How To Calculate APS Score? Key Steps for Accurate Results

If you are aiming for higher education, understanding the Admission Point Score (APS) is essential. The APS is a crucial metric used by universities to decide a student’s eligibility for higher education programmes. It shows how well you have performed academically and helps decide if you qualify for university or college. It turns your grades into a single number, making it simpler for schools to see if you are ready for further studies.

In the South African education system, the APS plays a crucial role by providing a clear measure of academic success. Therefore, if you have wondered what your APS score is or how to calculate your APS score, our article will discuss everything you need to know about APS scores. We will walk you through the steps to calculate the APS score, the essential subjects contributing to the APS score and the APS score requirements for various courses. 

What Does APS Score Stand For: Understanding APS Score

As mentioned above, APS, which stands for Admission Point Score is a method that determines your acceptance into higher education institutions. In South Africa, universities and colleges often require an APS score for their application process. It is sometimes listed as an entry requirement on application forms.

Each course has a specific APS minimum requirement that you must meet. However, it is important to note that each South African university calculates the APS score differently. Moreover, each institution has unique prerequisites and admission requirements. Hence, before enroling in a course from a university, you must ensure you meet the APS scores required by both the university and the specific course you want to apply for.

In short, the APS score is very important for several reasons, as given below:

– It helps decide if you will be considered for university admission.

– It is the first thing most universities check.

– A higher APS score increases your chances of getting into university.

– It guides them on what their options are after school.

How to Calculate APS Score: Essential Steps

To calculate your APS, you need to understand a few key points. Your actual marks in each subject range from 0 to 100%. Each mark is then converted into a point score that ranges from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. For example, if you score 55% in Physics, the point score for that mark is 4. However, to get your total APS, you add the points of your six Matric subjects. The table given below will help you understand how the point values are assigned:

Percentage Obtained in Matric Exam	APS (Admission Point Score)
80% – 100%	7
70 – 79%	6
60 – 69%	5
50 – 59%	4
40 – 49%	3
30 – 39%	2
0 – 29%	1

How to Calculate Your APS Score?

Once you have the point values for each of your grades, calculating your APS score is straightforward. Follow these steps to determine your total APS score and see where you stand for university admissions.

• Identify Your Subjects and Grades: First, list all the subjects you took and the grades you received for each. Remember to include only the subjects that count for your APS score, excluding Life Orientation.
• Convert Grades to Points: Use the point values for each grade to convert your subject grades into points. For instance, if you scored 75% in a subject, find the matching point value and use that.
• Calculate Total Points: Add up the points from all your subjects. Make sure to include only the points from your top six Matric subjects and leave out Life Orientation. This total gives you the overall points you’ve earned.
• Calculate APS Score: The total number of points you get is your APS score. This score is used by universities to decide if you qualify for their programmes.

We will provide an example of how to calculate APS score to make it easier for you to understand. So, if the student has the below grades:

• Mathematics: 72% (APS score of 6)
• English Home Language: 65% (APS score of 5)
• Afrikaans First Additional Language: 55% (APS score of 4)
• Life Orientation: 80% (this result is excluded from the APS score)
• Life Sciences: 77% (APS score of 6)
• Physical Sciences: 68% (APS score of 5)
• Business Studies: 74% (APS score of 6)

Then, the total APS score of the student is: 6+5+4+6+5+6=32

Subjects Contributing to APS Score

As you learn how to calculate your APS score, it’s important to know which subjects count and how they affect your score. It will help you make informed decisions about your subject choices. Furthermore, it increases your chances of getting into the programmes you want. So, given below are the subjects that contribute to APS score:

Compulsory Subjects: 

Though your APS score is calculated from six subjects, the compulsory subjects include 3 subjects, as given below:

• Home Language: You can choose your Home Language from official languages like Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, or Xitsonga
• First Additional Language: For the First Additional Language, select from the same list of official languages – Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda, or Xitsonga.
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

Additional Subjects:

 Besides these three compulsory subjects, you need to include marks from three more subjects. These can be elective subjects like Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Information Technology or Business Studies.

