PREPARING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Mary Scholes 1

Desperate matrics swamp Universities About 1 in 10 students, who apply, get in Institution Name Applications Received First Year Places University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand "WITS" University of Johannesburg University of Cape Town University of the Free State Rhodes University Stellenbosch University

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 . 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) 7

SCHOLARSHIPS & MERIT AWARDS Four types of scholarships are offered to a first time student for the first year: Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship Sports Scholarship National Olympiad Winners University Entrance Scholarship For 1 to 3 distinctions – R per distinction For 4 to 6 distinctions – R per distinction The scholarship is application across all faculties Certain conditions apply such as exclusion of and non designated subjects A contract where you undertake to accept the conditions MUST be signed 8

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 ( ) 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