How to Calculate JAMB, Post-UTME, and WAEC/NECO Composite Score for Admissions
How to Calculate Your JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC/NECO Composite Score
Calculating your composite score for Nigerian university admissions can be challenging, but understanding the process ensures clarity and preparation. Universities in Nigeria use a weighted scoring system for admissions, where JAMB, WAEC/NECO O’Level grades, and Post-UTME results are combined based on the following percentages:
- JAMB UTME: 50%
- O’Level Results: 20%
- Post-UTME: 30%
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to calculate your composite score with examples and practical tips.
Step 1: Calculate JAMB Score (50%)
The maximum score in JAMB UTME is 400. To allocate 50%, your JAMB score is divided by 8 (since 400 ÷ 50 = 8).
Example 1:
If a candidate scores 250 in JAMB, the calculation is:
JAMB Score=2508=31.25 points\text{JAMB Score} = \frac{250}{8} = 31.25 \text{ points}
Example 2:
For a JAMB score of 180:
JAMB Score=1808=22.5 points\text{JAMB Score} = \frac{180}{8} = 22.5 \text{ points}
Step 2: Calculate O’Level Score (20%)
Your WAEC or NECO results are assessed based on five core subjects (specific to your chosen course). Each grade is assigned a point:
- A1 = 6 points
- B2 = 5 points
- B3 = 4 points
- C4 = 3 points
- C5 = 2 points
- C6 = 1 point
The total points for the five core subjects are summed up and prorated to 20% by multiplying by 2/3.
Example:
A candidate’s O’Level grades are:
- Mathematics: B3 (4 points)
- English: C5 (2 points)
- Chemistry: C4 (3 points)
- Biology: B2 (5 points)
- Physics: C6 (1 point)
Total Gross Points:
4+2+3+5+1=15 points4 + 2 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 15 \text{ points}
Prorated to 20%:
15×23=10 points15 \times \frac{2}{3} = 10 \text{ points}
Step 3: Calculate Post-UTME Score (30%)
The Post-UTME is allocated 30%. To calculate this, multiply your Post-UTME score by 0.3.
Example:
A candidate scores 65% in Post-UTME:
65×0.3=19.5 points65 \times 0.3 = 19.5 \text{ points}
Step 4: Combine All Scores
To determine your composite score, sum up the scores from JAMB, O’Level, and Post-UTME.
Example:
A candidate has:
- JAMB Score: 202/8 = 25.25 points
- O’Level Score: 10 points
- Post-UTME Score: 58 × 0.3 = 17.4 points
Composite Score:
25.25+10+17.4=52.6525.25 + 10 + 17.4 = 52.65
This candidate’s composite score is 52.65.
Key Insights and Additional Tips
- Choose Core Subjects Carefully: Ensure you know the required five core subjects for your course. Universities prioritize these when calculating O’Level points.
- Higher Scores Matter: A 5-point gap in your composite score can make a difference in securing admission. Always aim for high scores in JAMB, O’Level, and Post-UTME.
- Cross-Check Results: Confirm your grades and calculate accurately to avoid errors.
- Understand University Requirements: Some universities adjust the weight of each component differently.
Another Practical Example
A candidate applying for Medicine has the following scores:
- JAMB: 280
- O’Level Grades:
- Biology: A1 (6 points)
- Chemistry: B2 (5 points)
- Physics: B3 (4 points)
- Mathematics: C4 (3 points)
- English: B3 (4 points)
- Post-UTME: 75%
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- JAMB Score:
280÷8=35 points280 ÷ 8 = 35 \text{ points}
- O’Level Score:
6+5+4+3+4=22 gross points6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 22 \text{ gross points}
Prorated to 20%:
22×23=14.67 points22 × \frac{2}{3} = 14.67 \text{ points}
- Post-UTME Score:
75×0.3=22.5 points75 × 0.3 = 22.5 \text{ points}
Composite Score:
35+14.67+22.5=72.1735 + 14.67 + 22.5 = 72.17
Key Notes for Candidates
- High JAMB scores significantly impact your composite score.
- Maximize your O’Level grades by targeting A1s and B2s in your core subjects.
- Perform well in Post-UTME to secure an edge over competitors.
- Always verify the cut-off mark for your course and institution, as they vary yearly.
For more information, visit reputable Nigerian education platforms like:
By following these steps and examples, you’ll be well-prepared to calculate your composite score and meet university admission requirements.