Advancing To Academia

Objective

The "Advancing to Academia" program provides candidates with an alternate method of acceptance to academic institutions, based upon affirmative action, in addition to the regular application process.

The candidate is assessed according to a scale of points based on parameters that include personal background and events that took place during high-school studies.

In this way, higher education becomes more accessible to those with initially low chances of being accepted due to life circumstances beyond their control. This enables them to walk the educational path as equals, according to their objective abilities.

Rationale

Through the "Advancing to Academia" program, Israeli universities offer candidates who fall far below their admission requirements another opportunity to be accepted to academic studies.

Those interested in applying through this channel must observe the registration guidelines relating to the program at the institution of their choice, in departments that accept students through this framework, and inform the university of their candidacy through the project when applying.

In order to determine "Advancing to Academia" points, the candidate must contact the Society for Advancement of Education (SAE), according to the guidelines below.

Once the final point score has been determined, the candidate must contact the educational institution to find out whether the score will affect their acceptance and, if so, how, and whether they will be accepted to academic studies as an "Advancing to Academia" student.

Please note: SAE has no input whatsoever to candidates' acceptance to universities, and each university makes its autonomous decisions regarding acceptance of students and determining the number of points required to be eligible for affirmative action.

Applications will be considered by universities according to the following conditions:

The point score includes consideration of, region of residence, high school where the candidate studied, parents' education, number of family members, problems specific to the candidate or their family as detailed on the application forms and in the guidelines, among others.

These are calculated as a final point score that is sent to the applicant and submitted to the university. (The data relates to the candidate's high-school period.)

Candidates, please note: Processing of applications submitted to SAE takes approximately two months. Candidates must ensure that their applications are submitted to SAE as early as possible. The results of the evaluation will be forwarded from SAE directly to the universities: Hebrew University, University of Haifa, the Technion, Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv University; and to the candidate.

A candidate referred by a different institution will need to check its application guidelines and present them with the letter containing the final point score.

The university's registration procedures, including registration deadlines, psychometric exam dates, and completion of all the information required for acceptance to the university also apply to candidates registering through this channel.

Additionally, each candidate is responsible for ensuring that their affirmative action point score has been updated at the university.

A candidate wishing to explore eligibility to be considered under "Advancement to Academia" should complete the online registration form in the section "Guidelines for Completing the Forms."

Please note: A non-refundable fee of 180 NIS, payable by credit card only, is required in order to apply. Payment will be requested during the process of completing the registration form, please have your credit card available.

FAQ:

1Does submitting a request to "Advancing to Academia" replace registering for university?
No. A candidate must register for university like any other student. Before submitting a request for determining a point score to SAE, please check the registration guidelines for "Advancing to Academia" at each institution, as well as any restrictions for requesting a point score in terms of age/academic background/fields of study in which a point score is not relevant/other.
2By when must requests be submitted?
We deal with requests for calculation of a point score all year, the process takes approximately two months. Please check with the institution to which you're applying regarding the final date for presenting a point score, and proceed accordingly.
3What is the range of point scores that are accepted?
0-60, according to the candidate's background and the documents submitted with the request.
4Can the score be appealed?
The score can be appealed in the event that there are new or updated documents that were not submitted with the initial application.
A detailed letter describing the problem, and additional documents, must be attached to the request for appeal. An appeal submitted without documentation of the problem presented, and without a letter, will not be considered.

The score can only be appealed once. Please note, a request for appeal requires an additional 50 NIS fee, to be paid here. The letter of appeal must be sent by email, together with new documentation and payment confirmation, to: rlk@kidum-edu.org.il.
5What is the significance of the point score?
The point score is not connected to any other university acceptance criteria, such as matriculation grades, psychometric scores, or any other grades or exam results. Upon receiving the final point score, the candidate must contact the registration department of the university to which they applied, for information regarding the impact of the score on acceptance criteria.
6How is the point score determined?
The final point score is determined according to parameters on the application form, including consideration of specific issues encountered during the candidate's studies through the end of high school. Events that took place after that will not be considered in calculating the score.
7Can one include a personal letter?
A personal letter of explanation can be attached to the application forms and accompanying documents, in the appropriate section of the registration form. Please note: the personal letter of explanation does not replace presentation of documents regarding special/personal/family problems.

CONTACT US:

We can be contacted at: rlk@kidum-edu.org.il

or: 02-6441159