How to Choose the Right University That Matches Your JAMB Score

by

How to Choose the Right University That Matches Your JAMB Score: So, you’ve seen your JAMB result score now what Is the next thing? This is the stage where many candidates make the mistake of picking schools they have little or no chance of getting into. But you don’t have to fall into that trap. Your JAMB score is a big deal. It can either push you forward or hold you back, depending on how you use it

Let’s walk through how to choose a university that fits your JAMB score and gives you a better shot at getting admitted.

1. Understand the Type of University You’re Applying To

Before anything, know that not all universities are the same.

Specialized Universities

Some schools focus only on certain areas. For example:

  • FUTMINNA
  • FUTO
  • FUTA

These schools mainly offer science, engineering, and tech courses. So applying for courses like Law or Accounting in those schools is a no-go they simply don’t offer them.

General Universities

These are the regular universities that offer a wide range of courses from arts to sciences to management. Examples include:

  • UNILAG
  • UNN
  • ABU
  • LASU

Even at these schools, don’t assume they offer your course always check. And make sure the course is accredited by NUC. A course without accreditation is like buying a phone without a charger not useful in the long run.

2. Age of the University Matters

Older universities have prestige, but they also come with tougher competition.

 Older Schools

These include:

  • University of Ibadan (UI)
  • Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
  • UNILAG
  • UNN
  • ABU
  • UI

They get a lot of applicants, which means higher cut-off marks.

Newer Schools

These schools, like:

  • Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu
  • Federal University of Education, Kontagora
  • Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta

…are more likely to admit candidates with lower scores because they’re still growing.

Tip:

Scored 250+? Aim for the big names.

Got 180–220? Try younger or less competitive schools.

3. Consider the Level of Competition

Some schools are extremely competitive. If your JAMB score is on the low side, it’s better to avoid these ones unless you’re ready to beat the odds.

High-Pressure Universities

  • UNILAG
  • UNN
  • ABU
  • OAU
  • LASU
  • UNIZIK
  • UI
  • FUTO
  • These schools attract thousands of candidates every year, so the bar is always high.

4. Your Course Choice Is Very Important

Not all courses are treated equally when it comes to admission. Some are always in high demand.

Competitive Courses

Expect very high JAMB cut-offs for:

  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Engineering
  • Mass Communication
  • Accounting
  • Computer Science

Most of these need a JAMB score of 250 or above.

Less Competitive Courses

If your score is lower, consider:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Religious Studies
  • Education Courses
  • Forestry & Wildlife
  • Library and Information Science
  • Linguistics (in some schools)

These courses usually have lower cut-off marks and less competition.

5. Use the Catchment Area to Your Advantage

Here’s a smart trick many ignore catchment areas.

Most federal universities reserve a portion of their slots for students from specific states or regions. This gives you an edge if you apply to a school in your zone.

Examples:

  • UNILAG rumours has it that it favours students from Lagos and nearby South-West states.
  • UNN is generally accepting candidates but rumours has it that gives preference to students from the South-East.

Also, if you’re from an Educationally Less Developed State (ELDS) like Gombe, Zamfara, or Ebonyi, you might get extra consideration.

6. Check the Departmental Cut-Offs

JAMB may set a general cut-off (usually 160), but that’s not the one that decides your admission. Each department sets its own cut-off.

For instance, a university might say:
  • General cut-off: 180
  • Medicine: 280
  • Education: 180

Before choosing a course, check the cut-off for that specific department. It will help you know where you stand.

7. Don’t Ignore Post-UTME

Some schools still conduct Post-UTME tests, and doing well in that can save a bad JAMB result.

A strong Post-UTME score can balance out a low JAMB score and vice versa. So if your school requires Post-UTME, prepare for it like your admission depends on it because it actually does.

8. Use the Change of Institution Option Wisely

If your first choice now looks like a dead end, don’t panic.

JAMB allows you to change your course or institution after results are out. Use that chance wisely.

Go for a school that:

  • Accepts your JAMB score
  • Offers your preferred course
  • Is less competitive
  • Is in your catchment area
  • All you need to do is visit an accredited CBT center to make the change.

9. Consider State and Private Universities Too

Federal universities are great, but they’re not your only option.

Private Universities

If you can afford the fees, schools like:

Babcock

Afe Babalola

Covenant

…can offer a quicker path to admission.

State Universities

Many state schools have lower cut-off marks and less pressure than federal ones. Schools like:

  • LASU
  • AAU
  • ABSU

…may just give you the admission you need.

10. Focus on Strategic Admission, Not Just Admission

Don’t just aim to enter any university. Aim to enter the right one.

The best school for you is one that:

Offers your course (and it’s accredited)

Accepts your JAMB score

Gives you a real shot at getting in

Won’t frustrate you with endless strikes or delays

Choosing wisely now can save you from regrets later.

Final Thoughts

Admission isn’t luck it’s strategy. If you scored 180, don’t set yourself up for disappointment by applying for Medicine at OAU.

Instead:

  1. Know your score strength
  2. Study cut-off trends
  3. Use your region to your advantage
  4. Pick the right course
  5. Be flexible and ready to change when needed
  6. Play your cards well, and you’ll secure admission without stress.

Don’t rush into changing your course or university just yet—especially when you’re not even sure of the cut-off mark for your desired course. The smart move is to wait until the official cut-off marks are out. In some cases, top universities may surprisingly have lower cut-off marks, while others may be higher than expected. With your JAMB score, you’ll have a better idea of the type of course you stand a chance for. Jumping from one school to another without checking properly might land you in a place that’s just as competitive or even tougher. So, plan wisely before making any move.

Any questions? Feel free to ask us in the comment section below.

Never miss any Campus News or Scholarship Opportunity.

Subscribe for free to our newsletter

Share this in your Study Group:

Fueled by a passion for keeping his fellow students in the loop, Campus Informant, a publicist, campus reporter, and entrepreneur, acts as a news hub, gathering information from diverse sources and disseminating it effectively.

           Contact Campus Informant

3 thoughts on “How to Choose the Right University That Matches Your JAMB Score”

Leave a Comment