What are the disadvantages of upgrading matric results in South Africa?
Upgrading matric results is a second chance to improve your marks. It helps you get better scores and admission into a degree program you wish to pursue. Nevertheless, you might want to rethink your decision to rewrite your matric and seek other alternatives. If you are interested in known the disadvantages of upgrading matric results, alternative options you can consider, and other essential details about rewriting your matric, read the details explained below.
Source: UGC
Upgrading matric results is a chance to redeem yourself, but the opportunity has several drawbacks. Discover the disadvantages of upgrading your matric results and alternative solutions below. The article also highlights other relevant information about matric updates (e.g., requirements, fees, and institutions offering matric rewrite) for those desiring this option.
The disadvantages of upgrading matric results
Learners who could have performed optimally can improve their results by upgrading their matric results. However, this process has a few downsides and risks. Below are the main downsides of boosting your matric results in South Africa:
Increased stress and pressure to perform
Most candidates are eager to pass exams the second time. Stress and anxiety can crush the learner to the extent of failing the tests. Pressure, stress, and tension can lead to health problems like migraines, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. These might make one lose confidence in their abilities to perform.
The uncertainty that you will perform better
Upgrading matric results does not guarantee you will improve your marks. You are unassured that you will attain the cut-off marks to gain admission into your dream degree course.
Time-consuming
Upgrading matric results is time-consuming for people with other urgent responsibilities and commitments. You may have to attend additional classes to improve your marks.
Costly
Attending additional classes and working with tutors can be costly to most students from disadvantaged backgrounds. You also need to pay fees to repeat their exams.
Limited impact
Upgrading matric results may have an insignificant impact on your chances of being admitted to a particular degree. Universities consider a student’s extracurricular performance, overall academic record, and other factors at the shortlisting and admission stage.
Alternatives to upgrading matric results
Source: UGC
You can still advance your education and make it in life without upgrading matric results. These are the recommended alternatives for matric rewrites:
Alternative degree programs
Students who fail to meet a particular degree's cut-off marks and admission requirements can apply for alternative academic programs that require lower admission requirements and scores.
Certificate or diploma programs
You can take a certificate or diploma program. They provide similar valuable skills and training degree courses have to offer. You might even get more intense and practical training in a certificate or diploma program compared to a degree course.
Bridging courses
You can do a bridging course instead of upgrading your matric results. Bridging courses provide additional support and prepare students struggling to meet the academic requirements for a particular degree or program.
Vocational training
Vocational training programs are more accessible to most students because they require lower academic requirements than university degrees, diplomas, and certificates. These programs will give you valuable skills and training in healthcare, construction, hospitality, and other industries.
Is matric rewrite a good idea?
It is an excellent idea as it allows you to get better marks to join the university or degree course of your choice. However, you must make sure you also meet the set university requirements.
How many times can you upgrade your matric?
There is no limit to the times you can rewrite your matric as long as you are 21 years or older. You can reapply for a matric upgrade if you have your initial final matric exam marks or incomplete matric results.
What do you need to apply for a matric rewrite?
You need a copy of your statement of results and a certified copy of your ID. With these, you can apply for the rewrite in learning institutions that offer Matric Rewrite courses, such as Bellview Institute of Distance Learning.
Where to upgrade matric results?
Source: UGC
Look for colleges in South Africa where learners rewrite their matric exams. Some offer tuition at a fee. Here are some of them and their locations:
Eastern Cape
- St John's College, Mthatha
- Academy of Business and computer studies, East London
- PE College, Old Iqhayiya Campus.
- Lameka FET College, PE
- Jeppe education centre, Polokwane
Gauteng
- Tshwane South College (Formerly known as PTA Tech), Atteridgeville
- Tshwane North College (Formerly known as Pretoria College), Pretoria
- Greenwood College (Church Street and Prince Park Avenue)
Johannesburg
- Central Johannesburg College
- Star School, Braamfontein
- Ekurhuleni West College
- Funda Community College, located near Bara Hospital
- Oxford Combined College, Kempton Park
How much does it cost to rewrite matric in South Africa?
Registering for a matric rewrite is free at the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The only cost is the fees of the college or school where you study for your rewrite. Candidates pay different fees depending on the number of subjects and the timeline.
Where can I upgrade my matric results for free?
You can upgrade your matric for free at the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
What happens to your matric certificate when you upgrade?
Source: UGC
Once you are done with your upgrade and have successfully improved the selected marks, you can merge the new marks with those you did not choose to improve, meaning all your desired marks can be on one certificate.
How are matric rewrite marks calculated?
Your final matric exams account for 75% of your final exam score. Hence, your final exam marks have the most impact on your adult matric results.
What's the difference between supplementary and upgrading?
Supplementary is when a candidate writes their matric but does not make it and is given another opportunity to write and acquire it. However, upgrading is when a candidate rewrites several subjects they passed but wants a better grade. For example, if an individual got 30 but initially wanted 60.
Can you study while upgrading?
Some higher educational institutions in SA can allow you to begin your studies while upgrading your matric results. Most will let you start with the lower qualification, such as a diploma, and later proceed to a Bachelor's degree once you have upgraded your marks.
Can I upgrade my matric results while in university?
Some universities in South Africa will allow you to begin your diploma or certificate studies while upgrading your matric results. You cannot upgrade your matric while doing a degree course.
How long does it take to upgrade matric results?
A matric upgrade program takes about a year to complete. Some students do it for two years or more to get enough study time and prepare for exams.
Source: UGC
Where can I upgrade my matric results in Mokopane?
You should enroll at the Mokopane Matric Rewrite Centre. Educators at this facility teach concepts that help students to improve their marks.
Can I upgrade my matric at Oxbridge Academy?
Courses at Oxbridge Academy allow you to rewrite Matric or upgrade your subjects.
Where can I upgrade my matric results in Mafikeng?
Masccom Training Centre is a matric upgrading center for mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences.
Where can I upgrade my matric results in Bloemfontein?
Whitestone College has enabled many students to boost their matric results.
Which college can I rewrite my matric around Pretoria?
You can rewrite your matric in Pretoria at Tshwane College, Brooklyn City College, EDUSA College, and the DSDC College of SA.
Does Boston College offer matric rewrites?
Boston College does not offer matric rewrites.
Upgrading your matric can be a good thing for solidifying your career path. However, you must evaluate the disadvantages of upgrading matric results, such as increased pressure and stress, to ensure they do not outweigh the benefits.
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