JOINT ADMISSIONS BOARD (JAB)

It’s the body responsible for admission of students into public universities in Kenya. Students apply to join public universities by filling career forms provided to schools. JAB then selects by considering the submitted application.

Admissions are based on:-

a)      Selected courses- paying attention to 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd choices.

b)      General performance in a given year

c)      Cut-off points based on weighted cluster points which vary every year depending on performance.

d)     Universities capacities to accommodate a given number of students per course.

JAB divides degree programs into clusters. Each cluster has 4 subjects. Depending on subjects selected at F2 or F3, a student will fit in a number of degree programs.

HOW TO CALCULATE CLUSTER POINTS

Admission to a public University as a govt. sponsored or regular student depends on weighted cluster points. JAB uses cluster points to determine cut-off points for the courses. Different courses have different cut off points depending on how competitive they are and admission is based purely on merit.

The maximum aggregate points that a student can score are 84 (12x7) 12 – maximum points for grade A & 7- No. of subjects offered.

The total cluster points for each degree program are 48 (12x4); 12- points for grade A &7- The subjects in the degree cluster.

Steps followed to calculate weighted cluster points.

·        Find students aggregate points by adding up points for all the grades attained out of 84 e.g. 65 out of possible 84 points.

·         Work out cluster aggregate by adding up points scored in the 4 subjects of the degree cluster of the student’s choice e.g. 36 out of possible 48 points.

·         Divide students aggregate by 84

               E.g. 65/84= 0.77.

·         Divide cluster aggregate by 48

               E.g. 36/48 =0.75

·         Find the product of the answers obtained c &d

                0.77 x 0.75= 0.58

·         Find the square root

                            

                 0.58 = 0.76

·         Multiply your answer by 48 to get the weighted cluster points

               0.76x 48 =36.47

This process is however computerized not done manually. A student must score high grades in  all subject to attain high cluster points. The cut-off points are confidential. High cluster points for very competitive courses range from 45-47.5 while moderate cluster points range from 36-44.9.

To ensure that candidates get admitted to degrees of their choice, they are asked to choose 3 options for the 1^st choice. This allows them to pick a degree course that is offered in 3 different universities .e.g.  A candidate can select a course in mechanical engineering offered at Moi as option (a) that of Kisii University as option (b) and the same course at Narok as option (c). Ensure that your 4^th selection is one into which you cannot miss admission.

                                      

a)                                                                               

Word of advice to 2011 KCSE candidates

Congratulations on your admission to the university. Thanks to the accelerated intake, you will be reporting to your respective institutions starting next week. Thousands of students qualified to join universities but you are the lucky few selected through JAB and you will get to enjoy the subsidized education.

It is important to note that just like any venture, career choice and development has some challenges the main one being failure to get a place in the preferred field of study. Some of you were lucky enough but for those who did not get their choice, you still have a chance to change upon admission through inter-faculty transfer. You will however have to register first in the admitted field then apply for the transfer. Your transfer can be denied depending on your cluster grades and the facilities available. If your transfer is denied the first time and you really want that course you can still make an appeal. If your efforts are fruitless, there are other options like enrolling for a parallel degree or joining a private university if your parents can afford.

Parallel programs are very expensive therefore I would advise you to accept the offered course taking advantage of the high government subsidies. Pursue the course viewing it as a key stepping stone knowing that you are not the first to do this. Studies have shown that 60% of all vacancies in the job market do not require a specific course. Employers these days are recruiting fresh graduates based on the concept of transferable skills. These are skills acquired in one field and can apply in another field. For example banks in Kenya have been employing graduates regardless of their course as long as you pass their interview. Others include Price Water Coopers among others. Also, successful completion of a first degree offers a chance to pursue master or doctorate degrees. Have an open mind and use the obstacles encountered as a stepping stone to success. All the best as you begin this journey.

Our mission as career mentors

Every year, thousands of Kenyan students sit for their final year exams hoping that they will do well enough to build a sound career. A few fortunate students seem to know what career they want to pursue but for the majority, this is not a very easy task. The concept of career choice is made even more confusing by the availability of so many tertiary institutions that are out in full force to market themselves and there are so many courses to choose from.

Many students joining universities are admitted to courses they are least informed about while others are admitted to courses which are not related to their interests, abilities and passion. For those who are not qualified to join universities (C and below), they do not know what choices are available for higher education.

At career mentors, our mission is to help high school students to be conversant with career choices available in our institutions, education and training requirements, job prospects, market trends and any information related to career in Kenya.

We hope that the information provided will make the process of career choice easier and less confusing. As they say ‘Information is power’

Welcome.