Q: How do I calculate my GPA?
A: The GPA calculation is fairly straightforward:
The GPA is expressed as a ratio - a numerator over a denominator or, N/D.
N = (All 4's, 3's, 2's, and 1's from A's, B's, C's, and D's, respectively) plus (1 for each AP, IB, and Honors course taken)
divided by:
D = credits ATTEMPTED (all credits taken, passed or failed)
The only courses involved are the five majors (Math, Science, History, English, and World Language) and their electives, EXCEPT any courses that are not offered at both the honors and standard level.
A half credit major elective would figure as ½ in both the numerator and the denominator. For example, if a student earns an A in a half credit honors Economics course, it would contribute (4+1)/2 = 2.5 to the numerator and .5 to the denominator.
Q: What is required for graduation?
- A total of 21 credits and the successful completion of a Senior Project is required for graduation.
Q: What is the required credit distribution?
A:
- 4 credits of English
- 3 ½ credits of Social Studies (African and Asian Studies, Western Civilization, US History, and American Government) credits of Science
- 3 credits of Mathematics
- 2 credits of Arts and Humanities
- ½ credit of Health (required in grade 10)
- 1 credit of Physical Education
- 4 credits of Electives in grades 9 through 12
- One of these credits must be in art, music, technology education, business education, family and consumer sciences, or world language beyond the first 4 high school credits in world language; the other credit can be in any of the above or in any world language or in any English or Social Studies course beyond those used to meet graduation requirements in English or Social Studies.
- Only one credit in Reading may satisfy the Arts and Humanities requirement.
- Only one credit earned in Vocational Technical courses may satisfy the Arts and Humanities requirement.
- Credits earned in Cooperative Work Experience, Educational Field Experience and Community Service may NOT be used to satisfy the Arts and Humanities requirements.
Q: What is the Senior Project?
- The Harriton Senior Project is designed to fulfill the requirements established in the Pennsylvania School Code (1998) for a "culminating project" to be completed by every graduate beginning in the 2002-2003 school year. The project will be a self-directed investigative exploration of a topic of interest to the individual student. The Pennsylvania School Code mandates that students must complete this project satisfactory to graduate.
Q: How many credits to I have to take my senior year?
- It is Harriton's school policy that ALL students are required to be enrolled in 6 credits, regardless of the amount needed to satisfy graduation requirements.
Q: How do I find out information on standardized tests?
A: For the most up to date information on test dates and policies please refer directly to the school counseling office or refer to the appropriate testing website.
- PSAT/SAT/AP tests - http://www.collegeboard.com/testing/
- ACT - http://www.act.org/
- PSSA - http://www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/cwp/view.asp?A=106&Q=103995
Q: What are the different standardized tests used for?
A:
PSAT/NMSQT - The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is used to determine preliminary eligibility for juniors in the National Merit Scholars competition. Students who become National Merit Finalists may win scholarships up to $2,500. The PSAT is recommended for all four-year college bound students. The PSAT is also beneficial for:
- assessing your ability to do college work
- becoming familiar with the format of the SAT
- participating in College Board's Student Search Service which provides students with information about college and scholarship opportunities
- entering the competition for the National Achievement Program for Outstanding Black Students.
SAT - The SAT is used as one eligibility requirement for college admission. It tests a student's ability to do college level work. It is accepted by a majority of colleges and universities.
ACT - The American College Test is another college admissions test accepted by many colleges and universities.
SAT Subject Tests (Previously known as the SAT II Subject tests)- SAT subject area admissions tests are required by the more competitive colleges and universities. The exams consist of only two one-hour subject matter tests, both are the student's choice. Students don't have to take both in one sitting, but it is the most cost-effective way to do it.
ASVAB - The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is offered for free to any high school junior at the comprehensive high schools. The test identifies your aptitude for both military and non-military careers as well as possible college majors. Check with the school counseling office for dates the ASVAB are offered.
Q: During what grade should I take a standardized test?
A:
Based on individual student need:
- FRESHMEN:
SAT Subject Tests - take Biology in June
- SOPHOMORES:
PSAT --for honors sophomores in October
SAT Subject Tests - take Chemistry in June
- JUNIORS:
ASVAB --testing dates vary
PSAT - October
SAT or ACT --May or June
SAT Subject Tests --June (cannot be taken on the same day as SAT )
- SENIORS:
SAT or ACT in October or November -- first time or repeat
SAT Subject Tests in November --first time or repeat
Q: Should I take the PSAT again as an 11th grader, even if I took it as a 10th grader?
A: Yes. The PSAT is a great practice for the SAT and no colleges will receive your scores. Also taking the PSAT during your 11th grade year is used to determine preliminary eligibility for juniors in the National Merit Scholars competition. Students who become National Merit Finalists may win scholarships up to $2,500. The PSAT is recommended for all four-year college bound students. The PSAT is also beneficial for:
- assessing your ability to do college work
- becoming familiar with the format of the SAT
- participating in College Board's Student Search Service which provides students with information about college and scholarship opportunities
- entering the competition for the National Achievement Program for Outstanding Black Students.
Q: When should the SAT SUBJECT TESTS tests be taken?
