Cass Technical High School affords its students the opportunity to go above and beyond to reach some of the highest grade point averages (GPA) in the nation. Cass is the only DPS-CD school authorized for the International Baccalaureate program. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) college-preparatory institution, if students receive all A’s, while challenging themselves with rigorous AP or IB courses, it is possible to receive a 5.0 GPA.
The International Baccalaureate program is a non-profit educational foundation offering programs that develop various social skills and diverse courses needed to globalize the world. Just like the Advanced Placement Program, IB students receive an extra percentage point that raises their GPA in order to receive grade point averages higher than a 4.0.
Cass Tech’s instructional specialist and International Baccalaureate leader, Sherise Hedgespeth, said “colleges offer all kind of scholarships to full diploma students and à la carte students.” She added, “colleges waive certain IB classes, and students can start college courses as a second or third year student.”
I received a 5.0 GPA throughout my entire junior year at Cass, and although it was absolutely challenging for me; I have had to realize that school is all about balance. My goal was to balance academics, extra-curricular activities and prepare for college standardized testing.
Obtaining a 5.0 also includes focus. My school work, along with applying to colleges and scholarships, has been demanding. There are times when I may have an abundance of homework and at the same time scholarship deadlines, which can be very time-consuming; my goal is to accomplish both.
Although some students may not favor an arduous, stressful school curriculum, I believe the challenges they face are helping to mold their critical thinking skills, which will allow them to succeed in college. When I enter college in the fall of 2017, I know I will be prepared for whatever comes my way.
Cass Tech senior Ricky Alvarez, who received a 4.85 GPA this past quarter said, “The biggest challenge I always face during the first quarter is having to keep my grades up during the soccer season. Daily involvement in practices and games, along with my leadership positions in the National Honor Society, Red Cross, and the Latino Culture Club, can be pretty time-consuming. I didn’t reach my goal of getting straight As this quarter, but I’ll bounce back for the semester.”
Ricky plans to attend either Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or the University of Michigan in the fall with hopes of keeping the well-roundedness he has now. Cass produces some of the best and brightest students who work extremely hard to shine in today’s society. Top universities receive approximately 30,000 college applications annually for just early action alone. My 5.0 GPA has helped me stand out amongst my peers; not only from this country, but from around the world.
Currently, I am a member of the National Honor Society; president of Cass Tech’s student chapter of the NAACP; and a group leader of the Anti-Bullying Club at school. I also hold several memberships outside of school. In the fall of 2017, I plan to attend a top university where I will major in business management and minor in communications.
