Academic Planning Night

February 6, 2025

Dacula High School

• Slides 2 to 19: Advanced Placement (AP) at Dacula

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• Slides 21 to 40: Dual Enrollment

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• Slides 41 to 60: Rising Seniors/Class of 2026 Important Info

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Academic Planning

Parent Night

February 6, 2025

What is an AP Course?

• College-level coursework completed at the secondary level
• Opportunity to earn college credit through national AP Exams
• Excellent college preparation
• Development of habits of mind necessary for managing the rigors of college
• Taught by teachers who have received specialized training

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What are some benefits of taking an AP Class?

• To improve vocabulary and analytical skills
• To broaden your view of the world
• To get into a selective school
• To graduate with a 4-year degree in 4 years
• To help maintain the HOPE scholarship
• To have a peer group that encourages you to grow intellectually
• To have AP trained teachers

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What do highly competitive colleges say about AP?

“One of the best standard predictors of academic success at Harvard is performance on Advanced Placement examinations.”

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—William R. Fitzsimmons

Dean of Admissions, Harvard University

“AP exams affirm the rigor of a student’s course work. Though admissions policies vary, if I were a student, I wouldn’t assume that the college of my dreams didn’t care about AP exams in the admissions process.”

—Bruce Walker

Director of Admissions, University of Texas

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How do AP classes affect HOPE GPA?

• Students in AP classes have 10 points added to their average by GCPS.

Important for class rank and GPA

• These 10 points are removed for calculation of the HOPE Scholarship average.
• HOPE rewards students for AP Classes by adding .5 points to their GPA for the course (based on a 0-4 scale).

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What is the potential impact of AP classes on college success?

Percent of students graduating from college in four years or less

How do students register for AP classes for 25-26?

• Students wishing to sign up for AP courses should speak to their teacher of that content area.
• Example: Students interested in AP Biology should speak to their science teacher.
• Students are registering for the full academic year of 2025-2026, so choices should be made wisely.
• Schedule changes after the Course Verification process (near Spring Break) are rare.

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AP Course Offerings for 2025-2026

Prerequisites must be met for some courses.

Offerings are dependent upon course enrollment.

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What are some things to consider before registering for AP classes?

• We encourage rigor and for students to sign up for classes that allow them to work to their maximum academic potential.

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• When registering, consider the whole student, including
• overall course load
• academic demands
• extracurricular and athletic participation
• social life
• overall well-being

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AP Initiatives 2025 -2026

1. MOCKING Opportunities

2. Meaningful Feedback

3. AP Club 2.0

4. AP Recognition for Students

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MOCK AP Exams

• Saturday MOCKS
• Mini-Classroom MOCKS
• Expected opportunities for every AP student.

Meaningful Feedback

Addresses student and parent questions:

• Where am I?
• What is sill needed to fill gaps in learning?
• Am I prepared for the AP Exam?

AP Club

• Student support
• AP Website
• Study groups
• Make meaningful connections
• A place to unwind and have fun with friends

Let’s hear from some AP students!

Advanced Placement Contacts

Dr. Bev Renales

Testing Administrator/AP Coordinator

Bev.Renales@gcpsk12.org

770-963-6664

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Mr. Michael Peterson

AP Department Chair

Michael.Peterson@gcpsk12.org

Dual Enrollment

The potential to earn college and

high school credits simultaneously!

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Dual Enrollment is an ever-changing, ever-evolving program. Information included in this presentation is current as of 1/19/2025. Please continue to refer to the Dual Enrollment portion of the DHS website (under counseling) as well GAFutures and college websites to keep up with current information regarding Dual Enrollment.

A Listener’s Note:

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The Dual Enrollment Program is an opportunity for qualified high school students to earn college credits. The student is dually enrolled in both high school and in college. The student can be a full-time or part-time college

student.

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Students earns college credits as well as high school credits needed for graduation.

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Students may apply to attend any participating public college, private college, or technical college in Georgia.

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What is Dual Enrollment?