Note: Keep in mind that Life Orientation is not counted in your APS score, even though you study it in Matric. Even though you take at least seven subjects in Matric, only the best six subjects (three compulsory and three additional subjects), count towards your APS score.

What is the APS Score Calculator?

To simplify calculating your APS score, you can use online APS calculators available on different websites and educational platforms. These easy-to-use tools let you enter your grades and quickly get your APS score. They automate the calculation, giving you fast and clear results, making it easier for you to find the answer to ‘How to calculate APS score?’.

How to Use APS Score Calculators Effectively?

Using an APS score online calculator makes finding your score easier, but you need to use it correctly to get the most accurate result. So, follow these steps to make sure the calculator gives you accurate and reliable results:

Step 1: Make sure you put the right grades into the calculator. Accurate grades are crucial for getting the correct APS score.

Step 2: Include all the important subjects in the calculator. This means adding the three required subjects and three extra subjects, but leaving out Life Orientation.

Step 3: After you get your score from the calculator, check it against your manual calculation to make sure it is correct. This helps ensure the score is accurate and trustworthy.

 APS Score and Course Eligibility

When considering higher education options, it’s essential to understand the minimum APS score requirements for different types of courses. Each course type has its own APS score range that you need to meet to be eligible. This way, you can make sure you qualify for the programmes you are interested in.

 Here’s a simple breakdown of the APS scores required for various courses.

Minimum APS Score	Course Types
15-17	Higher Certificate courses
18-20	Diploma courses
21-23	Bachelor’s pass
25-30	Competitive programmes like psychology

Some specific APS score courses include:

• 17 APS Score Courses: Suitable for entry-level Higher Certificate programmes, providing a foundation for further studies or vocational training.
• 18 APS Score Courses: Often for non-competitive Diploma programmes, offering practical skills and knowledge. For example, the Diploma in Sport Management at the University of Johannesburg requires an APS of 18 with Mathematics or 19 with Mathematical Literacy. 
• 19 APS Score Courses: Common for various intermediate-level courses, which might include certain academic programmes like Diploma in Administrative Information Management and Diploma in Contact Centre Management.
• 20 APS Score Courses: Moderate entry requirements for certain Bachelor’s degrees, such as social sciences or humanities like Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management, where competition is less intense.
• 21 APS Score Courses: For slightly more competitive undergraduate programmes, including fields like education or nursing, where a moderate level of academic achievement is required.
• 22 APS Score Courses: Required for high-demand courses like Medicine or Engineering, where students need a strong academic record to cope with the rigorous curriculum.
• 25 APS Score Courses: Needed for very competitive programmes or top-tier institutions, which might include law or architecture, where higher academic standards are set.
• 28 APS Score Courses: Reserved for the most competitive programmes and prestigious universities, often in fields like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, where excellence is a must.
• 30 APS Score Courses: For top programmes with the highest entry requirements, such as specialised research degrees or elite business schools, reflecting the highest level of academic performance and readiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and calculating your APS score is crucial for getting into higher education in South Africa. Your APS score shows if you are eligible for different courses and helps you meet your academic performance with your career goals. Hence, knowing the specific APS score requirements, such as 17 APS score courses for Higher Certificates or 30 APS score courses for top-level programmes, allows you to make smart decisions about your future.

However, each university might calculate APS scores differently, so it is important to check the requirements of the universities and programmes you are interested in. By understanding how your grades convert into APS points, you can choose the right subjects and aim for the scores you need for your desired course. Whether you are looking at a Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or a competitive programme, your APS score is a key part of your education journey. So, use this information to your advantage and take the necessary steps to meet the requirements and achieve your academic and career goals.

FAQs: How To Calculate APS Score? Key Steps for Accurate Results