Understanding the Grading System in the Philippines – A Comprehensive Guide
What if you want to study in the Philippines or trying to understand a local report card but are unfamiliar with the grading systems used? To find this solution, you’re just in the right place! You will find here a comprehensive overview of all the grading systems used in the schools, colleges, and universities of the Philippines.
Philippine colleges normally use two grading scales; either a 4.0 or 5.0 scale. On the 4.0 scale, grades range from 0.0 (lowest) to 4.0 (highest), while on the 5.0 scale, grades are from 5.0 (lowest) to 1.0 (highest). These systems help you get a clear view of academic performance.
Types Of Grading Systems in The Philippines
The grading system in the Philippines can seem complicated, but don’t worry! we can make it easy to understand. Most universities use one of two common scales: a 4-point system or a 5-point system. These scales are what most schools follow, so they’re the standard across many institutions.
4-Scale Grading System
This American-made grading system, also called Grade Point Average (GPA), is used globally to evaluate students’ academic performance on a scale ranging from 0.0 to 4.0.
GPA Score | Percentage Range | Grade Letter | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
4.0 | 97-100% | A+ | Excellent |
3.7 | 93-96% | A | Very Good |
3.3 | 90-92% | A- | Good |
3.0 | 87-89% | B+ | Above Average |
2.7 | 83-86% | B | Average |
2.3 | 80-82% | B- | Satisfactory |
2.0 | 77-79% | C+ | Passing |
1.7 | 73-76% | C | Need Improvement |
1.3 | 70-72% | C- | Low Pass |
1.0 | 67-69% | D+ | Barely Pass |
0.7 | 65-66% | D | Poor |
0.0 | Below 65% | F | Fail |
The above table helps you understand how to translate grades into GPA format. For students transitioning between grading systems, may use our GPA to GWA Converter or GWA to GPA Converter tools and to convert GWA to Percentage, you may sisit out GWA to Percentage converter to simplify the process.
5- Scale Grading System
The GWA is the standard grading system, ranging from 5.0 (lowest) to 1.0 (highest). It examines the credit units of each course, ensuring that all subjects contribute to your overall academic picture.
If you want to convert your grades to GWA, our online GWA Calculator makes it quick and easy, especially for managing multiple subjects.
The table below shows the GWA grading scale, approximate GPA equivalents, percentage ranges, letter grades, and remarks.
GWA Score | GPA Score | Percentage Range | Grade Letter | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1.00 | 4.0 | 96-100% | A+ | Excellent |
1.25 | 3.75 | 91-95% | A | Very Good |
1.50 | 3.5 | 86-90% | B+ | Good |
1.75 | 3.25 | 81-85% | B | Above Average |
2.00 | 3.0 | 76-80% | C+ | Average |
2.25 | 2.75 | 71-75% | C- | Satisfactory |
2.50 | 2.5 | 66-70% | D+ | Passing |
2.75 | 2.25 | 61-65% | D | Need Improvement |
3.00 | 2.0 | 60% | D- | Low Pass |
5.00 | 0.0 | Below 60% | F | Fail |
Grading System in the Philippines
School Grading System in the Philippines
In elementary and high school in the Philippines, a simple 5-point grading scale is used. To pass, students need a 2.50, which is equivalent to a C. Scoring 90 or higher is seen as outstanding! Senior high school students can also calculate their GWA to better track overall performance.
1. International School Manila Letter Grade System
Grade Point Equivalence | Letter Grade Equivalence | Percentage Equivalence |
|---|---|---|
4.0 | A | 94–100% |
3.7 | A− | 90–93% |
3.3 | B+ | 87–89% |
3.0 | B | 83–86% |
2.7 | B− | 80–82% |
2.3 | C+ | 77–79% |
2.0 | C | 73–76% |
1.7 | C− | 70–72% |
1.3 | D+ | 67–69% |
1.0 | D | 63–66% |
0.7 | D− | 60–62% |
0.0 | F | below 60% |
2. Brent International School Manila Grading Scale
At Brent International School Manila, students’ performance in individual subjects during examinations is evaluated using a scoring system that ranges from 1 to 7 points. Here’s the grading scale:
Score | Description |
|---|---|
7 | Excellent |
6 | Very Good |
5 | Good |
4 | Satisfactory |
3 | Mediocre |
2 | Poor |
1 | Very Poor |
This scale allows for a detailed assessment of your performance, providing clear feedback on your strengths and areas that may need improvement.
