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Your child is finishing Grade 11 this year. You should be proud and if you're quietly anxious, that's completely understandable. Because somewhere between the relief of the final stretch and university open days, a clock starts ticking. Applications open and deadlines approach. And suddenly you're expected to navigate a system that nobody properly explains. Which course is right for your child? Which universities will realistically accept them? What do all these numbers mean? And what happens if they don't get in?  If you've found yourself on a university website at 10pm, more confused than when you started, you are not alone. The system can be genuinely difficult to navigate. So let's work through it together.  What Is an APS? An Admission Point Score, or APS, is the calculated number South African universities use to determine whether your child qualifies for a specific program. It's calculated from their National Senior Certificate results, typically using their six best subjects. Some universities include Life Orientation in this calculation; others don't. Either way, it's worth checking each institution's policy individually. A practical example: For BCom at the University of Pretoria (UP), the standard entry requirement is a minimum APS of 30, plus at least 60% for English and 50% for Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy does not qualify for a BCom at UP.  If your child's marks fall short, it's not the end of the road, UP also offers a BCom Extended Program, a four-year route designed for students who show potential but haven't yet reached the standard threshold. The entry requirements are lower: APS of 26, Mathematics 40%, and English 50%. Always verify current requirements directly at www.up.ac.za, as they are updated annually. The Challenge: Every University Does It Differently This is where it gets confusing. The APS is not a universal currency. While UP uses it, Stellenbosch University calculates admission through its own formula based on subject averages, not a standard APS score. A number that qualifies your child at one institution may be meaningless at another. Research into South African higher education confirms that this fragmented system places a disproportionate burden on families navigating it without professional support (Brahic et al., 2025). That burden falls hardest on parents, who are already stretched, and it matters, because approximately 71% of South African university students are now first-generation students, the first in their families to enter tertiary education (Council on Higher Education, 2023, as cited in Frontiers in Education, 2026). Put plainly: helping your child apply to university has become a project that demands significant time, research, and patience. Most working parents don't have those in surplus. Universities Your Child May Not Have Considered A lower APS does not mean fewer options. It means different ones. And some of those options are overlooked. North-West University, a well-established institution with strong academic standing and a broad spectrum of programs availables, offers degrees with APS requirements ranging from roughly 24 to 34 depending on the faculty. The University of the Western Cape has built a respected reputation across multiple fields, with accessible entry requirements and strong academic support. These are not consolation choices. They are accredited, reputable pathways to professional qualifications. Not even to mention the great variety of private higher education providers available. What If They Don't Get In? This is the question most parents don't want to ask and the one every parent should think through before results day. Rejection from a first-choice university is common, but it is not the end of the road. Practical paths forward include applying to a second institution before their deadline closes, exploring extended curriculum or bridging programs, considering registered private higher education providers, or planning a structured gap year with a clear re-application strategy. None of these are failures. What matters is knowing about them before the letter arrives. How I Can Help As an educational psychologist, I work with parents and teenagers at exactly this crossroads. A career assessment at our practice does more than match your child's marks to a course list. It looks at their cognitive strengths, personality profile, interests, and values, building a picture of who they are and where they are most likely to thrive. Research consistently shows that structured career guidance during late adolescence significantly improves career-related outcomes, including career decidedness, self-efficacy, and future planning (Krasniqi & Berisha, 2024; Sharapova et al., 2023). It is also one of the most underprovided services in South African secondary schools, with many learners compelled to navigate the process entirely through self-initiated research (Daries & Adams, 2024). Every assessment includes a free follow-up consultation. Sometimes you just need to know you're on the right track. Start the Conversation Now The families who feel most prepared in Grade 12 started asking questions in Grade 11, or earlier. If you're unsure where your child is headed, this is the right time to act. Contact our practice to book a career assessment. By Johan Louw | Educational Psychologist References
