Torrey Pines High School

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

• Q: How is credit awarded?

  A: Each semester class is awarded 5 credits, if passed (D or better.) Each semester is a final grade. We do not compute a yearly average.

• Q: What does "weighted gpa" mean?

  A: All of our honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes are weighted in the high school grade point average which means an extra point is added in computing the average. An honors or AP "A" counts as 5, "B" counts as 4, "C" counts as 3. But a D and F are worth the original count. The UC/CSU systems do not weight honors courses taken in 9th and 10th grade. See the UC/CSU A-G List for details. (Click on a-g Course Lists, type in Torrey Pines High School)

• Q: I heard 9th grade classes and grades do not count. Is this true?

  A: All classes and grades count in high school. All grades are computed into the student’s cumulative grade point average (gpa) (except classes taken for Pass/Fail).  The 9-12, overall gpa is used for scholarship qualifying and by many private colleges and universities.

• Q: What does UC/CSU approved classes mean?

  A: The California public university system has designated which of our classes they will accept as "subject requirements" for admission. These subject requirements demonstrate that the student is prepared for the rigors of college work at the UC/CSU campuses. Click here for a list of the current A-G Requirements offered at Torrey Pines High School. (Click on a-g Course Lists, type in Torrey Pines High School)

• Q: Can I take an English elective to replace English 9?

  A: No, all students must take English 9, 10, 11, and 12.

• Q: What is the best science class to take in 9th grade?

  A: It depends on your interests, abilities and your goals. See the Science Profiles to determine how many sciences and which ones you may want to take during your four years here. The district requirement states that students must pass one year of physical science and one year of biological science. These may be taken in either order. The other part of the requirement states that students must take a science in 9th or 10th grade and one in 11th or 12th. Therefore you may choose NOT to take a science next year.

  Coordinated science can be a two-year program in which students may receive both biological and physical science credit. Note that marine biology and coordinated science are not UC/CSU approved classes. Many students choose to take coordinated or marine in 9th grade to improve their skills and then take UC/CSU approved classes later.

  Students must be enrolled in Algebra I (at least) to take Earth and Space Science. It is strongly suggested that students earn a C or better in 8th grade science as well as math. Middle school students earning an A in every semester of 7th and 8th grade science classes, may elect to take Biology in 9th grade. They must also have excellent grades in Algebra 1.

• Q: If I swim competitively can I take Independent Study PE instead of General PE?

  A: ISPE has strict qualifications at the ninth grade level. Only those students who compete in an activity at the national level may apply.

• Q: What is AVID?

  A: Advancement Via Individual Determination is a program for students who want to go to a four-year university but for a variety of reasons, need help. Check with your counselor about the other qualifications. The program consists of study skills, motivational strategies and tutoring.

• Q: What are the new UC/CSU visual and performing arts requirements?

  A: To qualify for the UC/CSU visual and performing art subject requirement, the classes of 2004/2005 must take two semesters of approved visual and performing arts within the same area. The areas are designated as Drama, Dance, Music or Visual. Be aware of which classes are UC/CSU approved (P). Current seniors (Class of '04) may have taken semester long classes which will qualify even thought they were not UC/CSU approved courses in '00-01.

  Beginning with the class of 2006, students must complete an approved year-long course. The second semester must be a continuation of the first semester.

• Q: With the different requirements, which visual and performing arts class(es) should I take?

  A: We strongly recommend you take a full year class if you are planning to apply to a UC/CSU campus. Therefore please select courses carefully, as you will be making a commitment for an entire year.

• Q: Where can I find more information about the classes?

  A: An Elective Description page is currently under construction on this website. Meanhwhile, check the district's Course Description Booklet. Remember however, that it contains information about classes that are offered at other district schools, not just TPHS.