PREPARING FORHIGHER EDUCATION

Mary Scholes (mary.scholes@wits.ac.za)

1

Desperate matrics swamp Universities About 1 in 10 students, who apply, get in

Institution NameApplications

ReceivedFirst Year Places

University of KwaZulu-Natal 67 800 8 000

University of the Western Cape 34 000 4 300

University of the Witwatersrand "WITS"

46 000 5 000

University of Johannesburg 74 000 16 000

University of Cape Town 28 000 4 000

University of the Free State 16 000 4 500

Rhodes University 7300 1500

Stellenbosch University 15 000 4 700

APPLICATION PROCESS• Encourage learners to have plan A, B, C: different

faculties• Apply carefully (online) to at least 3 Universities

and supply required documents• Points are calculated on Marks (not grades eg 65

vs C). Each Institution different• Visit an Admissions Consultant at the Student

Enrolment Centre for free advice on career planning and degree suitability

3

National Benchmark Test (NBT)• Intention to eventually be used as an University entrance exam•Used differently at each Institution e.g. At Wits only for Health Sciences (NBT (45%) and Matric 45%, biographical 10%) – NO calculators•Write later rather than earlier, only write once

PREDICTORS OF SUCCESS

• ACADEMIC :

English and Maths

• MOTIVATION / DETERMINATION

• ENVIRONMENT / SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Prelim marks submitted and an offer is made e.g. Provisional offer, deferred, waiting etc

• Use online self service facility, constantly• After final results made available – new decision – check self

service and SMS and email. Meeting Min requirements may not be enough

• Accept offer and pay (Wits uses Standard)• Can’t register until paid – time delay – must arrive on

registration day or make an arrangement with Faculty Registrar• Student Enrollment Centre (SENC) carol.crosley@wits.ac.za

7

SCHOLARSHIPS & MERIT AWARDS

Four types of scholarships are offered to a first time student for the first year:Vice Chancellor’s ScholarshipSports ScholarshipNational Olympiad WinnersUniversity Entrance Scholarship

For 1 to 3 distinctions – R1 500.00 per distinction For 4 to 6 distinctions – R4 000.00 per distinction

The scholarship is application across all facultiesCertain conditions apply such as exclusion of and

non designated subjectsA contract where you undertake to accept the

conditions MUST be signed8

A PASSING FIRST YEAR IS:

• following the correct degree, appropriate to abilities, values and interests

• self disciplined• has Time Management Skills which includes weekly revision, pro-active and not

scared to ask questions

9

VERY DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT

• Large classes (100-400)• Noisy and restless and hot• Sit near front, find group that has the same values you have• Attend (most) lectures• Attend All tutorials, practical classes• Keep up to date on all readings/assignments• Use the library and don’t buy books until you need them• Use online interactive support systems (questions and answers)• Introduce yourself to teachers and assistants (know their names!) • Get into a routine • Get help EARLY• Be an independent and critical thinker

10

Study and fun: study and glory

• Have a life and enjoy• Join clubs• Go to activities that you would not usually go

to eg seminar on space physics• Use each day (8-4pm) and then do 8 hrs in

addition each week• Learn to listen. Every activity eg lecture, prac,

tut, write down 2 things you learned before you move into the next thing.

11

CAREER COUNSELLING ?

12