Studying in Nigeria is always a personal experience, and what we all know about it is from word-of-mouth, so you can’t really pinpoint how everything will be at your university or how it will all go.
Still, we asked our University Application officers what are the most common mistakes they think students make when considering admission into Nigerian universities, particularly private universities.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying to a university:
Applying with wrong course combination
When you apply for an undergraduate degree, you can not apply for a discipline completely unrelated to your subject combination passed in your WAEC. If you do apply, however, nothing guarantees you will get accepted. If you want to apply for Mass Communication, for example, you can not bring a subject combination from a science background.
Make Sure You Can Afford the Tuition Fees
If you have the right subject combination, it’s easy to search for the right university and course for you. You can try to check the university’s website for fee structure. Some of them might even have a percentage of scholarship for you in which case you can enquire with the university’s admission office for further information.
Ignoring potential admission deadlines
When you go apply for admission, you have a lot of options in terms of deadlines. A lot of students don’t even try to apply for admission when admission is ongoing. It can be a deadline for application, submitting important documents, on visiting the school at the time that is required. You can also check out their application portal or the university’s website for information about important deadlines.
Sending the wrong application documents
This is a problem of nuance, honestly, but some students, especially those who are dealing with this, for the first time, are not sure of the differences. When your university of choice asked for a document, you have to check everything before you check them. These are a lot of things to consider, and, if you ever have any questions, you should contact the university’s admission officer as they will help you with the most useful answers.
Not having a plan B prepared
Listen, we know you might imagine a certain path for your future, but, usually, things change. You just have to be ready for whatever happens and always have a safety net: apply to multiple admission for first, second and third choice, if possible.
Giving up after a rejection
Speaking of always having an alternative… Never give up! Yes, maybe a university didn’t accept your application, but maybe the second one will. Maybe the budget you have prepared is too small to cover all your needs, but shrug it off: apply for a scholarship or simply take a few years’ breaks, in which you can raise money, and then follow your dreams again.
Others
1. Not meeting deadlines: Make sure to submit all required documents and applications by the specified deadline.
2. Failing to proofread: Double-check for spelling and grammar errors before submitting your application.
Not researching the university: Make sure you understand the university’s values, programs, and resources before applying.
3. Neglecting to tailor your application: Customize your application to the university and the program you are applying for.
4. Falsifying information: Providing false information on your application is unethical and can result in a rejection or even expulsion if discovered.
5. Not following application instructions: Carefully read and follow all instructions, including deadline prompts and formatting requirements.
6. Not budgeting for costs: Consider the financial implications of attending the university, including tuition, accommodation, and transportation.
7.Neglecting to consider your fit with the university: Make sure the university and its community align with your goals and values.