Silliman University (SU) GWA Calculator & Grading Scale Guide
Master the Silliman University QPA grading system. Learn the rules for Latin honors, Class honors, dropping subjects, and incomplete grades.
Silliman University Academic Evaluation Overview
Silliman University (SU) uses a specialized academic evaluation system to measure student progress. Unlike universities that use a traditional General Weighted Average (GWA), Silliman employs a Quality Point Average (QPA) scale. Understanding this system is necessary for maintaining scholarships, qualifying for academic honors, and avoiding registration penalties.
SU Honors Grade Estimator
Input your completed units and current GWA to see the average grade you need in your remaining units to hit your target honor range.
Please enter valid numeric values.
The Official QPA and Grading Scale
The academic rating of a student is determined by letter grades. Each letter grade has an equivalent percentage range, numerical rating scale, and quality points. These quality points serve as the basis for your terminal QPA calculation.
| Letter Grade | Percentage Equivalent | Quality Points | Numerical Ratings | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 97% – 100% | 4.0 | 4.0, 3.9, 3.8 | Excellent |
| A- | 93% – 96% | 3.5 | 3.7, 3.6, 3.5, 3.4, 3.3 | Excellent |
| B+ | 89% – 92% | 3.0 | 3.2, 3.1, 3.0 | Good |
| B | 85% – 88% | 2.5 | 2.9, 2.8, 2.7, 2.6, 2.5 | Good |
| B- | 80% – 84% | 2.0 | 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, 2.1, 2.0 | Good |
| C+ | 75% – 79% | 1.5 | 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5 | Passing |
| C | 70% – 74% | 1.0 | 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0 | Passing |
| C- | 65% – 69% | 0.5 | 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5 | Passing |
| F | Below 65% | 0.0 | 0.0 | Failing |
Special Grade Marks
Apart from standard numerical ratings, Silliman University uses unique codes for exceptional academic scenarios:
- I (Incomplete): This mark represents unfinished requirements due to valid reasons like illness or emergency.
- W (Withdrawal): This is given when a student drops a course using the official withdrawal procedures.
- NC / NG (No Credit / No Grade): The registrar automatically converts an unresolved "Incomplete" to this permanent status once the deadline passes.
How to Calculate Your QPA
To determine your semestral or cumulative Quality Point Average, you must look at both the academic load units and the assigned quality points for each course. Here is the direct math sequence:
- Multiply the unit value of each course by the Quality Points earned for your grade in that course. This gives you the Honor Points for each class.
- Sum all the Honor Points you earned during the term.
- Divide this sum by the total number of credit units you enrolled in during that term. Do not include courses that result in "W" marks.
Example Computation:
Suppose you enrolled in three courses this semester:
- Math 11 (3 units): Grade is A- (3.5 Quality Points). Honor Points = 3 * 3.5 = 10.5
- English 21 (3 units): Grade is B+ (3.0 Quality Points). Honor Points = 3 * 3.0 = 9.0
- Physics 15 (4 units): Grade is B (2.5 Quality Points). Honor Points = 4 * 2.5 = 10.0
Total Units = 10. Total Honor Points = 29.5.
Your Calculated QPA is 29.5 divided by 10, which equals 2.95.
Latin Honors Requirements
Graduating with distinctions at Silliman University requires meeting specific QPA standards alongside strict behavior and schedule rules.
| Award | Required Cumulative QPA | Minimum Grade Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.90 or higher | 2.0 (B-) |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.60 to 3.89 | 2.0 (B-) |
| Cum Laude | 3.30 to 3.59 | 2.0 (B-) |
Additional Regulations for Latin Honors
- You must carry the full prescribed academic load per semester. Underloading disqualifies you from these awards.
- A single grade below 2.0 (equivalent to a B-) makes you ineligible for graduation honors.
- You cannot have more than one "INC" mark in a single semester. Exceptions apply only if the academic dean and the Honors Committee approve an emergency justification.
- If you drop a course after the fourth week of classes, you forfeit your eligibility. Only verified emergencies bypass this rule.
- If you repeat a subject, the registrar factors both the original grade and the repeat grade into your final cumulative QPA calculation.
Class, College, and University Honors
Silliman University manages a tiered honors recognition system for undergraduate students. These honors are separate from the generic "Dean's List" terms used at other universities.
Class Honors
Class Honors recognize top-performing students in each college department. To qualify, you must rank in the top ten percent (10%) of your class level in your specific college. You must also obtain a semestral QPA of at least 3.25, with no individual grade below 2.3. You are ineligible if you have more than one incomplete mark or if you dropped any course after the fourth week of classes.
College Honors
College Honors highlight students who achieve a semestral QPA of 3.50 or higher. This award is limited to the upper three percent (3%) of the sophomore, junior, and senior classes in each college. All secondary rules regarding dropping timelines, incomplete limits, and minimum grade thresholds (2.3) apply here as well.
University Honors
University Honors are the highest level of ongoing scholarship recognition. To obtain this award, you must qualify for College Honors during both your junior and senior years. You must also rank in the top three percent (3%) of the graduating senior class of the entire university.
Official Registrar Rules
Navigating your academic career requires adherence to strict administrative timelines. Review the official guidelines regarding load, dropping, and incomplete grades below.
Underloading Policy
All undergraduate students must enroll in a full academic load as outlined by their curriculum. This typically means a minimum of 15 units per semester. Students with official work grants, assistantships, or those on academic probation are the only exceptions allowed to carry a reduced load.
Failing Grade Policies
An "F" grade indicates a failed course. This carries a 0.0 Quality Point value and severely lowers your cumulative QPA. If you fail a prerequisite course, you might have to cross-register in another accredited college to catch up, provided your current college dean approves the registration.
Course Dropping and Withdrawals
To receive a clean "W" (Withdrawal) mark on your transcript, you must officially file your dropping papers before the final two weeks preceding mid-term week. If you withdraw due to certified illness or injury, the registrar issues a "W" regardless of the timeline.
Financial penalties also apply based on when you drop your courses:
- Dropping after four weeks of classes up to the mid-term week results in a 50% charge of tuition and fees.
- Dropping after mid-term week results in a 100% charge of tuition and fees.
Incomplete Grade Resolution
You must resolve an "INC" mark during the semester immediately following the term you received it. If you fail to complete the required work within this timeframe, the grade automatically converts to a permanent "NC" (No Credit) or "NG" (No Grade). For graduate students, the timeline extends to one year. All completion forms must be officially submitted to the registrar directly by your instructor, never by the student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review these common scenarios to understand your academic options at Silliman University.