Learning Lifelong Lessons at Taylor’s ADP

Kuching-born George Francis Albert, the Valedictorian for this graduating cohort, sharing the many lessons he learned during his time at Taylor’s.

Taylor’s ADP Summer Commencement Ceremony 2011 saw
135 proud graduates get one step closer to their ‘American Dream’

There was an air of excitement and anticipation as 135 students from Taylor’s University officially graduated from the first phase of their American Degree Transfer Program (ADP), at the ADP Summer Commencement Ceremony 2011.

Present to give away the scrolls to the elated students were His Excellency Ambassador Paul W. Jones, the US Ambassador to Malaysia, and Mr Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Taylor’s University.

Approximately 70 per cent of the students are transferring to American universities ranked in the Top 100 by the US News Ranking 2011, namely Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Michigan Ann-Arbor, New York University, to name a few.

Two students obtained perfect CGPA scores of 4.00 – Michelle Cheng and Gladys Tan Yee Kim, who both garnered the Summa Cum Laude Honour. Michelle was also awarded “Best Business Student”, and both girls will be making their way to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor to study Actuarial Science and Psychology respectively.

Kuching-born George Francis Albert (CGPA 3.94), who was the Valedictorian for the graduating cohort, shared the many useful lessons he learned during his time at Taylor’s.

“The most important thing I learned here would definitely be the life lessons. I learned to take the chances given to me and make the most of them. For example I would not have been standing on stage today if it hadn’t been for an unexpected opportunity I was given to run for Student Council President,” said George, who is heading to University of Wisconsin to pursue Economics.

“Initially, studying at Taylor’s was a ‘culture shock’ to me, as I came from a boarding school environment. But I learned to mingle with people from various cultures and have made some really good friends here,” said Nurfarah Nadiah, who scored an impressive CGPA of 3.91.

Nurfarah, along with her housemate and best friend, Preetha S. Jenarthan (CGPA 3.94), are amongst the 23 Taylor’s ADP students pursuing an Actuarial Science degree in the US.

The Ceremony also saw the outstanding achievements by the sponsored students from the Public Service Department (JPA) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), which saw a total of 35 scholars transfer to universities placed in the Top 100 of the overall US News Ranking in the United States.

Dr Reinier Bouwmeester, Dean of ADP, beamed proudly when speaking about the students’ high achievements.

“We are really proud of what our students have achieved this year! Some of the commencing students this semester have gained entry into the top universities and faculties in the US.

The ADP syllabus enables students to gain a wide range of exposure in different areas, in addition to their chosen majors. From our track record and feedback from universities, our students are well-prepared to adapt to life and the education system at US universities,” he explained.

Many students pursue American degrees for its breadth and flexibility, allowing them to explore a wide array of subjects in both Science and Humanities before choosing a major.

Mr. Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Taylor’s University, who was present at the ceremony said, “Courses like the American Degree Transfer Program (ADP) bridge the gap for our students, after their high school education and before entering an American university.

The beauty of the ADP is that it recognises that even though you may want to be an engineer, you could still have an interest in the arts, and even though you may be studying business, you may also enjoy learning the sciences. So instead of producing “cookie cutter” graduates, the ADP automatically produces students who are “all-rounders” and individuals in their own right.”

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the Taylor’s ADP faculty now operates from a brand new location at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, which allows a more dedicated space for its teaching and learning activities. The staff and students can also enjoy the various facilities and resources available at the new campus, including a wider variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

For more information on pursuing an American education at Taylor’s ADP, call 03-5629 5501, visit www.taylorsadp.edu.my or email [email protected]

Nurfarah Nadiah receiving her scroll from the Dean of Taylor’s ADP, Dr. Reinier Bouwmeester.

The graduating class of Taylor’s ADP, Summer 2011!

About the Taylor’s American Degree Transfer Program

The American Degree Transfer Program at Taylor’s (ADP) is a credit-transfer program that offers courses in the fields of business, actuarial science, engineering, computer science, mass
communication, applied sciences, psychology, and liberal arts. Students complete about half of
the degree requirements in ADP; the other half is completed at the university-of-choice in the U.S. Students must complete about 40 courses over the duration of their studies. About 20 courses are completed in ADP and 20 are completed in the U.S. Since the total duration is four years, students spend about two years in ADP and two years in the U.S. (“2+2” option).

Students can enroll in ADP directly after SPM, ‘O’ Levels or equivalent. It is not required to do a pre-U or foundation program. However, upon enrollment in ADP, students must be focused on their studies from day one in order to successfully transfer to a university in the U.S.

A wide range of majors can be pursued in the above fields of study. While the majority of students transfer to U.S. universities, some students transfer to Canadian and Australian universities.

Another feature of the ADP program is that we have an attractive pathway for students who have the ambition to enroll in an Ivy League university. The majority of Ivy League universities do not accept transfer students. However, numerous ADP students transferred successfully to those Ivy League schools after spending one year in ADP after high school. We refer to that as the “1+4” option.

Tailored to the American learning style, ADP prepares students for a smooth transition to the
flexible and holistic American education system. As such, students are required to take a wide
range of courses (subjects) where they are continuously assessed throughout the semester. They are also expected to actively participate and share their opinions in discussions, assignments and presentations.

Taylor’s ADP celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, and operates from a brand new location at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus.