If you’re a student navigating a system that assesses academic performance using a General Weighted Average (GWA), you may have heard of a “GWA calculator.” Knowing how to compute your GWA is essential whether you’re getting ready to graduate, applying for scholarships, or just wanting to monitor your academic progress.
In many nations, particularly the Philippines, where it is frequently used to evaluate a student’s overall academic performance, a GWA is a significant academic statistic. This article will explain what a GWA is, how it’s determined, and how a GWA calculator can make things easier.
What is GWA?
An academic grading system that offers a thorough summary of a student’s achievement in every subject is the General Weighted Average (GWA). The amount of units or credit hours allotted to each topic is combined with the grades earned in those subjects to create the GWA. This approach guarantees that courses with more credit hours have a greater impact on the overall performance of the student.
The GWA is crucial in deciding eligibility for academic awards, scholarships, or graduation in many educational institutions, especially in the Philippines. Your GWA serves as a gauge of your academic standing, and educational institutions frequently establish GWA requirements for different types of academic honors.
How Does GWA Work?
To determine your GWA, multiply the grade you received in each course by the amount of units (or credit hours) the course is worth. Then, divide the result by the total number of units. Simply said, your overall average will be higher for courses with more units or credit hours than for those with fewer.
For instance, your GWA will be more significantly impacted by your 3-unit course grade than by your 2-unit course grade if you had an 85 in the former and a 90 in the latter.
The Formula for Calculating GWA
GWA is calculated using the following formula: GWA =
Amount (Grade × Units)
(Units)
GWA = ∑(Units)
∑ (Grade×Units)
Where:
The grade you received in each course is referred to as your grade.
The term “units” describes how many credit hours or units are allotted to each course.
The weighted score for every course is called Sum (Grade × Units).
The total number of units for all courses is denoted by Sum (Units).
Example of a GWA Calculation
Assume you have the following classes, along with the units and grades that go with them:
Mathematics: Units = 3, Grade = 90
English: Units = 3, Grade = 85
History: Units = 2, Grade = 92
Biology: Units = 4, Grade = 88
To determine your GWA:
Multiply the number of units by each grade:
In math, 90 × 3 = 270
English: 255 (85 × 3)
Past events: 92 × 2 = 184
Biology: 352 (88 × 4)
The sum of the weighted grades is:
1061 is equal to 270 + 255 + 184 + 352.
The sum of the units is as follows:
3 + 3 + 2 + 4 = 12.
By the total number of units, divide the total weighted grades:
GWA = 1061 12 = 88.42
GWA equals 12 1061.
= 88.42
Your GWA would therefore be 88.42.
Why Use a GWA Calculator?
It’s easy to make mistakes while calculating your GWA by hand, even though it can be rather simple. You can save time and lower the chance of error by automating this computation with a GWA calculator. Students who must determine their GWA for several semesters or courses will find these calculators extremely helpful.
You can find student-specific online GWA calculators on the websites of many colleges and universities. Just enter your course grades and units, and the calculator takes care of the rest. Your GWA is automatically displayed, making it simple for you to monitor your academic progress.
A GWA calculator can also be a useful resource for students who wish to understand how their present grades will affect their total academic standing. As you progress, you can enter your grades to estimate your final GWA and determine whether you’re on track to satisfy the requirements for scholarships or honors.
Where Can You Find a GWA Calculator?
There are numerous GWA calculators available online, and some educational institutions even give their own calculators to students on their student portals. Here are some choices if you’re trying to find a trustworthy GWA calculator:
- School Websites:
Numerous educational institutions provide calculators that are specific to particular grading schemes. Look for any resources your school may offer on their website. - Online Tools:
A number of third-party websites provide free GWA calculators that allow you to enter your grades and units to determine your GWA. A fast search will yield a number of results. - Mobile Apps:
GWA calculators are among the mobile apps made to assist students in monitoring their academic progress.
Before using any online tool, be sure it is compatible with the particular grading scheme that your institution uses. This guarantees the accuracy of the calculator’s results and their applicability to your academic standing.
Tips for Improving Your GWA
Although you may monitor your progress with the aid of a GWA calculator, raising your GWA calls for commitment and constant work. Here are some pointers to help you raise your GWA:
- Stay Organized:
To make sure you’re meeting deadlines and keeping up with your coursework, keep track of your grades and assignments. - Prioritize High-Unit Courses:
Pay close attention to the courses that have more credit hours because they have a greater impact on your GWA. - Seek Help When Needed:
Do not hesitate to seek assistance if you are having trouble with a subject. Gaining knowledge about the subject matter from classmates, instructors, or tutors will help you get better scores. - Stay Consistent:
Do not hesitate to seek assistance if you are having trouble with a subject. Gaining knowledge about the subject matter from classmates, instructors, or tutors will help you get better scores.
Conclusion
One of the most important aspects of managing your academic career is knowing how to compute your General Weighted Average (GWA). A GWA calculator makes it easy to track your marks and streamlines the procedure, which helps you keep an eye on your academic progress. You may maintain your chances of receiving academic awards, scholarships, and other opportunities by routinely reviewing your GWA. The important thing is to remain focused on your studies and constantly strive for improvement, regardless of whether you compute it manually or with a GWA calculator.
Short FAQs About GWA Calculators
What is the difference between GPA and GWA?
The United States frequently uses GPA (Grade Point Average), although many other countries, including the Philippines, utilize GWA (General Weighted Average). Although they may be determined in different ways, both reflect a student’s overall academic success. In contrast to GPA, which is frequently focused only on the average of grades, GWA usually takes into account both the grade and the amount of credit hours for each course.
Can a GWA calculator help me track my progress throughout the semester?
Indeed! You may see how your performance in each topic is affecting your overall average by entering your grades as you go with a GWA calculator. This enables you to make any necessary corrections prior to the final computation.
Is it necessary to use a GWA calculator?
No, it’s not absolutely required because you can figure out your GWA by yourself. On the other hand, a GWA calculator facilitates the tracking of your academic progress, saves time, and lowers errors.
Can I use a GWA calculator if my school uses a different grading system?
Verify that the GWA calculator you use is compatible with the grading scheme used at your institution. Selecting a calculator that is appropriate for your school’s system is crucial because some are made for particular universities.
Where can I find a GWA calculator online?
The official website of your school has GWA calculators, or you can use websites run by third parties that provide free resources. This feature is also offered by a lot of apps.