Georgia Academic Preparation

Build a strong academic foundation for Georgia college success and HOPE Scholarship eligibility with comprehensive course planning, test preparation, and excellence strategies.

College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) Requirements

Georgia universities require completion of the College Preparatory Curriculum for admission consideration and HOPE Scholarship eligibility.

4 years
English

Literature, composition, speech, and language arts

Recommendations:

  • AP Literature and Language
  • Strong writing portfolio
  • Dual enrollment courses
  • Public speaking experience
4 years
Mathematics

Algebra I & II, geometry, and advanced study (pre-calculus, calculus, or statistics)

Recommendations:

  • Pre-calculus or calculus
  • AP Statistics
  • Advanced math courses
  • STEM pathway completion
4 years
Science

Biology, chemistry or physics, and additional lab sciences

Recommendations:

  • AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Environmental Science
  • Laboratory research
  • Science fair participation
3 years
Social Studies

World history, U.S. history, and one additional social studies course

Recommendations:

  • AP History courses
  • Psychology
  • Government/Economics
  • International relations
2 years
World Languages

Two years of the same world language

Recommendations:

  • Three or more years
  • AP Language courses
  • Cultural immersion
  • Language certification
1 year each
Health/PE & Arts

Health and physical education plus fine arts courses

Recommendations:

  • Portfolio development
  • Performance experience
  • AP Art courses
  • Health advocacy

HOPE Scholarship Academic Strategy

Core GPA Calculation

Understanding how Georgia calculates your HOPE-eligible GPA

  • Focus on core academic courses
  • Maintain consistency across all four years
  • Understand weighted vs. unweighted GPA
  • Track progress regularly
Rigor Expectations

Taking challenging courses that prepare you for college success

  • Enroll in AP/IB courses when possible
  • Complete dual enrollment opportunities
  • Challenge yourself but maintain high grades
  • Balance difficulty with academic success
Test Score Goals

Achieving scores needed for Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility

  • Target 1200+ SAT or 26+ ACT for Zell Miller
  • Prepare thoroughly with practice tests
  • Consider multiple test attempts
  • Use score choice strategically

Standardized Test Preparation

SAT

Standardized college admission test covering math, reading, and writing

Sections:

  • Math
  • Evidence-Based Reading
  • Writing and Language

Preparation Tips:

  • Take practice tests regularly
  • Focus on weak areas
  • Consider test prep courses
  • Take multiple times if needed
ACT

Alternative standardized test with English, math, reading, and science

Sections:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Optional Writing

Preparation Tips:

  • Time management is crucial
  • Practice science reasoning
  • Take both SAT and ACT to see which fits better
AP Exams

Advanced Placement exams for college credit and HOPE Scholarship boost

Sections:

  • Subject-specific content
  • College-level rigor
  • Potential college credit

Preparation Tips:

  • Take AP courses seriously
  • Use College Board resources
  • Multiple exams can boost GPA for HOPE

Georgia-Specific Academic Opportunities

Dual Enrollment

Earn college credit through Georgia's extensive dual enrollment program with USG institutions.

Research Programs

Participate in high school research programs with Georgia universities and institutions.

Governor's Honors

Apply for Georgia's prestigious Governor's Honors Program for gifted and talented students.

Academic Planning Success Tips

Do This for HOPE Success

  • Maintain 3.0+ GPA in core academic courses
  • Take challenging but manageable course loads
  • Seek help early when struggling with coursework
  • Track your HOPE GPA throughout high school

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Ignoring core course GPA in favor of overall GPA
  • Taking too many difficult courses and risking grades
  • Procrastinating on test preparation
  • Not understanding HOPE maintenance requirements

Continue Your Georgia College Planning Journey

Next, explore the vibrant campus life and Southern traditions at Georgia universities.

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