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Every year, thousands of South African families face the same pivotal question: which subjects should my Grade 9 child choose for their final three years of schooling? It is a question that carries real weight and rightfully so. Research published in the African Journal of Career Development confirms that the Grade 9 subject selection process "marks a significant milestone for South African high school learners," with uninformed choices potentially limiting future career options (Farao et al., 2024). But while the stakes are real, the process does not have to be overwhelming. Two Approaches to Subject Choices:  Approach 1: Play It Safe — The "Big 6" The most common approach is to select a broad, academically recognised combination that keeps as many doors open as possible. This typically includes:
Why it works: This combination satisfies the entry requirements for most university programs in South Africa and is well-aligned with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) framework outlined by the Department of Basic Education. Where it falls short: A broad selection does not always mean the best preparation. A learner with a clear interest in commerce, for example, may be better served by Business Studies and Economics than by Physical Sciences. Similarly, a student drawn to healthcare may benefit from Life Sciences paired with a subject that can lift their overall academic average. Generic choices can lead to reduced engagement and research suggests that when students select subjects that align with their strengths and interests, they are significantly more likely to remain motivated and perform well (Crawford International, 2026). Approach 2: Master of Few - Aligning Subjects with Career Direction  The second approach involves selecting subjects that are more closely matched to a learner's emerging career interests. This is supported by Donald Super's influential Career Development Theory, which positions adolescence as a critical "exploration stage", a period during which young people begin to crystallise vocational preferences and lay the educational groundwork for future career roles (Super, 1990; Patton & McMahon, 2006). According to Super's framework, career maturity, the readiness to make sound career decisions, is not an ability that you are born with; it is developed through guided reflection and early exploration. Research on Korean adolescents found that higher career maturity significantly predicted improved academic achievement, suggesting that when learners have a clearer sense of purpose, they engage more actively with their schoolwork (NIH/PMC, 2022). This has direct implications for subject choice: a learner who understands why they are studying a subject is more likely to excel in it. The Role of Career Assessments Given the complexity of this decision, a professional career assessment at Grade 9 can be valuable. A study conducted with South African secondary school learners found that many students in the absence of structured career guidance make "uninformed, trial-and-error, and haphazard decisions" about subject choices, decisions that can compromise their future options (Akhurst & Mkhize, 2006, as cited in SpringerLink, 2019). Career assessments help address this gap by building self-understanding, identifying aptitudes, and introducing learners to a wider range of career possibilities, including emerging fields that may not yet be on a teenager's radar. A personal note: My own career assessment in Grade 9, conducted by my mother, a psychologist, pointed me toward careers in psychology, teaching, and pastoral work. As a teenager, I was convinced she had it completely wrong. Years later, I had worked as a youth pastor, lecturer, teacher, and eventually a psychologist, working alongside her for over eight years. The assessment was not a restriction; it was a compass. Is Grade 9 Too Early? Not at all. In fact, research indicates it is precisely the right time. The National Cancer Institute's framework for career readiness, alongside Super's developmental model, both identify mid-adolescence as the ideal window for initial career exploration. This is not to lock in a final destination, but to begin orienting a young person toward meaningful possibilities (Super, 1990). A follow-up career conversation in Grade 11 or 12 can then refine and confirm those early directions, making the final decision far less daunting. Key Benefits of a Grade 9 Career Assessment
Taking the Next Step If you would like to support your child in making confident, well-informed subject choices, consider booking a career assessment appointment today. For families where finances are a concern, my blog on Main Things to Consider When Helping Your Teenager Choose a Career walks through a free, accessible process of career exploration. The right subject combination is not about playing it safe or making a perfect prediction. It is about giving your child the self-knowledge and direction they need to thrive. References
