THE transition from the familiar halls of secondary school to the world of higher education is a daunting leap for many high school leavers.
For Myra Liew Jia Wen, this leap was literal as she travelled from Miri, Sarawak, to the bustling city of Subang Jaya in Selangor.
Today, Liew is currently in her second semester of the Bachelor of Medicine at the University College Dublin (UCD).
Her successful transition into one of the world’s most prestigious medical schools was not a matter of luck, but the result of a deliberate choice to pursue the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) pathway at Taylor’s College.
Liew believes that enrolling in the programme provided her with the academic rigour and holistic support to unlock doors to a global education.
“I chose Taylor’s College because I believed in the academic quality and student support, which I knew of through my sister’s positive experience in the same programme,” she said.
Strong foundation
When Liew first arrived at Taylor’s College, her goals were clear: develop her independence and get into medical school.
She chose AUSMAT specifically for its unique assessment structure, which balances 70% school-based continuous assessments with 30% external examinations.
“I decided to enrol in AUSMAT because it focuses on developing critical thinking and analytical skills, which would prepare me for university. The programme was challenging, but it encouraged independent learning and deeper understanding.
“Some assignments allowed us to research different topics, which helped me develop strong research and analytical skills and prepared me for the demands of medical school,” she said.
Supportive ecosystem
Success in a high-stakes field like medicine requires more than just high grades; it takes a village.
At Taylor’s College, this village comprises dedicated academics and the institution’s comprehensive University Placement Services (UPS).
Liew was grateful for the support she received from her lecturers, especially as it was her first time living away from home.
“It was both exciting and challenging. My lecturers were always approachable, supportive and ready to help whenever I needed guidance. Over time, I was able to build a small community with friends and lecturers, which made adjusting much easier.
“That sense of connection helped me settle in and made my experience truly memorable,” she said.
Many of her lecturers also went the extra mile to support her medical school applications by writing letters of recommendation.
In addition, the UPS counsellors acted as strategic navigators, guiding her through complex university applications and helping her craft a compelling personal statement and resume to ensure she was a competitive candidate for top-tier institutions.
“The guidance and resources they provided gave me a clearer idea of how to present myself in my applications, and helped me gain confidence in planning my path forward,” she said.
“In the next five years, my goal is to graduate from medical school and continue developing. I hope to become a competent and compassionate doctor who is always willing to learn and improve.”
For more information, head over to Taylor’s Open Days on March 14-15 or visit https://college.taylors.edu.my/en/study/explore-all-programmes/school-of-pre-university-studies/pre-university/australian-matriculation.html.
