Ask the experts

Mar 30, 2010

<b>Are my career dreams shattered?</b><br>I scored 8 points in physics, chemistry, biology/ food and nutrition (5OOO/C) but I don’t want to repeat. My dream was to become a nutritionist. What do I do to achieve my dreams or what other programme do I qualify for at university? <br><b>Steve</b>

Are my career dreams shattered?
I scored 8 points in physics, chemistry, biology/ food and nutrition (5OOO/C) but I don’t want to repeat. My dream was to become a nutritionist. What do I do to achieve my dreams or what other programme do I qualify for at university?
Steve

The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics which you wanted to study is offered at Kyambogo University. Dr. Andrew Cula, the university’s academic registrar, says you did not score the minimum points required for admission to the programme.

Students require at least two principal passes in A’level to be eligible for admission to any university degree programme through the direct entry scheme.

You were expected to have passed chemistry and biology because these are the essential subjects for human nutrition programme.

Passing the essential subjects for any academic programme is crucial because the scores are multiplied by three during the weighting process for the entry cut-off points. Now that you scored only one principal pass in food and nutrition, you are not eligible for admission to any course.

The only alternative is to study a certificate course and upgrade later.


I scored nine points with three principal passes (CE0&E) in history, economics, geography, divinity and P7 in general paper. My dream was to pursue a diploma in education with history and geography as my specialty. Will I be admitted for this course in any national teachers’ college since I failed general paper?
Jimmy Okengo

National Teachers Colleges (NTCs) pass out Grade V teachers who, according to Uganda’s education system, are eligible to teach O’level.
Vincent Ekwang, a member of the Joint Admissions Board (JAB), says anyone with two principal passes can apply for a vacancy in NTCs. Although it is crucial to pass general paper (GP), Ekwang says it may not deter you from being admitted since it does not add much to one’s credence during the weighting process.
Since you scored three principal passes, you are eligible for admission. However, Ekwang says you might not be given the subjects of your choice, especially geography in which you did not get a principal pass. If admitted, you will choose from history, economics or divinity where you have principal passes.
Currently, there are five NTCs in operation across the country. To be admitted on Government sponsorship, you ought to have filled the JAB forms in December last year.
If you miss Government sponsorship, individual NTCs have room for the private sponsorship scheme. You can pick application forms from the NTC of your choice.

Compiled by Francis Kagolo Send your questions to education@newvision.co.ug. Or sms education (space) your comment and send to 8338 (valid for Zain, Warid, utl and MTN subscribers)

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