How to Calculate APS Score In South Africa

March 27, 2024 How To

The Admissions Portfolio Score (APS) is a scoring system used by South African universities to assess the academic potential of prospective students.

How to Calculate APS Score 

The APS is calculated based on a student’s performance in the following three components:

  1. The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations

The NSC is the final school-leaving examination in South Africa. Students must obtain a minimum of 40% in each of their NSC subjects in order to qualify for the APS calculation.

  1. The Mathematics Literacy test

The Mathematics Literacy test is a standardized test that is administered to all NSC candidates. The test assesses students’ mathematical knowledge and skills at a level that is appropriate for their intended field of study.

  1. The University Admissions Test (UAX)

The UAX is a standardized test that is administered to prospective university students. The test assesses students’ verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills.

How APS is Calculated

  1. The APS is calculated by assigning a weight to each of the three components, as follows:
  • NSC: 60%
  • Mathematics Literacy: 20%
  • UAX: 20%
  1. The total APS score can range from 0 to 100. A higher APS score indicates a higher academic potential.
  1. To calculate your APS score, you will need to obtain your NSC results, your Mathematics Literacy results, and your UAX results. 
  1. You can then use the following formula to calculate your APS score:

APS = (0.6 * NSC + 0.2 * Mathematics Literacy + 0.2 * UAX)

For example, if you obtained the following results:

  • NSC: 80%
  • Mathematics Literacy: 60%
  • UAX: 70%

Your APS score would be calculated as follows:

APS = (0.6 * 80 + 0.2 * 60 + 0.2 * 70) = 72

Tips for Calculating your APS Score

  1. The NSC results that are used to calculate your APS score must be from the most recent year that you wrote the examinations.
  1. The Mathematics Literacy test that is used to calculate your APS score must be the most recent version of the test.
  1. The UAX results that are used to calculate your APS score must be from the most recent year that you wrote the test.

FAQs

What is the Admissions Portfolio Score (APS)?

The Admissions Portfolio Score (APS) is a scoring system used by South African universities to assess the academic potential of prospective students.

What are the components of the APS?

The APS is calculated based on a student’s performance in the following three components:

  • The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations
  • The Mathematics Literacy test
  • The University Admissions Test (UAX)

What is the weighting for each component of the APS?

The weighting for each component of the APS is as follows:

  • NSC: 60%
  • Mathematics Literacy: 20%
  • UAX: 20%

What is the minimum APS score required for admission to university?

The minimum APS score required for admission to university varies from university to university. However, most universities require an APS score of at least 40.

What is the maximum APS score?

The maximum APS score is 100.

How do I calculate my APS score?

To calculate your APS score, you will need to obtain your NSC results, your Mathematics Literacy results, and your UAX results. You can then use the following formula to calculate your APS score:

APS = (0.6 * NSC + 0.2 * Mathematics Literacy + 0.2 * UAX)

For example, if you obtained the following results:

  • NSC: 80%
  • Mathematics Literacy: 60%
  • UAX: 70%

Your APS score would be calculated as follows:

APS = (0.6 * 80 + 0.2 * 60 + 0.2 * 70) = 72

What if I do not have all three components of the APS?

If you do not have all three components of the APS, you may still be eligible for admission to university. However, you will need to meet the specific requirements of the university that you are applying to.

What if I am not happy with my APS score?

If you are not happy with your APS score, you can retake the NSC examinations, the Mathematics Literacy test, or the UAX. You can also improve your APS score by taking additional courses or by participating in extracurricular activities.

Where can I find more information about the APS?

You can find more information about the APS on the websites of the following organizations:

What are the benefits of having a high APS score?

There are several benefits to having a high APS score. These benefits include:

  • Increased chances of being admitted to university
  • Increased chances of receiving financial aid
  • Increased chances of being successful in university

Conclusion

The APS score is used by South African universities to determine whether or not to admit a student to their program. The higher your APS score, the more likely you are to be admitted to your desired program.

If you are a prospective student in South Africa, it is important to understand how the APS works and how you can improve your APS score. By doing so, you can increase your chances of being admitted to your desired university and achieving your academic goals.

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