The Admission Point Score (APS) is a key component of the South African education system. It measures students’ academic performance based on their final school exam results. This score is very important for students aiming to enrol into universities. The APS allows universities to compare students from different schools and backgrounds fairly. If you want to go to university, understanding your APS is essential because it directly affects your chances of getting into your desired programme. The APS system helps universities choose the right students and ensures that everyone meets the necessary academic standards.
In this article, we will discuss what is APS score, why it is so important in South Africa, and how understanding it can help you. Knowing the meaning of the APS score and working to improve it can open many doors for your future, making it an important part of your educational journey.
Table of Contents
What Is APS Score?
APS (Admission Points Score) is a number based on a student’s final matric results. They are used to determine if the student can get admission into a university or college. Each subject in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) has a point value depending on the student’s grade. The APS is the total of these points, showing how well the student did overall. This score helps universities and colleges compare all applicants fairly, no matter where they went to school.
The APS system was created to facilitate the comparison of high school results and simplify the university application process in South Africa. Before APS, different universities had different approaches for facilitating student admissions. The APS system has organised the system to be more precise and fair by providing clear measures of academic performance.
A student’s Admission Point Score is important for several reasons:
- University Admission: It helps determine whether a student will be considered for university admission or not.
- Chances of Admission: The better a potential student’s APS score, the greater their chances of getting into university.
- Post-School Options: It provides students with some direction regarding their options after school.
Overview Of The APS Score Table
The APS score table is a helpful tool for converting grades into points, making it easier to understand and compare academic performance. Usually shown as a chart or table, it details how different grades translate into APS points, often breaking it down by subject and level. This table helps students learn how to calculate their APS scores and see their academic standing clearly, while educators can use it to assess and compare results more effectively. Take a look at the table below to see how it works (Source).
| Matric Subject Symbol | Marks Obtained in Matric Exam | APS (Admission Point Score) | Achievement Description |
| A+ | 80 – 100% | 7 | Outstanding |
| A | 70 – 79% | 6 | Meritorious |
| B | 60 – 69% | 5 | Substantial |
| C | 50 – 59% | 4 | Moderate |
| D | 40 – 49% | 3 | Adequate |
| E | 30 – 39% | 2 | Elementary |
| F | 0 – 29% | 1 | Not Achieved |
How To Count APS Score?
Calculating your Admission Point Score (APS) is important for determining whether you qualify for university programmes. The APS system helps South African universities see how well you did in school by turning your matric grades into points. This simple process helps you understand whether you meet the requirements for different programmes. Use this guide to easily calculate your APS score and see which university options might be available to you.
Step 1: Collect the final grades for all the subjects you completed in your matric year.
Step 2: Use the APS scale to turn each grade into points. Here’s how the scale works (Source):
- 7 (90-100%) = 7 points
- 6 (80-89%) = 6 points
- 5 (70-79%) = 5 points
- 4 (60-69%) = 4 points
- 3 (50-59%) = 3 points
- 2 (40-49%) = 2 points
- 1 (30-39%) = 1 point
- 0 (Below 30%) = 0 points
Step 3: Add the points from all your subjects to get your total APS score.
Example Calculations:
Let’s look at an example to see how it works.
For a student with these grades:
English: 6 (80-89%) = 6 points
Mathematics: 5 (70-79%) = 5 points
Physical Science: 4 (60-69%) = 4 points
Life Orientation: 7 (90-100%) = 7 points
To find the APS score:
6 (English) + 5 (Mathematics) + 4 (Physical Science) + 7 (Life Orientation) = 22 points.
How To Check APS Scores?
Students can check their Admission Point Scores through several methods, including online portals, school reports, and university admissions offices. Most institutions provide access to APS scores through their application systems or official educational platforms. There are a few simple ways to check your AP score:
- Online Portals: Many universities and educational organisations have online systems where you can easily view your score.
- School Reports: Your high school may include your AP score in your final academic report.
- University Admissions Offices: You can also contact the admissions office at the universities you’re interested in for guidance on how to access your Admission Point Score.
Difference Between WRS Score And APS Score
The APS (Admission Point Score) and WRS (Weighted Rating Score) are both ways to measure academic performance, but they are used for different purposes. The APS score is mainly used for university admissions in South Africa. It is based on a student’s grades in their final year of high school and helps universities decide if a student qualifies for their programmes. The Admission Point Score is crucial for getting into a university, as it shows how well a student did in their final exams.
On the other hand, the WRS score is used in other situations, like for scholarships or special programmes. It can include a variety of factors beyond just grades, such as extracurricular activities and other achievements. The WRS score uses a weighting system, meaning that different parts of a student’s profile are valued differently. While a good score is important for university entry, a strong WRS score can help with scholarships and competitive programmes by showing a broader picture of a student’s talents and accomplishments. Knowing the difference between these scores can help students make the most of their academic journey and apply for various opportunities.
How To Use APS Score For Course Selection?
In South Africa, the Admission Point Score (APS) helps determine your eligibility for higher education by using your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Each university and course has its own APS requirements to ensure students meet their academic standards.
If your APS score is low, look for universities with lower entry requirements or consider alternative programmes like diplomas or certificates, such as ICB and CIMA courses or short courses. These low APS values can provide new opportunities and help you advance your career. On the other hand, a high AP score opens doors to competitive programmes, specialisations, and honours courses at top institutions. It also improves your chances of receiving scholarships and bursaries and allows you to explore dual or combined degrees to enhance your academic and career prospects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing what the Admission Point Score is and how it works can greatly affect your path to higher education in South Africa. The Admission Point Score, based on your final school results, is important for getting into universities, qualifying for different programmes, and even applying for scholarships. By understanding and calculating your Admission Point Score correctly, you can make smart choices about your education, whether you’re targeting competitive programmes or considering other options. Being familiar with an APS score helps you prepare well for university and move forward with your academic and career plans.
FAQs – What Is APS Score? Understand The Basics
Q1. What is an APS score, and what does the APS score stand for?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. It’s a number that shows how well you did in your final school exams. Universities use it to decide if you meet their admission requirements.
Q2. Can I improve my APS score after receiving my final results?
Once you receive your final matric results, your AP score is fixed for that year. To improve it, you need to retake subjects or consider alternative pathways like supplementary exams or additional qualifications.
Q3. What is a good APS score?
A good Admission Point Score depends on the programme you’re applying for. Generally, a score of 25 or higher is considered strong, but some programmes may require even more.
Q4. Where to check APS scores?
You can check your Admission Point Score online through university portals, on your school’s final report, or by asking the admissions office of the universities you’re interested in.
Q5. What to do if you have a low APS score?
If your Admission Point Score is low, you might consider applying to universities with lower entry requirements or exploring other options, such as diplomas and short courses, to improve your chances.
