If you have checked your WASSCE results and you are wondering "What is my WASSCE aggregate?", the calculation is actually quite simple once you understand how the grades are converted into points.

Your WASSCE aggregate is important because universities and other tertiary institutions use your results when considering you for admission.

This guide explains how the calculation works, how to select the six subjects, how to handle Integrated Science and Social Studies, and how to calculate your aggregate step by step.

---

What Is WASSCE Aggregate?

A WASSCE aggregate is the total of the numerical points assigned to the grades in the best six subjects taken from your results slip.

The important thing to remember is:

The lower your aggregate, the better your result.

For example:

• Six A1 grades = Aggregate 6
• Six B2 grades = Aggregate 12
• Six C6 grades = Aggregate 36

The WASSCE grading scale runs from A1 to F9, with A1 being the best grade and F9 the lowest.

WASSCE Grade and Aggregate Points

Each WASSCE grade has a corresponding numerical value.

The key thing to understand is that the grade itself is not added as a letter. You convert each grade to its numerical point and then add the points.

For example:

B2 + C4 + A1

becomes:

2 + 4 + 1 = 7

---

What Is the Best Possible WASSCE Aggregate?

The best possible aggregate is:

6

This happens when a student gets A1 in all six subjects:

A1 + A1 + A1 + A1 + A1 + A1

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1

= Aggregate 6

So:

• Aggregate 6 is better than Aggregate 10
• Aggregate 10 is better than Aggregate 20

This is because aggregate scores work in the opposite direction from ordinary marks.

---

How Many Subjects Are Used to Calculate WASSCE Aggregate?

the commonly used calculation is based on six best subjects: three core subjects and three elective subjects.

The Basic WASSCE Aggregate Formula

You can think of the calculation as:

3 Best Core Subjects + 3 Best Elective Subjects = WASSCE Aggregate

For example:

Aggregate = 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3

Aggregate = 15

The student's aggregate is therefore: 15

---

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Your WASSCE Aggregate

Let's go through the process carefully.

Step 1: Write Down Your WASSCE Grades

Suppose a student has these results:

The student has eight subjects. But we don't simply add all eight subjects together.

Step 2: Convert the Grades to Points

Using the WASSCE grading scale:

Step 3: Identify the Best 3 Core Subjects

This is where many students make mistakes.

For example; The best 3 core subjects from the results slip above are:

• English Language
• Core Mathematics
• Integrated Science

Social Studies is not included in this particular calculation because the student performs well in Integrated Science than Social Studies.

---

Step 3.1: Identify the Best 3 Elective Subjects

The best 3 elective subjects from the results slip above are:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Elective Mathematics

Physics is not included in this particular calculation because the student performs well in other electives for the best three than Physics

Therefore:

English              = 2
Core Mathematics     = 3
Integrated Science   = 2
Biology              = 1
Chemistry            = 3
Elective Mathematics = 2

Now add them:

2 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 2 = 13

Aggregate = 13

---

What Happens to Social Studies and Integrated Science?

This is one of the most confusing parts of WASSCE aggregate calculation.

Students often ask:

"Do I add both Social Studies and Integrated Science?"

The answer is:

No. English Language and Mathematic are constant for core subjects, so you can only add science or social to make the Best Three.

For university admission requirements, things may change. The four core WASSCE subjects include:

• English Language
• Core Mathematics
• Integrated Science
• Social Studies

WAEC identifies these four as the core subjects for WASSCE School Candidates.

But a university may use only the relevant core subject combination when admitting students.

For example, the University of Ghana says:

Science-related programme - use:

English
+
Core Mathematics
+
Integrated Science
+
3 relevant Science electives

Social Studies is excluded for that programme.

Non-science programme - use:

English
+
Core Mathematics
+
Social Studies
+
3 relevant electives

Integrated Science is excluded for that programme.

UDS similarly explains that, for Arts and Business candidates, Social Studies may be used in place of Integrated Science where applicable, provided the candidate has at least a pass in Integrated Science. It also states that Science students do not replace Integrated Science with Social Studies in this way.

Important: This is ONLY for university admission requirements, not to calculate grades. For university admission eligibility, the subect combination must be considered**

---

What Does Aggregate 6 Mean?

Aggregate 6 means the student achieved:

A1 + A1 + A1 + A1 + A1 + A1

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6

It represents an exceptionally strong result.

---

What Does Aggregate 12 Mean?

An aggregate of 12 means that the six subjects used for the calculation add up to 12.

For example:

A1 + A1 + B2 + B2 + B3 + B3

1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3

= 12

So the student's aggregate is: 12

The important point is that the aggregate is simply the sum of the six Best selected grade points.

---

Is Aggregate 10 Better Than Aggregate 20?

Yes.

This is one of the most important things to remember.

Aggregate 10 is better than Aggregate 20.

And:

Aggregate 20 is better than Aggregate 30.

Think of it like a ranking:

These descriptions are only general illustrations. Universities do not classify every aggregate using these exact labels.

---

WASSCE Aggregate Calculator Formula

You can use this simple formula:

Aggregate = 3 Best Core Subjects + 3 Best Electives

The Best part is important.

Quick WASSCE Aggregate Calculation Table

Suppose your six relevant grades are:

B2, A1, C4, B3, B2, C5

Convert them:

2 + 1 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 5

Add:

= 17

Your aggregate is 17.

---

Can D7 or E8 Be Used in the Aggregate?

