Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Can I attend high school and college at the same time?
Accel is a program made possible through the Georgia Student Finance commission so that high School juniors and seniors in good standing can take college classes and earn dual (both high school and college) credit. Because of the regulations, HOPE money can be used to pay for these classes. Students are responsible for book costs not covered by HOPE and also may be responsible for some fees incurred by the college. Accel students attend colleges within driving distance of their high school and home so that it is convenient. Core classes are covered by Accel, and these are generally transferrable to other colleges, depending on your course of study. To participate in Accel, students must: 3.0 high school GPA Completion of all of the academic requirements of the 10th grade. Minimum 970 combined (critical reading & math) SAT I (21 ACT composite) score. In order to take college English/Social Science courses that also satisfy high school college preparatory curriculum requirements, the student must have a minimum SAT I critical reading score of 530 (23 ACT English score); for Math /Science courses, the student must have a minimum SAT I math score of 530 (22 ACT math score. Must be a legal resident of Georgia. 2. Freshman and Sophomore Years Take academic classes. If you want to earn a dual seal, be sure to take those classes at this time. Make the best grades possible to ensure that you have at least a 3.0 (B) average. If you have the opportunity to take ��next year��s�� class (i.e., Junior English as a sophomore), do it. Take the SAT no later than March of your sophomore year if you plan to begin Accel in your Junior year. (Taking Algebra II is a good pre- requisite for the SAT!) 3. Junior and Senior Years Be sure to fill out SAT paperwork each semester that you take an Accel course. There is a state mandated form (about 6 pages) as well as a local form (1 page). These forms should be turned in to the guidance office. Please be aware that you have certain course requirements here at CCHS to fulfill also. If you are playing sports, please remember that college hours do not equal high school hours! It takes 5 semester hours to equal one unit of high school credit. To be eligible for sports and take only college classes, you must take (and pass) 15 hours of college coursework in the semester preceding your sport. You also must take enough hours during your sport to remain eligible. For more info: http://www.gacollege411.org/FinAid/ScholarshipsAndGrants/accel.aspBack to Top
What is the difference between the HOPE Scholarship and the HOPE Grant?
The HOPE Scholarship is for students who finish high school with an ACADEMIC GPA of 80 or above (college prep) and 85 or above (tech prep). The transcript is submitted electronically to the Georgia Student Finance Commission, who figures the average...not the school. HOPE Grant is money utilized by all technical colleges to fund diploma and certificate programs for all students. Sometimes students can earn a HOPE scholarship by starting in a diploma or certificate program, earning good grades, and then making the transition into a related degree program. Remember...you will be re-evaluated for the HOPE scholarship, but you must re- apply. Your FAFSA form counts as a HOPE application, although many schools have a separate (and shorter) application.Back to Top
Can I still go to college if my parents can't afford to send me?
Fee waivers are available for the SAT as well as for college application fees. Be sure to fill out your FAFSA form after January 1 of your Senior year (earlier if you are on Accel program). This will determine your eligibility for federal money, which is applicable at colleges, universities, and technical colleges. Also, don't forget about HOPE Grant and HOPE Scholarship.Back to Top
When should I apply to college?
A student should traditionally apply to college in the fall of his or her Senior year.Back to Top
How many credits do I need to move to the next grade?
6 credits to be a sophomore 13 to be a junior 21 to be a senior 28 to graduate A student can earn 8 credits in a regular school setting during a calendar year, excluding summer school.Back to Top
This is a placement test for certain technical colleges.Back to Top
It is a placement test used by many technical colleges. In our area, primarily Columbus Technical College.Back to Top
This is a "Practice" version of the SAT. The Georgia Department of Education pays for all 10th graders to take the test. If you take it in the 11th grade you could qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, but you will have to pay to take the test yourself.Back to Top
This is a university placement test. Certain schools require certain scores for admission. This test is used to determine STAR student (but you must be in the top 10% of your class). The test requires student to perform in the areas of critical reading, math, and essay.Back to Top
This test serves basically the same purpose as the SAT. Some of the more elite schools do not accept this test, so check with the college you would like to attend before taking this test.Back to Top
This is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, this test is given to students who are interested in joining the armed services.Back to Top
This is not a test but it pertains to testing. Students who are interested in the program must enroll at a local college. In order to do so, they must have a 3.0 GPA and be on college track. They must take the SAT not the ACT. Under ACCEL, college credits and high school credits are awarded for college courses taken.Back to Top
How do I request my transcript?
Click on the mailbox in the right hand corner of this page and give your first and last name, date of graduation, name and address of location you want the transcript sent to. Remember to include the zip code for where you want it sent.Back to Top
How do I know if I received the HOPE Scholarship?
HOPE transcripts How to view your HOPE GPA on GAcollege411 1. Log in or create a My411 Account, be sure to include your social security number 2. Go to My411 3. Go to My Financial Aid (link on the left-hand side of the screen) 4. Select HOPE GPA Calculation Report 5. Select the first letter of your high school name 6. Select high school name You will be able to view any information we have available on your high school HOPE GPA. Your information will only be available once Chattahoochee County High School has reported your transcript data and verified your GPA calculation. GA College 411--Helping Students Plan, Apply, and Pay for College 800-505-4732 GAcollege411.org https://www.gsfc.org/main/publishing/pdf/2007/view_hope_gpa.pdfBack to Top