General Information Academics

Grad Test of Written Composition - Class of 2014-2016

MCA Reading Test - Class of 2014-2018

MCA Math Test - Class of 2014-2018

--Encourage students to take the most challenging courses they are capable of taking;
--Remove the competitive disadvantage with similar high schools across the nation which already have implemented alternative class ranking systems for their Honors/Accelerated/AP students; and
--NOT disadvantage students who do not choose Honors/Accelerated/AP courses/College in the Schools.


 

1. Take at least 24 trimester courses of Honors/Accelerated/AP courses/College in the Schools (CIS) courses throughout grades 9-12. Students must successfully complete a minimum of six (6) trimester courses in each of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

2. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better for an Honors/Accelerated/AP/CIS course to count toward the total grade level minimums of 24 trimester courses. Grade/Pass option grades will not be counted in this system.

Honors courses which apply are:

•        Students must earn a grade of“C” or better for a Advanced Placement® (AP) or Honors course to count toward the total grade level minimums of 24 trimesters courses.  Pass/No Credit grades will not be counted in this system.

      Research shows that many colleges have already eliminated rank consideration for admission and scholarship consideration.  Currently within our district high schools, the average student GPA is often as high as 3.4. Because of this many good students are ranked in the bottom half of their class.
 
Eliminating the practice of reporting rank class will allow students to:
 
·       Focus on the classes they are taking and the grades in those classes, not how they compare to their peers.
 
·       Compete against a standard rather than each other.
 
·       Have their individual accomplishments acknowledged by admissions and scholarship committees instead of being compared to their classmates.
 
·       Be considered for admissions and scholarships using a subjective, holistic approach.
 
·       To be recognized using the honors criteria for Honors Status
 
How Will It Work?
Class rank or percentile will only be reported directly to the college/scholarship in the rare event that it must be reported in order for the student to be considered.  Other than those unique circumstances, class rank information will not be available to colleges, scholarships, students or families.
 
How will students be recognized at Graduation time. (Regardless of classes taken)
90^th Percentile:  Summa Cum Laude
80^th Percentile:  Magna Cum Laude
70^th Percentile:  Cum Laude
 
Honors Status
To qualify for additional Honors Status designation at graduation, student must:
            Complete at least 24 trimester courses of Advanced Placement (AP), College in the Schools (CIS) or Honors courses throughout grades 9-12.
 
Students must successfully complete each course with a grade of C or better.  The Grade/Pass
Option of “P” will not count as honors course.
 
*Students’ official transcripts reflect courses taken and grades earned only.  All honors recognition takes place at Graduation.

THE CRITICAL ELEMENTS TO COLLEGE ADMISSION WILL CONTINUE TO BE: 
(BEYOND GPA)
-The challenging courses taken by the student
-College Entrance Examination Scores (students who challenge themselves get higher test scores!)
-Co-curricular activity participation
-Participation in activities outside of school including service activities
-Special talents
-College Application/Essay
-Letters of Recommendation
-Interview
-Reputation of a student’s high school (Eagan High School’s reputation is very strong)
-Other (cultural and geographical diversity, family alumni, etc.)