Yes, D7 and E8 correspond to 7 and 8 points on the WASSCE grading scale which is considered a Pass.

However, having a low aggregate does not satisfy an admission requirement.

Many universities require credit passes, generally A1–C6, in particular core and elective subjects.

For example, UDS states that degree applicants should have at least C6 in their three core and three elective subjects and advises candidates with D7, E8 or F9 in any of those required subjects not to apply for degree programmes.

---

Does a Better Aggregate Guarantee Admission?

No.

This is a very important distinction.

Suppose your aggregate is 10. That does not automatically mean you will be admitted to every programme.

A university may require specific subjects. For example, a programme could require:

• English: C6 or better
• Core Mathematics: C6 or better
• Integrated Science: C6 or better
• Elective Mathematics: C6 or better
• Physics: C6 or better
• Chemistry: C6 or better

If you do not have the required subject combination, a very good aggregate may not compensate for the missing requirement.

---

Aggregate vs Cut-Off Point

These two terms are often confused.

Aggregate: your aggregate is calculated from your WASSCE grades.

Example: Aggregate = 14

Cut-off point: the cut-off point is the score used by an institution or programme when selecting applicants for admission.

Example: if a programme has a competitive cut-off of 12 and you have an aggregate of 10, your result is numerically better.

But cut-off points can change from year to year because admission is competitive.

Therefore:

Your aggregate is your result. The cut-off point is the admission benchmark used by the institution/programme.

---

Why University Cut-Off Points Differ

Different programmes have different levels of competition.

For example, a programme that receives thousands of applications for a limited number of places may require a much stronger aggregate than a less competitive programme.

Universities can also have different admission rules. For example, the University of Ghana currently lists an aggregate requirement of 24 for regular undergraduate admission and 30 for distance education, while also specifying programme-specific subject requirements.

Other universities use different thresholds. UCC, for example, states a general WASSCE minimum of aggregate 36.

This is why you should always check the specific university and programme rather than relying on a general aggregate number found online.

---

Common WASSCE Aggregate Calculation Mistakes

1. Adding all your subjects

If you wrote eight subjects, you do not normally add all eight to calculate the the aggregate.

You need to identify the six best subjects.

2. Treating a higher aggregate as better

This is incorrect.

Aggregate 12 is better than Aggregate 20, because lower points mean better grades.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best WASSCE aggregate?

The best possible aggregate is 6, achieved by obtaining A1 in all six subjects used in the calculation.

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6

Is aggregate 10 good?

Yes. Aggregate 10 is a strong result because lower aggregate scores are better.

However, whether it is enough for admission depends on the university, programme, required subjects and competition.

Is aggregate 20 good?

Aggregate 20 can satisfy the general requirements of some programmes and institutions, but it may not be competitive enough for highly competitive programmes.

Always check the specific programme's requirements.

Is aggregate 24 good?

Aggregate 24 can meet the general admission threshold at some institutions or programmes, but it does not guarantee admission.

For example, the University of Ghana currently states aggregate 24 as its maximum for regular undergraduate admissions, subject to programme-specific requirements.

Is aggregate 36 a pass?

Aggregate 36 is not a WASSCE "pass grade" by itself. It is an aggregate calculated from six subjects.

Some universities use aggregate 36 as a general admission threshold. UCC, for example, states aggregate 36 or better for WASSCE applicants.

Is aggregate 36 better than aggregate 20?

No.

Aggregate 20 is better than aggregate 36. Remember:

Lower aggregate = better performance.

Do I add Social Studies to my aggregate?

It depends. If you have already added Mathematics and English Language and then Social Studies is your next best for the core, then Yes, you can add it.

Do I add Integrated Science to my aggregate?

It also depends. If you have already added Mathematics and English Language (The constant core subjects) and Integrated Science is your next best for the core, then Yes, you can add it.

Do elective subjects count toward the aggregate?

Yes. Three relevant elective subjects are normally included in the six-subject calculation for the grade

These electives must, however, be your best electives.

What happens if I have Nine WASSCE subjects?

You should identify the subjects that meet the best six for the grade, do not add all the nine.

Can two students have the same aggregate but different admission chances?

Yes. For example, two students can both have aggregate 12 but have different elective combinations.

One may have the exact subjects required for a programme while the other may not.

Therefore:

Aggregate alone does not determine admission.

Does a lower aggregate guarantee university admission?

No. Admission may also depend on:

• Required subjects
• Minimum grades
• Programme-specific requirements
• Competition
• Available spaces
• Institutional admission policies
• Cut-off points

---

A Simple Way to Remember the Calculation

Remember these three steps:

1. Convert the grades

2. Select the best six subjects

Usually:

3 relevant core subjects (Math and English always constant)
+
3 relevant electives

3. Add the points

For example:

English       B2 = 2
Core Maths    B3 = 3
Science       C4 = 4
Biology       A1 = 1
Chemistry     B2 = 2
Physics       B3 = 3

Therefore:

2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 15

WASSCE Aggregate = 15

---

Final Takeaway

Calculating your WASSCE aggregate is straightforward once you understand the grade points:

Then calculate the total of the six relevant subjects required for your intended programme.

The most important thing to remember is:

Lower aggregate scores are better.

An aggregate of 6 is better than 12, which is better than 24, which is better than 36.

---

Note: WAEC is responsible for conducting and grading WASSCE, while universities determine their own admission requirements and selection rules. Always verify the requirements of the institution and programme you intend to apply to before making admission decisions.