7 Common Mistakes Students Make During the Admission Process — And How to Avoid Them

🎓 7 Common Mistakes Students Make During the Admission Process — And How to Avoid Them

The admission process into Nigerian universities can be confusing, stressful, and full of pressure. Every year, thousands of qualified students miss out on their dream schools — not because they didn’t score well in UTME, but because they made avoidable mistakes along the way.

If you’re currently seeking admission or guiding someone who is, here are 7 common errors students make — and tips to help you avoid them:

1. Choosing the Wrong Course

Many students pick courses just because they’re “popular” or because their parents said so. But choosing a course without considering your strengths, interests, and career goals can lead to poor performance and frustration later on.

✅ Tip: Research each course. Ask yourself what you’re good at and what you love. Seek advice from professionals and check job prospects. Don’t choose a course out of fear or pressure.

2. Wrong UTME and O’Level Subject Combinations

Even with a high JAMB score, choosing the wrong subject combination can disqualify you from admission. Some courses require very specific subjects — and even one mistake can make your application invalid.

✅ Tip: Always check the official JAMB brochure or your school’s admission portal for the correct UTME and O’Level subjects for your chosen course.

3. Not Knowing the School’s Admission Method

Not all schools write Post-UTME exams. Some use screening, while others use combinations of JAMB scores, WAEC/NECO results, and school-specific formulas.

✅ Tip: Research your chosen school’s admission process. Understand how they calculate aggregate scores and prepare accordingly. Don’t assume all schools use the same method.

4. Missing Deadlines

One of the easiest ways to lose an admission opportunity is by missing application or screening deadlines. With many students competing for limited spaces, there’s little room for late applications.

✅ Tip: Follow the official school website and trusted educational platforms. Set reminders for deadlines like Post-UTME registration, screening, change of course, and result uploads.

5. Uploading Wrong or Incomplete Documents

Some students forget to upload O’Level results on the JAMB portal or use different names in their credentials. This can delay or cancel your admission, even if you’re qualified.

✅ Tip: Make sure your names match across all documents (JAMB, WAEC, birth certificate, etc.). Upload your results on time and verify everything before submitting.

6. Ignoring School-Specific Requirements

Some schools require you to complete extra forms — like the LASU Indigene Verification or UI’s screening portal login. Others need printouts or specific color passport photographs.

✅ Tip: After choosing a school, visit their admission page and read ALL instructions carefully. Pay attention to requirements that apply to your category (indigene, non-indigene, direct entry, etc.).

7. Not Having a Backup Plan

It’s good to aim high, but putting all your hope in one school or course can be risky. Admission can be competitive, and even smart students get disappointed.

✅ Tip: Choose more than one school during JAMB registration. Consider applying to a polytechnic, college of education, or private university as a backup option if needed.

💡 Final Advice

Admission is not just about scoring high in JAMB — it’s about making informed decisions, avoiding careless mistakes, and planning ahead. Stay updated, stay focused, and ask questions when you’re unsure.

Remember: Admission is not a race — it’s a journey. Don’t rush. Take your time and do it right.

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