When applying to college, there are three common application options: early action, early decision, and regular decision. Here's a simple explanation of the differences:

1. Early Action (EA):
   • You apply to the college before the regular deadline.
   • You receive an admission decision earlier, often in December.
   • It's non-binding, meaning you can choose to attend or decline the college if accepted.
   • You can apply to multiple colleges with early action.
2. Early Decision (ED):
   • You apply early to a specific college, usually by November.
   • You get an admission decision sooner, typically in December.
   • It's binding, meaning if you're accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw other applications.
   • You can only apply to one college under early decision.
3. Regular Decision (RD):
   • You apply by the regular deadline, often in January or February.
   • Admission decisions are typically announced in March or April.
   • It's non-binding, so you can choose among the colleges that accept you.
   • You can apply to multiple colleges with regular decision.

In summary, early action and early decision allow you to apply early and hear back sooner, while regular decision is the standard application process. Early decision is binding, so be sure you're committed to attending that college if you choose this option.

Entering a counselor or teacher email address on a scholarship or college application sends an automated email requesting a recommendation. 

How to get the best recommendation:

• Prior to entering an email address of a recommender, or immediately after, provide that person with a resume. For counselor recommendations, you may also use the link below to send the info to your counselor. 
• Give plenty of notice. It is highly recommended that you give your recommender 2-3 weeks notice to provide a letter of recommendation.  Failure to do so on your part may result in an application being delayed or denied. 
• Select at least one teacher from a core subject area.

Counselor Recommendations

• If you need a Counselor recommendation, please complete the following form and email it to your Counselor.  
• Counselor Recommendation form - Word Doc
• Counselor Recommendation form - PDF

 

 

Laude Honors System

• If a Senior finishes strong and wishes to have their GPA recalculated after fourth quarter in June and after exams, they must see the Guidance Technician, for instructions for requesting a recalculation at that time.

 

To Calculate Your GPA

1. Determine quality points for each letter grade.
2. Total the quality points.
3. Divide total quality points by the total number of courses.

Wake County determines official GPA based on final grades. Your GPA is figured and reported on your transcript both weighted and unweighted. To calculate an unweighted GPA, use the academic scale only. Students are ranked from highest to lowest GPA using cumulative weighted grades.

 

Rank

Beginning in January 2004, the following guidelines were implemented regarding class rank calculation.

• Calculation of class rank will include Future Ready Core curriculum only.
• Senior Rank is run approximately on the 20th school day each year.
• Sophomore and Junior Rank are run approximately on the 40th school day each year.
• Rank for all classes is run at the end of first semester and at the end of second semester.
• College courses that are taken through the WCPSS Dual Enrollment Program are included in the GPA/Rank process.
  • The Senior Honors GPA/Rank process that occurs at the end of the third quarter for block schools requires the student to request documentation of the midterm grade from the college professor.
• Other honors and recognitions will include all students.

Calculating your GPA

When calculating your GPA, you must remember that quality Points are assigned to each letter grade. The type of class (Academic, Honors, AP or IB) you take will determine the number of quality points you receive for the course. Students received weighted credit (extra points) for Honors, AP and IB courses.

Quality Points Scale