If you want to study Medical Laboratory Science at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, one of the things you must know is the cut‐off mark. It is the minimum score required to be considered for admission. This article will explain clearly:
- what a cut‐off mark is,
- how DELSU sets the cut‐off mark for Medical Laboratory Science,
- what past cut‐off marks have been,
- how to meet or beat the cut‐off mark,
- pros and cons of high/low cut‐off marks,
- comparisons with other related courses or universities,
and lots more. At the end, you’ll also see a summary table and FAQs to help you.
This guide is for Nigerian students, especially those preparing for JAMB, DELSU Post‐UTME, and admission into Medical Laboratory Science.
What is a Cut‐off Mark? (Definitions)
Definition of Cut‐off Mark
A cut‐off mark is the lowest score that candidates must achieve in an exam (like JAMB UTME, or combined with Post UTME) to be eligible for admission into a course at a university.
- UTME cut‐off mark: The minimum score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination that qualifies you to apply for Post‐UTME.
- Departmental cut‐off mark: After UTME, each department (in this case, Medical Laboratory Science) may set a higher or more specific mark for admission into that course.
Why Cut‐off Marks Matter
- Ensures that only students with sufficient academic strength apply.
- Helps university decide how many students to admit.
- Promotes fair competition.
- Students below the cut‐off are usually not considered.
How DELSU Sets Cut‐off Marks for Medical Laboratory Science
Factors that determine DELSU’s Cut‐off Mark
DELSU sets its cut‐off marks based on several factors:
- Performance of applicants — If many candidates score high, the cut‐off may rise.
- Number of available slots — If the department only has few spaces, the cut‐off tends to be higher.
- Quality of applications — If many strong candidates apply, DELSU may increase cut‑off.
- Minimum UTME requirement by JAMB and by university policy — You must meet general minimums first.
- Balance among faculties — The university tries to ensure quality across all faculties.
How the Aggregate Score is Calculated
To get admitted, many universities combine your UTME score and your Post‐UTME (screening) score. DELSU uses one of these common ways:
- Divide your UTME score by some number.
- Divide your Post‐UTME score by another number.
- Add them to get the aggregate score.
For example:
If your UTME is 240, DIVIDE by 8 → you get 30. If your Post‐UTME is 70, DIVIDE by 2 → you get 35. Total aggregate = 30 + 35 = 65. If the departmental cut‐off for Medical Laboratory Science is 60, then you meet it.
Note: The exact ratio and divisors can change by year. Always check DELSU’s current policy.
What is the Cut‐off Mark for Medical Laboratory Science at DELSU? (Past & Latest)
Here are several past cut‐off marks for Medical Laboratory Science in DELSU, and what the latest known data is (as of 2024/2025).
Past Cut‐off Marks
| Year / Session | UTME Cut‐off Mark | Direct Entry (if applicable) / Departmental cut‐off |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/2024 | 60 | 50 (Direct Entry) (schoolroomnews.com.ng) |
| 2024/2025 | 58 | 52 (Direct Entry) (tertiarynaija.com.ng) |
Latest / Typical Cut‐off Mark
- For the 2024/2025 academic session, DELSU required a UTME score of about 58 for Medical Laboratory Science. (tertiarynaija.com.ng)
- Also, a direct entry / departmental cut‐off of 52 has been reported. (tertiarynaija.com.ng)
What This Means
You should aim at least a UTME score of 60 or more to be safer, because cut‑offs may be rounded or changed. Direct Entry candidates need to satisfy their specific mark (often slightly lower or adjusted). Always check the year of the cut‐off you are looking at.
Requirements for Admission into Medical Laboratory Science at DELSU
To gain admission into Medical Laboratory Science at DELSU, you need several things, not just the cut‑off mark.
Basic Requirements
- JAMB UTME — You must sit for UTME, choose DELSU Abraka as first choice (or satisfy any rules they have), and get at least the general minimum UTME score.
- Subject Combination in UTME – Usually, you need core science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (check the most recent JAMB brochure for exact subjects).
- O’Level Credits — You must have credit passes (usually 5) in your Senior Secondary School Certificate (WAEC, NECO, etc.), including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Language.
- Post‑UTME Screening — After UTME, DELSU conducts a Post‑UTME screening exercise. Perform well here.
- Meeting the Departmental Cut‑off — UTME + Post‑UTME aggregate must reach the departmental cut‑off (for Medical Laboratory Science) to be considered for admission.
Direct Entry Requirements (if applicable)
If entering by Direct Entry (for example if you have A‑Levels, ND, NCE, or its equivalent), you usually need:
- Satisfy O’Level requirements.
- Required passes or credits in relevant subjects.
- Specific Direct Entry subject combinations.
- Meet departmental cut‑off marks for Direct Entry if DELSU publishes them.
How to Beat or Meet the Cut‑off Mark
Here are tips and strategies to help you reach or exceed the DELSU cut‑off mark for Medical Laboratory Science:
Study Plan for UTME
- Understand the syllabus for UTME subjects (especially Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics).
- Practice past questions and mock exams.
- Time management – ensure you can answer within time.
- Strengthen weak areas – e.g. maybe you find Biology easier, Physics harder; invest more time in the harder ones.