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT VS DUAL ENROLLMENT

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Benefits of Dual Enrollment

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• Doesn't take away from HOPE/Zell Miller scholarship hour limits
• Potential to graduate from college in less time
• Easier transition into the college experience
• Expanded course options beyond what may be offered at Dacula

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• Independence/Freedom
• Class schedule flexibility
• The college experience
• The professors
• Class options
• Meeting new people
• Sleeping in
• Don't have to go to class every day

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Things Current Students Like About DE

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Things Current Students Find Challenging About DE

• Having to figure out time management and keep up with the workload on their own
• Professors can be tough and less forgiving
• Classes move quickly/have to study more
• Professors don't always tell you exactly what to study for
• Age gap with other students
• Communication with professors can be tough at times
• Grade only determined by 3-4 tests in some classes

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Eligibility

• Must be classified as a 10th, 11th, or 12th grader*
• No residency or citizenship requirements
• Cannot be a 5th year senior
• Must meet DE admission requirements – College specific

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10th

11th

12th

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• Limited Access to Dual Enrollment
• Can only attend technical schools (GTC); Not all schools will accept 10^th graders. GGC does not accept 10th graders
• Can only take Technical Education Credits
• 10th graders wishing to take an academic course at GTC would have to meet the requirements of Zell Miller Scholarship
• 3.7 GPA
• 1200 SAT or 26 ACT in one sitting
• Must satisfy these requirements by January of 9th grade

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10th Graders

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What’s Covered

• Tuition
• Some Fees
• Books (ONLY required books)

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What’s NOT Covered

• Course specific fees, such at lab fees
• "Recommended" books
• Parking Tickets
• Courses taken that aren't in the Approved Course Directory
• Any hours above the 30 hour cap

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Where can I attend?

GGC

Georgia Tech

GTC

Georgia State

Univ. of North Georgia

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Part Time DE Student

• Combination of six classes between DHS and your college
• Students must plan college courses around their classes at DHS
• Students cannot be on campus at DHS when they don't have a class at DHS
• MUST have reliable transportation and not be a bus rider!

Schedule Options

Full-Time DE Student

• Attend classes at the college full time (can be online or in person or a mixture.)
• Must have four classes at the college and no classes at DHS
• Still considered a DHS student and can participate in all clubs/activities/athletics

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Grading

Students generally receive letter grades from the college, which are transcribed as follows:

A = 95

B = 85

C = 75

D = 70 (GTC) most others 72

F = 55

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Note: Grading scales on the college level are different from DHS's grading scale.

Credits

• 1-2 college credit = 0.5 High School Credit
• 3-5 college credit =1.0 High School Credit
• Within one semester
• Not all courses directly transfer to other colleges
• Students are responsible for doing their own research
• Some private colleges will not accept dual enrollment credits
• Students are limited to a total of 30 college credit hours

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• Most schools do not require testing for admission. In exchange, certain GPA requirements may need to be met. Those requirements are college-specific. Check the website for the college you are interested in.
• GGC: minimum 3.25 HOPE GPA to apply
• GTC: min 2.6 HOPE GPA for academic courses, 2.0 for technical courses
• SAT/ACT/Accuplacer testing may be required to secure placement in certain classes (SAT for All March 18)
• World Language and Math placement tests may be recommended in some situations
• Qualifying AP Scores can also be utilized for placement (but not for admissions) ex/ ENGL 1102

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Testing Requirements

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Does my student check his/her/their email regularly?

Can my student keep track of a varying schedule?

Will my student show up to their classes if attendance isn't being recorded?

Is my student good at managing assignments and deadlines independently?

Can my student meet with and communicate with their counselor and teachers independently?

Is Dual Enrollment Right For Your Student?

The DE process is student-led, as it requires students to manage adult-level responsibilities. If a student cannot manage this process independently from their parents/guardians, they are not ready for dual enrollment. A few questions you may ask to decide if your student is ready:

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More to Consider

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GAFutures.org

• VERY important website for students!
• For Dual Enrollment:
• Where HOPE GPA is calculated
• Bring in physical copy of social security card if not on file
• Sending transcripts for dual enrollment college application
• Dual Enrollment Funding Application
• Must be done by student and parent/guardian
• Make an account sooner rather than later! (do it now)

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GAFutures.org

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Steps to Participate in Dual Enrollment

Scan the QR code and complete the Google Interest form. A flyer with this google form QR code will be posted around the school and outside the counseling office.

