UGBS professor launches admissions checker to simplify university applications
A University of Ghana Business School professor, Dr Kobby Mensah, has developed a web-based tool called Admissions Checker, designed to help Senior High School (SHS) students assess their chances of gaining admission to universities in Ghana.
In an interview with Graphic Online on January 16, 2025, Dr Mensah explained that the tool aims to reduce the anxiety students and parents experience during the university application process.
The system uses algorithms based on the admission cut-off points of over 70 universities across the country, including public and private universities, as well as technical institutions. It calculates the likelihood of a student being admitted to specific courses, based on his or her academic performance.
How the system works
To use the Admissions Checker, students can visit www.admissionschecker.com and input their WASSCE grades or even hypothetical results, such as terminal exam scores. The system processes the data using its algorithms and provides a percentage chance of admission for the selected courses and universities.
“For example, if a student enters their results and selects a course like Business at a particular university, the system will show their chances of gaining admission – whether it’s 85% or 20%,” Dr Mensah explained. “This allows students to focus on universities where they are most likely to succeed.”
As a web app, the platform is designed to be accessible to SHS students across Ghana, including those in remote areas. “We wanted to make sure that even students in rural areas can benefit from it. In the future, we may develop a mobile app,” he added.
Cost and packages
The Admissions Checker offers three affordable packages. The Basic Package costs GH₵ 5, which allows students to check their chances for three courses at three universities.
The Mid Package costs GH₵ 7, and it enables students to check their chances for six courses across three universities.
The Premium Package costs GH₵ 9, and it allows students to check their chances for nine courses at three universities.
Payments are processed via mobile money, and charges are based on the selected package.
Additional features
The platform also includes a free inquiry system powered by AI, which allows students to ask questions about university admissions. For example, students can ask, “What grades do I need for Chemistry at Legon?” or “When do admission forms come out?” The AI provides accurate, timely responses, offering a customer service-like experience for students navigating the admissions process.
GES collaboration and counselling services
The Admissions Checker has received initial support from the Ghana Education Service (GES), with plans to officially roll it out in the upcoming academic year.
Dr Mensah and his team have been visiting schools to guide students on how to use the platform to make informed decisions about their university choices.
“Parents and students often face confusion during the admissions period and end up applying to multiple universities,” Dr Mensah said. “With Admissions Checker, students can confidently select universities and courses where they have the best chance of admission, saving time and money.”
High success rate
Since its launch in September 2024, the programme has shown an impressive 98% success rate.
“We’ve received feedback from users confirming that the system accurately predicted the courses they would be admitted to. Those who were told their chances were low did not gain admission to those courses,” Dr Mensah noted.