How Further Studies (AP) Maths Helps At University

At Advantage Learn, we are dedicated to empowering learners with the tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. Our recent Further Studies Guidance Webinar was an insightful session featuring Sibongakonke Mcobothi, a former Advantage Learn Further Studies learner, who shared her inspiring journey from high school to university and how Further Studies or AP Maths played a crucial role in her transition to Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town.

From High School to University: A Journey of Growth

Sibongakonke’s story is one of determination and excellence. Graduating from Inanda Seminary in 2022, she not only excelled academically but also embraced the opportunities presented by Advantage Learn’s Further Studies Maths programme. Today, as a second-year Actuarial Science student, Sibongakonke reflects on the pivotal role that Further Studies played in bridging the academic gap between high school and university.

“There’s a big gap between high school and university, [in] terms of how you approach learning,” she explained during the webinar. This gap includes the level of academic expectations, time management, and the depth of the content covered. Many learners find the shift daunting, but for Sibongakonke, Further Studies Maths (AP Maths) provided a strong foundation that helped her navigate this transition with confidence.

The Value of Further Studies Maths (AP Maths)

One of the key messages Sibongakonke emphasised was how Further Studies Maths helped her pass the daunting Dean’s Test at UCT. The Dean’s Test, a high-stakes exam that determines whether students can continue their degree on time, was a major challenge. However, having covered some of the topics during her time with Advantage Learn, Sibongakonke felt more prepared than many of her peers. This familiarity with advanced concepts gave her an upper hand, allowing her to pass the test and continue her degree without delay.

Sibongakonke highlighted how Further Studies Maths (AP Maths) didn’t just prepare her for exams; it prepared her for the deeper learning required at university. She explained that while high school focuses on computational skills, universities in South Africa and worldwide demand a deeper understanding of the ‘why’ behind formulas and theories. The critical thinking skills she developed through Further Studies allowed her to approach university-level content with confidence.

AP Maths and Mastering Time Management and Self-Discipline

One of the challenges that all learners face when transitioning to university is time management. In high school, timetables are structured and predictable, but at university, students must take full responsibility for managing their schedules. Sibongakonke credits Further Studies Maths (AP Maths) with helping her develop the self-discipline needed to balance her academic responsibilities with personal time.

“Further Studies taught me to manage my time, to prioritise studying over socialising when necessary,” she explained. This lesson has been crucial in helping her keep up with the demands of university life, where learners must juggle lectures, assignments, and independent study without the structured guidance they’re used to in high school.

Preparing for the Future

The benefits of Further Studies Maths (AP Maths) extend beyond the classroom. Sibongakonke also noted that her participation in the programme helped her stand out when applying for scholarships and bursaries. Organisations are often looking for learners who not only excel academically but who also take on additional challenges. The fact that Sibongakonke had completed Further Studies Maths demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence, which helped her secure a prestigious FirstRand Foundation Scholarship.

She’s not alone in seeing the advantages of Further Studies. During the webinar, Sibongakonke shared insights from her peers in various fields, including Analytics, Biological Sciences, and Engineering, all of whom found that their participation in Further Studies programmes made their transition to university smoother.

Why Further Studies Matters

At Advantage Learn, we believe that Further Studies Maths does more than just improve your understanding of mathematics; it prepares learners for the rigours of academic life at universities in South Africa or globally. The programme pushes learners to engage with complex concepts at a deeper level, helping them develop the critical thinking, time management, and self-discipline that are essential for success in higher education.

Our Further Studies Maths programme is internationally benchmarked, giving learners a globally recognised qualification that can bolster their university applications. While it may not be a formal requirement for university admission, the skills and knowledge learners gain through the programme significantly improve their chances of success both academically and personally.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Sibongakonke’s journey is a testament to the power of Further Studies Maths (AP Maths) and the impact it can have on a learner’s academic trajectory. By bridging the gap between high school and university, the programme equips learners with the tools they need to succeed in one of the most challenging transitions of their lives.

Interested in hearing from Sibongakonke herself? Check out the recording of our webinar below!

Ready for Further Studies with Advantage Learn?

At Advantage Learn, we are proud to offer Further Studies Maths, Further Studies Physics, and Further Studies English as part of our commitment to providing world-class education that prepares learners for a successful future. Whether you’re looking to improve your core subject results, strengthen your applications to universities in South Africa or overseas, or simply challenge yourself academically, Further Studies can open doors you never thought possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Advantage Learn’s Further Studies programmes can help you prepare for university, visit our website to explore our offerings and apply today!