Is Passing the STIS Entrance Test Possible for Kids Outside Big Cities? My Experience and Lessons Learned
image url="https://freestocks.org/fs/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/household_cleaning_products_6-1024x683.jpg"The moment STIS is mentioned, people often assume it’s only for students in major cities with good tutoring centers, excellent teachers, and endless resources.
image url="https://freestocks.org/fs/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/household_cleaning_products_3-1024x683.jpg"I had that same perception at first.
Resources in my small East Javanese town were scarce and limiting.
Later, I discovered that being limited in resources is not a valid reason to give up.
Instead, they became fuel for me to push harder.
What Makes STIS So Attractive?
STIS has long been known as a highly desirable government-affiliated university.
The link with BPS makes career security after graduation highly attractive.
For most families, STIS represents both prestige and job certainty.
Santoso (2021) from the University of Indonesia found that state service campuses are appealing because they combine education quality with guaranteed careers.
No wonder thousands compete every year for the limited seats.
Challenges of Studying in a Small Town
To be frank, studying for the STIS exam in a small town is really tough.
Famous prep courses are usually only available in big cities.
Libraries? Their collections are limited.
The internet connection is unstable—sometimes fine, sometimes very slow.
Initially, I relied on my worn-out high school books to prepare.
The consequence? Practicing real STIS-level questions became almost impossible.
It became particularly tough with math beyond basics and logic tests.
According to Wibowo (2020) at UGM, lack of educational resources is a key barrier for rural students in exams.
I experienced that firsthand.
How to Catch Up?
Thankfully, online resources have become more available.
I came across BelajarCPNS.com, offering CAT-like STIS simulations.
That’s when I learned my weak spots—elementary mathematics and English.
Later, I joined online tutoring from NgajarPrivat.com.
They explained calmly, even breaking things down with simple analogies.
Bloom (1984) found that one-on-one tutoring can be twice as effective as large classroom learning.
I personally felt the difference.
For further study, I participated in special programs at LapakGuruPrivat.com.
Their main aim was teaching quick problem-solving strategies.
During self-study, I easily got trapped overthinking one problem.
Here, the training emphasized understanding patterns rather than merely memorizing answers.
What’s the Difference Between Studying Alone and with a Community?
Solo studying frequently results in frustration.
When stuck on certain questions, I became demotivated.
Because of that, I sought out a peer-learning group on KoncoSinau.id.
I found fellow students from many areas.
It felt as if I had gained a whole new family.
Sometimes they shared quick tricks for solving questions, other times just encouragement.
That support was extremely useful.
Peer learning, according to Rahmawati’s 2019 study, raises motivation as high as 35%.
The effect was real in my case.
What Should You Practice for the STIS Entrance Exam?
In my view, there are three main things every candidate must train.
Core and advanced math—it’s the backbone of STIS.
English – don’t underestimate it, scores here often matter.
TPA/aptitude section—logic combined with time pressure.
My habit was structured: early math, later English, evening aptitude.
Though not perfect, consistent effort showed results.
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?
Absolutely.
At first I doubted, but after several tryouts at BelajarCPNS.com, I realized simulations are vital.
Tryouts aren’t only about content but also time control.
Means and colleagues (2013) proved that simulations raise performance thanks to familiarity with the test environment.
Thus, beyond theory, consistent CAT practice is crucial.
What If You Feel Mentally Down?
This happens often.
Usually after bad results in simulations.
It made me want to surrender.
But over time, I trained myself to ease up.
My tutor once said: “Stop comparing yourself. Progress matters more than competition.”
That advice stayed with me.
I relied on my KoncoSinau.id group for emotional support.
Simply sharing eased the pressure.
So, Can Rural Students Pass STIS?
The truth: it’s very possible.
I didn’t live in a city, yet using tutoring, online CAT, and peer forums, I succeeded.
The path is tougher, but not unachievable.
NgajarPrivat.com clarified challenging topics for me.
LapakGuruPrivat.com offered me unique tricks to solve questions.
BelajarCPNS.com became my CAT practice ground.
Support came from KoncoSinau.id’s community.
The combination of these four factors built my confidence.
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