If you’re looking to apply for a university or further education institution in South Africa, understanding how to calculate your APS (Admission Point Score) is crucial. The APS is a numerical score that plays a significant role in your university application, determining whether you meet the entry requirements for your desired course. Calculating your APS is straightforward if you know how to use the information in your school report.
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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to calculate your APS, what each grade means, and how it impacts your educational future. Whether you’re in Grade 11 or Grade 12, understanding the APS process now can save you time and stress later.
What is the APS?
The APS is a score that universities and colleges in South Africa use to assess your academic performance and eligibility for admission to a particular course. Your APS is calculated based on the marks or symbols you achieve for each of your subjects. The score you achieve can determine your acceptance into a variety of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
To calculate your APS, your marks are converted into a specific numerical value. These values are added together to give you your total APS score.
What is a School Report and How Does it Relate to Your APS?
A school report is the academic document that your school issues at the end of each term, semester, or year. It shows your grades in each subject, and these grades are key to calculating your APS. The report will include:
- Your marks for each subject
- The symbol or grade for each subject
- The overall performance in the semester or year
The grades shown in your report are essential for calculating your APS. They reflect how well you’ve done academically in various subjects, which directly impacts the total score needed to gain admission to a university or college.
What Grades are Used in APS Calculation?
In South Africa, subjects are graded according to a scale that runs from A+ to F. For APS calculation, the following scale is used for each subject mark:
| Grade | Mark Range (%) | APS Value |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90% – 100% | 7 |
| A | 80% – 89% | 7 |
| B | 70% – 79% | 6 |
| C | 60% – 69% | 5 |
| D | 50% – 59% | 4 |
| E | 40% – 49% | 3 |
| F | Below 40% | 0 |
Steps to Calculate Your APS Using Your Latest School Report
1. Check Your Grades
Start by looking at the grades for each subject on your latest school report. These will typically be in the form of letters (A, B, C, etc.) or percentages. You need to make sure you have all your grades available to calculate your APS accurately.
2. Convert Your Grades to APS Values
Each grade corresponds to a specific APS value (as seen in the table above). Convert your letter grades or percentages into the corresponding APS values.
For example, if you scored:
- Mathematics: 85% (Grade A), the APS value is 7.
- English: 70% (Grade B), the APS value is 6.
- Biology: 65% (Grade C), the APS value is 5.
- Geography: 55% (Grade D), the APS value is 4.
3. Add Your APS Values Together
After converting your grades into APS values, add them up. The total score will give you your APS.
Using the example above, you would add the following APS values:
- Mathematics: 7
- English: 6
- Biology: 5
- Geography: 4
Total APS = 7 + 6 + 5 + 4 = 22
4. Repeat for All Subjects
Continue this process for all your subjects. The subjects you need to include in the APS calculation will depend on the requirements of the institution or course you are applying to. Generally, you need to calculate your APS based on your best six subjects.
5. Consider the Role of Your Home Language
In South Africa, the Home Language is typically compulsory for APS calculations, and its grade will always be included in the total calculation. If you have an additional language (Second Language), this might also be considered.
6. Check the Minimum APS Requirement for Your Desired Course
Once you have your APS, check the university’s minimum APS requirement for the program you wish to apply to. Different programs have different APS thresholds. For example, the minimum APS for a Bachelor of Arts might be 28, while a more competitive program like Medicine might require an APS of 40 or higher.
What About Subjects Not Included in the APS Calculation?
Some subjects might not be used in your APS calculation. For example, Life Orientation is usually excluded, though the subject is still important for meeting the overall requirements for passing your matriculation exams.
Read more: Which TVET College Path Is Right for You? Comparing NCV and NATED Courses
How to Improve Your APS Score
If you find that your APS score is lower than the required minimum for the program you want, there are a few strategies to help you improve your score:
- Work on Your Weak Subjects: Identify your weaker subjects and dedicate extra time and resources to improving them. Consider seeking help from tutors or attending extra lessons.
- Focus on Your Strengths: Invest more time in the subjects where you perform well. Performing excellently in a few subjects can help boost your APS, even if other subjects are weaker.
- Consider Supplementary Exams: If you have failed or underperformed in a subject, you might be able to rewrite exams to improve your score and boost your APS.
- Set Realistic Goals: If you are targeting a high-demand program, such as Medicine or Engineering, you may need to aim for the top range of APS values in multiple subjects.
APS Calculation Example
Let’s go through a full example to clarify how the APS calculation works:
Sample Student Report:
| Subject | Mark (%) | Grade | APS Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 85 | A | 7 |
| English | 70 | B | 6 |
| Physics | 75 | B | 6 |
| Life Sciences | 68 | C | 5 |
| Accounting | 92 | A+ | 7 |
| Life Orientation | 59 | D | 4 |
Total APS:
- Mathematics: 7
- English: 6
- Physics: 6
- Life Sciences: 5
- Accounting: 7
- Life Orientation: 4
Total APS = 7 + 6 + 6 + 5 + 7 + 4 = 35
In this case, the student’s APS is 35, which is a strong score, especially if they are applying to competitive programs.
What Happens if Your APS is Below the Minimum?
If your APS is below the required minimum for your desired course, you have a few options:
- Apply for a Different Program: Consider applying for a program that has a lower APS requirement and then apply for a transfer after completing a year of study.
- Retake Subjects: You can re-sit your matric exams to improve your grades and APS.
- Consider College or Technical Courses: Many students who don’t meet university entry requirements choose to pursue diploma or certificate programs.
Also check: 2025 Student Discounts in South Africa You Didn’t Know About
Calculating your APS is an essential step in the university application process. With your latest school report in hand, you can easily calculate your APS by converting your grades into APS values and adding them up. Keep in mind that your APS score influences your chances of being admitted to your desired program, so it’s vital to understand the requirements and take action if you need to improve your score.
Good luck with your studies, and may your APS calculation lead you to the next step in your academic journey!
