KEY POINTS:
Top students are missing out on university entrance because of confusion about complicated requirements under the National Certificate of Educational Achievement.
It's not that the students aren't smart enough to get into university, it's that they did not get the right combination of credits needed under the system.
A University of Auckland admissions adviser told Education Minister Steve Maharey yesterday it was not uncommon to have to tell bright students they had not met entrance standards.
"They have been ill-advised at school, or ill-advised somewhere down the track."
The affected students often discovered the problem after final results arrived in January.
They then faced months of struggle doing catch-up credits before university began in March.
The adviser said NCEA was more complex than assessment alternatives such as the Cambridge International Examinations and International Baccalaureate.
Under NCEA, students need at least 42 credits at level 3 or higher for university entrance and a set number of numeracy and literacy credits.
Mr Maharey said he took on the suggestion to better inform students on their progress towards university entrance during the year.
University of Auckland student services group manager Mike Richardson said the incidence of the problem had dramatically reduced over the past two years.
Secondary Principals' Association president Peter Gall said most schools now gave instruction to students on the university entrance requirements.
The Papatoetoe High School head said staff worked with final-year students individually and picked up if they did not have the required credits.
Mr Maharey yesterday addressed education professionals in Auckland about NCEA.
He called on the audience to advocate the strengths of NCEA after changes to the qualifications system announced last week.
These included moves to bolster the policing of internal assessment and better motivate students through the introduction of "excellence" and "merit" endorsements to certificates and subjects.
"The latest improvements will create an even more credible system that challenges students," said Mr Maharey.
The National Party's education spokeswoman, Katherine Rich, dubbed the speech the "pinnacle of desperation".
"It will take more than a meek call from the minister to turn around public concern about NCEA."
Getting in
Under NCEA, at least 42 credits at level 3 or higher are needed for university entrance including:
* At least 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two approved subjects.
* A further 14 credits at level 3 or higher from one or two more areas.
* Also, at least 14 numeracy credits at level 1 or higher in maths.
* And at least 8 literacy credits at level 2 or higher in English or te reo Maori - with 4 in reading and 4 in writing.
