Does choosing the same school as first and second choice boost my chances of admission

Many students have asked questions about this topic, such as:

If I choose the same school as both my first and second choice, does it boost my chances of admission? or Is it advisable to select a school for both first and second choices? and many more.

In this article, we will answer all your questions regarding the first and second choices of admission.

Table of Contents

The Concept of First and Second Choices

First Choice:

This is the primary institution you select during your JAMB registration. It is the school you most prefer to attend.

Most universities, especially federal and highly competitive institutions, prioritize candidates who chose them as their first choice.

Therefore, selecting a school as your first choice indicates a higher level of commitment and preference.

Second Choice:

This is likely a backup option in case you do not gain admission into your first-choice institution. It serves as a fallback plan, usually only less competitive schools, polytechnics, or colleges of education accept this choice.

Many top universities do not consider candidates who chose them as a second choice, so it’s very important to choose wisely.

Differences Between First and Second Choice of admission

Priority in Admission:

Schools generally give higher priority to aspirants who select them as their first choice.

Second choice applicants may have lower chances of being considered, especially for competitive courses or universities.

Many top universities don’t even consider those who chose them as second choice.

Nowadays, second choice of admission is strictly meant for polytechnics and colleges of education.

Admission Cut-off Marks:

First-choice institutions are mainly universities, so the cut-off marks for these institutions are much higher than for second-choice options, as almost all universities only consider first-choice candidates for admission.

Is it right to choose the same school for both first and second choice?

In the 90s, the practice of selecting the same school for both first and second choices was a way to show the institution that it was their top and only preference.

As a result, many admission seekers in that era would pick the same school for their 1st, 2nd, and even 3rd choices.

And it was working during that time because universities see it as priority meaning that particular applicant sees that institution as his/her only institution to be admitted to.

The funniest part is that this trick no longer works, as admission policies have changed over the years.

Now, choosing an institution as your first, second, or even third choice won’t give you any special advantage or put you ahead of others.

Almost all universities now only consider those who picked them as first choice.

So in essence picking the same school as first and second choice does not boost your chances of admission

Factors to Consider Before choosing a school as first or second choice

Check the stance of that institution: Many top universities don’t accept second choice of admission so before selecting a university as second choice is important to confirm if it accepts second choice of admission.

Course availability: Most of the time, not all courses are available to those who choose a particular institution as their second choice. At times top professional courses are not available for second-choice applicants.