Tappan Zee High School

Counseling FAQ

Is community service a graduation requirement?
No; however, we encourage all students to make a commitment to their community. There are a wide variety of sites available so that you can match your interest and reap the benefits of serving your community. Students have the opportunity to receive career exposure, job training, personal development and interaction in the world beyond school. Students may earn one elective credit for 100 hours of community service. See your school counselor for more details.

Are there other ways to earn high school credits?
Students may earn high school credits by taking courses through Virtual High School, participating in Applied Music and through community service.

How can I earn college credit at TZHS?
Students may earn college credit in high school in a variety of ways. Students who take Advanced Placement courses and score a level 3 or higher on the examination may earn college credit for that course. Please review information posted on the College Board website. Every college has its own rules about accepting Advanced Placement test results for credit as well as the minimum score required on the test to earn it. We also have relationships with a number of universities where students may earn college credit and high school credit at the same time. View the list of those courses and colleges.

What is a transcript?
A transcript is a document which indicates every high school credit bearing course a student has taken as well as the final grade for each course. All Regents exam scores are also posted on the transcript. The cumulative average is also reflected on the transcript. The transcript is required for almost all college applications and is generally considered the most important facet of a college application. Additionally, when an employer, educational institution, the armed forces, scholarship agencies, or social service agencies request the record of a student, a transcript is forwarded.

How does Tappan Zee High School approach class ranking?
We do not rank our students. The only exception to this policy is for the purpose of designating a valedictorian and salutatorian which go to the two students with the highest cumulative weighted averages. There are occasions when a scholarship will require a precise class rank. When such cases arise we will provide a precise rank so as not to preclude a student from being a candidate for a scholarship. Students simply need to make an appointment with their school counselor and bring the scholarship application to the appointment.

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