The grade point average,
more commonly known as
the GPA, is calculated for all
students in two different
ways:
Unweighted and Weighted
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
 It is a quick indicator to colleges of your
academic stamina.
 It is one of the main criteria looked at on
college applications.
 It is a snapshot encompassing your time in
high school in one element.
 It is a quick indicator to employers and military
of your potential as a member of their
organization.
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 9th grade year)
 Aids
in college admission at selective
institutions
 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)
 Weighted
at the highest level, which can
help increase class rank
Dual Credit
What are the Benefits?
 Introduction to college courses while in
the high school setting
 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)
 Earn high school and college credit at
the same time
 Weighted at the PreAP level, which can
help increase class rank
What is
Success?
Self Management Skills
Self awareness
Emotion management
Self-confidence
Stress management
Resilience
Skills to forgive and forget
Persistence and Perseverance
Patience
People Skills
Communication skills
Presentation skills
Influence / persuasion skills
Team work skills
Leadership skills
Skills in dealing with difficult
personalities and difficult situations
Ability to think / communicate on your
feet (under pressure
Interpersonal relationship skills
Organizing skills
High School Success
Regular attendance
Take advantage of extra
opportunities
Attentive in class
Talk directly to their teachers
about grades and work with them
during tutorials
Turn in all assignments
Take pride in work
High School Success
Participating in fine arts and
athletics
Taking challenging classes
Finding a great group of friends
Working with a clear set of goals
for college, career, and beyond
Participating in extracurricular
activities
Community service and extracurricular activities
play an important role with colleges and
scholarship committees.

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


Become involved in school and community activities now –
don’t wait until your senior year
Seek activities and opportunities relative to your future career
plans
Visit the Northwest High School Counseling website for
volunteer and community service activities
Start an activities record including all school and community
activities, leadership positions, honors, awards, uniques
educational experiences, employment, and volunteer work.
THE BIG EVENT! April 5, 2014
◦ Be sure to update this record at least once a year.
• Study: grades are reported on your permanent
transcript
• Select challenges classes
• Explore extracurricular interests and volunteer
work
• Start an activities record listing honors, awards,
and activities
• Take the PSAT
• Start a college savings account
• Visit college websites and campuses
• Research college information
- Visit the NHS Counseling website for helpful resources
1. My 9th grade year doesn’t count; I have plenty of time
to make it up.
2. I chose this class because my friend is taking it.
3. I skipped 4th period because it won’t hurt to miss one
day of that class.
4. I don’t feel like doing my homework, so I’ll just do
well on the test.
5. I don’t have time to join school clubs because I have
to spend my free time studying.
6. Everyone else understood the teacher’s explanation
but me; I am too embarrassed to ask the teacher for
more help.
7. I am afraid to tell the teacher about the problems I am
having with this class.
8. I want to take blow off classes during my senior year.
The Recommended Program:
◦ 26 Credits





4
4
4
4
2
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
World Languages (same language)
 Spanish, French, or German
 1 Physical Education
 1 Fine Art

Art, Choir, Dance, Theatre Arts, and more
 ½ Credit of Communication Applications (Speech)
 5 ½ Elective

The Distinguished Program:
◦ Designed for students who want to achieve
beyond the state recommended graduation
requirements
◦ Criteria for the Distinguished Achievement
Program
 Meet all requirements of the Recommended
Graduation Program
 Requires 3 credits of a World Language
 Obtain a combination of 4 of the following
advanced measures or through independent
research project
 AP classes with scores of 3 or higher on the AP Exam
 National Merit Commendation (PSAT)
 College courses must earn a B or higher
Tips for choosing
classes
4 years to take 2-3 years of foreign
language
12 elective spots—Fine Arts, PE, 1
semester of speech
The courses you take now give you
more room!!
Being PreAP ready—look at
strengths, choose 2(discuss balance
with 3-4)
Mapping Out the
Next 4 Years
Counselors from your high
school will come in the spring
Look at ALL 4 YEARS—make sure
you have room
Fun vs. balance vs. rigor