Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the type of problem solving approaches used and the mathematical ability of the college freshmen of CapSU Mambusao in solving word problems. Specifically, it sought to determine the mathematical ability of the respondents and the difference in their mathematical ability when they are grouped according to gender, type of school graduated from, parent’s educational attainment and course pursued. It further sought to determine the problem solving approach used by the respondents in solving mathematical problems and the effectiveness of the approach used. Likewise, it sought to find out if type of problem solving approach is related to students’ mathematical ability.