GPA The grade point average more commonly known

GPA The grade point average, more commonly known as the GPA, is calculated for all students in two different ways: Unweighted and Weighted

Unweighted GPA An unweighted GPA is calculated for every student beginning with the first high school course a student takes, including those taken in middle school, and is calculated on a traditional 4. 0 scale. Scale 90 – 100 = 4. 0 80 – 89 = 3. 0 70 – 79 = 2. 0 0 – 69 = 0. 0 The unweigheted GPA is calculated using ALL high school courses, no matter what the subject.

Weighted GPA A weighted GPA is calculated for all students based on a scale which gives a higher weight to upper level courses, and it is used for class ranking. Scale AP Courses = up to 7 points Pre-AP Courses = up to 6 points Regular courses = up to 5 points * The weighted GPA is calculated using only courses in the following subject areas: English, Math, Science, Social Studies (including Economics), and Foreign language. ANY course which falls under these subject areas, (ex. Communication Applications, Psychology, Debate, yearbook, etc. ) and grades earned in these courses during middle school, WILL also be included in the weighted GPA, and therefore will affect the class rank.

Importance of GPA v It is a quick indicator to colleges of your academic stamina. v It is one of the main criteria looked at on college applications. v It is a snapshot encompassing your time in high school in one element. v It is a quick indicator to employers and military of your potential as a member of their organization.

Rigorous Coursework A student should select the most rigorous courses he/she is capable of completing. Colleges will look for rigor. (However, beware of overloading your student in the 9 th grade year)

Pre. AP and AP What are the Benefits? v Aids in college admission at selective institutions v AP classes can help you earn college credits through AP Exams (AP Exam taken at end of year. Score must be at a certain level, which is determined by each individual institution, to receive credit) v Weighted at the highest level, which can help increase class rank

Dual Credit What are the Benefits? v Introduction to college courses while in the high school setting v Helps get a head start on college credits (College credit guaranteed at all Texas public colleges by earning a “B” (80 or better) in the course) v Earn high school and college credit at the same time v Weighted at the Pre. AP level, which can help increase class rank