- Stay updated – use good study materials and ensure your knowledge matches current exam formats.
Do Well in Post‑UTME
- The screening might have tests in science and English; be sharp.
- Some screening may test general knowledge or aptitude.
- Practice Post‑UTME past questions.
- Be punctual, follow instructions well, be careful with careless mistakes.
Increase Your Aggregate Score
- Even if UTME is not extremely high, a very good Post‑UTME can raise your aggregate.
- Try to maximize both, because DELSU likely uses combined scoring.
- Avoid falling far below departmental cut‑off in either UTME or screening.
Backup Plan
- Apply to other universities or courses with lower cut‑off points as a second option.
- Have second choice courses in DELSU or other schools.
- Improve your O’Level credits if needed.
Pros and Cons of the Cut‑off Mark System
Advantages (Pros)
| Pros | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Merit‑based selection | Ensures students with higher scores are rewarded. |
| Quality control | Helps maintain a standard for professional courses like Medical Lab Science. |
| Encourages preparation | Pushes students to study well for UTME and Post‑UTME. |
| Transparency | Cut‑off marks are published, so candidates know requirements. |
Disadvantages (Cons)
| Cons | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pressure/stress | High marks required can stress students. |
| Yearly fluctuations | Cut‑off may change, giving uncertainty. |
| Disadvantages weaker backgrounds | Students from under‑resourced schools may be at a disadvantage. |
| Risk of missing opportunity | Someone just below the cut‑off, even if capable, might be excluded. |
Comparisons: Medical Laboratory Science vs. Other Courses in DELSU
Cut‑off Marks of Medical Laboratory Science vs Other Sciences
- Medical Laboratory Science usually requires a higher UTME cut‑off compared to general science courses like Botany, Zoology, Anatomy & Cell Biology. For example, while some science courses have cut‑offs of 40–50, Medical Laboratory Science often needs near 58‑60 in recent years. (tertiarynaija.com.ng)
- Courses like Nursing Science often have even higher cut‑offs. For instance, Nursing had UTME cut‑offs around 67 in recent sessions. (crossriverhub.ng)
Cut‑off Marks of DELSU Medical Laboratory Science vs Other Universities
- DELSU’s requirements are generally competitive.
- Other universities may have lower or higher cut‑offs depending on demand, reputation, and available space.
- If DELSU’s Medical Laboratory Science cut‑off is 58 UTME, another university may accept 50 or 55, or require 65 or more depending on factors.
Example: Applying with Actual Scores
Here are example scenarios to help you see how meeting cut‑off works.
Example Scenario 1 – UTME High, Post‑UTME Low
- UTME score = 65 (after dividing by required divisor gives, say, 8.125)
- Post‑UTME score = 40 (after dividing gives 20)
- Aggregate = ~ 8.125 + 20 = 28.125 → way below typical departmental cut‑off of ~60.
- Even though UTME is good, low Post‑UTME kills the aggregate.
Example Scenario 2 – Balanced Scores
- UTME score = 58 → UTME component after divisor maybe gives ~7.25
- Post‑UTME = 60 → after its divisor gives ~30
- Aggregate = ~37.25 → might meet departmental cut‑off depending on that year.
Example Scenario 3 – Direct Entry Candidate
- If you have ND or NCE with required credit passes and relevant courses, and your UTME isn’t needed or matters less, Direct Entry cut‑off (e.g., ~52) is what you aim for.
- Other academic qualifications will be assessed; you still need good scores in required subjects.
Things to Watch Out For (Tips & Common Mistakes)
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Missing required O’Level subject or not having credit in Biology or Chemistry.
- Choosing DELSU as not first choice in UTME – sometimes this disqualifies or reduces priority.
- Underestimating Post‑UTME; thinking UTME alone is enough.
- Not keeping updated: cut‑off marks change each year.
- Poor time management; rushing answers leads to careless errors.
How to Stay Updated
- Check DELSU official website or notice boards.
- Follow JAMB official communications.
- Use trusted school news sources that verify with the university.
- Talk to DELSU departmental office or admission office directly if unsure.
Summary Table: DELSU Medical Laboratory Science Cut‑off Marks
Here is a summary of key data from past years for Medical Laboratory Science at DELSU:
| Academic Session | UTME Cut‑off Mark | Direct Entry / Departmental Cut‑off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/2024 | ~ 60 | ~ 50 | Standard departmental cut‑off. (schoolroomnews.com.ng) |
| 2024/2025 | ~ 58 | ~ 52 | Slightly lower UTME than prior; DE slightly higher than minimum. (tertiarynaija.com.ng) |
| Direct Entry in same sessions | — | 50–52 | For those using ND/NCE/equivalent. |
Conclusion
To be admitted into Medical Laboratory Science at DELSU Abraka, you must meet several requirements. The cut‑off mark is crucial: recently, UTME cut‑off has been around 58‑60, and the department’s direct entry or departmental cut‑off ~ 50‑52. But you must also have the required O’Level credits, subject combinations, and perform well in Post‑UTME.
Aim higher than the cut‑off: always try to exceed it, because cut‑offs can change. Prepare well, stay informed, and have backup option
