"It is imperative that the lessons of the last three or four years are used to make this group's experience less stressful than those of the thousands upon thousands of prospective students who had their dreams dashed in recent years," says Dr Felicity Coughlan, director of the Independent Institute of Education.
In past years, many prospective students left their registrations and applications until the last minute (or even later). Great distress resulted when masses of applications could not be considered because they were late, a candidate's chosen course was already fully subscribed, or a school-leaver's academic record disqualified him or her for a chosen path.
"This year's matrics must act immediately to ensure they have sufficient time to investigate their options and apply timeously. Taking action now can save a lot of heartache and complications - including unexpected financial blows - later," says Coughlan.
She says the following tips will empower students to make the best choices for their unique circumstances, without the pressure of looming deadlines forcing them in a direction they would not otherwise have chosen:
"Guidance teachers at school can only offer advice on that with which they are familiar, which often limits their guidance to a small number of public universities. A smart student will explore options in the public and private sector, and will go to the campuses themselves rather than blindly trust advertisements," says Coughlan.
"This is your future so fully explore registration and accreditation, entrance requirements, duration of qualification, price, campus size, equipment, staffing and success rates. Don't be fooled by hollow promises - check the facts on which all promises are based and if there are no facts to back them up, walk away. Read the small print."
"You must apply to more than one institution and even across institution types (for instance public and private institutions, universities and colleges). It is also better to apply for more than one qualification. Once your results have been released, your foresight will mean that you will be in a position to make the best available choice."
"Several institutions have surprisingly early closing dates and it is important to get your application in on time. While many private institutions offer the advantage of having closing dates that don't fall within your Grade 12 year, you should not leave applications to them too late either, as the demand on many high quality programmes is high."
"If degree study is what you want, then familiarise yourself with the different levels of achievement needed for the same degree at different institutions. Understand now what the alternative access routes to degree study are should you not qualify this year."
Coughlan points out that it is a myth that all the best opportunities come to those with degrees.
"In fact, there is evidence to suggest that a person with a respected, vocationally focused diploma can be more employable than someone holding a generic undergraduate degree. A degree is no longer the door opener it used to be. Employers are looking for a match between what they need and what you have studied."
It is great if an institution can claim international recognition, says Coughlan. However, she warns that there are many scams that could see you pay for a qualification that has no value in SA.
"Look for evidence of a locally registered qualification that has international recognition from a reputable international partner or for relationships that enable you to achieve here and internationally. Just because it is international does not make it good - there are many tragic stories of students being taken in by unscrupulous international institutions."
"Some institutions advertise accreditation by a range of different organisations. But while the list of acronyms and logos can look impressive, they may have absolutely no value," warns Coughlan.
"False beauty is only skin deep, so you need to click through several 'layers' into an institution's claims. If a website does not provide you with detail or is only one or two clicks deep it is important to try to find out more. When you scratch below the appealing surface it may not be such a pretty face you find."
Coughlan says that the best source of information remains word of mouth.
"But if you only talk to people about things you think you already know, all you will get is an echo. What you need to do is talk to students registered at institutions you have heard about but never been to. Ask about that student's experience of service, class sizes, personal attention, campus safety and success rates.""By giving yourself more time and arming yourself with as much information as possible, you will be laying a solid foundation for your studies and your future. The best way to ensure that you have options to choose from when you get your results, is to set up as many for yourself as you can right now," says Coughlan.
The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) is reputed to be the largest and most accredited registered private education institute in South Africa. It has a history in education and training since 1909, and its brands, such as College Campus, RosebankCollege, VarsityCollege, and Vega, are widely recognised and respected for producing workplace-ready graduates, many of whom become industry-leaders in their chosen fields. The IIE offers a wide range of qualifications, from post-graduate degrees to short courses, on 21 registered higher education campuses across South Africa.
For more information go to www.iie.ac.za.
