How to Calculate Your Aggregate Score for Admission in 2025

1. Understand the Concept of Aggregate Score

This score is a cumulative total, combining your UTME score, post-UTME (or screening) results, and in some cases, your O’Level grades.

Different institutions use varying formulas to calculate this score, with each component contributing a percentage towards the final result. 

The aggregate score helps admission officers rank applicants, ensuring that only those with competitive scores gain entry into their desired courses. 

By mastering how this score is determined, you can better strategize your exam preparation and improve your chances of admission.

2. Check Your Score and Institution’s Weighting Formula

Each institution in Nigeria uses a specific weighting formula to calculate the aggregate score for admission. 

Getting to know this formula helps you know how much importance is placed on each component (UTME, post-UTME, and O’Level results). 

Below are common approaches:

• Federal Universities: Most federal universities allocate:
  • 50% to UTME score
  • 30% to post-UTME or screening
  • 20% to O’Level results (usually five key subjects)
• State Universities:
  • 60% to UTME score
  • 40% to post-UTME or screening
    Some state universities don’t include O’Level results in the aggregate calculation.

• Polytechnics and Colleges of Education:
  • 70% to UTME score
  • 30% to screening or O’Level results

Different institutions use varying formulas for calculating aggregate scores. 

To get accurate details, visit your school’s website or admissions office, this helps you focus on what matters most for your admission.

3. Calculate the UTME Contribution to Your Aggregate

The UTME score is usually assigned a percentage weight by the institution. 

To determine its contribution to your aggregate, you divide your UTME score by 400 (the maximum score) and multiply it by the institution’s assigned weight, in this case it’s 50.
Example:
If a university assigns 50% weight to UTME and your UTME score is 250, the contribution is:
UTME Contribution=(250/400)×50=31.25

4. Include Your Post-UTME Score (If Applicable)

For institutions that conduct post-UTME, this score is often given equal or partial weight alongside UTME. To calculate its contribution, divide the post-UTME score by 100 and multiply by the assigned weight.
Example:
If the university assigns 50% weight to post-UTME and your post-UTME score is 70, the contribution is:
Post-UTME Contribution=(70/100)×50=30

5. Consider Bonus Points for Catchment Areas or Quotas

Certain institutions offer bonus points to candidates from specific states (catchment areas) or for meeting special quotas. 

If applicable, these points are added directly to your aggregate score.
Example:
If a university offers 5 bonus points for candidates from its catchment area, the final aggregate score is:
Total Aggregate Score=31.25+35+16.67+5=87.92.

6. Add O’Level Grading Points (Where Required)

Some schools include O’Level results in their aggregate calculation by assigning points to your grades in key subjects. 

Typically, grades are assigned points as follows:

• A1 = 6 points
• B2 = 5 points
• B3 = 4 points
• C4 = 3 points
• C5 = 2 points
• C6 = 1 point

Sum up the points for the required subjects and scale them down based on your institution’s formula.

7. Verify the Total Aggregate Using Institution Guidelines

Before finalizing your total aggregate score, it’s important to cross-check it using the specific guidelines provided by your institution. 

Different schools have unique methods for scaling or weighting scores.

• Ensure you understand how the school combines UTME, post-UTME, and O’Level results.
• Check for any bonus points or additional criteria that may apply.
• Use the official aggregate calculator, if available, on the institution’s website.

8. Compare Your Aggregate Score to the Cut-Off Mark

Once you’ve verified your aggregate score, compare it to the cut-off mark of your chosen course. 

Each course has a different cut-off mark depending on competition and demand.

• If your score meets or exceeds the cut-off: You have a strong chance of being admitted.
• If your score is slightly below the cut-off: Consider alternatives like supplementary lists or less competitive courses.
• If your score is far below the cut-off: Explore options in other institutions with lower requirements.

9. Plan Next Steps Based on Your Aggregate Score

Your next steps should depend on how well your aggregate score matches the cut-off mark for your desired course.

• High aggregate score: Focus on preparing documents for admission and post-admission processes.
• Borderline score: Stay alert for opportunities to apply for supplementary admission or related courses.
• Low aggregate score: Consider registering for the next UTME or applying to a school or course with a lower cut-off mark, by planning carefully, you can improve your chances of gaining admission, either in the current cycle or the next.