Introduction:
In Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for students seeking admission into universities. Each university sets its own cutoff mark, which is the minimum score required for admission. However, having a high score in a pharmacy or medical science competition, such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), can positively impact your chances of gaining admission, even if your JAMB score is below the cutoff mark.

1. Demonstrating academic excellence:
Participating in and excelling in a pharmacy or medical science competition demonstrates your dedication, knowledge, and skills in these fields. It showcases your academic excellence and passion for the subject matter. Admissions committees consider such achievements as indicators of your potential to excel in your chosen program.

2. Differentiating yourself from other applicants:
The competition achievements set you apart from other applicants who may have similar JAMB scores. It helps you stand out and catch the attention of admissions officers who review thousands of applications. By highlighting your success in a prestigious competition, you demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to perform at a high level.

3. Demonstrating practical skills:
Participating in pharmacy or medical science competitions often involves practical skills like laboratory work, research, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued in the field of pharmacy and medical science. By excelling in such competitions, you showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This practical demonstration of skills can compensate for a lower JAMB score and convince admissions committees of your potential as a successful student.

4. Supplementing weaknesses:
While JAMB scores are crucial for admission, they do not provide a comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's capabilities. High scores in pharmacy or medical science competitions can compensate for weaknesses in JAMB scores. Admissions committees understand that exceptional students may not always perform well in standardized tests. Your competition achievements serve as additional evidence of your academic prowess and passion for the field.

Conclusion:
Although JAMB scores are important for university admissions, excelling in pharmacy or medical science competitions like the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission, even if your JAMB score falls below the cutoff mark. These achievements demonstrate your academic excellence, differentiate you from other applicants, showcase your practical skills, and compensate for weaknesses in standardized test scores. It is essential to emphasize your competition achievements in your application and personal statement to make a compelling case for admission.