1. Scan the QR code (on next slide) and complete the google interest form.
1. Students who do not attend the information session will NOT be eligible to participate in dual enrollment for the 25-26 school year.
2. Attend the upcoming student information session at school. February 11th during Falcon 30
3. Join the Dual Enrollment google classroom and turn on notifications. The code is s24i7xd
4. Submit the GCPS Participation Agreement through our Google Classroom
5. Apply to and be accepted by the college/university of your choice (GGC, GTC, etc.)
6. Make an appointment with your High School Counselor to determine which classes you need to take to stay on track for graduation.
7. Attend the college orientation and meet with your Dual Enrollment Advisor at the college to discuss your college schedule and register for classes.
• Advisement spots fill up QUICK!
8. Complete the online Dual Enrollment Funding Application/Student Participation Agreement on Ga Futures
9. Submit your college class schedule through the google form in Google Classroom
• Your Dacula schedule will not change until a correct college class schedule is submitted

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Falcon 30 Mandatory Meeting for Dual Enrollment

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Junior Parent Night Class of 2026

Dacula High School Counseling Department

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Who is My Counselor?

Tamika Grimes

Last Names A - Ec

Elizabeth Rieken

Last Names Ed-Le

Granada Watson

Last Names Lf-Rn

Susan Oglesby

Last Names Ro-Z

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Who is My Counselor?

Shaquila Wise

9th Grade Academy

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John Cash

College and Career Specialist

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Who is My Counselor?

Graduation Requirements

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23 Credits To Graduate

• 4 credits Language Arts
• 4 credits Math
• 4 credits Science (Bio, Chem, Physics, Elective)
• 3 credits Social Studies (World, US,Econ/Amer. Govt.)
• 3 credits Fine Art / Tech / Foreign Language
• 4 credits Electives
• .5 Health / .5 Personal Fitness

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*Foreign Language is not needed for high school graduation, but is needed for admission to most 4-year colleges.

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Making Up Credits

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Making Up Credits if Needed

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• School Plus & Credit Recovery
• Face-to-Face Summer School and Gwinnett Online
• Dates and Locations TBA

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Options After High School

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Options After High School

• 4-Year College / University
• 2-Year
• Technical College
• Apprenticeships
• Military
• Work

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Rising Senior Timeline

Begin Researching Colleges of Interest

Take the SAT for All or register for the ACT

Plan College Visits &

Meet with Mr. Cash, College & Career Counselor

Rising Senior Timeline

Research / Apply for Scholarships Start Now!

Begin College Essays over Summer if Required

Submit Applications in Fall/Winter Senior Year

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Options After High School

Military / Workforce

> ASVAB offered every fall at DHS

> Recruiters visit during lunches throughout the year

> Various apprenticeships available for on-the-job education

> Maxwell/Grayson opportunities

> Hope Grant opportunities

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Additional Requirements & Resources

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GA Futures

GaFutures

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• Gafutures.org is used for:
• Sending a transcript to in-state colleges
• Checking the HOPE GPA

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*Social Security number must be on file at Dacula High School in order to access their HOPE GPA

Applying to College st-

• Use Naviance- SuperMatch College Search to research colleges (students login through portal)
• Confirm on college’s website for specific requirements to apply.
• Transcripts, Letters of recommendations & other required documents are sent through NAVIANCE. Students must link their NAVIANCE with Common App
• If you are applying to multiple schools, Common App & Naviance is best.
• Some in state school applications are available on GA Futures.
• Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

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Letters Of Recommendation

A counselor and / or teacher recommendation may be required as part of your college application.

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• Fill out the Counselor Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire on NAVIANCE
• Provide your counselor and / or teacher at least two weeks to prepare your letter of recommendation
• Most school prefer a teacher recommendation over a counselor recommendation

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Thank you!

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