- Since the SAT SUBJECT TESTS exams are testing acquired knowledge, the rule of thumb is that these tests should be taken on the earliest test date after taking the most advanced course the student intends to take in that subject area. For instance, regardless of grade level, if a student completes Honors Chemistry (the highest level chemistry class s/he expects to take) in the fall semester, s/he should take the SAT SUBJECT TESTS chemistry exam in January or February of that year while acquired knowledge is still fresh.
Q: Since both subject tests are the student's choice, how does one know what to take?
- In general, take the tests in areas of your academic strength since you will likely score in subjects you feel strongest about. A student's intended major may dictate what at least one of the tests should be. For instance, if the student plans to apply to college for an engineering major, the college might stipulate that they would like to see a subject test in chemistry and/or physics and advanced math. If a student has taken advanced classes in a world language, it might be a good idea to illustrate through the SAT SUBJECT TESTS his/her proficiency in their second language. English literature or U.S. History might be good choices if they are the areas of academic strength. Multiple SAT SUBJECT TESTS subtests can be taken. The universities will use the two highest scores in their calculations for comprehensive admission criteria.
Q: When is my last chance to re-take a standardized test?
- If you think you need to re-take tests to improve scores, the last chance is in the fall of your senior year. Check college web sites to confirm individual college preferences of the last test date they will accept.
Q: How can I receive special accommodations on standardized testing?
A:
- Students requiring testing accommodations because of a physical or learning disability must make special application to the ACT and SAT programs. Because extensive documentation and local administrative sign-off is required, the application process needs to be initiated well before test registration deadlines. In fact, if classroom accommodations were not in place and being used in high school classes since the student began high school, it is possible the testing accommodations will not be allowed by the ACT or SAT programs.
- Regular education students please contact your school counselor to start the process to request special accommodations.
- Special education students please contact your instructional support teacher to start the process to request special accommodations.
Q: How do I know when a college is visiting Harriton?
- Visiting schools are broadcasted during homeroom announcements and posted outside of the school counselors' office. If you have additional questions please feel free to email or visit your school counselor to learn more about upcoming visits.
Q: How do I sign up for college visits?
- Sign up is located in the school counselor office. Individuals MUST sign up at least 24 hours in advance and receive permission from their classroom teacher.
Q: When are the "College Fair" days?
- Harriton hosts 3 College Fair days every year. Please check the school calendar or stop by the school counseling office for up to date information. To attend a College Fair, students MUST sign up at least 24 hours in advance and receive permission from their classroom teachers.
Q: When should I start visiting college campuses?
- Begin the process of becoming familiar with a variety of colleges early. Start this process during the 10th & 11th grades. Don't wait until the fall of your senior year. Why pay to apply to colleges you might not like at all once you see them. First visits can be as simple as driving through campuses whenever possible—such as, while in route to a sporting event or on your way to your spring or summer break vacation destination.
Q: Why should I take a tour of a college campus?
- The campus tour is the ideal time to ask questions of your student guide that you don't want to ask an admissions department interviewer or questions to which you feel you would get a more "up front" answer from a student. Since the guide works for the university and might feel obligated to give positive responses only, it is a good idea to speak with students who attend the college as well. Plan to have lunch or coffee in a common area and talk to students sitting near your table or while standing in line.
Q: What kind of questions should I ask the admissions department and/or students that already attend the college?
A:
Academic Questions:
- Do professors teach most freshmen courses, or do graduate students do much of the teaching?
- What is the attitude of most professors toward students? Are they friendly? Accessible? Willing to give extra help?
- How hard do you have to work to be successful?
- Some colleges are doing a lot these days in the area of career counseling. How does this college stack up? Is there a Career Planning and Placement Center on campus? What percentage of graduates got jobs last year? What percentage of graduates go on to professional or graduate schools?
Campus Life Questions:
- What do students do on weekends? Do many of them go home? Is the campus empty?
- What is the situation with regard to drinking and drugs? Can a student be assured of securing a room in a substance-free dorm if desired?
- Try to visit a resident hall and ask in the resident office for information re. resident options and food plans.
- Are there single-sex dorms? If all dorms are coed, do they have single-sex floors within dorms or single sex by room? Are bathrooms coed?
- Can a student be assured of living on campus each year if s/he so desires?
- Are there nearby good places to eat, aside from the official dining halls?
- If the school is not co-ed, what kinds of social arrangements are made?
- How important are fraternities and sororities in campus life? Does most social life depend on them?
- Do theatrical companies, orchestras, and other musical groups or outside lecturers come to the campus? If not, are such activities available in town?
- Are groups in the college community involved in what's going on in the outside world - politics, international relations, and community service? Or is the atmosphere mostly one of aloofness from such matters?
Surrounding Area Questions:
- How are relations between the town residents and students?
- What's the transportation like between campus and town? (This is particularly important at colleges where freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus.)
- Is a large urban area accessible? For urban schools, how safe is the neighborhood?
General Questions:
- What kinds of help are available—academic, personal, psychological, medical—in case you need them? What about medical insurance for students?
- How are personal problems handled? For instance, what can you do if you your roommate are not compatible?
- Are there lots of rules and regulations on dress, conduct, etc. that must be observed?
- Are there special restrictions for freshmen? For example, parking is not provided for freshmen, all freshmen must live on campus, etc.
- What do you like most about the college? What do you dislike most?
- What is the general attitude toward students by the college admissions officers, registrar, dorm managers, assistant deans, and academic advisors? Once admitted and fees are paid, are freshmen considered nuisances or quite the opposite?
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