A Level Grades in Singapore: A Quick Guide for JC Students

The GCE A Level examinations in Singapore are graded differently from O Levels, and knowing how your grades translate is crucial for setting realistic goals—especially when aiming for local universities like NUS, NTU, or SMU.

Grade Bands for A Level (H1 and H2 Subjects)

While MOE and SEAB do not officially publish exact score ranges, these are the generally accepted grade bands used by teachers and students:

Key Point: For local university admissions, an E grade in H2 subjects still counts as a pass, but you’ll need stronger grades to be competitive.

H1 vs H2 vs H3 Subjects

• H1 subjects: Half the content of H2, graded with the same A–E scale. Often used to fulfill contrasting subject requirements. Refer to the H1 Chemistry Syllabus here. 
• H2 subjects: The core subjects (e.g., H2 Math, H2 Chemistry, H2 Economics). Universities look closely at these grades. Refer to the H2 Chemistry Syllabus here. 
• H3 subjects: Advanced content, usually for high performers. Graded as Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Ungraded instead of A–E. Refer to the H3 Chemistry Syllabus here. 

🎓 University Admission Relevance

Local universities use a rank points (RP) system out of 90. Here’s the conversion:

• H2, A = 20 points,
• H1, A = 10 points. 
• Example: 3 H2s (all A) + 1 H1 (A) + GP (B) + PW (A) = 85 RP. 

This means:

• A full score (AAA/A with GP & PW As) = 90 RP. 
• Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Dentistry often require 87.5 RP and above. 

Quick Takeaways for JC Students

• Aim for at least a C or better in H2 subjects if you’re targeting competitive courses. 
• E is still a pass—but keep in mind it won’t be strong enough for most popular university courses. 
• H3 subjects can boost your portfolio, but H2 grades matter the most.