The school leavers' choices every Grade 12 student makes each year is important. Many good students missed out on being selected, simply because they have not received proper guidance to make the right choice on the School Leavers Form (SLF).
I believe if the right direction was provided by the education leaders, students with good marks will increase their chances of entering a higher learning institution.
Good marks are marks with a GPA above the required GPA for higher education entry. For example, one school leaver said:
'I have a GPA of 2.8 and I cannot be offered a space in any of these (higher) institutions...confused?'
A GPA of 2.8 would mean that the student scored Bs and higher Cs. But, why had the student missed the selection to a university, college, or vocational centre on a government scholarship?
Why Students Have Good GPAs Do Not Get Selected
Here are three important factors that disadvantage capable students from entering universities, colleges, or vocational and technical colleges:
1. The increasing number of students passing out of grade 12.
Take a look at the graph and you will realise that the number of students has increased since 2014. By contrast, spaces at tertiary institutions remained relatively low - only 20% of students were selected to continue after Grade 12 each year between 2014 and 2016.
Unlike the 80s and 90s when there was a handful of National High Schools, today many secondary schools have been established in every province in the country. As the number of secondary schools increases, the number of students also increases. The competition is stiff.
That is for every space available at a tertiary institution (under HECAS), five students are applying for it.
That is for every space available at a tertiary institution (under HECAS), five students are applying for it.
2. Students choices on the SLF
In fact, a 'funnel effect' takes hold where only the student with very good Grade 12 marks and good choices on SLF gets the preference during selections for university or college entries. It is absolutely important that you get both factors (Grade 12 marks + SLF choice) right.
Do not let your years of hard work and good marks go to waste. If you are an A, B or C+ student, follow this rule of thumb to get a government scholarship into a tertiary institution:
- SLF Choice 1 - University
- SLF Choice 2 - College/Technical Institute
- SLF Choice 3 - Vocational/Technical Centre
3. STAT-P Test
The third and most important point to consider when applying for UNITECH or UOG is to sit for the STAT-P (aptitude) test if you are a School Leaver; or the entrance exam if you are a non-SL. All principals and deputy principal academics have to ensure their students intending to attend UNITECH or UOG must sit the entry test - it is mandatory.
It is anticipated that the University of Natural Science and Environment will also conduct entry tests in the future. To get more details on STAT-P, click HERE.
It is anticipated that the University of Natural Science and Environment will also conduct entry tests in the future. To get more details on STAT-P, click HERE.
For the non-school leavers, avoid putting a university program as your second choice on your SLF - you are NOT going to make it. University choice on the SLF must be choice #1 if you believe that you will 'smash' the end of the year Grade 12 examinations.
Grade 12 Grade Period - Adjusting Choice
DHERST has not allowed students to adjust their choices. The online School Leavers Choice system makes it easy for students to do just that - changing the choice on their SLF.
This is a plus for students as it gives you the best chance to match your Grade 12 final marks to the institutions of your choice as discussed in point 2, above.
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