An Analysis of Central Admission System (CAS) in Students’ Choice of College and Course of Study in Tanzania

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to analyse the Central Admission System (CAS) in Student’s Choice of College and Course of Study.  The study adopted the qualitative approach. The study found that different factors have varying degree of importance in influencing  student’s choice of college and course of study. Major factors in choice of colleges are such as good learning environment including  presence of good library and modern computer laboratory, availability of the course that students like in a particular college and  availability of enough and competent lecturers. Advertising, proximity to home and parental influences have low importance in college  choice. Major factors in choice of course of study are such as previous results like those of advanced level, opportunities for  selfemployment and high availability of employment opportunities and availability of competent lecturers to mention few. Factor which  have little influence were role of media, recommendation by parents. After applying colleges and course of study, majority of students  were satisfied with what and where they are studying though there some complaints on CAS on failure to meet some of their  expectations which is the result of indirect constraints that have challenged the effectiveness of Central Admission System. Some of the  challenges which were revealed include: limited student’s knowledge on the system, lack of computers or smartphones to access the  system, slow network, etc. Various solutions were proposed including the need for educating applicants on the system. It is  recommended that continued survey has to be done in order to improve CAS effectiveness.