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 1st, 2nd,
& 3rd 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 1st
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 4th selection is one into which you cannot miss admission.
a)
