In the Philippines, some universities follow a 4-Point Scale, which resembles or is equivalent to the U.S. grading system. This system uses a grade between 0.00 to 4.00 wherein 4.00 is the highest and 0.00 being a failing mark.
Other universities follow a 5-Point Scale, wherein the highest grade is a 1.00 and the lowest is a 5.00 (failing mark). The lowest passing mark is actually a 3.00. Although usually not depicted, a grade of 4.00 is equivalent to a grade of incomplete. If the school does not use the grade point "4.00", it will use "INC" instead.
Most colleges and universities will use either the 4-Point or 5-Point Scales when presenting final grades. When scoring individual coursework, they will use the Percent Grade, Letter Grade, or both. More importantly, Philippine universities do not have standard grade equivalence. Different universities have varied equivalence range, while passing grades are subject to imposed academic quality of an institution.
GWA (general weighted average; similar to GPA) is a representation (often numerical) of the overall scholastic standing of students used for evaluation. GWA is based on the grades in all subjects taken at a particular level including subjects taken outside of the curriculum. Representation of the subjects taken only in a specific curriculum is called CWA, or curriculum weighted average.[1][2][3]
The description mentioned in the table was based on Tarlac State University (TSU) Student Handbook. In addition, the grade of "INC" is given if a student whose class standing for the semester is passing, fails to take the final examination or fails to complete other course requirements for valid reason (Chap. 8, Sec. 1, TSU Student Handbook).
Minimum cumulative and term GPA (3.4 and above) for University Honors List at the same trimester
3.00
Very Good
83–88%
89–92%
Minimum term GPA to be eligible for Dean's Honors List
2.50
Good
78–82%
85–88%
2.00
Satisfactory
72–77%
80–84%
Minimum course grade to be eligible for University and Dean's Honors List
1.50
Fair
66–71%
75–79%
1.00
Passed
60–65%
70–74%
0.00
Failed
Below 60%
Below 70%
9.90
Deferred
For thesis/practicum courses only.
INC
Incomplete
For students who fail to complete their enrolled course.
P
Pass
For pass/fail courses only.
F
Fail
For pass/fail courses only.
D
Deferred
W
Withdrawn
While most courses at De La Salle University-Manila maintain the above table for a passing grade of 60%, there are some courses where the passing grade can also be 50%, 55%, 65%, or 70%, in which the grade point equivalences would vary.
Most academic departments in the university follow a grading system with the 70% passing grade. Some departments, such as the Department of Finance and Accounting and departments from the Ateneo School of Science and Engineering follow a 50% or 60% passing grade.
Some Philippine universities and colleges give Latin honors in conveying the level of distinction that an academic degree has been earned.
De La Salle University-Manila, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Latin Honors[13]
Prerequisite for UST's Latin Honors or Dean's Lister distinction are the following: QPI should be at least 86%, no grade below 80% for any subject in the given semester, and the student should obtain a good moral character.
