up your CV, that often creep up on you.

 

Recognising this, Taylor's College offers support to students through both teaching and support staff, fostering a nurturing environment.

 

This has enabled students to excel and thrive at some of the world's most prestigious universities. We sat down with Wardina Wafin Mohd Nizam, who is studying Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics, and Rameeya Ganesan, pursuing Economics at the University of Cambridge, to ask how studying at Taylor’s College helped prepare them for university life in more ways than one.

Portrait of Wardina

Wardina Wafin Mohd Nizam
Accounting & Finance, London School of Economics

Portrait of Rameeya

Rameeya Ganesan, Economics at the University of Cambridge

Q: Out of the many options for private education, what was it that ultimately drew you to Taylor's College?

W: While many colleges boast excellent academic records, what truly drew me to Taylor's College was the overall ambience of the campus. The harmonious blend of modern facilities with natural surroundings created an inspiring environment that motivated me to strive for even greater success.

 

R: I loved the diverse community Taylor's College offered as we got the chance not only to mingle with various Malaysians from all over the country, but with people from across the globe.

Q: How did Taylor's College not only meet, but exceed your expectations?

Wardina and her campus friends and lecturer

W: While I was well aware of Taylor's College's strong academic reputation, I initially had some reservations about what to expect from the lecturers when transitioning from boarding school to college. I assumed that, unlike my boarding school teachers, the lecturers may not be as approachable or supportive, given that college students are often expected to be more independent.

 

To my surprise, the lecturers at Taylor's College exceeded my expectations. They were not only incredibly helpful but also willing to go above and beyond to provide academic support whenever needed. For instance, they would even organise online classes in the evenings to help students work through particularly challenging questions. This level of dedication made a significant difference in my learning experience and showed me how committed they were to our success.

 

R: Firstly, the community at Taylor's College is very welcoming, from lecturers to peers. Everyone made me feel comfortable and happy throughout my time there as they were always there for me when I needed them. I also loved the ambience at Taylor's College with their open concept, greenery, and scenic views. In particular, the scenic view by the lake was my most favourite location in the entire campus, as that is the place I seek when I need to unwind and take a break.

 

Aside from that, this dream to apply to such a prestigious university didn't really hit me until I came to Taylor's College. But one of my lecturers here recognised my potential and believed in me more than I ever did - she was the reason why I applied in the first place, my psychology lecturer Miss Sonika. Sometimes, for us to reach our fullest potential we need a supportive environment to grow and thrive, and Taylor's College gave me that environment.

Q: When you ran into difficulties, how did Taylor's College's support structure help you to overcome it?

W: Living in the Taylor's on-campus hostel provided me with a strong support system that made the transition from boarding school much smoother. The residence offered various social activities that helped me feel more at home, such as "Cuppa Time", an arts and crafts session organised by the Student Resident Council. Additionally, they hosted free weekly breakfasts. These activities not only allowed me to connect with other students but also created a welcoming and supportive community.

 

R: Starting with a pure science background in high school and taking up new subjects during A-Levels such as economics and psychology was particularly difficult in the beginning as it was nothing like I had done before. However, the reason that I was able to score A*’s in these subjects was because of the unwavering support and guidance of my lecturers.

Q: How did Taylor's College staff make a difference in your education experience?

W: Every month, the University Placement Services (UPS) at Taylor's College provides an event calendar filled with activities for students to participate in. The virtual talks by university representatives, in particular, were invaluable in helping me make a well-informed decision about my university choice. The UPS staff were also incredibly helpful and efficient in addressing my inquiries, especially regarding my personal statement and Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application.

 

My journey at Taylor's College has been a transformative experience, shaping me into a more mature and independent individual. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study at Taylor's College because it has taught me so much more than what is found in textbooks. As I prepare to embark on my university journey, I will carry these invaluable lessons with me, confident that they have laid a solid foundation for my future endeavours.

 

R: UPS guided me through every step of my university application. I like how they assigned every student their own counsellor to help with any of our doubts regarding our university application.

 

My experience at Taylor's College also taught me how to be more independent. Our lecturers taught us everything we needed to know in class and gave us the liberty to take control of our own academic journey. Thus, I learnt how to take the initiative to be more proactive by finding resources on my own and seeking my lecturers' guidance by consistently scheduling consultations to clear my doubts. I also learnt how to manage my time well between academics and extracurriculars. This helped me ensure that I remained on track with my studies and at the same time, not miss out on the fun stuff. This made my journey at Taylor's truly a memorable one.

Q: As universities around the globe shift towards preferring all-rounders rather than just studying automatons, how did Taylor's College help shape that aspect?

W: Taylor's College offers a wide variety of clubs and societies, so you're sure to find at least one that matches your interests. Participating in these activities allows you to meet new people, join various events, and naturally develop your communication skills. Additionally, joining clubs related to your major can help strengthen your university application by demonstrating your passion and commitment to your chosen field. Taylor's College is also incredibly supportive when it comes to crafting an effective personal statement. They host specialised workshops designed to help students create compelling personal statements for entry into top universities.

 

R: Taylor’s College gave me an opportunity to be a part of a wide range of clubs and societies where we got to hone our soft skills I was particularly active in Taylor's Bursa Young Investors Club in which I was the director of design. This experience helped me step out of my comfort zone as I learnt new skills and met new people. Our lecturers also encouraged us to join various competitions. I joined the London School of Economics Student Union's case study competition with my classmates. This experience taught us to utilise our economic knowledge in real world settings such as policy making. It was such an interesting experience as it helped build our confidence, presentation skills as well as research skills which are crucial for life at university.

Q: What are your plans once you've completed higher education and how do you see your journey as a working professional?

W: Upon completing my studies, I plan to return to Malaysia and am eager to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of my beloved country, knowing that this is a goal that requires both passion and hard work. I am excited about the prospect of working with a company that plays a vital role in Malaysia's progress and prosperity. By contributing my skills and dedication, I hope to support our nation's continued advancement, leveraging the education and experiences I have gained to bring about positive change.

 

R: I'm truly looking forward to working in the banking industry as I will be able to use my knowledge and skills as an economist for a good cause, which is to serve my nation by ensuring the monetary and financial stability of our beloved country. My vision is also to inspire more Malaysians to go after their dreams and pursue their education at world class universities because we Malaysians do have what it takes to be the best among the best. As my life motto goes, believe in yourself, put in the effort to reach unimaginable heights and inspire others to do the same.

This article originally appeared on The Edge Malaysia website. A similar version of the content is also available on SAYS.

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