10 TIPS TO A SUCCESSFUL SOPHOMORE YEAR:
Tip #1: Take PSAT
Taking the PSAT seriously is a great way to practice before the official test. Use your results to focus on subjects that you did not test high in.
Tip #2: Explore Careers & Majors
Exposing yourself, learning, and being open minded about different opportunities throughout the school year will open many doors for your senior year.
Tip #3: Get Involved
Join clubs, sports, or even start your own club. Colleges will want to see that you are well-rounded and involved within the community.
Ex: service learning, after school jobs, volunteering.
Tip #4: Know Your Counseling Team
Last name A - D: Mr. Brown Last name E - J: Mr. Lauer
Last name K - Q: Mrs. Robinette Last name R - Z: Ms. Zemaityte
Beth Marsh, All IB Students Counseling Secretary: Ms. Poirier
Social Worker: Ms. Southerland Data Manager: Mrs. Calhoun
504 Coordinator & Graduation Coach: Mrs. Seibold-Vest
Tip #5: Ask Questions!
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether you need tutoring or questions about anything, there are plenty of staff members willing to help.
Tip #6 Do Research
Are you interested in the Military, classes at Weaver Academy, obtaining an internship, or Guilford County Apprenticeship Program?
Tip #7 Remove Distractions
Remove distractions and limit your phone time during instructional, study, and homework time. Keep yourself motivated by taking brain breaks to help you retain information and reduce stress and anxiety.
Tip #8 Record Your Accomplishments
Create a list of all your achievements that you received in High School. This is a wonderful way to keep track of and record your achievements when you need a letter of recommendation or applying for scholarships.
Talk to your counselor about best resume practices.
Tip #9 Update Your CFNC Account
Login into your CFNC account and familiarize yourself with the website and the steps to prepare for the college process (which starts your junior year).
Start researching scholarships, colleges, and even play a game. Reality check allows students to estimate the income necessary to support their desired lifestyle.
Tip #10 Explore Summer/Enrichment Opportunities
Explore the counseling department enrichment and summer opportunities tab.
You will find programs and opportunities to experience living on a college campus, traveling to different states, or volunteering opportunities.
Honors
These courses have a more demanding and rigorous curriculum than regular or standard level classes.
AP (Advanced Placement)
These courses offer able and ambitious students an opportunity to study college-level coursework; the national AP exam is required of all students enrolled in an AP course. Many colleges grant college credit or advanced placement based on AP exam scores. All AP courses are taught at the college level.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
This 2-year course of study offers rigorous coursework and provides successful candidates an internationally recognized diploma and preparation for study in the world’s most demanding colleges and universities. All IB courses are taught at the college level.
Through a collaborative partnership with area colleges and universities called CCP (Career and College Promise) students begin an approved rigorous course of study preparing them for dual-enrollment as high school seniors and first-year college students. Students can enroll on a CTE/certificate pathway or take courses toward college transfer.
AP Students
All students enrolled in an AP class at Grimsley High School should complete the AP Parent Letter form provided by their teacher via web link or QR code. Each AP student must complete this once. All AP students should also create or login to their AP Classroom account and use the AP Join Code provided by their teacher to enroll in the course and register them for the AP Exam. Failure to complete these essential steps could result in a student being dropped from their AP course. Please contact Mr. Barnard if you have any questions.
Grade Earned Academic or Standard Honors AP, IB, or
(10-point scale) Level Course Course College Course
90-100 (A) 4.0 4.5 5.0
80-89 (B) 3.0 3.5 4.0
70-79 (C) 2.0 2.5 3.0
60-69 (D) 1.0 1.5 2.0
0-59 (F)Academic or 0 0 0
Standard-Level Course
There are two types of GPA (Grade Point Average) and BOTH are reported on your transcript:
Un-Weighted GPA - no extra quality points
Weighted GPA - takes into account Honors, AP / IB, and college-level courses, giving extra quality points for the increased rigor/difficulty.
Determine quality points for each letter grade using the chart above.
Total the quality points.
Divide total quality points by the total number of courses.
All Guilford County Schools determine official GPA based on final grades.
Students are ranked from highest to lowest GPA using cumulative weighted grades.
To calculate an unweighted GPA, use the academic scale only.