HOPE SCHOLARSHIP Q & A

What grade point average is required to earn a HOPE Scholarship?

• 3.0 average in all academic classes for graduates who have earned a College Preparatory Diploma.

• 3.2 average in all academic classes for those who have earned a Technology/Career Preparatory Diploma.
Will an “80” average of all academic classes qualify a student for the HOPE Scholarship?

• No. Each individual grade must be converted to a 4.0 scale, according to Hall County Public Schools’ grading scale.
What courses will count in determining HOPE eligibility?

• All academic courses attempted in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, including elective courses in these subjects. Grades for foreign language classes are included in eligibility for students earning college prep diplomas only.

• If a student fails a class in a core subject, then retakes the class, both grades will be included in the student's HOPE grade point average.
Are any classes given extra weighting?
For HOPE purposes only, grades in Advanced Placement (AP):

• The 10 points added will be subtracted (for HOPE Scholarship purposes only) through 2006-2007. Beginning 2007-2008, 5 points will be subtracted.

• For HOPE average only, the “un-weighted” numerical grade will be converted to a 4.0 scale. For AP classes completed prior to June 15, 2006, a full point (1.0) will be added to the converted grade. For AP classes completed after June 15, 2006, .5 points will be added. No grades higher than a 4.0 will be awarded.

• Students will continue to get a weight of 5 points added to their earned numerical grades in AP courses for determining class rank and GPA for college applications.
Who calculates the HOPE average and determines eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship?

• The Georgia Student Finance Commission, a state agency, will calculate HOPE averages based on transcript information provided by Hall County Public Schools. The school system does not calculate HOPE averages.
Will the HOPE average be included on the high school transcripts or report cards?

• NO, the average is not computed by Hall County; therefore, it will not appear on a student’s transcript.
How and when do parents and students learn a student’s HOPE eligibility status?

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Students will not receive automatic or direct notification of their HOPE eligibility status.

• Students and/or their parents may sign on to www.GAcollege411.org and create a “My411 Student Account.”

• Families may contact the financial aid office of the college or postsecondary school the student is registered to attend in the summer or fall. Financial aid staff will have access to this information directly from Georgia Student Finance Commission.

For more information:

Call 1-800-505-GSFC (4732) or 770-724-9000 or check online at www.gsfc.org.
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PARENTS OF GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS