University cut-off marks such as “Medicine 83.425” are aggregate scores, not UTME scores. Understanding how your aggregate is calculated helps you know your real chances and which courses to target.
Each university publishes its own method in its screening notice. The formulas below are the most common types. Always confirm your school’s method.
Method 1: UTME and Post-UTME, 50/50
Many universities convert the UTME score (out of 400) to 50 marks and add the Post-UTME score, also scaled to 50.
Aggregate = (UTME score ÷ 8) + Post-UTME score (out of 50)
Example: UTME 280, Post-UTME 38 out of 50.
280 ÷ 8 = 35. Aggregate = 35 + 38 = 73.
Method 2: UTME, Post-UTME and O’Level
Some universities also award points for your O’Level grades in five relevant subjects, for example:
| Grade | Example points |
|---|---|
| A1 | 4 |
| B2 | 3.6 |
| B3 | 3.2 |
| C4 | 2.8 |
| C5 | 2.4 |
| C6 | 2 |
With five subjects, the maximum O’Level contribution in this example is 20 marks. The UTME and Post-UTME then share the other 80 marks.
Example: UTME 260 (scaled to 40 marks: 260 ÷ 10 = 26), Post-UTME 30 out of 40, O’Level A1, B2, B3, B3, C4 = 4 + 3.6 + 3.2 + 3.2 + 2.8 = 16.8.
Aggregate = 26 + 30 + 16.8 = 72.8.
Method 3: UTME and O’Level only (no test)
Some universities don’t write a Post-UTME test. They screen documents and compute the aggregate from UTME and O’Level grades alone, often with UTME at 60% or more.
How to use this to plan
- Work out your aggregate using your school’s method.
- Compare it with the previous year’s departmental cut-offs. For example, see our UNILAG and UI lists.
- If your projected score is far below your course cut-off, consider a less competitive course in the same faculty.
- Remember that catchment and ELDS candidates may be admitted at lower cut-offs. See our explainer.
Worked comparison: one candidate, three methods
Take a candidate with UTME 260, Post-UTME 64 out of 100, and O’Level grades A1, B2, B3, B3, C4 (16.8 points).
| Method | Calculation | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| UTME + Post-UTME (50:50) | 260 ÷ 8 = 32.5; 64 ÷ 100 × 50 = 32 | 64.5 |
| UTME + Post-UTME + O’Level (40:40:20) | 260 ÷ 10 = 26; 64 ÷ 100 × 40 = 25.6; O’Level 16.8 | 68.4 |
| UTME + O’Level (60:40) | 260 ÷ 400 × 60 = 39; 16.8 ÷ 20 × 40 = 33.6 | 72.6 |
The same candidate gets different aggregates under different methods. That is why you should always compare your score with cut-offs from the same university, calculated with that university’s method.
How to raise your aggregate
- Post-UTME is your biggest lever. A strong screening score can make up for a modest UTME score. See our Post-UTME study plan.
- O’Level grades count in some schools. Better grades in your five relevant subjects add points where O’Level is part of the formula.
- One sitting can matter. Some schools deduct points for two sittings.
Interpreting published cut-offs
- A cut-off is usually the score of the last candidate admitted in that category. It can change every year.
- Meeting it doesn’t guarantee admission if places run out.
- Catchment and ELDS cut-offs can be much lower than merit. For example, UI’s 2026/2027 Software Engineering cut-off was 75.375 on merit but 57.875 for ELDS.
Frequently asked questions
Which matters more, UTME or Post-UTME?
In the 50/50 method they carry equal weight. A strong Post-UTME can make up for an average UTME score.
Do sittings affect my O’Level points?
Some universities deduct marks for two sittings. Check your school’s guidelines.
