How to Calculate Your EBAU Score
The Spanish university admission grade (Nota de Admisión) is calculated using a dual-phase system combining your high school record with standardized exams. The score reaches a absolute maximum of **14 points** and is built as follows:
- University Access Grade (CAU): This accounts for a maximum of 10 points and represents a 60/40 split:
CAU = (0.60 * Bachillerato Average) + (0.40 * Mandatory Phase Average) - Eligibility Criteria: You must score at least a **4.0** on the mandatory phase average (Fase General), and your resulting CAU must be **5.0** or above. If either condition is missed, your admission grade remains 0.
The "Ponderaciones" (0.1 vs 0.2 Specific Phase Multipliers)
The voluntary phase (Fase Específica) lets you boost your score up to an extra **4.0 points** using two selected exams. The weight (ponderación) applied to each subject depends strictly on the degree you are applying to:
High Relevance (0.2)
Subject is directly connected to the target degree path (e.g. Biology or Chemistry for Medicine, Mathematics II for Engineering).
Standard Relevance (0.1)
Subject is generally related to the broad academic branch but is not designated as an core direct prerequisite.
Note: You must score a minimum of 5.0 on a voluntary exam for the multiplier to activate.
Understanding the "Notas de Corte" (Cut-off Marks)
Cut-off marks (Notas de Corte) represent the minimum rating of the last student admitted to a specific university course during the previous year. They serve as historical guides:
- Competitive Majors (12.5 - 13.8): Careers like Medicine, Aerospace Engineering, and double degrees usually demand extreme Selectividad scores.
- Standard Majors (5.0 - 9.0): Local colleges or lower-demand paths may only require passing the basic EBAU phase (CAU of 5.0) to register.
EBAU Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Nota de Admisión be lower than my Bachillerato average?
Yes. Because EBAU exams constitute a significant 40% of the CAU (University Access Grade) calculation, scoring poorly in the mandatory phase can pull down your overall score below your high school average.
Do voluntary exam grades expire?
Yes, voluntary exam specific phase grades are only valid for 2 academic years following the exams. However, the mandatory phase grade and Bachillerato average are permanent and never expire.
What if I take 3 or 4 voluntary exams?
The admission system will automatically select the two specific phase exams that produce the highest multiplier points for your designated university degree choice, disregarding the lower-scoring exams.