Student Services FAQ
1. Do most colleges include electives in GPA calculation and also how important is weighted versus unweighted?
It depends upon the college as to whether they include electives or not. Some colleges re compute a student’s GPA based upon core (English, math, science, social studies & world language) classes. Both unweighted and weighted GPA are included on CMS transcripts. Again, it depends upon the college as to which one they believe is “more important”.
2. Do you have to submit AP scores? Should you if they are a 3?
Students are not required to submit AP scores. We recommend that students do send AP scores if they have scored a 4 or a 5 because often students can earn college credit with either of those scores. An AP score of a 4 or 5 is exemplary and is worth “showing off”.
3. If I do nothing will my kid get the information he needs to apply?
YES!!!!! We have many students who are First Generation Students whose parents did not attend college nor understand the process. We work with ALL students! Parents do not have to be involved in the college process if they choose not to be. Students should be leading the process and working closely with their MP counselor.
4. Should my child have their on (perhaps own) website showing their accomplishments in sports?
If students are looking to be a recruited collegiate student athlete, they may need an athletic resume or highlight film online. Each sport is different as to how the recruiting process works. We encourage your student to work with their coaches and counselor to navigate that process. MP counselors work closely with our athletic department as it pertains to our student athletes that wish to be recruited.
5. Does ACT in school include the essay?
Yes.
6. Any tips to guide students on narrowing down choices?
How far is the student willing to go? Location/geography can be factor to narrow down the overwhelming list. Small school versus large state school? Size can also be a factor. Also, your student should meet with their counselor so that together they can look at Naviance to see which schools would be within your student’s reach of being admitted. We meet with our juniors in the spring of the junior year to help them narrow their list going into the summer.
7. How long does it take to get ACT/SAT scores from the testing date?
About three weeks.
8. How do I sign up for Driver’s Ed?
To sign up for a Driver’s Ed class, use the link below:
http://www.jordandrivingschoolcharlotte.com/
9. Are my SAT/ACT scores on my transcript?
No, standardized tests scores are not reported on CMS transcripts. Students are responsible for sending their official scores from the College Board or ACT to their colleges.
To send SAT scores, use the link below:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/sending-scores
To send ACT scores, use the link below:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/scores/sending-your-scores.html
10. How can I tell if my transcript has been sent to my college?
Log into your Naviance account, and click on Colleges I’m Applying to. Under the column Office Materials, if it says Initial Materials Sent, your transcript, the MPHS School Profile and the Secondary School Report has been sent for you by your MPHS counselor.
11. I need a copy of my transcript for a summer program or scholarship. How do I get one?
Come by MPHS Student Services and kindly request one from Mrs. Stephanie Eddington, our Guidance Secretary. There is a $5 fee for each copy.
12. Do I need an art credit to graduate?
No. CMS does NOT require an art credit to graduate, nor do you have to have one to earn your IB Diploma if you are in the IB program.
13. Do I need an art credit to apply to a SC College or University?
High school students in the state of South Carolina do need an art credit to graduate so the colleges and universities in SC state that an applicant must have an art credit in order to partner and be in sync with SC high schools. If an MP student is a strong applicant and does not have an art credit, this will not keep the applicant from being admitted. Colleges in SC are well aware that MPHS does not require students to take an art credit to graduate.
14. How do I get in “my right grade”?
Students must earn 6 credits in order to be a tenth grader. Students must earn 12 credits including English 1, English 2 and Math 1 to be an eleventh grader. Students must earn 18 credits including English 1, English 2, English 3 and Math 1 to be a senior. If you are short credits, please see your MPHS counselor so that they can options on how to make up a previously failed credit.