Distinguish between the admission point score (APS) and the national benchmark test (NBT)

Answer 1

The admission point score (APS) and the national benchmark test (NBT) are two different measures used in the South African higher education system to assess a student's academic readiness for university.

The APS is a score calculated based on a student's performance in their final year of high school. It takes into account the student's performance in six subjects, with different weightings assigned to each subject. The APS is used by universities to determine whether a student meets the minimum entry requirements for a particular course or program.

On the other hand, the NBT is a standardized test that assesses a student's academic literacy and quantitative reasoning skills. The test is designed to provide universities with additional information about a student's academic readiness beyond their high school grades. The NBT is not used to determine whether a student meets the minimum entry requirements for a course, but rather to identify areas where a student may need additional support.

In summary, the APS is based on a student's high school grades, while the NBT is a standardized test that assesses a student's academic readiness beyond their high school performance.