College Grading System in the Philippines
The college grading system in the Philippines indicates your academic performance through a mix of numbers and letter grades. It also includes special notations for incomplete work or excessive absences. Each college may interpret these grades differently.
ABE International Business College
Grade Range | Grade Point | Letter Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
96 – 100 | 1.00 | A+ | Excellent |
91 – 95 | 1.25 | A | Very Good |
86 – 90 | 1.50 | A- | Very Good |
81 – 85 | 1.75 | B+ | Good |
75 – 80 | 2.00 | B | Good |
69 – 74 | 2.25 | B- | Good |
63 – 68 | 2.50 | C+ | Fair |
57 – 62 | 2.75 | C | Fair |
50 – 56 | 3.00 | C- | Fair |
Below 50 | 5.00 | F | Failed |
IC | IC | Incomplete | |
W | Withdrawn | ||
D | Dropped |
University Grading System in the Philippines
At the University of the Philippines, your grades range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest. Each grade comes with terms like “Excellent” and “Passed,” reflecting your performance in tests, projects, and class participation. The university also calculates a GPA to give you a clearer picture of your academic progress.
1. Ateneo de Manila University
Letter Mark | Remarks | Quality Point Value | Numerical Point Range |
|---|---|---|---|
A | Excellent | 4.0 | 1, 92-100 |
A- | Very Good | 3.5 | 1.5, 87-91 |
B+ | Good | 3.0 | 2, 83-86 |
B | Satisfactory | 2.5 | 2.5, 79-82 |
C | Sufficient | 2.0 | 3, 75-78 |
D | Passing | 1 | – |
I | Incomplete | 0 | – |
F | Failure | 0 | – |
WP | Authorized Course Withdrawal | No Quality Point | – |
W | Unauthorized Course Withdrawal | 0 | – |
S | Satisfactory performance in a remedial course | Credit but No Quality Point | – |
U | Unsatisfactory performance in a remedial course | Credit but No Quality Point | – |
AUD | Audit | No Quality Point | – |
2. University of Santo Tomas
Grade | Scale | Remarks | US Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
1.00 | 96.00 – 100.00 | Excellent | A+ |
1.25 | 94.00 – 95.00 | Very Good | A |
1.50 | 92.00 – 93.00 | Very Good | A- |
1.75 | 89.00 – 91.00 | Good | B+ |
2.00 | 87.00 – 88.00 | Good | B |
2.25 | 84.00 – 86.00 | Good | B- |
2.50 | 82.00 – 83.00 | Fair | C+ |
2.75 | 79.00 – 81.00 | Fair | C |
3.00 | 75.00 – 78.00 | Pass | C- |
5.00 | Failure | F |
3. University of the Philippines Diliman
Grade Range | Score Range | Remarks | US Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
1.00 – 1.24 | 96.00 – 100.00 | Excellent | A+ |
1.25 – 1.49 | 94.00 – 95.99 | Superior | A |
1.50 – 1.74 | 91.00 – 93.99 | Very Good | A- |
1.75 – 1.99 | 89.00 – 90.99 | Good | B+ |
2.00 – 2.24 | 86.00 – 88.99 | Very Satisfactory | B |
2.25 – 2.49 | 83.00 – 85.99 | High Average | B- |
2.50 – 2.74 | 80.00 – 82.99 | Average | C+ |
2.75 – 2.99 | 77.00 – 79.99 | Fair | C |
3.00 – 3.99 | 75.00 – 76.99 | Pass | C- |
4.00 – 4.99 | 70.00 – 74.99 | Conditional | D |
5.00 – 5.00 | 0.00 – 69.99 | Failing | F |
P | – | Passed | S |
W | – | Withdrawal | – |
INC | – | Incomplete | – |
DRP | – | Dropped | – |
4. De La Salle University
Grade Range | Score Range | Remarks | US Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
4.00 – 4.00 | 97.00 – 100.00 | Excellent | A+ |
3.50 – 3.99 | 93.00 – 96.99 | Superior | A |
3.00 – 3.49 | 89.00 – 92.99 | Very good | B+ |
2.50 – 2.99 | 85.00 – 88.99 | Good | B |
2.00 – 2.49 | 80.00 – 84.99 | Satisfactory | B- |
1.50 – 1.99 | 75.00 – 79.99 | Fair | C+ |
1.00 – 1.49 | 70.00 – 74.99 | Pass | C |
0.00 – 0.00 | 0.00 – 69.99 | Fail | F |
Grading System In the Philippines Vs Other Global Grading Systems
