Before we dive into, do note that JC Rank Points and A Level Rank Points really mean the same thing. JC Scoring or Grading System also refers to A Level Scoring or Grading System. In this article, we will be using the terms “JC Rank Points” and “A Level Grading System”.
When you’re a student in Singapore, your overall JC Rank points will ultimately determine if you can possibly gain admission to your dream university. Basically, they serve as the benchmark of a student’s success in the A Levels.
And if you’re still on the fence about what studies you want to further pursue, calculating your rank points can determine which course is the most suitable for you. It gives you the chance to prepare for the admissions process ahead of time.
However, it can be pretty confusing to study the A Level grading system and calculate rank points on your own.
Fortunately, we’re here to help you know where you stand in terms of academic performance. Below is a complete guide to the JC scoring system and how to calculate rank points based on your subject combinations:
The A Level Grading System: What Are Rank Points?
Rank points (RP) are considered the grading system for students in the JC/A Levels. Their grades are calculated based on their marks in H1 and H2 exams.
These marks are indicated using letter grades between A to U—A being the highest and U as the lowest grade.
Keep in mind that the marks you’ll score in your exams are converted to rank points between 0 and 90. These rank points indicate your University Admission Score (UAS), the standard Singaporean universities use when assessing student applications.
So, if you get excellent marks, you gain higher rank points that will up your chances of getting into Singapore’s most prestigious universities. It will be much easier to secure a spot. But of course, given that the JC scoring system can be extra challenging, it can either make or break your plans on taking further studies.
Moreover, if you’re not a student with straight A’s, calculating your rank points to evaluate your UAS gets a bit complicated. Let’s delve deeper into the A Level scoring system calculation below:
How to Calculate A Level Points
To calculate rank points, you have to add the scores you get in different subjects. Typically, students are expected to take these subject combinations:
- Three H2 A Levels subjects
- One H1 A Levels subject
- H1 General Paper
- H1 Mother Tongue Language
- H1 Project Work
You can also take four H2 subjects instead of three H2 subjects and an H1 subject. However, this will depend on how exemplary your academic standing is. Cut-off points will also be considered but may vary depending on the institution.
As stated above, the highest rank point you can ever achieve throughout the exams is 90. *Here’s a breakdown of the A Levels score to help you make sense of the A Level grading system:
| Grade | Marks | H2 Rank Points | H1 Rank Points | H3 Grade |
| A | 70% – 100% | 20 | 10 | Distinction |
| B | 60% – 69% | 17.5 | 8.75 | Merit |
| C | 55% – 59% | 15 | 7.5 | Pass |
| D | 50% – 54% | 12.5 | 6.25 | Ungraded |
| E | 45% – 49% | 10 | 5 | |
| S | 40% – 44% | 5 | 2.5 | |
| U | 0 – 39% | 0 | 0 |
H3 subjects will not be included in the rank point calculations. Since these subjects are optional and only recommended for students who are passionate about a subject, they are mainly used for applying to competitive university courses and scholarships.
Let’s discuss a few scenarios to show you the computation of converting your A Levels grades into the Singapore rank point system:
Computation of Rank Points Without H1 Mother Tongue Language (MTL)
Some students are exempted from taking H1 Mother Tongue Language if they’ve achieved a minimum of D7 in Higher Chinese during O levels.
In this case, the rank points are calculated by adding three H2 subjects, one H1 subject, H1 general paper and H2 project. Assuming a student gets perfect scores in all of their exams, the calculation for their RP will be as follows:
Maximum Rank Points = 3 H2 + 1 H1 + H1 general paper and H1 project work
= 20 + 20 + 20 + 10 + 10 + 10
= 90 RP
However, if the student fails to achieve straight A’s and gets a C grade in one of the H2 subjects, this is what the rank point calculation will look like:
Rank Points = 3 H2 + 1 H1 + H1 general paper + H1 project work
= 20 + 20 + 15 + 10 + 10 + 10
= 85 RP
Computation of Rank Points with H1 MTL
If H1 MTL is included in the RP grading system, the rank points are rebased from /100 to /90. In this scenario, another student gets A grades in every module. This will be the formula to calculate their total points:
Maximum Rank Points = [(3 H2 + 1 H1 + H1 GP + H1 PW + H1 MTL) / 100] x 90
= [(20 + 20 + 20 +10 + 10 + 10 +10)/100] x 90
= 90 RP
The calculation will change, however, if the student receives an A for all subjects with the exception of a B grade in an H2 subject.
