Every academic session, various tertiary institutions release different admission lists to admit students into various departments.
These lists are typically released in stages to accommodate different admission criteria.
It’s always important to understand the meaning, purpose, and eligibility requirements for these various lists, such as Merit, Shopping, Supplementary, and VC lists, as a prospective student.
In this article, we will explore these four admission lists:
- Merit Admission List
- Supplementary Admission List
- Shopping Admission List
- VC’s Admission List
What is Merit Admission List?
The merit admission list also known as Primary admission list is the first list released by tertiary institutions during their admission process.
This list comprises of students with high UTME scores and Post UTME aggregate.
Regardless of your geographical location, once an aspirant exceeds the stipulated cut-off mark set by the institution for a particular course, his/her name will be on this list.
How the Merit List is Compiled
The compilation of the Merit List usually involves a transparent and a well structured process:
- Ranking by Scores: Candidates are ranked based on their aggregate scores, which usually combines UTME scores, post-UTME scores, and, in some cases, O-level grades.
- Cut-off Marks: Candidates who met or scored above the stipulated cut off mark of a particular course are considered for this list
- Catchment area: Candidates who were able to meet their catchment cut of mark for a particular course are also considered for this list.
- Quota Allocation: Each university allocates a certain percentage of admission for each admission list
What is Supplementary Admission List?
The Supplementary Admission List is usually the second list released by tertiary institutions after the Merit List.
Some institutions divide this supplementary list into two or three parts: Supplementary List 1, 2, and 3.
Aspirants whose cut-off mark is close to the school’s cut-off mark are usually found on this list.
Note: The Supplementary Admission List does not have a specific requirement, so once a candidate’s name is not found on the Merit List, his/her chances of admission become slimmer.
What is Shopping Admission List
Shopping Admission List is a list usually released by tertiary institutions to fill out vacant slots in each department.
After the Merit Admission List is released, in some cases, Supplementary Admission List 1 will also be released.
The school then provides a list of courses with limited slots for students interested in applying for a different course than the one initially chosen in JAMB.
The school selects candidates from those who applied for these courses based on the limited slots available.
How the Shopping List is Compiled
Minimum Cut-off Mark: Candidates must meet or exceed the cut-off mark for that chosen course on the Shopping List.
Timely Application: Prospective candidates need to apply for this as fast as possible because of the limited slots available.
Research has stated that candidates who apply timely for this list are usually given admission.
Catchment/indigenes: Some certain institution tend to favour those students within their catchment or their indigenes in this admission list.
What is V.C’s Admission List?
V.C’S admission list is usually the last list released by tertiary institutions.
This list is usually complied by the office of the Vice Chancellor.
Students who are found in this list are mainly children of university staff or influential individuals.
This is the smallest admission list and it doesn’t have any specific requirement.
Understanding the different types of admission lists can greatly enhance your chances of gaining admission into to your desired choice of institution.
It is always important for each candidate to stay informed of any official announcement from their choice of institutions.
Thanks for reading, and we wish you all the best.
