As students navigate their academic journeys, they often encounter various metrics that assess their performance, with two of the most common being the General Weighted Average (GWA) and the Grade Point Average (GPA) gwa vs gpa.
While both GWA and GPA serve the purpose of evaluating a student’s academic achievements, they are used in different educational systems and calculated in distinct ways.
Understanding the differences between GWA vs GPA is crucial for students, especially those studying in diverse educational environments or considering international education opportunities.
GWA is primarily utilized in universities in the Philippines and some other countries, reflecting a student’s performance by incorporating course units into its calculation.
On the other hand, GPA is widely used in the United States and many other nations, typically operating on a 4.0 scale and utilizing a straightforward point system.
In this article, we will explore the definitions, calculations, and implications of both GWA and GPA.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how these two metrics compare and how they can impact your academic progress and future opportunities.
Whether you’re aiming for a scholarship, planning your courses, or simply striving for academic excellence, knowing the differences between GWA and GPA can empower you to make informed decisions about your education.
Understanding GWA
New students always get confused that what is GWA. General Weighted Average (GWA) is a metric used to measure a student’s overall academic performance in many universities, especially in the Philippines.
It provides a more nuanced view of a student’s achievements by factoring in both grades and the weight of each course based on its credit units.
This means that subjects with more credit units will have a greater impact on the final GWA, encouraging students to focus on their performance across all their courses.
Calculation Process
To calculate GWA, use the following formula:
Example
Let say you took three courses with the following grades and units:
| Course | Grade | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 1.75 | 3 |
| Science | 2.00 | 4 |
| History | 1.50 | 2 |
Multiply each grade by the respective units
Math: 1.75×3=5.251
Science: 2.00×4=8.002
History: 1.50×2=3.001
Add the results
5.25+8.00+3.00=16.255.25 + 8.00 + 3.00 = 16.255
Divide by the total units: 16.25/9
So, your GWA would be 1.81, indicating good academic performance.
Understand GPA
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a common metric used in the United States and many other countries to evaluate a student’s academic performance.
Unlike GWA, GPA usually operates on a 4.0 scale, where each letter grade corresponds to a specific point value (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0). This standardized system helps institutions assess students’ academic performance consistently.
The Formula for calculating GPA is
Calculation Process
Example: Suppose you have the following grades:
| Course | Grades | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | A | 3 |
| Science | B | 4 |
| History | A | 2 |
Convert grades to points:
Math (A): 4.0×3=12.0
Science (B): 3.0×4=12.0
History (A): 4.0×2=8.0
Add the results:
12.0 + 12.0 + 8.0=32
Divide by the total credit hours:
32.0/9=3.56
Your GPA would be 3.56, reflecting solid academic performance.
Final Difference between GPA vs GWA
| Criteria | GPA (Grade Point Average) | GWA (General Weighted Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Represents the average of grades, usually on a 4.0 scale | Represents the weighted average of grades based on units |
| Commonly Used | Primarily used in the U.S., Canada, and some other countries | Primarily used in the Philippines and some other countries |
| Scale | Typically uses a 4.0 scale (may vary by institution) | Uses a 5.0 scale (in the Philippines), where 1.0 is the highest |
| Computation Method | Simple average of grades across courses | Weighted average, taking into account the number of units per course |
| Weighting | All subjects have equal weight in GPA calculations | Subjects are weighted according to their credit hours (units) |
| Passing Grade | Often, a GPA of 2.0 (C grade) or higher is required to pass | Typically, a GWA of 3.0 or lower is needed to pass |
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