Rank Points = [(3 H2 + 1 H1 + H1 GP + H1 PW + H1 MTL) / 100] x 90
= [(20 + 20 + 17.5 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10) / 100] x 90
= (97.5 / 100) x 90
= 0.975 x 90
= 87.75 RP
Computation Of Rank Points For Students Who Have 4 H2 Subjects
Students who take up four H2 subjects will have a slightly different computation from their peers. In this scenario, a student’s H2 subject with the lowest grade will be converted to an H1 subject during the rank point computation.
It means that the H2 subject in consideration will be halved and calculated as /10 instead of /20.
For example, the calculation of a student obtaining full marks in all the H2 subjects will look like this:
Maximum Rank Points = 3 H2 + (Weakest H2)/2 + 1 H1 (general paper) + 1 H1 (project)
= (20 + 20 + 20) + (20/2) + 10 + 10
= 90 RP
In a different case, if the student gets a D grade in one of their four H2 subjects, then that subject is considered the weakest one. The calculation of their rank points is as follows:
Rank Points = 3 H2 + (Weakest H2)/2 + 1 H1 (general paper) + 1 H1 (project)
= (20 +20 +20) + (12.5/2) + 10 + 10
= 86.25 RP
To check if your computations are correct, you can also try using a rank point calculator.
A Rough Tier List For Rank Points: What’s A Good Grade?
When you’re in the A Levels, what’s usually considered a good rank point? Take a closer look at this rough tier list—from best to worst—for rank points to help you efficiently set your goals:
88-90
You’re going above and beyond! These are considered the highest scores you’ll achieve in the A Levels. If you achieve this rank point, you can enter every course in local universities.
What’s left for you to accomplish is to pass the assessments if you’re planning to take Law, Architecture, Medicine and other assessment-based courses.
85-87
This is a terrific score, congratulations! You can be qualified for double degrees and apply for every course in local universities if you can show a great portfolio. Direct admission to university courses is also practically guaranteed!
However, if you’re applying for competitive courses like Medicine and Law, it’s a bit risky but there is still a decent chance of getting accepted. Make sure you do very well at the interviews.
80-84
Good job, these rank points are great scores! You can get direct admission to most courses except for the most competitive ones. However, you have low to decent chances of entering double degrees.
But if you have a strong portfolio, you stand a good chance of getting in.
75-80
You got a pretty good score! You have the opportunity to apply to almost every course, especially the popular ones like Business or Arts and Social Sciences.
The main downside of having these rank points is they won’t help you get accepted in Law, Medicine and other competitive courses.
70-74
This is quite good! You can choose from several courses in local universities but it will be more difficult to enter the popular ones like Business.
65-70
Still acceptable! You have a few choices on your end such as Nursing and Civil Engineering, among others.
60-65
These rank points will put you at a disadvantage. However, it’s still possible to enter local universities as long as you have a good portfolio via ABAS.
Below 60
Anything below 60 is considered extremely low. You’ll find it almost impossible to get into local universities. We highly recommend that you try private universities first or obtain a diploma in polytechnic studies.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! Now that you have understood these formulas, you’re off to a great start in making sense of the JC scoring system that dictates your University Admission Score. You can finally gauge which universities you’re most qualified to attend!
Most importantly, understanding the A Level scoring system gives you a clear picture of which university courses you’re eligible for. This is especially helpful for students who are still uncertain about the paths they want to take.
When you’re well aware of your rank points, it can help you shortlist your preferred courses and follow what your heart truly desires. And if you ever need help boosting your Us to As in JC / A Level Economics, The Economics Tutor is just one call away. Book your lessons now and learn how you can apply economics in your personal life, career plans and investment decisions!
FAQs
How is the A Level scoring system calculated?
JC rank points are calculated by adding the marks that students achieve in their subjects. It is generally a combination of three H2 subjects, one H2 subject, H1 general paper and H2 project work.
Here’s an example:
Maximum Rank Points = 3 H2 + 1 H1 + H1 general paper and H1 project work
What is a good A Levels score in Singapore?
Ideally, the considered good A Levels score would be anything close to 90 points. Because the higher your rank points are, the higher your chances of securing a spot in your dream university.
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