User:TheodoreForsythe
Is It Possible for Students from Small Towns to Succeed in the STIS Exam? A Personal Story and Study Tips
When people talk about the STIS entrance exam, many immediately think, “Oh, that’s just for city kids who have easy access to tutoring, plenty of teachers, and abundant books.”
I had that same perception at first.
Resources in my small East Javanese town were scarce and limiting.
Eventually, I learned that these obstacles shouldn’t hold me back.
Ironically, the scarcity made me more determined to succeed.
What Makes STIS So Attractive?
STIS consistently ranks as a top choice for students aiming for government-related careers.
Because it is run by the Statistics Bureau (BPS), its graduates enjoy guaranteed employment opportunities.
Parents—mine included—see STIS as a pathway to guaranteed success.
A study by UI highlights that official government colleges attract students with their strong academics and reliable career paths.
It’s natural that each year thousands of students fight for a very small number of places.
Challenges of Studying in a Small Town
To be frank, studying for the STIS exam in a small town is really tough.
Access to quality test prep is often centered in urban areas.
Library collections in small towns are usually insufficient.
Internet access is inconsistent: fast at times, sluggish most of the time.
At first, I tried studying with my old high school textbooks, some even torn.
The result? Matching STIS-style problems was nearly impossible.
Especially with advanced math and quantitative logic sections.
According to Wibowo (2020) at UGM, lack of educational resources is a key barrier for rural students in exams.
I personally went through that situation.
How to Catch Up?
Thankfully, online resources have become more available.
My introduction was to BelajarCPNS.com, a site hosting realistic STIS practice exams.
Through those tryouts I found my main problems: math fundamentals and English.
Afterward, I tried private lessons via NgajarPrivat.com.
They explained calmly, even breaking things down with simple analogies.
According to Bloom (1984), private tutoring can double academic effectiveness compared to group classes.
I personally felt the difference.
As reinforcement, I attended intensive prep from LapakGuruPrivat.com.
Their main aim was teaching quick problem-solving strategies.
When studying alone, I often wasted time stuck on a single question.
Here, the training emphasized understanding patterns rather than merely memorizing answers.
What’s the Difference Between Studying Alone and with a Community?
Studying alone sometimes leads to frustration.
When stuck on certain questions, I became demotivated.
That motivated me to participate in an online forum on KoncoSinau.id.
In the forum, I connected with friends from across the country.
It was almost like building a new family circle.
At times they exchanged shortcut methods, at other times motivating words.
And that helped a lot.
Rahmawati (2019) from UNY proved that group learning raises motivation levels by about 35%.
I definitely felt that impact.
What Should You Practice for the STIS Entrance Exam?
Based on my journey, three pillars of practice are non-negotiable.
Core and advanced math—it’s the backbone of Les STIS Online.
English—many ignore it, but it can make or break acceptance.
The academic potential test, testing logic and fast response.
I usually divided time: morning for math, afternoon for English, night for APT.
The schedule wasn’t rigidly smooth, but discipline mattered.
Duckworth (2016, Harvard) proved grit—persistent effort—matters more than pure talent.
That’s why, though tiring, I kept at it consistently.
Are Tryouts Really Important?
Without question.
At first I doubted, but after several tryouts at BelajarCPNS.com, I realized simulations are vital.
They teach not only solving but pacing.
Means and colleagues (2013) proved that simulations raise performance thanks to familiarity with the test environment.
So don’t just study theory, practice CAT regularly.
What If You Feel Mentally Down?
Many experience this.
Mostly when tryout scores turn out disappointing.
It made me want to surrender.
Gradually, I accepted not blaming myself excessively.
Advice from my tutor stuck with me: “Focus on growth, not comparisons.”
That advice stayed with me.
To keep my spirits up, I returned to my friends at KoncoSinau.id.
Sometimes just venting lightened my heart.
So, Can Rural Students Pass STIS?
The conclusion: definitely yes.
I’m not from a big city, but with tutoring, online tryouts, intensive courses, and peer support, it became achievable.
Yes, it takes more work, but it’s not hopeless.
NgajarPrivat.com helped me understand difficult materials.
LapakGuruPrivat.com offered me unique tricks to solve questions.
BelajarCPNS.com gave me authentic tryout practice.
KoncoSinau.id lifted me with peer motivation.
The combination of these four factors built my confidence.
