Can I Write Post UTME If the School Is Not My First Choice?

You scored well in the UTME, but the school you really want was not your first choice on your JAMB profile. Can you still write its post UTME? The honest answer is: it depends on the school. Some universities only screen candidates who chose them first, while others invite anyone who meets the score, provided you change your institution on JAMB’s system first. This guide explains how it works and what to do.

The Short Answer

Many schools will only screen candidates who made them their first choice. Others allow candidates who did not choose them first, as long as they change their institution to that school before registering for the screening. Your school’s official notice always has the final word.

How Different Schools Handle It

Recent school notices show a clear split:

• First choice only. Some universities invite only candidates who selected them as first choice and scored above a stated minimum. Candidates who did not choose the school first were told to process a change of institution before registering.
• First choice, or change to first choice. Other schools accept candidates who scored the minimum and are willing to change their first choice to that school on JAMB CAPS before registering for the screening.
• Open to non-first-choice candidates with a different process. A few institutions invite candidates who did not choose them first, sometimes with a separate registration route, and still ask them to effect a change of institution on JAMB’s portal.

So there is no single rule. Always read the notice for your school and course.

What Is the JAMB “First Choice”?

During registration you can list more than one institution. The first one is your first choice, and schools use it to decide which candidates to pull into their admission process on JAMB CAPS. A school generally sees the candidates who selected it, and first-choice candidates are usually treated first.

How to Change Your Institution to Qualify

1. Read the school’s post UTME notice. Check that it accepts non-first-choice candidates after a change, and note the minimum UTME score and the deadline.
2. Check that your course is offered and that your UTME subjects and O’level results fit its requirements.
3. Confirm that JAMB’s change of course and institution service is open. In the 2026 cycle, JAMB directed candidates to accredited CBT centres for this.
4. Change your institution to the school you want, and select the right course. Use only accredited centres, pay the official fee and keep your receipt and slip.
5. Confirm the change on your JAMB profile before you register for the screening.
6. Register for the post UTME on the school’s portal, following its steps and deadline.

Our guide on how to change course and institution on JAMB covers the process in more detail.

Things to Check Before You Change

• Your score against the school’s minimum. Many schools set a minimum UTME score for screening, and it can be higher than the national minimum.
• Cut-off marks for your course. A change is a waste of money if your score is too low for the department.
• The deadline. Change of institution has to be done before the school’s post UTME registration closes.
• Your old school choice. Once you change, you may not be considered by the previous school, so be sure about your decision.
• The number of times you can change. Check JAMB’s current rules, because there can be limits.
• Your O’level. Make sure your results meet the new course requirements and are uploaded to CAPS.

What If the School Says First Choice Only?

Then you have three options:

1. Change your institution to that school, if JAMB’s service is open and the deadline allows.
2. Apply to a similar school that accepts non-first-choice candidates.
3. Wait for supplementary admission lists and possible changes later in the cycle, but do not count on them.

See our guide on what to do if you did not get admission after JAMB for more options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Registering for the screening before the JAMB change is complete
• Waiting until the last day to change your institution
• Changing to a school whose cut-off is far above your score
• Using unofficial agents or centres to make the change
• Not keeping a copy of the change slip and receipt
• Ignoring O’level and subject requirements at the new school

Beware of Scammers

Some people claim they can “push” you into a school without a proper change or screening. Do not pay them. All valid admissions must pass through JAMB CAPS, and anything outside it is not recognised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write post UTME for a school I did not choose first?

Sometimes. It depends on the school. Some accept you after you change your institution on JAMB, and some only screen first-choice candidates.

Do I have to change my institution before registering?

In most cases where non-first-choice candidates are allowed, yes. The school’s notice will say so.

Can I still be admitted if I chose the school as second choice?

Admission mostly follows the first-choice pool and then the school’s own rules and supplementary lists. Do not rely on it, and read the notice.

Will changing my school affect my UTME score?

No. Your score stays the same. The change affects which school and course you are considered for.

How much does it cost to change institution?

Fees have been reported at different amounts, so confirm the current official fee. See our change of course and institution guide.

Final Thoughts

You may still be able to write post UTME for a school you did not choose first, but only if the school allows it and you fix your choice on JAMB’s system in time. Read the notice, check the score and cut-off, change your institution officially and keep your receipts. For more Post UTME guides and updates, keep visiting this blog.