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:
| Grade | Score range (%) | Grade point | Interpretation |
| A1 | 75–100 | 1 | Excellent |
| B2 | 70–74 | 2 | Very Good |
| B3 | 65–69 | 3 | Good |
| C4 | 60–64 | 4 | Credit |
| C5 | 55–59 | 5 | Credit |
| C6 | 50–54 | 6 | Credit |
| D7 | 45–49 | 7 | Pass |
| E8 | 40–44 | 8 | Pass |
| F9 | 0–39 | 9 | Fail |
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:
| Subject | Grade |
| English Language | A1 |
| Mathematics (Core) | B2 |
| Integrated Science | B2 |
| Social Studies | A1 |
| Biology | B2 |
| Chemistry | B3 |
| Physics | B2 |
| Elective Mathematics | A1 |
To calculate Ama’s overall score:
- 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)
- 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 university?
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.
40 Comments. Leave new
Please I got core math B3,Social C4,English C5,Government B3,CRS B3 and Twi B3
Can I read BA sociology or media and communication studies at KNUST
This may prove difficult as the cut-off aggregates for BA Sociology is 11 and BA Media and Communication Studies is 10 in KNUST. Both courses also require a pass (A1 to C6) in Science, which we are unsure of since you have not mentioned.
I had core maths f9 and can I get admission if I apply to any university
Hello Dawuda, this would prove difficult as most universities in Ghana require a credit pass (A1 to C6) to secure admission.
Please i did business with an aggregate of 18 but had E8 in english, will i get admitted in the university? And which coarse do i do if i want to finally join army please?
English is often a required course for most universities in Ghana so this may greatly affect your chances. For the army, unfortunately, we’re unaware of their requirements.
What is the cut of points for political science because I had English B3 core maths A1 social B3
Economics A1 Government B3 CRS A1
Do I qualify
The cut-off aggregate for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Studies is 10 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and 12 for the University of Ghana. Which university have you applied to?
I did home economics and I had C8 in biology and E8 in science , can I use social studies to replace integrated science. And please can I select my best 3 elective subject and leave biology out if it to study foods in the university. Or I’m I qualified for nursing school please
For KNUST, you can check the entry requirements for BSc. Food Science and Technology, BSc. Dietetics, and BSc. Human Nutrition. All three require credit passes (A1 to C6) in English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science.
The University of Ghana also offers related programmes and their cut off points are: BSc. Food Process Engineering (18 for first choice) and BSc. Food & Clothing (20 for first choice).
Faculty of engineering requires what grade to get admission to STU
For Sunyani Technical University, you require credit passes (A1 – C6) in three (3) Core subjects (English Language, Mathematics and Core Science or Integrated Science) plus two (2) credit passes (A1 – C6) in the relevant electives (Physics or Applied Electricity, Elective Mathematics/Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry or Technical Drawing/Engineering Science) to study in the Faculty of Engineering.
Please can i study languages even though I didn’t study any language in senior high?
Yes, you can do that.
Erm sorry I need a little enlightenment
With the calculations of aggregate I learnt Please this is how the calculation is done in KNUST.
A1= 1
B2= 2
B3= 3
C4- C6 are all calculated as 4. How true is that. I’m helping my sister with the calculations
Hello Kay, grades C4-C6 are classified as credit passes but they have distinct grade points that contribute to your total aggregate.
Please l had E8 in core subject with aggregate 20 can l have addmintion to Communication Design
This depends on the core subject which you had an E8. KNUST, for example, requires credit passes, i.e. , A1 to C6 in English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science to study BA. Communication Design.
Please I had D7 in Maths, can I get admitted though my total aggregate score is within 24?
This depends on your preferred course of study and choice of university. Still, most universities in Ghana require a credit pass (A1 to C6) in your core subjects.
Please can I get admission to the doctor of pharmacy course at knust or LEG or UCC with c4 in biology and B3 in integrated science?
Do you mean a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) of a Doctor of Pharmacy program?
I got E8 biology can I get admission to University for midwifery
A BSc. Midwifery programme requires a credit pass (A1 to C6) in Biology and has a cut off point of 09 in KNUST and 08 at University of Ghana, so this isn’t possible. You may have to explore other alternatives.
Can offer pharmacy with C6 in physics and C4 in biology
Yes, you can apply for a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program with a C6 in Physics and a C4 in Biology. The good news is that in most universities in Ghana, Physics is optional for this program, so your grade in Physics won’t weigh heavily on your application.
However, because the program is highly competitive and has a strong cut-off point (around 7/8), your grades in the other key subjects must be strong enough to meet the requirements.
I want to study political science but I got d7 in science do u think they’ll use social to replace
This depends on your University of choice, Jada. For example, to study B.A. Political Science at KNUST, you need Credit passes (A1-C6) in English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science. So a D7 in Integrated Science would not qualify you.
I have passed all my core subjects but I failed 2 of my elective. Can get admission to university or college. A General Arts student
This would depend on the programme of study you choose and the subject requirements.
What if your integrated science paper was canceled can social studies take care of it
We’re unsure what you mean by cancelled, is it withheld or pending?
If science programs typically require Integrated science and General Arts expect social studies what of pure IT
Universities in Ghana often require Integrated Science for students who studied IT and want to continue their education in the field.
So please if I did general arts can I choose social studies instead of science as my best subject
Yes, you can do that. However, if you intend to further your education, you must consider the requirements for your programme of study.
What if you get one D7 in your electives and get aggregate 20 can you still get accepted
Yes, there’s always a chance but it depends on your programme of study and choice of university.
Please so social and science is optional
Yes, for your third core subject, you’ll need to select either Social Studies or Integrated Science.
However, your choice matters for university admission – science programs typically require Integrated Science, while arts programs expect Social Studies.