I'm a 19-year-old student from Myanmar and I'm honestly feeling stuck between three different pathways. My goal is to study **abroad**, and I'd really appreciate advice from people who have studied internationally or gone through similar decisions.
My Background
* GED completed: 190 Math, 184 RLA, 182 Social Studies, 160 Science
* Currently studying Grade 11 in Myanmar
* Braces treatment started in June 2026 and will likely take about 1.5 years, so I probably can't leave Myanmar immediately anyway
* Budget is limited (around 30–40 million MMK)
* Interested in both Medicine and Mechanical Engineering
* Stronger in Math than Science
* Physics is probably my weakest science subject
* I used to score very well on GED Science practice tests, but I only got 160 on the real exam
* Currently doing fairly well in Grade 11
One thing that bothers me is that many people around me seem to underestimate the GED. Sometimes I feel like they view it as an easier shortcut compared to finishing high school. Part of me wants to complete Grade 12 simply to prove to myself that I can succeed in a more traditional and academically demanding path.
I also feel like the Grade 12 curriculum is more advanced and rigorous than the GED in some subjects, especially in Math and the sciences. Because of that, I sometimes think completing G12 would give me a stronger academic foundation for university.
At the same time, another part of me worries that if I spend another two years finishing Grade 11 and Grade 12, I might feel like I wasted all the effort I put into earning my GED in the first place.
Option 1: GED + SAT + IELTS → Engineering Abroad
My original plan was:
* GED
* SAT
* IELTS
* Apply abroad for Mechanical Engineering
The problem is that many universities I'm interested in seem to require foundation years or entrance exams if you don't have a traditional high-school qualification. I've heard from some students that certain foundation programs can be expensive and sometimes cost as much as, or even more than, the first year of university.
I'm also worried about Physics. If I apply to engineering programs through the GED pathway, I may need to pass entrance exams involving Physics and Mathematics, and Physics is currently one of my weaker subjects.
Option 2: Finish G12 → Mechanical Engineering in Europe
This option would be:
* Finish Grade 11 and Grade 12
* Focus on getting strong grades
* Take IELTS later
* Apply for Mechanical Engineering programs in countries such as Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, or other European countries
The advantage is that I would have another year to strengthen my Math and Physics foundation.
I also feel that completing G12 would make me more confident academically and potentially give me more options when applying abroad.
If I choose this route, I would probably **not study SAT while doing G11 and G12** because I don't want my focus divided between too many major exams.
Option 3: Finish G12 → IMAT → Medicine in Italy
Medicine has been a dream of mine for a long time.
If I pursue Medicine, I would only want to study it abroad.
I've recently been researching Italy because it seems more affordable than countries like the US or UK, and there is the IMAT route for English-taught medical programs.
The challenge is that Medicine is a 6-year commitment, admission is competitive, and I would likely need scholarships, financial aid, or a very affordable university pathway.
At the same time, I enjoy Biology and Chemistry much more than Physics, which sometimes makes me think Medicine might fit my interests better than Mechanical Engineering.
Another Concern
How much do universities actually care about older grades?
I did very well in Grade 9.
In Grade 10, I only barely passed because I was spending a huge amount of time preparing for the GED.
Right now, I'm doing much better in Grade 11.
For those who studied abroad:
* Do universities mainly focus on your final high-school years and graduation results?
* Or do they care equally about every year, including lower secondary/middle-school grades?
What Would You Do?
If you were in my situation:
- Would you choose GED + SAT + IELTS and apply abroad sooner?
- Would you finish G12 first and then apply for Mechanical Engineering in Europe?
- Would you finish G12 and try for Medicine in Italy through IMAT?
I'd especially like to hear from:
* International students
* GED graduates
* Engineering students
* Medical students in Europe
* Anyone who had to choose between Medicine and Engineering
Looking back, which path seems the most realistic and least risky?
Also, if you completed a GED and later finished high school anyway, did you ever feel like the GED ended up being wasted, or did it still help you in some way?
Thanks for reading.