Did you know that different universities in the Philippines have unique GWA calculation methods? If you’re studying at UP, Ateneo, DLSU, PUP, or other top schools, their grading scales and computation methods may vary. This guide will help you understand the differences and compute your GWA accurately for each university.
Table of Contents
Why Different Universities Have Different GWA Calculations
Each university follows its own grading system based on:
- 📚 Grade scales (1.00–5.00, 4.0–0.0, percentage-based)
- 🎓 Weighting of subjects based on difficulty & credit units
- 📜 Special rules for Latin honors & academic standings
How GWA is Computed at Major Universities
1️⃣ University of the Philippines (UP)
📌 GWA Scale: 1.00 (Highest) – 5.00 (Lowest)
📌 Passing Grade: 3.00
📌 Formula:
GWA=∑(Grade×CreditUnits)∑CreditUnitsGWA = \frac{\sum (Grade \times Credit Units)}{\sum Credit Units}
✔ Latin Honors Requirements (UP System)
- Summa Cum Laude: 1.20 or better
- Magna Cum Laude: 1.45 or better
- Cum Laude: 1.75 or better
🔹 Example GWA Calculation (UP)
| Subject | Grade | Units | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 1.50 | 3 | 4.50 |
| English | 1.75 | 4 | 7.00 |
| Science | 1.25 | 3 | 3.75 |
| Total | – | 10 | 15.25 |
GWA=15.2510=∗∗1.525∗∗GWA = \frac{15.25}{10} = **1.525**
2️⃣ Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
📌 GWA Scale: Quality Point Index (QPI) → Similar to GPA
📌 Passing Grade: 1.00
📌 QPI Formula:
QPI=∑(Grade×CreditUnits)∑CreditUnitsQPI = \frac{\sum (Grade \times Credit Units)}{\sum Credit Units}
✔ Ateneo Latin Honors Scale
- Summa Cum Laude: QPI of 3.87 or better
- Magna Cum Laude: QPI of 3.70 or better
- Cum Laude: QPI of 3.50 or better
📌 Related Article: GWA to GPA Conversion
3️⃣ De La Salle University (DLSU)
📌 GWA Scale: 4.0 (Highest) – 0.0 (Lowest)
📌 Passing Grade: 1.00
📌 Formula: Similar to GPA-based computations
✔ DLSU Latin Honors Requirements
- Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.80 or better
- Magna Cum Laude: GPA of 3.60 or better
- Cum Laude: GPA of 3.40 or better
4️⃣ Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
📌 GWA Scale: Percentage-Based (1.00 = 97-100%)
📌 Passing Grade: 3.00 (75%)
📌 Formula: Uses a percentage-to-GWA conversion
✔ PUP Latin Honors Scale
- Summa Cum Laude: 1.50 or better
- Magna Cum Laude: 1.75 or better
- Cum Laude: 2.00 or better
📌 Related Article: Common Mistakes in Computing GWA
5️⃣ Other Philippine Universities
| University | GWA Scale | Passing Grade | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| UST (University of Santo Tomas) | 5.00 – 1.00 | 3.00 | Uses percentage grading |
| FEU (Far Eastern University) | 4.00 – 0.00 | 1.00 | Latin honors require QPI adjustments |
| Mapúa University | 4.00 – 0.00 | 1.00 | Uses letter grading conversion |
🔹 Check with your university registrar for exact grading policies!
📌 Related Article: Understanding the Philippine Grading System
How to Compute Your GWA for Your University
1️⃣ Check your school’s grading scale
2️⃣ Use the correct GWA formula (UP, Ateneo, DLSU, etc.)
3️⃣ Multiply grades by credit units
4️⃣ Divide total weighted scores by total credit units
5️⃣ Verify your computation using an online GWA calculator
FAQs on University-Specific GWA Computation
1. Does every university have different GWA rules?
Yes, universities have different grading scales, so always check your official school handbook.
2. What happens if I compute my GWA incorrectly?
If your computation doesn’t match your official transcript, request a manual verification from your university registrar.
3. Can I convert my university’s GWA to GPA?
Yes, but it depends on the GPA conversion scale of the country or school you’re applying to.
Final Thoughts
Each university in the Philippines follows a unique grading system, so it’s important to use the correct GWA formula for your school. Whether you’re applying for scholarships, Latin honors, or a job, accurate GWA computation ensures that you don’t miss out on academic and career opportunities.
🚀 Need an easy way to compute your GWA? Use an Online GWA Calculator for accurate, instant results!