As a student at Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM), one of the most important metrics you need to keep track of is your BSUM Aggregate Score for All Courses.
This score gives you and the university a standardized way to measure your cumulative academic performance across all courses taken.
In this post, I will walk you through exactly how to calculate your aggregate score step-by-step, how it’s used, and why it’s so vital to your academic career.
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What is the BSUM Aggregate Score for All Courses?
The BSUM Aggregate Score for All Courses is calculated by taking the sum of all your scores across every course you have taken, and dividing that total sum by the number of courses.
Here is the formula:
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BSUM Aggregate Score = (Sum of scores for all courses) / (Total number of courses)
This gives your cumulative average performance across your entire academic history at BSUM.
Some key things to note:
- It includes all courses ever taken at BSUM – general education, core major courses, electives, etc.
- Courses you failed or had to retake are also included in the average.
- The higher your aggregate score, the better, as it indicates higher overall academic achievement.
Why Your BSUM Aggregate Score Matters
Your aggregate score is extremely important for a multitude of reasons:
- It is the key factor admissions committees consider for graduate school and further studies. A high score greatly improves your chances.
- Many external scholarships and funding opportunities require meeting an aggregate score cutoff.
- Aggregate scores can be used as academic evaluation criteria for certain jobs and internships.
- The university uses your score to determine rankings, awards, graduation with honors, and more.
In short, your BSUM aggregate score has a significant influence on your future academic and career options. Doing well and maintaining a high cumulative average should be a top priority.
How to Calculate Your BSUM Aggregate Score
Manually calculating your aggregate score is straightforward by following these six simple steps:
Step 1: List All Courses and Scores
First, you need to compile a master list of all courses you have completed at BSUM along with the score you obtained in each one.
This can be easily referenced from your unofficial academic transcript which you can access online through the student portal.
For example, your list may look something like this:
| Course Code | Course Title | Score |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 82 |
| MAT 105 | Calculus I | 90 |
| CHM 101 | General Chemistry I | 88 |
| HIS 204 | Introduction to African History | 94 |
| ECN 211 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 79 |
List all your completed courses and received scores.
Step 2: Sum All Scores
Next, you need to add up all the separate scores across your courses.
Use a calculator to input and sum each individual score.
In our example, the sum of all scores equals:
82 + 90 + 88 + 94 + 79 = 433
So the total sum of scores is 433
Step 3: Count Total Number of Courses
Count up the number of courses you have listed out. This is your denominator for the final calculation.
For the example, there are 5 courses listed.
So the total number of courses is 5.
Step 4: Divide Scores Sum by Number of Courses
Now divide the total score sum by the number of courses:
Total Scores Sum = 433 Number of Courses = 5
433 / 5 = 86.6
The aggregate score in this case calculates to 86.6% average across all courses.
Step 5: Round Score and Percentage
Optionally, you can choose to round your aggregate score to the nearest whole number, which in this case would be 87%.
It is also common to report it as-is to two decimal places. Either is correct.
Step 6: Update as New Scores Added
Finally, remember to re-calculate your new aggregate every time you complete another term and receive new grades. The score should go up or down with future classes. Stay on top of it each semester.
And that’s it! By following those six straightforward steps, you can easily compute your own personal BSUM Aggregate Score for All Courses.
What is Considered a Good Aggregate Score?
Given its importance, what scores are considered good or bad by BSUM? Here are some handy benchmarks:
- 80-100% = Excellent, top of class
- 70-79% = Very good
- 60-69% = Satisfactory performance
- 50-59% = Below average, may affect future prospects
- Under 50% = Cause for concern on eligibility
Aim to keep your aggregate safely at about 70% or higher if possible. The closer to 80-90%, the better!
What impacts your BSUM Aggregate Score?
Here are some key factors that can influence an aggregate score over time:
- Difficulty of coursework: More advanced classes tend to lower averages
- Major vs. electives: Scores in your major have greater weight
- Failing or repeating courses: This significantly lowers your score
- Consistency – Keeping steady grades minimizes volatility
This is why working to excel in your required major coursework is the top priority. Bombing an intro elective hurts but likely won’t tank your aggregate.
Using Your Aggregate Score Strategically
Once you know your score, here are 3 pro tips for making strategic use of it:
1. Highlight It Selectively
Just because your aggregate score meets the stated requirement (say, 70%+) doesn’t mean you have to actively promote it everywhere. Is your score decent but not stellar? Then be selective in highlighting it only when it is truly relevant.
Let your more impressive grades and accomplishments take centre stage instead.
2. Frame Trends Positively
Did your early years lower your score, but now you’re improving each term? Bring this growth trend to the foreground! Admissions committees love seeing academic maturation.
