Creating a GPA Structure for Students Based on Academic Levels and High School Standards

Today, we'll discuss the inevitable variations in GPA structure based on a student's academic level and the standards of their high school.

At our A-One Institute, when meeting students, we initially evaluate their academic levels through GPA, Math Exam, Science Exam, and Essays. Subsequently, we categorize students into Outstanding/Advanced/Intermediate based on their academic performance. We also consider the standards of the high school, dividing them into Outstanding/Advanced/Intermediate. An Outstanding high school typically ranks within the top 500 in the US News rankings for Public Schools. Today, we'll focus on exploring the GPA composition for students with Outstanding/Advanced academic levels based on the school standards in two scenarios.

Outstanding Student @ Advanced School Non-STEM Track Source Input Let's delve into the GPA structure of an Outstanding Non-STEM student attending an Advanced school. Despite being Non-STEM, we strongly recommend students take AP courses in Math and Science. Even for Non-STEM students, pursuing AP courses in these fields is vital. As mentioned in our previous post, to take AP Calculus BC in 12th grade, Geometry should be completed by 9th grade. If 9th-grade circumstances necessitate Algebra 1, we advise seeking additional credit externally to match math progress. Social strength is crucial for Non-STEM students. Many schools offer AP Social courses in 10th grade, such as AP US History, and we recommend taking these. In 11th grade, World or European History is suggested. In case AP Social courses are limited in 12th grade, considering higher-level AP Social courses externally is advised. However, external AP course prerequisites include a good GPA and must be remembered. Referencing the provided image will enhance understanding. Although it's common for Non-STEM students not to take AP Multivariable in 12th grade due to less interest in math, having it on the transcript can be advantageous.

For an Outstanding academic-level student attending an Advanced Non-STEM school, structuring English classes is crucial. AP Lang. and AP Lit. are a must! In science, taking about 2 AP courses like AP Bio and AP Chem, alternating yearly, is recommended. In 12th grade, when there might be a scarcity of advanced courses, opting for AP Elective STEM subjects is favorable. If permission for 2 AP courses isn’t granted in 10th grade, it's common to take AP Bio in 11th grade and AP Chem in 12th grade. However, for Non-STEM students, taking less popular AP Physics can significantly enhance their value, particularly for female students. Elective courses like AP Gov, Stat, Econ are slightly more challenging among AP Electives, so opting for these over others like AP Environmental Science, Music Theory, or Psychology would be beneficial to showcase an Outstanding GPA. As most Advanced high schools offer limited AP courses, taking about 12 provided by the school and trying 2-3 or even 4 AP courses externally is a good strategy.

AP subjects should be balanced based on the student's track: 6:4 for Non-STEM (Humanities: 6, Sciences: 4) and 6:4 for STEM (Sciences: 6, Humanities: 4).

It's crucial to reduce electives and focus on CORE subjects for Class Rigor.

Advanced Student @ Advanced School STEM Track Source Input Now, let’s explore the GPA structure of an Advanced STEM student at an Advanced school. This scenario applies to a significant percentage of students I meet. Finishing high school at an Advanced level in an Advanced school doesn’t guarantee admission to top 20-30 ranked universities. I'll explain how to structure classes for opportunities to enter these universities. While AP Calculus BC in 12th grade is good, taking AP Multivariable is stronger. Maintaining an A+ GPA from 9th to 12th grade is ideal but challenging. If this seems daunting, following the track below is an alternative.

For science, taking AP Chem in 11th grade and AP Physics 1 in 12th grade is good, but going up to AP Physics C is an excellent choice. Even with this track, some students succeed in admissions to the top 2-30 ranked universities, while others fail. The most significant factor separating them is having AP courses in English. Universities often question English proficiency among Asians. Without AP English on the transcript, admission to good schools becomes difficult. Consider taking at least one AP English course, preferably AP Lang, and for STEM students, we recommend taking at least one AP History, with AP World History being slightly easier to score than AP US History.

Today, we discussed structuring high school courses based on a student's academic level and the level of the attending high school. Always remember the importance of balancing Humanities and Sciences and maintaining Class Rigor for a successful US college admission process. Thank you.