 These days it is expected of a 17 or 18-year-old to pick a career. They might be scared of choosing the wrong course or being stuck in a career that makes them unhappy. These fears are expected, thus, prioritising time to think about and allow your child to explore various fields is important for their future career happiness.  Some good news is that moving between career fields has become easier. An undergraduate degree could be seen as a starting point instead of a final career destination. In various fields, it is quite easy to jump from one field to another by doing a one-year bridging postgraduate certificate or diploma. Doing a postgraduate certificate in education after completing any NQF 7-level qualification is mostly possible, available for instance at Stadio or Pretoria University. Another example would be going into business and doing a postgraduate diploma in business administration at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBBS) or Wits Business School (WBS). My story involved undergoing my Postgraduate studies in Psychology after completing a degree in Theology while my wife's path entailed her moving from Accounting to Education to Psychology after she completed a BCom(Law) degree. We are living proof that it is possible to move from one field to another, but we are also perhaps an illustration of individuals who had a lack of exposure to different careers early in our lives. Here are some tips to help your teenager explore various career fields;  1) Talk to people Encourage your child to have conversations with people about possible careers. Covid-19 has made it difficult to shadow people or talk to them face-to-face. However, doing this helps to get a feel for the career that your child is considering. Also inspire them to talk to people outside of your circle of influence as your child might get stuck in what family and friends know, instead of exploring the unknown. On the other hand, Covid-19 has forced all generations, young and old, to use more technologically advanced platforms, like Google Teams, Zoom, and Skype. So make use of the acceleration in technology and accessibility that has come with the pandemic. Also, try to connect with people in other countries whose experiences might broaden your view of career fields on another level. 2) Explore career options for free 2.1) Gostudy On gostudy.net your child might be able to further their understanding of different careers available at the moment. For instance, we all are familiar with a Physiotherapist; navigating through the website might introduce related careers like a Biokineticist, Chiropractor, or Osteopath (a medical specialisation not available in SA at the moment). This website describes various careers, what personal requirements you should have for the field, and tertiary institutions where you can go and study them. Not all careers are included, and the information is not always 100% accurate, but it is a great opening move for your child to explore different future careers.  2.2) Onetonline Another useful website is Onetonline.org. The website is American based and might be a bit complicated to use at times. One of the exciting aspects is the "bright outlook" categorisation, which includes careers that; are expected to grow rapidly, will provide you with job opportunities, or are emerging career fields. The website also includes requirements for the occupation, experience needed, and employee characteristics. 2.3) Youtube Motivate your child to watch Youtube clips on the careers they find interesting to identify the various contexts of how the qualification plays out in real life. For instance, here is a video on the basics of Engineering; Alternatively, your child can consider going to an Engineering week that provides exposure to the various Engineering fields. Like the University of Pretoria's Engineering Week (EBIT Week). Alternatively, allow your child to go to their local University's open days. Due to Covid-19, these might only be available online, like Stellenbosch University having an online open day earlier this year in April.
You are welcome to make an appointment today if you prefer a professional to guide you through the process of a career choice for your teenager.
From an early age, it's crucial to engage with your child to foster their career interests. While you might only be able to introduce a limited range of possible career options, starting small is still beneficial. Encourage your child to have conversations with friends and family to broaden their career curiosity. Here are some considerations to develop your child's career aspirations without financial strain: 1) Personality It's essential to understand what comes naturally to your child. Do they gain energy from being around people, or do they prefer solitude? Would they thrive in a structured job or one that's more dynamic and less desk-bound? A free personality questionnaire, like the one on 16Personalities, can be a good starting point. While the results may not always be fully accurate, they can provide valuable insights, especially with your guidance.
2) Interest Observing what magazines your child reads or what topics they frequently search on Google can reveal their interests. While these interests might not directly link to a career, they offer a valuable starting point for career development. Additionally, identifying their favourite subjects or specific aspects of subjects can highlight their passions, while less appealing subjects might indicate fields to avoid. For a more structured approach, consider using the free interest questionnaire on GoStudy. 3) Aptitude/skills Aptitude refers to a natural ability to do something. Identifying the subjects your child excels in can provide clues, though performance can vary for many reasons. Online IQ or aptitude assessments may not always be relevant to the South African context, but practical skills can be very telling. For instance, if your child has a knack for practical work, they might consider a trade like plumbing, diesel mechanics, or electrical work. Institutions like Soltech in Pretoria are dedicated to training tradespeople, addressing a critical need in South Africa.