The grading systems in the Philippines and other countries vary significantly in terms of scale, evaluation criteria, and interpretation. In this comparison, you will see how the grading systems of the Philippines align with or differ from those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Country | Grading System | Highest Grade | Lowest Passing Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
Philippines | 5-Point or 4-Point Scale | 1.00 or 4.00 | 3.00 or 2.00 |
United States | Letter Grades (A+ to F) or Numeric (0 to 100) | A+ or 100 | D or 60 |
United Kingdom | Numeric (1 to 9 for GCSEs) or Letter Grades (A* to G, A to E) | 9 or A* | 4 or E |
Australia | Letter Grades (HD, D, CR, P, F) | HD | P |
Grading Policies in Philippine Institutions
Grading policies in Philippine educational institutions are made to accurately assess and reflect your academic performance. Here’s a look at the important factors that shape these policies.
1. Grading Scale
Most colleges and universities in the Philippines use a GWA system, which typically ranges from 1.0 to 5.0. A score of 1.0 is the highest grade (Excellent), while 5.0 is considered failing.
2. Course Weighting
Each course comes with a specific number of credit units that determine its weight in your GWA calculation. Courses with more credit units have a bigger impact on your overall average, highlighting their importance in your curriculum.
3. Passing Grades
Generally, a grade of 3.0 is the minimum passing mark in most institutions. You’re encouraged to aim higher than just the minimum to maintain your academic standing and remain eligible for scholarships or honors.
4. Grade Conversion
Many institutions offer a system to convert GWA into other grading formats, such as the GPA system used in many countries.
5. Assessment Methods
Various assessment methods are used to evaluate your performance, including exams, quizzes, projects, and class participation. Continuous assessment throughout the semester ensures you’re evaluated on multiple aspects of your academic journey.
6. Grade Point Average (GPA)
Some institutions may use a GPA system alongside GWA for specific programs or international applications. The GPA is typically measured on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale, with higher scores reflecting better performance.
7. Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is the foundation of your education, and strict policies against cheating and plagiarism are implemented for this. Violations can lead to serious effects, including failing grades or disciplinary action. If you want to learn more about how to stay honest in your studies, check out this Guide to Academic Integrity.
How to Improve Your Grades
To improve your grades, consider adjusting your study routine with these effective habits:
- Choose a comfortable study spot.
- Minimize distractions.
- Take short breaks.
- Space out your study sessions.
- Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
- Use practice tests to assess your knowledge.
- Rephrase concepts in your own words to enhance understanding.
- Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
Frequently Asked Question
Conclusion
Understanding the grading system in the Philippines is important for tracking your progress. Knowing how the 4-point and 5-point scales work can help you celebrate your achievements and stay motivated. When you know what your grades mean, you can see how hard you’ve worked and make sure everything is fair in your classes.
