How Can I Increase My APS

How Can I Increase My APS: Expert Tips for Success

If you are planning to study at a university or college in South Africa, your Admission Point Score (APS) is an important part of the application process. This score is calculated based on your final matric results and helps institutions determine if you meet the entry requirements for a particular course. A higher APS gives you a better chance of being accepted into your preferred programme and opens the door to more study opportunities.

Many students find that their initial APS does not meet the minimum requirements for the course they want to pursue. Fortunately, there are practical ways to improve your score. Whether you are still in school, recently completed matric, or have been out of school for a while, there are steps you can take to raise your APS. These include rewriting specific subjects, enrolling in an adult matric programme, or completing a bridging course to strengthen your academic foundation.

Improving your APS takes time and commitment, but it is a realistic goal for anyone willing to put in the effort. By taking the right steps and focusing on subjects where you can achieve better marks, you can increase your chances of gaining admission into higher education. This article will guide you through the options available and help you make informed decisions about your academic future.

What Is an APS Score?

APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a number calculated from a student’s final matric results and is used by universities and colleges in South Africa to determine if a student qualifies for a specific course. Each subject in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) is given a point value based on the percentage the student achieved. These points are added to give a total APS, reflecting the student’s overall academic performance.

The APS helps institutions compare applicants fairly, regardless of which school they attended. It provides a standardised way to assess academic readiness for higher education. This scoring system was introduced to create a consistent method for evaluating matric results across all institutions. In the past, universities used different criteria to assess students, which sometimes made the admissions process unclear or uneven.

The APS system changed that by offering a clear, structured, and fair way to measure and compare results. Having a good APS is important, as it determines the range of courses you can apply for and your chances of being accepted into your chosen field of study.

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Why Is APS Important?

A student’s Admission Point Score (APS) plays an important role for several reasons:

• University Admission:

The APS is used to assess whether a student meets the entry requirements for a particular university or course. Without the minimum APS, a student may not be considered for admission.

• Improves Chances of Acceptance:

The higher a student’s APS, the better their chances of being accepted into competitive programmes. A strong APS can set one applicant apart from others.

• Guides Post-School Planning:

The APS also helps students understand what options are available after matric. It gives a clear picture of which courses or institutions they qualify for, making it easier to plan their next steps.

Ways to Improve Your APS| How Can I Increase My APS

If your Admission Point Score (APS) is not high enough for the course you are aiming for, there are practical steps you can take to improve it. Below are some strategies to help boost your score:

• Enrol in an Adult Education Matric Upgrade

If you want to improve your marks significantly or if you have been out of school for a while, an adult matric programme could be a great option. These centres offer classes, learning support, and structured preparation to help you succeed.

• Work With a Tutor or Take Extra Lessons

Getting extra help through tutoring can make a big difference, especially in subjects where you struggle. A tutor can help explain concepts clearly, build your confidence, and help you gain the extra marks needed to raise your APS.

• Rewrite Subjects You Performed Poorly In

You can rewrite the matric subjects to improve your results. Many learners choose to take supplementary exams to boost their marks. Higher scores in key subjects directly increase your overall APS.

• Take a Bridging Course

Bridging courses are designed to help students meet the minimum requirements for specific university programmes. They offer focused subject training that prepares you for further study and improves your understanding of difficult material.

• Focus on Subjects With the Most Room for Improvement

Look at your results and identify the subjects where you can achieve better marks. Improving your highest-potential subjects can lead to a noticeable increase in your total APS. Even a small improvement in one or two subjects can make a big difference.

What Does Matric Rewrite Mean?

The Matric Rewrite course was designed to give students the chance to rewrite the subjects they wish to do better in or the subjects they were unsuccessful.

Once you have completed the course and you have written the exams, you could have your Matric certificates combined. You will not be able to combine your certificates if you pass with a bachelor’s Degree pass.

What Are The Requirements For The Matric Rewrite Course?

These are the requirements for the Matric Rewrite course:

• You will need to be 21 years or older
• Speak, read, and write in English
• Matric certificate

What Does Matric Upgrade Mean

The Matric Upgrade course was created to provide students with an opportunity to improve the grades they earned throughout their Matric year. You will be able to combine your National Senior Certificate with your Amended Senior Certificate if you decide to enhance some of your topics. You will have a single Matric certificate in this manner.

Also, you cannot combine your credentials if you did not complete a bachelor’s degree. The results from your rewrite will be on your Amended Senior Certificate, and the results from your original examination will be on your National Senior Certificate.

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What Conditions Must Be Met To Enrol In The Matric Upgrade Course?

You must fulfil the following criteria to be eligible for the Matric Upgrade course:

• Grade 9 certificate or an equivalent certificate
• Matric results
• Be 21 years or older before the May/June exam season

APS Calculator| How Can I Increase My APS

Your Admission Point Score (APS) is a way to measure how well you performed in your National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams and how your results align with the entry requirements for a specific programme.
The APS is calculated out of a maximum of 600 points. This calculator helps you estimate your score so you can see if you meet the requirements for the course you want to study.

When calculating your APS, we always include your English mark and the marks for the subjects required by the programme you are applying for. We do not count Life Orientation, Advanced Programme (AP) subjects, or any other subjects that are not officially part of the NSC.

For instance, if a course requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences, your APS will be based on the scores for English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and your next best three subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Keep in mind that any subject where you scored below 40% will not count toward your APS. Using this tool is a helpful step in understanding your eligibility and preparing your university or college application.

How Do You Calculate Your Admission Point Score (APS)?

To calculate your APS, you need to convert each of your final matric subject marks into a point score, then add them together. Each percentage range corresponds to a specific APS value. Below is how it works:

• If you score between 80% and 100%, you get 7 points.
• If you score between 70% and 79%, you get 6 points.
• If you score between 60% and 69%, you get 5 points.
• If you score between 50% and 59%, you get 4 points.
• If you score between 40% and 49%, you get 3 points.
• If you score between 30% and 39%, you get 2 points.
• If you score between 0% and 29%, you get 1 point.

For example, to qualify for a Bachelor’s Degree pass, you typically need:

• At least 40% in your Home Language, which gives you 3 points
• At least 50% in four other subjects, which gives you 4 points each
• At least 30% in one other subject, which gives you 2 points

Adding those scores together (3 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 2) gives you a total APS of 21. This total APS helps determine your eligibility for different higher education programmes. The higher your APS, the better your chances of being accepted into your preferred course.

Feel free to let us know if you need more specific information or if you have any other requests; you can easily share it in the comment section. Visit the website for more information.

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