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