After the initial thrill of getting more than an average result for both my girl�fs SRM and STPM results, the worries now turn to getting into a place in a good local University or what students now refer to as Institut Pelajaran Tinggi Awam or IPTA. If you asked me what that stood for 2 weeks ago, I would have shook my head in ignorance. One thing I knew was PTPTN. Though I have no ides what it meant, I know it has something to do with getting a Government loan. Things have changed. The last time my eldest daughter applied, she has to go to the BSN to buy the application forms. Now they have to do it online. My eldest applied everything together. Her loan and her place in U. When she got her place, the cheque for the initial payment came together with all her necessary documents. Now it seems they have to get into the University first before they can apply for the PTPTN and the new regulation is they must have a joint bank account with with the parents in CIMB to apply. I don�ft know if any other banks are recognised though. Looks to me like it has became more complicated than before. Private colleges are not letting any opportunites passed either. Two days after the results were announced, my daughter started getting brochures from various private institutes. Some even called personally. Makes them look real cheap if you ask me. I mean, if you are so reputable, why do you need to canvass for students? A particular one that has many young girls clamoring for is an Institute that claims to train you to be an Air Stewardess. They give the impression that if you enrol, you are guaranteed to get a job as an air stewardess. My niece fell for it 2 years ago and now that she had �ggraduated�h, you want to know what she is doing? Selling hand-phones in a shopping center. So my advise for those who has just completed their SPM and STPM, pergi buat permohonan IPTA and PTPTN. Don�ft think of becoming an Air Stewardess.