Key takeaways
- Attending lectures, completing quizzes or assignments on time, and excelling in the mid-semester can significantly boost your CWA.
- Not all courses affect your CWA equally. Focus more effort on courses with higher credit hours, as they have a greater impact on your CWA.
- Take advantage of campus resources, such as teaching assistants, academic help desks, V-Class, and counselling services, to enhance your understanding.
Struggling to boost your CWA at KNUST? Raising your CWA is achievable with the right strategy. We’ll help you understand the CWA system, offer tips to improve it, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.
What is the CWA system at KNUST?
The Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) is the grading system used at KNUST to calculate your academic performance across semesters.
It is calculated by multiplying the percentage score of each course by its credit hours, summing the results, and then dividing the sum by the total credit hours. In formula form:
CWA = [Σ(course credit × percentage mark)] ÷ Σ(course credits)
This means that courses with higher credit hours have a greater impact on your overall CWA. For instance, scoring 75% in a 3-credit course contributes more than the same mark in a 1-credit course.
8 tips to improve your CWA in KNUST
Here are 8 proven tips to help you level up your CWA:
#1 – Attend classes regularly and pay attention
As much as classes can feel like a chore at the university, it is essential to attend as many classes as you can and pay attention. Some courses count attendance as part of the final mark.
Per the school’s policies, missing just three cumulative lecture periods without permission in a course can disqualify you from writing the end-of-semester exam for that course. Don’t take that risk.
More importantly, showing up helps you understand the material better, especially when lectures go beyond what’s in the slides.
#2 – Never miss an assignment or quiz
Continuous assessments such as assignments, group work, mid-semester exams, and quizzes contribute 30% of your final grade (30%). You must stay consistent, as every mark counts toward your CWA.
#3 – Cultivate a resilient and positive mindset
University isn’t a smooth ride, and setbacks will happen. Set realistic goals, accept setbacks as part of the journey, and commit to improvement. Be willing to make sacrifices and work harder to get the grade you want. A positive and determined mindset is key to long-term academic success.
#4 – Build a strong support system
No man is an island. Have a group of trusted individuals, such as friends, mentors, or family members, who provide encouragement, advice, and emotional support. Academics can be overwhelming, so lean on your support system when things get tough.
#5 – Form study groups with peers
Research has shown that studying with peers and being taught by colleagues often yields more positive results than attending lectures in a traditional classroom setting. Form or join a study group of serious and like-minded peers to ensure productive sessions.
#6 – Create a study schedule every semester and have a plan
Having a written plan helps to actualise your goals. Register your courses on time and schedule your time to include lectures, personal study, and rest periods. Also, estimate your expected CWA early on to focus on priority courses.
#7 – Leverage campus resources
Several resources on campus can help you on your academic journey. Don’t limit yourself to course materials and lectures only. Be open to trying other resources, such as teaching assistants and help desks. These resources can clarify confusing topics and offer extra materials.
#8 – Make time to live
Your number one priority on campus is to make the grades, but don’t forget to enjoy university life. Make friends, explore your interests, and engage in extracurricular activities as needed to prevent burnout.
Common mistakes that affect output
Avoid these common pitfalls that often sabotage students’ academic progress:
#1 – Overconfidence
Being confident is a necessary part of life; however, too much of everything is bad. Overconfidence closes your eyes to your own mistakes and fosters complacency. Just because you’re doing well now doesn’t mean you can slack off. Sustaining a strong CWA requires consistent effort.
#2 – Fixation on courses with low credits
Courses with lower credits have minimal impact on your CWA. Study all courses; however, allocate more energy to excelling in courses with higher credits. If you can choose electives, go for those with higher credit hours, as they can boost your average faster.
#3 – Laziness and procrastination
As a student, procrastination will stifle your potential. Set targets to finish assignments and projects before or within time to prevent “last-minute” pressure. The earlier you start, the more time you have to revise and seek help.
#4 – Fear and low self-worth
Examination anxiety has caused many students to underperform. They underperform not because they’re not smart, but because they doubt themselves. Fight off fear with preparation and walk into the exam hall with confidence.
What are other helpful resources?
KNUST offers a range of resources to support your academic success. These include:
- Teaching assistants (TAs): Every lecturer has teaching assistants available to help with tutorials and clarify lecture material.
- KNUST V-Class platform: Although not all lecturers use this platform, some do upload materials here. Check regularly for updates and lecture recordings.
- Student academic hubs and help desks: Most student leaders establish help desks that assist students with course materials, past questions, tutorials, and educational guidance.
- KNUST Counselling Centre: The counselling centre is equipped with qualified counsellors and peer counsellors to assist with academic, emotional, and financial challenges, as well as other issues.
FAQs
Is CWA the same as GPA?
No, they’re not the same. While both CWA and GPA are grading systems used to measure academic performance, they differ in format and calculation.
CWA is expressed as a percentage and is calculated using the actual marks obtained in each course, whereas GPA is based on the grade points assigned to letter grades (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0) and usually follows a 4.0 scale.
Final words
Improving your CWA at KNUST is possible with discipline, planning, and using the available resources. Follow the tips above, stay consistent, and avoid common mistakes that students often make when trying to boost their averages.
With the right approach, you’re already on the path to graduating with excellence. If you have any questions, please share them in the comments below.
