College Core FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the College Core?
The College Core is the Mesa Public School District’s new class ranking system that looks at 17 core classes.
Why is the College Core important?
The College Core is a strong determining factor for decisions regarding students for many colleges, universities, and scholarships.
When should I start planning for college?
It is never too early to start planning for college. College preparatory discussions and activities take place for children during elementary school years and sometimes earlier. It is usually during the junior high/middle school years that many students begin exploring specific colleges (or other post secondary options), qualifications and requirements, and work toward related goals. Students typically start taking high school courses in their 9th grade year (with some starting earlier). High school courses make up the schedule of courses, grades, GPA, and College Core rank that are considered for admission to colleges or other post-secondary institutions or for scholarships and other awards and recognition of achievement.
How do I determine my College Core?
College Core is calculated by adding up your highest grade points in the 17 core courses and dividing by 34 (the number of semesters for the core classes). A running College Core ranking for students still accumulating courses can be determined by adding up the grade points for core courses already completed divided by the number of semesters completed.
What is the difference between Grade Point Average (GPA), weighted GPA and the College Core?
GPA is the average of grades for all classes taken by a student. This is calculated by totaling total grade points and dividing that by the total number of classes taken. There is greater potential for a higher GPA if a student’s GPA does contain weighted courses.
College Core is not to be confused with GPA. College Core is a ranking system that measures how a student’s academic performance compares to other students in your class for 17 core high school courses (17 credits equaling 34 semesters), based on what courses in this category yield the highest grade points. This consists of 4 English (Composition or Literature) credits, 4 Math credits, 3 Laboratory Science credits, 3 Social Science credits, 2 World Language credits, and 1 Fine Arts credit.
What are weighted courses?
Weighted courses are courses that have been identified by the district as having a high level of academic rigor and therefore are graded on a 5 point scale instead of a 4 point scale (for non-weighted courses). An “A” in a weighted course will yield 5 grade points, a “B” will yield 4 grade points, and a “C” will yield 3 grade points, etc.
Will my College Core appear on my report card?
Yes. Your College Core rank will appear on your report card at the end of your 10th grade year. This will begin with the graduating class of 2013.
What do colleges and universities use for admission criteria?
College Core or related class ranking is used for many colleges and universities as the strongest criterion for admission. Other factors considered for admission often include, but are not limited to, GPA, ACT and SAT scores, strength of curriculum, extracurricular activities, personal attributes and talents.