How Many Days Does It Take for “Admission in Progress” to Change to “Admitted”?

Getting admission into a university is one of the most exhilarating moments in a student’s academic journey. The transition from seeing “Admission in Progress” on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal to “Admitted” is eagerly anticipated. If you’re a student who has gone through the application process, received your results, and seen the words “Admission in Progress,” the next logical question is: How long does it take for this status to change to “Admitted”?

This question is not only important but also one that many students and their families anxiously ask during the admission season. The waiting period can often feel long and stressful, but there are multiple factors at play that can affect the time it takes for JAMB and your chosen institution to finalize your admission.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what it means when your JAMB portal shows “Admission in Progress,” how long the process generally takes, and factors that may affect this timeline. We’ll also provide practical tips on what you should do while waiting for the final status change.

What Does “Admission in Progress” Mean?

Before we dive into the timeline, it’s important to understand what the status “Admission in Progress” means. When this phrase appears on your JAMB CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) portal, it essentially indicates that your admission is under review by the institution to which you applied. It shows that the school is processing your data, considering your application, and verifying your qualifications to determine whether to offer you admission.

Breakdown of “Admission in Progress”:

• Initial Review: At this stage, the university has shortlisted you for admission based on your UTME and O’Level results.
• Cross-Checking Credentials: The institution typically verifies your qualifications, including your JAMB score, O’Level results, and any other relevant documents.
• Final Decision: After verifying your details, the school will make a final decision on whether or not to admit you.

Seeing “Admission in Progress” is generally a positive sign that you’re being seriously considered for admission. However, it is not a guarantee of admission. The final step is when the status changes to “Admitted.”

How Long Does It Take for “Admission in Progress” to Change to “Admitted”?

The time it takes for your admission status to change from “Admission in Progress” to “Admitted” varies based on several factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In some cases, it may take longer, especially if the institution is dealing with a large number of applicants or if there are delays in the administrative process.

Common Timelines:

1. 2 to 7 Days: For some institutions, the process may be quick, and you might see the status change within just a few days after “Admission in Progress” appears on your portal. This typically happens when the institution has completed most of its review process before updating the status.
2. 1 to 3 Weeks: For most students, the average waiting time ranges between one to three weeks. This period accounts for all the necessary verification checks and administrative procedures the institution needs to complete.
3. 4 Weeks or More: In some cases, the process can take longer than a month, particularly if the institution is managing a large applicant pool or facing other internal delays. Technical issues on JAMB CAPS or delays in document verification can also contribute to a prolonged waiting time.

Factors That Influence the Timeline:

Several factors can affect how long it takes for your status to change from “Admission in Progress” to “Admitted.” Understanding these can help manage your expectations and reduce any anxiety associated with waiting.

Factors Affecting the Timeline

1. Institution-Specific Processes

Each institution has its own admission policies and procedures. Some schools may have a more streamlined process and are able to complete the review quickly. Other institutions may have more complex internal processes that slow down the decision-making process.

For example, highly competitive programs or universities may take more time to finalize admissions due to the high volume of applications. In contrast, smaller schools or less competitive programs may have shorter waiting times.

2. Verification of Results

One critical factor in the timeline is the verification of your O’Level and JAMB results. Before an institution can officially admit a student, it must verify that all the information submitted during the application process is correct. This process can take time, especially if there are discrepancies in your documentation or if your school hasn’t sent the results to JAMB promptly.

Additionally, if there are any inconsistencies between your O’Level results or JAMB details, the school may reach out to you for clarification, further delaying the process.

3. Quota and Admission Policies

Each institution in Nigeria has a set quota for the number of students they can admit into various programs. This quota is set by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and institutions must adhere to it. If an institution reaches its quota early, they may close the admission process sooner. If not, they may take longer to finalize admissions as they continue reviewing additional candidates to fill up available spots.

4. JAMB CAPS Processing

The JAMB CAPS platform plays a critical role in the admission process. Even after the institution has completed its internal review, they must still submit the list of admitted students to JAMB for approval. If there are technical issues with JAMB CAPS, or if there is a backlog of admission approvals, it could delay the time it takes for your status to change from “Admission in Progress” to “Admitted.”

5. Institutional Delays

There are times when unexpected delays happen due to internal administrative challenges. For example, strikes, changes in leadership within the institution, or technical issues on their admission portals may cause delays.

What Should You Do While Waiting?

Waiting for your admission status to change can be nerve-wracking, but there are several steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared for when the status eventually changes to “Admitted.”

1. Keep Checking Your JAMB CAPS Portal

It’s essential to check your JAMB CAPS portal regularly to monitor your admission status. This is where you’ll first see any updates regarding your admission. Checking the portal at least once a day will keep you informed and ensure you don’t miss any important notifications.

2. Prepare Your Documents

While waiting, it’s a good idea to start gathering and organizing all the necessary documents you’ll need once your admission is confirmed. This includes:

• JAMB admission letter
• O’Level result certificates (WAEC, NECO, etc.)
• Birth certificate or affidavit
• Passport-sized photographs
• Any other documents required by your institution

Being prepared with these documents will make the registration process much smoother once your status changes to “Admitted.”

3. Stay in Touch with the Institution

If you feel the process is taking too long, you can reach out to the admissions office of your chosen institution. They can provide more information on the status of your application and may offer insight into any delays. However, be sure to exercise patience, as admissions teams are often handling thousands of applications at once.

Patience is Key

The transition from “Admission in Progress” to “Admitted” on JAMB CAPS can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on various factors, including the institution’s admission processes and JAMB’s verification procedures. While waiting, it’s crucial to remain patient, regularly check your JAMB CAPS portal, and ensure that all your documentation is ready.

Remember, each institution operates on its own timeline, so if your status doesn’t change immediately, it doesn’t mean you won’t get admitted. Patience, preparation, and persistence are key during this time. Once your status finally changes to “Admitted,” you can celebrate knowing you’ve successfully crossed the admission hurdle and are ready for the exciting journey ahead.