PREPARING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Mary Scholes (mary.scholes@wits.ac.za) 1

PREPARING FORHIGHER EDUCATION

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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CAREER COUNSELLING ?

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