What Is a Cut Off Mark?
Before we talk about IMSU’s cut off mark for Mass Communication, let’s first understand what a cut off mark means.
Definition of Cut Off Mark
A cut off mark is the minimum score a student must get in an exam (usually JAMB or Post-UTME) to be considered for admission into a course.
For example:
- If IMSU says the cut off mark for Mass Communication is 220, any student with 219 or below will not be considered for that course.
Types of Cut Off Marks
There are usually two types of cut off marks for admission:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| JAMB Cut Off Mark | This is the general minimum score approved by JAMB and the school. It qualifies you to write Post-UTME. |
| Departmental Cut Off Mark | This is the actual score needed for a specific course, like Mass Communication. It is higher than the general cut off. |
Why Is Cut Off Mark Important for IMSU Mass Communication?
Mass Communication is one of the most competitive courses at IMSU. Every year, thousands of students apply for it, but only a few are admitted.
The cut off mark helps the university choose the best students among many applicants.
Here’s Why It Matters:
- It determines if you qualify to sit for the Post-UTME.
- It helps you know how high to aim in your JAMB exam.
- It increases your chances of gaining admission if you beat the mark.
- If you don’t meet it, you may have to choose another course.
IMSU JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 session, IMSU has set the general JAMB cut off mark at 160 for most courses.
But for competitive courses like Mass Communication, the real cut off is higher.
| Course | JAMB Cut Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Mass Communication | 220 and above |
| Law | 230+ |
| Medicine | 250+ |
| Sociology | 200 |
| Political Science | 200 |
| English & Literary Studies | 180 |
So, even though IMSU accepts 160 as the general JAMB score, Mass Communication requires a higher score because of high competition.
IMSU Departmental Cut Off Mark for Mass Communication (2025/2026)
The departmental cut off mark is the real deal.
For 2025/2026, the IMSU Mass Communication departmental cut off mark is expected to be:
220 to 250, depending on:
- Number of applicants
- Performance of students in JAMB and Post-UTME
- Departmental decision
Note: IMSU does not always publish fixed departmental cut off marks. But from previous years’ data and admission trends, Mass Communication cut off usually falls between 220 – 250.
How IMSU Calculates Admission for Mass Communication
Now that you know the cut off mark, let’s break down how IMSU selects students.
IMSU uses a combination of your JAMB score and Post-UTME score to calculate your total admission score.
Example:
| Exam | Weight (%) | Example Score | Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMB | 60% | 250 | 250 × 0.6 = 150 |
| Post-UTME | 40% | 80 | 80 × 0.4 = 32 |
| Total | 100% | — | 150 + 32 = 182 |
If the cut off for Mass Comm is 180, then you are qualified.
Tip: Try to score very high in JAMB, so you won’t struggle in Post-UTME.
What is Mass Communication as a Course?
Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll study when you finally get in.
Definition
Mass Communication is the study of how people share information with a large audience through TV, radio, newspapers, social media, films, and more.
What You’ll Learn in IMSU Mass Comm
- Journalism
- Broadcasting
- Public Relations
- Advertising
- Media Ethics
- Communication Theory
- Writing & Editing
Why Study Mass Communication at IMSU?
IMSU is known for producing top journalists, broadcasters, and media experts. The Mass Communication department is one of the most respected in South-East Nigeria.
Pros of Studying Mass Communication at IMSU
- Accredited program
- Qualified lecturers
- Internship opportunities with media houses
- Well-equipped studio for practicals
- Good learning environment
Entry Requirements for IMSU Mass Communication
Here are the basic requirements you must meet:
O’Level Subjects
You must have at least 5 credits, including:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- One other subject
Must be from WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent.
JAMB Subject Combination
You must choose these JAMB subjects:
- Use of English
- Literature in English
- Government or CRS/IRS
- Any other Arts or Social Science subject
How to Score Above the IMSU Mass Communication Cut Off Mark
Now that you know the mark, here are tips to help you score above it:
1. Start Early Preparation
Don’t wait until one month before JAMB or Post-UTME. Start reading your books and past questions early.
2. Focus on Key Subjects
Pay more attention to English, Literature, and Government.
3. Use JAMB Past Questions
Study with JAMB past questions for the last 10 years. Most questions repeat.
4. Attend Lessons or Tutorials
Join a JAMB lesson centre. Good tutors will help explain hard topics.
5. Practice Post-UTME Questions
Use IMSU past Post-UTME questions to get familiar.
6. Time Yourself During Practice
This helps improve your speed and confidence.
Comparing IMSU Mass Comm Cut Off with Other Universities
| University | Cut Off for Mass Communication |
|---|---|
| IMSU | 220 – 250 |
| UNILAG | 250+ |
| UNN | 240+ |
| LASU | 230+ |
| ABSU | 200+ |
| DELSU | 210+ |
| UNIBEN | 240+ |
IMSU’s cut off is lower than top federal universities, but still competitive.
Mistakes Students Make When Applying for IMSU Mass Communication
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Wrong JAMB subject combination
- Low UTME score below 220
- Skipping Post-UTME
- Wrong O’Level subjects
- Waiting for second batch instead of choosing another course early
Example: Real Case Study
Meet Chidinma (A Sample Story)
- JAMB score: 245
- Post-UTME: 72
- O’Level: 5 credits including English, Math, Lit-in-English
- Applied for: Mass Communication
Admission Score:
- JAMB: 245 × 0.6 = 147
- PUTME: 72 × 0.4 = 28.8
- Total: 175.8
Chidinma was admitted because the departmental cut off that year was 175.
What If I Don’t Meet the Cut Off Mark?
If your score is below the cut off, here are your options:
Choose a Less Competitive Course
Courses like Sociology, Linguistics, or Philosophy have lower cut off marks.
Apply for IMSU Supplementary Admission
Wait for the **supplement
ary form** and switch to another course with lower demand.
Try Again Next Year
Use the experience to prepare better for the next session.Summary Table: IMSU Cut Off Marks & Admission Overview
| Criteria | Mass Communication |
|---|---|
| General JAMB Cut Off | 160 |
| Recommended JAMB Score | 220+ |
| Departmental Cut Off (Estimated) | 220 – 250 |
| Post-UTME Weight | 40% |
| JAMB Score Weight | 60% |
| Required O’Level Subjects | English, Math, Literature, Govt, 1 other |
| JAMB Subjects | English, Literature, Govt, CRS/IRS or similar |
| Competitive Level | High |
| Alternative Courses | Sociology, English, Linguistics |
Conclusion
Studying Mass Communication at IMSU is a great opportunity, but it comes with strong competition. To secure your place, you need to:
- Score 220+ in JAMB
- Do well in Post-UTME
- Meet all O’Level and subject requirements
The cut off mark for IMSU Mass Communication is not fixed every year, but from trends, it stays around 220 – 250. Use this guide to prepare well, avoid mistakes, and increase your chances of getting admission.
Remember, admission is a journey — start strong, stay focused, and don’t give up.
