# MARA Junior Science College

MARA Junior Science Colleges (MJSC) (Malay: Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM)), is a network of boarding schools founded by the People's Trust Council (PTC) (Malay: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)), a Malaysian governmental organization. These schools offer educational resources for students across various regions in Malaysia.

## Criticism

Critics of MRSM have raised concerns regarding its historical lack of inclusivity, stemming from its initial exclusivity to bumiputera students and the subsequent introduction of a modest quota (10%) for non-bumiputera students. This exclusivity has been viewed as potentially at odds with Malaysia's aspirations for a more inclusive educational landscape.
Additionally, there have been allegations of elitism, with some asserting that MRSMs may disproportionately benefit students from more privileged backgrounds, potentially exacerbating socio-economic inequalities. The curriculum has also faced scrutiny, with suggestions that an emphasis on science and mathematics may overshadow other essential subjects, potentially limiting the breadth of students' educational experiences.
Concerns have further been raised about resource allocation and facilities, particularly in rural MRSMs, highlighting disparities between different campuses. Furthermore, MRSM opts to allocate resources away from hostel provisions, prioritizing the enhancement of facilities showcased to school visitors.

## History

The inaugural MRSM was founded in Seremban in February 1972, welcoming its pioneer intake of 150 students, exclusively male, from across Malaysia. MJSC Seremban ceased admitting students in 1986 and transitioned gradually into Kolej MARA Seremban, a process completed officially in February 1994.

## Academic system

Students are primarily assessed through a system similar to the grading systems in universities and/or colleges: the grade point average (GPA) (Malay: Purata Nilaian Gred (PNG) system. By the end of their final semesters, they will be awarded a certificate of graduation for those who succeeded to pass with at least a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (Malay: Timbunan Purata Nilaian Gred (TPNG)) of 3.50 and above.
MRSMs adhere to the conventional academic progression structure prevalent in Malaysia, wherein students advance sequentially from Year 7 (referred to as Form 1) through Year 11 (Form 5) based on age, without a mechanism for transitional advancement based on individual capabilities. While the majority of MRSMs operate across all levels from Form 1 to Form 5, three MRSMs exclusively offer Forms 4 and 5. As of 2015, there are no MRSMs solely dedicated to Forms 1 to 3. Formerly restricted to lower forms, several MRSMs, including MRSM Pasir Tumboh and MRSM Gerik, commenced admitting students for Form 4 in 2015, subsequently sitting for the SPM examination in 2016.
Regular MRSM applicants take the Form 3 Assessment (Malay: Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3)) exam and the Malaysian Education Certificate (Malay: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)) national examinations, whereby IGCSE adhering MRSMs will take the IGCSE exam by Form 4.
Students who started from Form 1 can continue their studies in MRSM until Form 5 in the same college or by transferring to another college. MRSM implemented Dual Language Programme (DLP) but the medium of teaching is mostly conducted in English.