Some countries list various trades on their critical skills occupations list, which can provide quick access to work opportunities abroad. For example, plumbing is on Canada’s list. 4) Values Understanding what your child values most in life is crucial for making a fulfilling career choice. Do they prioritize earning a high salary or helping others? Are they focused on maintaining fitness, family time, travel, creativity, career advancement, or working from home? Aligning career choices with these values ensures long-term satisfaction and balance. Other values might include travelling, creativity, variety, being able to advance in your career, or working from home. Taking the Next Step If identifying and integrating these categories seems challenging, a career assessment with a trained psychologist can provide specific guidance and options. You can make an appointment today to support your child's career happiness and ensure they make informed career choices that align with their future aspirations. In Grade 11 it is very important to create a platform for a happy and successful career. Grade 11 is the time to narrow the focus of possible careers options. This is possible through a career assessment, usually with the help of a psychologist. These assessments costs between R2000 and R6000 ($135 to $405). In Switzerland around 66% of learners aged 15 already has to know what career they want to pursue. These teenagers receive training by an employer (apprenticeship) and attends a vocational school for two days a week (click here).  Alternatively, if money is tight, have a conversation with your child about careers and encourage further career exploration. The earlier the better, of course (also read my article on Grade 9 subject choice for more tips - click here). Some benefits of doing a Grade 11 career assessment: 1. Knowing the course requirements The next few months is the ideal time for such an assessment. This may help your child align school performance with the course they find interesting. It will also help your child to know what the goal they are working towards is. For instance, reaching an Admission Points System (APS) score of 28 will allow admission to Education at Pretoria University (click here). Your APS calculation is different from University to Univerrsity; for more on how Pretoria University calculate theirs, click here).
3. Facilitating your child’s personality development Some personalities struggle to put in the long hours required to do as well as they are capable of. It might help to understand your personality’s shortfalls and develop skills to be successful at school (EQ). 4. Peace of mind  Some clients want to confirm the career they are considering. I don’t mind this, under two conditions;
i) Don’t tell me what you are considering! I would much rather confirm your option(s) during feedback. ii) Be open-minded. After some deliberation a new career or field might surprise you. During the last few years, career choices in South Africa has become more challenging. This is due to the increasing unemployment rate (35,3% - click here) as well as certain career fields becoming more competitive. Of course, career assessment can’t guarantee employment, but it provides the best starting point for careers in South Africa (or abroad). Allow me to guide you and your child to make an informed career choice. Book an appointment today (click here).  As a teenager I started working as a youth pastor in Cape Town, South Africa. I have always liked working with people, but I somehow wanted more out of my career than what I was doing at the time. I wanted skills to help people reach their personal best, which lead me to Psychology. Is it worth making a career change? In 2013, I started with my career change. Little did I know, how long the road ahead was. It was in 2018 that I finally completed my studies, what a glorious day indeed. You may ask yourself; 'Is it worth making a career change at 30?' or, for others, a career change at 20 or even 50. Look within your existing career field for alternatives, before making a career change. There may be something at your current company or within your current field that fits you like a glove. Consider moving after you have exhausted all the options within your current field. Many people have changed careers with great success. This may involve the odd uncomfortable feeling of being unsure, but you are not alone in this exciting journey. For me it was worth the effort to make the career change in my twenties. Not to say that I would not have enjoyed being a pastor, but what I do now, surpasses all initial possibilities. Using various ways to guide people to find their place and contribute to the world, is what I love about my job(s).  What do I need to consider before making a career change? Some advice before quitting your job:
When is the best time to do a career assessment?  The best time is while you or your child is still in school, Grade 9-12 (junior or senior high). This allows a teenager to become career ready and plan for their future career. This may even lead to higher motivation and performance in school. "Okay, but I'm not in school and I haven't done such an assessment before". Why not make an appointment now? Becoming an Educational Psychologist was a long journey, but now I love what I do. This makes it all worth the effort. I have gathered skills along the way and, even if I could, I would not change a thing about the path I've followed. After all, life is about more than just the destination...  What career change did you make in your life? What would you like to add?
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