WHHS Academic Program FAQ

Should I take AA and AP courses?

All students should challenge themselves with AA and AP courses in as many subjects as possible. Colleges and universities look at the rigor of the curriculum offered at each high school and at the applicants’ choice of courses within that curriculum. In addition, successfully passing the AP exam with a 4 or 5, and often a 3, will allow students to begin at a more advanced level of that subject in college.

How is the class rank computed?

Class rank is computed by counting academic courses only. Regular academic grades are evaluated on a four-point scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1). Advanced academic (AA), Honors and Post Secondary Enrollment Classes , receive an additional 1.25 weight (A=5,B=3.75,C=2.5,D=1.25). Advanced Placement (AP) courses receive an additional 1.5 weight (A =6, B=4.5, C=3, D=1.5.) The transcript that accompanies college applications includes a weighted class rank and an unweighted GPA.

Do twelfth year grades count?

Twelfth grade marks definitely count. The initial transcript sent to colleges is based on your six semester GPA and class rank (through the end of eleventh grade). Many colleges require a mid year transcript (through the seventh semester) to use in their admission decisions. Also, at the end of the year, your final transcript is sent to the college you have selected. There have been several instances in which colleges have rescinded acceptances based on poor final grades, or in many cases, asked for a letter of explanation for poor performance.

What do you need for an Honors diploma?

In order to graduate with an honors diploma, you need four years of English; three years of mathematics (algebra, geometry, algebra 2 required); three years of science (Biology, Chemistry required); three years of social studies (A&M, US History Required); three years of one foreign language, or two years of two; one year of fine arts; two semesters of P.E.; and one semester of Health.

In addition, you must have three additional courses in the above subjects, or a combination of one technology course and two of the above. You must also have either a 3.5 cumulative GPA or a 27 on the ACT or 1220 on the SAT.