Pretoria Matriculant Rejected by Universities Finds Alternative for Varsity, TikTok Video Inspires
- A young woman based in Gauteng showed people her plan after her matric result did not secure her a place in a university
- The matric student from Pretoria accepted that her university dreams would not come true, and she settled on another option
- University of South Africa's Directorate for Counselling and Career Development in Gauteng shared insight into different options for matriculants rejected from universities
A matric student from a Pretoria school took it like a champ after being rejected from universities. The lady posted a video of the major decision she made after facing a setback.
Source: TikTok
The matriculant’s TikTok video was a hit, as many could relate. Peeps flooded the comment section, sharing information about alternative routes to a varsity experience.
Matriculant deals with university rejection
A TikToker @masango.kea who matriculated from Hoërskool Gerrit Maritz shared that she was rejected by universities in South Africa and resorted to a college. The college student hopeful submitted her applications to Varsity College and vlogged the experience. Watch the matriculant's video below:
What do you do if a university rejects you?
South Africans have various avenues for getting a higher education. Ms Mabowa Mamashu, a student counsellor at the University of South Africa (UNISA)'s Counselling and Career Development Centre told Briefly News that rejection from universities does not mean failure. She discussed the options available for matriculants including taking a gap year, upgrading grade 12 results and taking free online courses for skills development. Matriculants can also find learnerships or volunteer at organisations or NGOs for exposure. Ms Mamashu explained:
"The resources available for one to acquaint themselves with information includes among others CareerXplora, Khetha, National Career Advice Portal. The students are also urged to attend career expos and go for comprehensive career guidance, counselling and planning with professional career counsellor or Educational psychologist."
Source: UGC
How to support rejected matriculants
UNISA's student counsellor, Ms Mamashu, also emphasised to Briefly News that parents and guardians play a big role in preventing depression or anxiety attacks in their child when they've been rejected from university. She said:
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"Being present and assisting with alternative options can help eliminate possible mental health issues. Avoid putting pressure and comparing the children with others. Supporting the children’s realistic goals which might seem as though they are derailing from their initial plan whilst emphasising the importance of education."
Ms Mamashu noted that many matriculants desire traditional institutions since they will get to move out and get some sense of independence. In light of this, the UNISA student counsellor suggests:
"If the parents/ guardians have some means they can suggest online or distance education whilst providing separate accommodation. Parents/ guardians can suggest the said educational route with honest and transparent communication without feeling pressured that they need to supply separate accommodations."
SA admires matriculant
People applauded the young woman for not giving up on her goal after being rejected. Many sang her praises for choosing college over a university. Peeps also highlighted that colleges are often expensive alternatives to going to university and Ms Mamashu confirmed this to Briefly News by saying:
"The children should be prepared and conscientised that it is common and possible that they can pass well and yet not be taken in their careers. They should also be realistic about the family financial status and seek financial advice before going into institutions of higher learning."
UNISA's career advisor warns matriculants not to be swept up in the excitement of their peers going to university. Speaking to Briefly News, Ms Mamashu urged students to carefully choose private institutions saying they could end up at notorious "fly-by-night institutions:
"A fashionable trend is for learners/students to be narrow-minded, applying in desired institutions and eventually applying or registering in what is popularly known as “fly-by-night’’ institutions ignited by the pressure of seeing other peers being accepted in other institutions."
Read comments on the TikTokker's video below:
jazmine_honey commented:
"Your campus is so huge, our Cape Town one is nice but not that big 😭"
Mica asked:
"You're rich, neh ?😭 VC is hella expensive, bro."
Jess added:
"I chose VC as an A+ student because of the smaller classes and personalized attention. You’re treated like an individual, not a number. Three years after graduating, I’m still in touch with my lecturers."
ISwift said:
"Varsity College qualifications are the same as university qualifications, nana."
Boipelo Mosupa gushed:
"Varsity College is an outstanding school, but you must be disciplined and not relax too much due to the environment. I started working in my second year due to a recruitment company that came to VC 🔥"
4 Other matriculants share experiences
- The 2024 matric results have fascinated South Africans, and Briefly News reported on a matric student with distinctions who couldn't get into university.
- A young man who passed his matric got a big gift from his beloved family, who celebrated his achievement.
- One woman showed people that it's never too late as she celebrated her achievement despite failing matric before.
- Briefly News shared a heartwarming story about a matriculant who achieved numerous distinctions.
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Source: Briefly News
