Is 21 A Good APS Score?

Is 21 A Good APS Score?

What Does an APS Score of 21 Mean for College Admissions?

What makes a good Admission Points Score (APS) depends largely on where and what you want to study. In South Africa, there are four main Matric pass levels, each defining the highest qualification level you can apply for after school. Your APS is a crucial factor in this process, as universities and colleges use it to determine whether you qualify for specific courses. Your APS is calculated from your final Matric results, with each subject contributing points based on your marks. The higher your marks, the more points you earn. Achieving strong marks across all your subjects is important because it increases your total APS, which improves your chances of getting accepted into your preferred program.

Generally, an APS score of 35 points or more is considered good and is often required for more competitive degree programs. On the other hand, an APS of 21 points is usually seen as the minimum for a Bachelor’s Degree pass. While 21 points may not be enough for certain highly competitive courses, it still opens doors to many diploma, certificate, and National Diploma programs at universities of technology and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

Each Matric pass level has specific APS and subject requirements. Knowing these requirements helps students plan their studies wisely and set realistic goals. Understanding your APS score and what it means for your study options allows you to make informed decisions about your academic future.

What Is an APS Score?

An Admission Points Score (APS) is a system used by South African universities and colleges to assess your Grade 12 results. Each subject you write earns points based on the mark you achieve; the higher the mark, the more points you get. These points are then added together to give your total APS score.

This score helps institutions determine if you meet the requirements for specific courses. Different programs require different APS minimums, so your total score is important in deciding what study options are available to you. The APS provides a clear way to translate your school results into opportunities for further education.

READ MORE: What Is The APS Score For Diploma In Tourism Management?

Is 21 a Good Admission Points Score?

An Admission Points Score of 21 is a solid starting point for many study options in South Africa. It shows that you have achieved average marks across your subjects, which is enough to meet the minimum entry requirements for a variety of courses. While a score of 21 might not be high enough for some of the more competitive degree programs at traditional universities, it still opens many doors.

With an Admission Points Score of 21, you can apply for diplomas, certificates, and National Diplomas at universities of technology and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges. These programs offer valuable skills and can lead to good career opportunities. If you are aiming for a degree that requires a higher Admission Points Score, usually 25 or above, there are still ways to improve your score. You could retake some subjects or consider foundation or bridging courses to help you qualify in the future.

What Is The Best APS Score?

A good APS score is 35 points or higher, which is above average. The average APS score for a Bachelor’s Degree Pass is 21 points or higher, so if you have an APS of above 35, you are more qualified than other people who also have a Bachelor’s Degree Pass and will have more opportunities and a better chance to get into university.

What Are The 4 Pass Levels?

The 4 different pass levels and the minimum requirements to achieve them are:

Bachelor’s Degree Pass

To receive a Bachelor’s Degree pass, you must have the following:

1. 40% or above for the English Home Language
2. 50% or above for Mathematics, OR 60% or above for Mathematical Literacy
3. 50% or above for three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
4. 30% or above for Life Orientation
5. 30% or above for one other subject

This makes your APS total 21!

Diploma Pass

To receive a Diploma pass, you must have the following:

1. 40 % or above for the English Home Language
2. 40 % or above for Mathematics, OR 50% or above for Mathematical Literacy
3. 40% or above for three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
4. 30% or above for Life Orientation
5. 30% or above for one other subject

This brings your APS total to 18, which is the minimum entry requirement for a Diploma at a university.

Higher Certificate Pass

To receive a Higher Certificate pass, you must have the following:

1. 40% or above for the English Home Language
2. 40% or above for Mathematics, OR 50% or above for Mathematical Literacy
3. 40% or above for one other subject
4. 30% or above for Life Orientation
5. 30% or above for two other subjects

This brings your APS total to 15, which is the minimum entry requirement for a Higher Certificate at a college.

NSC/SC Pass 

To receive an NSC pass, you must have the following:

1. 40% or above for the English Home Language
2. 40% or above for Mathematics, OR 50% or above for Mathematical Literacy
3. 40% or above for one other subject
4. 30% or above for Life Orientation
5. 30% or above for three other subjects

READ ALSO: How Many Points Do I Need To Study Tourism?

What Can You Study With an APS of 21?

An Admission Points Score (APS) of 21 opens up several study options, especially at universities of technology and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. While it may not meet the requirements for all degree programs, it still allows access to many valuable courses that can lead to rewarding careers. With an APS of 21, you can consider:

• Diploma programs in areas like business management, education, hospitality, engineering studies, and information technology
• Certificate courses that focus on practical skills and industry readiness
• National Diplomas and National Certificates offered by TVET colleges
• Foundation or bridging programs to prepare for degree studies later

Tips to Improve Your Admission Points Score

If your Admission Points Score (APS) is lower than you hoped, there are several effective ways to raise it and improve your chances of qualifying for your desired course. Here are some practical tips:

• Get Academic Support: Seek tutoring, join study groups, or ask for extra help in subjects you find challenging to boost your understanding and marks.
• Add Extra Subjects: Taking on an additional subject and performing well can increase your total APS.
• Be Consistent: Regular study throughout the year helps build knowledge steadily and avoids last-minute cramming.
• Rewrite Subjects: Retaking subjects where you scored low can significantly improve your APS.
• Focus on Strengths: Concentrate on improving the subjects where you already do well to maximize your points.
• Organize Your Study Time: Planning your revision with a balanced schedule helps you cover all subjects effectively.
• Enroll in Bridging or Foundation Courses: These programs strengthen your skills and can help you qualify for degree programs later.

I hope this blog post is of help to you. Do not hesitate to reach us through the comment section if you have questions or suggestions. You can get more information and updates from this website.

RELATED LINKS