Here are 3 things you must know about GPA for the homeschool transcript.
3 Things You Must Know about GPA for the Homeschool Transcript
We get questions about the GPA from homeschooling parents. High school transcripts must include a GPA but there is not just ONE right way to handle it. Here are some tips we share with our 7th Sisters (you’re one of them!):
How to figure GPA?
First, you will need to decide if you will:
- Wait until senior year to figure GPA (when colleges need transcripts)
- Start at the end of freshman year and update it yearly (create a cumulative GPA)
- Record a cumulative GPA AND that year’s GPA
There’s not one right choice. However, if a teen will need to show transcripts during high school for scholarships, apprenticeships or job applications, choose one of the last 2 options.
Second, read this detailed post on the mechanics of figuring the GPA.
Whether or not to weight GPA?
Many traditional high schools weight their GPAs so that students taking higher-level course can earn more GPA points. (For instance, they might earn 4.5 instead of 4.0 for an A.) This is a kind of reward system for hard-working academicians.
Many other traditional schools do not weight their students’ GPAs. Thus a 4.0 is an A on their transcripts. In order to reward hard-working students taking rigorous courses, they assign *Levels* (or *Phases*) to their courses (Language Arts, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies and occasionally World Languages or Electives).
Click here for a post on assigning Levels and a post on do’s and don’t’s about Leveling.
You may choose either option.
You don’t have to worry if you don’t weight the GPA that teens with weighted GPAs will get more attention from college admissions committees. That’s because when your teen fills out his college application (and/or when you as his *guidance counselor* fills out your school portion of the college application), your teen and/or you will be required to explain whether courses are weighted or not. The colleges have an algorithm so that students are compared GPA-wise with equity.
What is the lowest passing grade?
College applications will often require you, as guidance counselor, to explain what the lowest passing grade for your homeschool.
Many traditional schools allow D (1.0) as a passing grade. Competitive colleges rarely give admissions to students with Ds on their transcripts (there can be exceptions, but don’t count on being one).
Some traditional schools and many homeschools do not allow grades under 2.0 for credit on the transcript. This requires students to work for mastery if they want credit for their courses.
This choice is up to you.
GPAs are necessary for the homeschool transcript, but once you make up your mind how to handle them, life gets easier.
Homeschool high school transcripts are important!
But do not worry. We are looking out for you!
Your 7Sisters have put together everything you need for homeschool high school transcript, including Files:
- 1: A transcript template in easy-to-use editable pdf format
- 2: A high school checklist, to help you and your teens keep the course requirements organized
- 3: A detailed, 75-page guide with details on how to create a meaningful high school transcript
7Sisters email subscribers receive periodic practical encouragement, special offers and NO SPAM EVER.
Click the image above to periodically receive real homeschool value in your inbox.
