Your WASSCE aggregate — not your raw grades — is what Ghanaian tertiary institutions use through CSSPS to decide admission. Here’s exactly how it’s calculated, with worked examples.
Step 1: Convert Each Grade to Points
Every WASSCE grade has a point value:
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A1 | 1 |
| B2 | 2 |
| B3 | 3 |
| C4 | 4 |
| C5 | 5 |
| C6 | 6 |
| D7 | 7 |
| E8 | 8 |
| F9 | 9 |
Lower points are better — an A1 is worth 1 point, an F9 is worth 9.
Step 2: Pick Your Best Six Subjects
Your aggregate is based on your best six subjects, and for most programmes this selection must include:
- English Language
- Core Mathematics
- Integrated Science or Social Studies (check your target programme’s specific requirement)
- Three of your best-performing elective subjects
If you sat more than six subjects, only your six best-scoring relevant subjects are used — extra subjects with weaker grades don’t count against you, but they also can’t replace a required core subject.
Step 3: Add the Points Together
Add the point values of your six selected subjects. The total is your aggregate.
Worked Example
| Subject | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | B3 | 3 |
| Core Mathematics | B2 | 2 |
| Integrated Science | C4 | 4 |
| Social Studies | B3 | 3 |
| Elective 1 | A1 | 1 |
| Elective 2 | C5 | 5 |
Aggregate = 3 + 2 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 5 = 18
The best possible aggregate is 6 (A1 in all six subjects). Most competitive public university programmes in Ghana look for an aggregate between 6 and 24, depending on the course — but requirements vary significantly by institution and programme, so always check the specific cut-off for the course you want.
Common Mistakes When Calculating Your Aggregate
- Forgetting a compulsory core subject: your aggregate isn’t valid for CSSPS purposes unless it includes English, Maths, and the required science/social studies subject.
- Using your worst subjects instead of your best: always select the six subjects with the lowest point values (best grades) among your eligible subjects.
- Confusing “aggregate” with “percentage”: WASSCE doesn’t produce a percentage score — the aggregate is a points total, and lower is better.
Not Sure What Your Grades Are?
If you haven’t checked your results yet, start with How to Check Your WASSCE Results 2026. If you want a refresher on what each grade band means, see WASSCE Grading System Explained. For the full picture, go back to our WASSCE Results 2026 Guide.