Just explain the context behind why your aggregate may seem uneven or low at first glance.
3. Offset Weak Points Strategically
A fantastic aggregate score can help offset otherwise average grades in one-off courses important for your goals. Lead with your strong overall average first so those other weaker grades raise fewer flags. Or address them proactively in your essays.
Mastering this art of selectively showcasing—or minimizing—certain aspects of your score is key to success.
BSUM Admission Requirements for All Candidates
Meeting the admission requirements for your desired program at Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM) is the critical first step to jumpstarting your academic studies.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about the BSUM admission requirements, including:
- Requirements for UTME vs Direct Entry Candidates
- Faculty-specific requirements
- Minimum scores, certificates & exams needed
- How to apply & register for admission
Follow along below for full details!
BSUM Admission Requirements Overview
At a high level, to be eligible for admission to Benue State University, all applicants under both the UTME and Direct Entry admission tracks must satisfy this baseline criteria:
Minimum exam credits required:
- 5 credit passes at Ordinary Level (O’Levels) in relevant subjects, obtained in no more than two total exam sittings
Minimum Exam Bodies Accepted:
- WAEC, NECO, NABTEB
Compulsory Exams:
- All candidates must have written the UTME exam for that year
- All candidates must take part in the BSUM post-UTME screening exercise once UTME results have been released
Now let’s explore the specifics for UTME vs. Direct Entry candidates.
Admission Requirements for UTME Candidates
In addition to the general requirements above, here is what UTME candidates need to qualify for admission into BSUM:
1. 5 O’Level Credit Passes
You need 5 credit passes at O’Levels in your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams in subjects relevant to the program you are applying to.
For more competitive courses like medicine, pharmacy, law, or engineering, many extra credits and higher grades are also required.
2. Maximum 2 Sittings for O’Level Exams
Furthermore, you need to obtain these credit passes in a maximum of 2 total sittings for your O’Level exams.
Whether WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, combining results across years is allowed.
3. Minimum UTME Score
A minimum UTME aggregate score of 180 is mandated. Your score determines your competitiveness.
4. BSUM Post-UTME Exam
Finally, you must take and pass the post-UTME screening exam conducted by BSUM itself. The higher your scores here, the better.
Meeting these four key requirements is essential for UTME candidates to stand a chance of admission into any BSUM degree program.
But UTME is not the only entry path…
Admission Requirements for Direct Entry Candidates
BSUM also offers a Direct Entry admission track for advanced students to enter directly into Year 2 or 3 of a program. This leverages higher credentials to place out of early requirements.
For direct entry, the admission requirements include:
1. 5 O’Level Credit Passes
Same as UTME: you need 5 credits in relevant subjects, obtained in a maximum of 2 total sittings.
2. 2 Relevant A-Level Passes
The distinguishing factor is that you must have passed a minimum of two subjects in your A-Level exams in areas relevant to the BSUM program you are seeking admission into.
Higher A-level grades give you an advantage when applying.
3. BSUM Post-UTME Exam
As with UTME, all Direct Entry candidates must also take part in the mandatory post-UTME screening process conducted by BSUM after UTME results are released.
Meeting that combination gets you set for Direct Entry consideration!
Faculty and department-specific requirements
Beyond those baseline admission standards, please be aware that individual BSUM faculties and departments often specify additional requirements unique to their programs.
For example, to get into BSUM’s competitive medicine, law, or engineering programs under UTME or direct entry, you generally need:
- 7+ O’Level credit passes with mostly As in relevant science and math subjects
- A very high UTME score (typically 250+) places you in the top percentile performance bracket
- Excellent results in POST-UTME screening above 70%
So always thoroughly research the latest admission requirements directly from your BSUM department itself to understand all expected criteria.
How to Apply for Admission to BSUM
Finally, once you have confirmed you meet all the admission requirements, here is a quick overview of the key steps to apply and register with BSUM:
1. Purchase and complete the JAMB UTME Form
Go to the approved JAMB centre, purchase the form, provide information, upload documents, select programs, and take the UTME exam.
2. Apply for BSUM Post-UTME Online
After receiving UTME results and meeting cutoffs, complete the BSUM post-UTME online application and book the exam date.
3. Take BSUM Post-UTME
Sit for BSUM post-UTME, typically a computer-based test. Meet cut off here as well.
4. Check Admission Status Online
Monitor the BSUM admission portal for announcements if admitted, waitlisted, or declined.
That wraps up the complete guide on calculating your all-important BSUM aggregate score for academic performance tracking, followed by a full overview of official admission requirements.
Best of luck with your studies!
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