How to calculate your WASSCE aggregate score?

Key takeaways

• The WASSCE grading system in Ghana uses letter grades (A1 to F9) that correspond to grade points.
• To calculate your aggregate, sum the grade points from your best six subjects: three core and three elective subjects.
• University programmes can influence your score based on required subjects. For example, science programs often prioritise integrated science over social studies.

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a key step for Senior High School (SHS) students in Ghana, helping them transition to tertiary education or explore various career options.

If you’re awaiting your results for this exam, it’s important to know how to calculate your aggregate score. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step approach to help you understand the process.

How is WASSCE graded?

The WASSCE grading system in Ghana uses a combination of letters and numbers to reflect students’ performance across various subjects. Each grade corresponds to a numerical value (quality point) used in calculating your aggregate score.

Here’s a breakdown of the grading system:

How to calculate your WASSCE aggregate score?

The WASSCE aggregate score is calculated by summing the grade points from your best six subjects, including three core and three elective subjects. Let’s do this step by step:

Step #1 — Identify your best three core and three elective subjects.

Select three core subjects in which you performed best. English Language and Core Mathematics are mandatory, so you must pick one more core subject—Social Studies or Integrated Science. Next, choose three elective subjects in which you also performed well.

Step #2 — Convert grades to grade points.

Use the WASSCE grading scale to convert the grades of the six chosen subjects into points. For example, if you had a C6 in English, that corresponds to 6 points.

Step #3 — Add up the grade points from the best six subjects you selected.

Let’s take an example calculation to clarify how this works. Suppose Ama had the following grades in her WASSCE results:

To calculate Ama’s overall score:

1. We’ll select her best three core and three elective subjects and convert the grades to points:

• • English Language: A1 (1 point)
  • Mathematics (Core): B2 (2 points)
  • Social Studies: A1 (1 point)
  • Biology: B2 (2 points)
  • Physics: B2 (2 points)
  • Elective Mathematics: A1 (1 point)

2. Then, we’ll sum up the grade points of the chosen subjects, i.e., aggregate score = 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 09

Ama’s aggregate score is, therefore, 09.

If this is a tedious process, you can use our WASSCE aggregate score calculator to check your aggregate score. It’s easier, faster, and fail-proof.

How to calculate your WASSCE aggregate for your university programme of choice?

Universities in Ghana require minimum credit passes (A1 to C6) in the core subjects and three relevant elective subjects for admission, with the total aggregate not exceeding 24.

Each university programme has a cut-off point, which is the aggregate score required for entry. Your programme of choice affects how your aggregate score is calculated, as the programmes have different entry requirements.

To calculate your aggregate score for a specific programme, select your best six subjects, considering the subject prerequisites for the programme.

For example, social studies is often required for arts or humanities programmes, while integrated science is required for science-related programmes. The same is applicable for elective subjects depending on your university program of choice.

Example calculation for your university programme

Let’s consider Ama again, who previously scored an aggregate of 9 and wants to study BSc. Biochemistry.

The entry requirements for Biochemistry at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) include credit passes in English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Elective Mathematics with a cutoff point of 11.

Therefore, Ama’s best six subjects would be:

• Core subjects:
  • English Language: A1 (1 point)
  • Mathematics (Core): B2 (2 points)
  • Integrated Science: B2 (2 points)

Although Ama scored A1 in Social Studies, she must choose Integrated Science as part of her core subjects since it’s a required subject for BSc. Biochemistry.

• Elective subjects:
  • Biology: B2 (2 points)
  • Chemistry: B3 (3 points)
  • Elective Mathematics: A1 (1 point)

Biology and chemistry are also a must since they are required subjects for a BSc in Biochemistry.

For the third elective, Ama can choose between physics and elective mathematics. Since she scored better in elective mathematics (A1) than physics (B2), elective mathematics is selected for a better aggregate score.

Ama’s final WASSCE aggregate score for BSc. Biochemistry will then be: 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 11.

Ama has a great chance of getting admission as her final aggregate falls within the cutoff point for BSc. Biochemistry at KNUST.

What your aggregate score means

Your WASSCE aggregate score determines your eligibility for tertiary education, such as universities, polytechnics, or colleges. The lower your aggregate score, the better your results and chances of getting into competitive programmes at the university or college.

While a range of 6 to 24 is generally considered a pass, an aggregate score between 6 to 15 typically opens up better opportunities, including scholarships and sponsorships.

FAQs

What happens if I fail one subject?

If you fail one subject (F9), it doesn’t mean you’ve failed the entire WASSCE. However, it could reduce your chances of admission into a university, especially if it’s a core subject.

How are practical subjects graded?

Practical subjects like science and technical electives are graded based on how well students follow procedures and the quality of their final output. Your final grade combines objective, theory, and practical exam scores, with the practical component’s weight varying by subject.

Conclusion

Understanding how to calculate your WASSCE grades is important for making informed decisions about your education and setting realistic goals.

Use this guide as a reference, and remember to check the specific entry requirements for your preferred university programme. We hope you found this article helpful. Share your thoughts or questions with us below.