Frequently Asked Questions

What is class rank?

Class rank is a way to measure how a student’s performance compares to other students in his or her class.

Public school districts in Texas are legally required to rank and publish the rankings of students in the top 10% of high school graduating classes. The top 10% is the cut-off for automatic admission to most Texas public universities.

Why Does Class Rank Matter?

College Applications - While rank is used for automatic admission to most Texas public universities, college and universities consider a variety of factors in their admission decisions. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the top factors in the admission decision are: (1) grades in college prep courses; (2) strength of curriculum; and (3) admission test scores.

Scholarships - When applying for scholarships, organizations may ask for applicants to achieve a certain class rank or percentile (such as the top 10% of your class). Some scholarship committees may use class rank as one factor to judge a student’s academic abilities, along with GPA and standardized test scores.

High School Honors - Some high schools may award honors, such as the top 10% distinction and/or Performance Acknowledgments, to graduating seniors who achieve a certain class rank.

How is the class rank process changing?

Our previous class rank system was based on a student’s top 24 course credits, regardless of subject or content. The current class ranking system is based on the course grades earned in the top 15 eligible core courses in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies in a student’s graduation plan.

Why is the class rank system changing?

Inequities occur in class rank when students do not have equal access to academic programs on a campus. For instance, a student enrolled in academic program A may have access to courses in academic program B while students enrolled in academic program B may not have equal access to courses in academic program A. To level the playing field among academic programs and to promote program neutrality, class rank is based on the top 15 eligible core courses in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies in a student’s graduation plan.

Why now?

It is with equity in mind that we are changing the class rank system for the graduating class of 2021 and beyond. This new policy for determining a student’s rank will provide a more equitable system across all district programs immediately and grant students greater freedom to explore and pursue their academic interests and aspirations.

Has the process for calculating GPA changed?

No, a student’s weighted GPA is an average of all courses taken in grades nine through 12 with appropriate course weights.

What are the eligible courses for class rank?

Eligible courses are the required core courses (4 mathematics courses, 4 English language arts (ELA) courses, 4 science courses and 3 social studies courses) in the Foundation High School Program (FHSP) plus endorsement for all students. For a complete list of the Eligible Course Numbers for Class Rank Calculation (ECNCRC), visit www.dallasisd.org/ecncrc.

How is the numeric rank calculated?

Eligible core rank courses are placed in categories based on their level of complexity and rigor. A numeric value is assigned to each passing course grade within each category.

How are eligible courses assigned to categories?

Eligible courses are assigned to categories based on their level of complexity and rigor:

• Category I: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), advanced Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and dual credit courses in mathematics, ELA, science, and social studies

• Category II: Pre-AP, IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and International Scholars, lower level PLTW in mathematics, ELA, science, and social studies

• Category III: All other courses in mathematics, ELA, science, and social studies

Is there a worksheet students can use to calculate the numeric rank calculation?

Yes, the Rank Calculation Simulation Form (for estimate purposes only) can be found at: https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/60436.

What other factors besides rank do colleges and universities consider for admission?

Colleges and universities consider a variety of factors in their admission decisions. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the top factors in the admission decision are: (1) grades in college prep courses; (2) strength of curriculum; and (3) admission test scores.