CORE GPA AND 30-SECOND INTERVIEW

Calculating Your Core GPA

Why Core GPA is Important

While most universities and scholarship programs look at your whole GPA, some are using only the core GPA to consider students for admissions and scholarships.

For example: UNM Admissions requires a 2.5 core GPA UNM Bridge Scholarship requires a 3.0 core GPA

and a 23 on the ACT (new this fall) NCAA looks at GPA based on core requirements

and ACT score to determine is a student is eligible to play sports in college

What is a Core GPA

A GPA calculated solely on certain courses (not electives)

For example UNM Core/academic GPA includes: Math English Science Social Studies Foreign Language

Let’s do two examples with your current semester GPA Regular GPA Core GPA

That’s it!!!

No Band, ROTC, Ceramics, Art, DECA,

Choir, etc.

Only core academic courses!

Take out a piece of paper

Write the following headings across the top of your paper:

Class Grade Grade Points Credits Grade Points Earned

List all of the classes you are taking this semester on your paper along the left side under the Class heading

Next to each class write down the grade you think you have in the class (A, B, C, D or F) under the Grade heading

Next to the grade write the grade points for that grade under the Grade Points heading

A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 F = 0

Write .5 next to each class under the Credits heading (remember we are only figuring out your GPA for this semester’s classes

~See next slide for example~

Example:Class Grade Grade Points Credits

Grade Points Earned

Algebra I B 3 .5Biology C 2 .5English 9 A 4 .5NM History C 2 .5Spanish I B 3 .5Band A 4 .5Art A 4 .5

Multiply the Grade Points by the Credits and write the answer in

the Grade Points Earned Column

~See next slide for example~

Example:Class Grade Grade Points Credits

Grade Points Earned

Algebra I B 3 x .5 = 1.5Biology C 2 x .5 = 1English 9 A 4 x .5 = 2NM History C 2 x .5 = 1Spanish I B 3 x .5 = 1.5Band A 4 x .5 = 2Art A 4 x .5 = 2

Add up the Credits for all classes and write the total at the bottom of the Credits column

Add up all the Grade Points write the total at the bottom of the Grade Points Earned column

~See next slide for example~

Example: Grade Grade Points Credits Grade Points Earned

Algebra I B 3 x .5 = 1.5Biology C 2 x .5 = 1English 9 A 4 x .5 = 2NM History C 2 x .5 = 1Spanish I B 3 x .5 = 1.5Band A 4 x .5 = 2Art A 4 x .5 = 2 Total 3.5 11

Divide the Grade Points Earned by the Credits to get your

current semester GPA

11/3.5 = 3.14

Core GPA

Now let’s figure out your Core/academic GPA

Circle the Credits and Grade Points Earned for only your English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language classes

~See next slide for example~

Example: Grade Grade Points Credits Grade Points Earned

Algebra I B 3 x .5 = 1.5Biology C 2 x .5 = 1English 9 A 4 x .5 = 2NM History C 2 x .5 = 1Spanish I B 3 x .5 = 1.5Band A 4 x .5 = 2Art A 4 x .5 = 2 Total 3.5 11Core Total 2.5 7

Divide the Grade Points Earned by the Credits to get your

current semester Core academic GPA

7/2.5 = 2.80

30-SECOND INTERVIEW

What is a 30-Second Interview?

A 30-second interview is a mini-speech (30 seconds) that succinctly tells people:

Who you are What you do What you can do for them

Why Do You Need One?

Think of your daily life and the people you meet

What if you were looking for a job or internship and someone you met had a job opening and asked you to tell them about yourself…

What if you met a College Recruiter for your dream college…

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

Would it be good enough to make a great first impression so they would hire you, invite you to a formal interview or remember you when they saw your application?

Components of an 30-Second Interview

Who are you? What do you do best? How have you made an

impact? What sets you apart from

the competition? What are you seeking?

Let’s Create Your Interview

Turn your paper over and write “30-Second Interview” on the back

Write the following on your paper leaving enough room to write a few sentences below each Who am I? What do I do best? How have I made an impact? What sets me apart from the competition? What am I seeking?

Write One Thing About Yourself for Each Question

Who am I? Name Where you go to school

What do I do best? Your interests Your GPA (if it’s good) Your passions

How have I made an impact?

Volunteer or relevant work experience

Community service

What sets me apart from the competition?

Strengths Accomplishments

What are you seeking?

Why are you a good fit for the job or college

Put it all together

Spend a few minutes combining these items into a short speech

Once everyone has a short speech written break into pairs and share your speech with your partner

Switch and share your speech with another person

Do’s and Don’ts

Do: Be concise Be assertive and

confident Rehearse, rehearse,

rehearse Be honest Make your response

relevant to the job, internship or college

Be specific and use examples

Don’t Ramble Be arrogant Sound rehearsed

or scripted Use jargon

Example

My name is Ima Bear. I am a graduating senior from La Cueva High School. I am looking for an internship in a law firm this summer. I have had a strong interest in the law since taking a law course in high school. I have maintained a 3.8 GPA while also participating in several extra curricular activities including the Speech and Debate club. If your firm offers internships, I would appreciate an introduction to the people in charge of that program. Alternatively, I would appreciate the opportunity to give you a call and/or meet with you in person to discuss your career path and how I might find opportunities within the legal profession.

Next Steps

Practice! Out loud, on camera, or with a friend or mentor.

Network! Use your commercial every chance you get--not just for formal interviews.

Homework! Research potential employers and colleges and package yourself to meet their needs.

Keep it current! Continually update your 30-second interview