The Admission Point Score (APS) is a scoring system used by universities in South Africa to assess the academic performance of prospective students. The APS system is designed to provide a standardized measure of a student's academic achievement, allowing universities to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds. The APS score is calculated based on a student's performance in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) examinations.
How the Admission Point Score is Calculated
The APS score is calculated by assigning a point value to each subject grade achieved by the student. The points are allocated as follows: 7 points for a percentage of 80-100%, 6 points for a percentage of 70-79%, 5 points for a percentage of 60-69%, 4 points for a percentage of 50-59%, 3 points for a percentage of 40-49%, 2 points for a percentage of 30-39%, 1 point for a percentage of 20-29%, and 0 points for a percentage below 20%. The points are then added up to give a total APS score out of 42.
Subjects Included in the APS Calculation
The APS score is calculated based on the student’s performance in seven subjects: four compulsory subjects (English, Afrikaans or another language, mathematics or mathematical literacy, and life orientation) and three elective subjects. The compulsory subjects are given a higher weighting in the APS calculation, with English and mathematics or mathematical literacy being given the highest weighting.
| Subject | Weighting |
|---|---|
| English | 3 |
| Afrikaans or another language | 2 |
| Mathematics or mathematical literacy | 3 |
| Life orientation | 1 |
| Elective subject 1 | 2 |
| Elective subject 2 | 2 |
| Elective subject 3 | 2 |
Importance of the Admission Point Score
The APS score plays a significant role in the university admission process in South Africa. Universities use the APS score to determine whether a student meets the minimum admission requirements for a particular program. A higher APS score indicates a stronger academic performance, which can improve a student’s chances of being accepted into their chosen program. Additionally, some universities may use the APS score to determine eligibility for scholarships or bursaries.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Each university sets its own minimum admission requirements, which typically include a minimum APS score. The minimum APS score required for admission to a particular program can vary significantly between universities and programs. For example, a student applying to study medicine may require a minimum APS score of 35, while a student applying to study humanities may require a minimum APS score of 24.
- Minimum APS score for Bachelor's degree programs: 24-30
- Minimum APS score for Diploma programs: 18-24
- Minimum APS score for Certificate programs: 14-18
What is the maximum APS score a student can achieve?
+The maximum APS score a student can achieve is 42, which would require the student to achieve a percentage of 80-100% in all seven subjects.
Can a student appeal their APS score if they feel it is inaccurate?
+Yes, a student can appeal their APS score if they feel it is inaccurate. The student should contact the university's admissions office to discuss the appeal process and provide supporting documentation.
In conclusion, the Admission Point Score is a critical component of the university admission process in South Africa. Students should ensure they understand how the APS score is calculated and the minimum admission requirements for their chosen program. By achieving a strong APS score, students can improve their chances of being accepted into their chosen program and set themselves up for success in their academic and professional careers.
