Struggling to maintain or improve your General Weighted Average (GWA)? Whether you’re aiming for scholarships, Latin honors, or better job prospects, having a high GWA is crucial in the Philippines. Many students face challenges in balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life, but with the right strategies, you can boost your GWA effectively.
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Why Improving Your GWA Matters
A high GWA opens up multiple opportunities, including:
✔ Scholarships & Grants – Many financial aid programs require a minimum GWA
✔ Latin Honors Eligibility – Maintain 1.75 or better for Cum Laude
✔ Competitive Job Applications – Some companies prioritize applicants with strong academic records
✔ Graduate School & International Study – A high GWA increases your chances of admission abroad
How to Improve Your GWA (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Improve Your Study Habits
To improve your GWA, smart studying is more effective than studying longer.
✔ Use Active Learning Techniques: Instead of passively reading, use:
- Flashcards (for memorization)
- Teaching others (reinforces understanding)
- Practice problems & quizzes
✔ Find Your Best Study Time: Some students study better at night, others in the morning. Identify your peak focus hours.
✔ Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one subject at a time for better retention.
📌 Related Article: Common Mistakes in Computing GWA
2️⃣ Manage Your Time Wisely
A common reason students struggle with GWA is poor time management.
✔ Prioritize High-Unit Subjects: Subjects with more credit units affect your GWA more. Focus on them first.
✔ Create a Study Plan: Use weekly and monthly schedules to keep track of exams, deadlines, and assignments.
✔ Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study in 25-minute focused intervals with 5-minute breaks to maintain productivity.
3️⃣ Retake Low-Grade Subjects (If Allowed)
Some universities allow students to retake subjects where they received a low grade.
✔ Identify Retake Policies: Schools like UP, DLSU, and Ateneo allow retakes under specific conditions.
✔ Focus on Core Subjects: Retaking high-credit subjects can significantly improve your GWA.
✔ Plan Smartly: If a subject is too difficult, take it during a lighter semester to improve focus.
4️⃣ Take Advantage of Extra Credit & Bonus Activities
Many universities offer extra credit opportunities to help boost grades.
✔ Participate in Class Discussions & Projects – Some professors give bonus points for active participation.
✔ Join Review Sessions – Schools often provide extra quizzes & exercises for grade improvement.
✔ Complete Additional Research Work – Professors sometimes offer grade incentives for additional projects.
📌 Related Article: Philippine Grading System
5️⃣ Develop Strong Relationships with Professors
Professors appreciate students who show effort and improvement.
✔ Ask for Feedback on Exams & Assignments – Identify weak areas and improve your performance.
✔ Attend Consultation Hours – Seek clarifications & guidance on challenging topics.
✔ Show Effort in Class Participation – A proactive attitude can positively impact subjective grading.
6️⃣ Avoid Common Mistakes That Lower GWA
Many students unknowingly make mistakes that lower their GWA.
❌ Skipping Low-Credit Subjects – Even 1-unit subjects affect your GWA calculation.
❌ Neglecting Group Projects & Assignments – Group work weighs heavily on final grades.
❌ Not Reviewing Graded Exams – Check for grading errors and clarify misunderstandings.
🔹 GWA Improvement Checklist
✅ Create a semester study plan
✅ Focus on high-unit subjects
✅ Retake low-grade subjects (if possible)
✅ Use study groups & peer discussions
✅ Utilize professors’ consultation hours
✅ Stay consistent in your efforts
📌 Related Article: GWA Calculation for Specific Universities
FAQs on Improving GWA
1. How fast can I improve my GWA?
👉 GWA improvement depends on your remaining subjects. New grades impact overall GWA, but progress takes at least 1–2 semesters.
2. Can I improve my GWA even after failing a subject?
👉 Yes! Retaking a subject or excelling in future ones can help balance your overall GWA.
3. Will extracurricular activities help improve my GWA?
👉 Directly, no—but they help develop discipline & time management, which improves academic performance.
Final Thoughts
Improving your GWA in the Philippines requires dedication, smart studying, and time management. By following these strategies, you can boost your academic performance and qualify for scholarships, Latin honors, and job opportunities.
🚀 Start applying these tips today & take control of your academic success!