This blog post aims to provide comprehensive insights and tips for effective NBT preparation, ensuring that students maximize their performance and set themselves up for academic success.
What Are the NBTs?
The NBTs consist of two main assessments:
- Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
- Mathematics (MAT)
These tests are designed to evaluate a learner’s foundational skills and readiness for university coursework. Importantly, the NBTs complement the National Senior Certificate (NSC), providing universities with a clearer picture of a student’s capabilities.
Why Are NBTs Important?
The NBTs help universities determine the readiness of applicants for higher education. Understanding the relationship between NBT scores and NSC performance allows educators to better prepare students for the demands of university life. It’s essential for learners to approach these tests with the seriousness they deserve, as they can influence university admissions and placement in foundational courses.
Preparing Your Learners for the NBTs
Educators’ Resources
While teachers cannot directly teach to the NBTs, they can guide students using available resources. The National Benchmark Test Project provides educators with specific booklets tailored for preparing students for the AQL and MAT tests. These resources include:
- MAT Booklet: Focuses on mathematical skills.
- AQL Booklet: Covers academic and quantitative literacy, available in multiple languages including English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and Zulu.
These booklets are designed to help teachers understand the structure and content of the tests, allowing them to provide better support to their learners.
Study the NBT Test Format
Familiarizing students with the NBT test format is crucial. The National Benchmark Test Project offers downloadable exemplar questions for both the MAT and AQL tests. Practicing these sample questions can significantly boost learners’ confidence and help them understand the types of questions they will encounter.
- Download exemplar questions for the Mathematics (MAT) test.
- Download exemplar questions for the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test.
Time Management During the Test
Both the AQL and MAT tests are 3 hours long. Although the tests are multiple-choice, it is vital for students to manage their time wisely. Encourage learners not to rush through the questions. Taking the time to read and understand each question thoroughly can prevent careless mistakes and lead to better overall scores.
Demystifying the NBTs
In June 2017, the Centre for Educational Assessments (CEA) hosted a workshop aimed at demystifying the NBTs for educators. The workshop addressed several key questions, such as:
- Why are the NBTs used by universities?
- How do the NBTs complement the NSC?
- What historical data exists on learner performance in the NBT compared to the NSC?
- What challenges do learners face at university, and how can educators prepare them?
By understanding these aspects, educators can better prepare their learners for the NBTs and, ultimately, for university studies.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.