Effective Fall 2017, when calculating the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship postsecondary GPA, an additional weight of 0.5 will be added to grades of B, C, and D for approved degree‑level science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses taken at an eligible postsecondary institution Fall 2017 or later.
Where can I find out which STEM courses are approved?
The approved STEM courses are listed in the STEM Weighted Course Directory — opens in a new tab .
Will approved STEM courses I take at another eligible postsecondary institution receive the additional weight at UGA?
Yes, all approved courses taken Fall 2017 or later will receive the additional weight.
Will STEM courses I take at an out‑of‑state institution receive additional weight?
No. Courses must be taken at an eligible Georgia postsecondary institution Fall 2017 or later. Please see the STEM Weighted Course Directory — opens in a new tab for a list of eligible schools.
Will STEM courses I took prior to Fall 2017 receive additional weight retroactively?
No. Only eligible courses taken Fall 2017 or later will receive the additional weight.
If I take a course not currently in the STEM Weighted Course Directory and it is added later for a future term, can I receive the additional weight retroactively?
No. Please see the STEM Weighted Course Directory — opens in a new tab for the Beginning and End Terms for all courses.
What do I need to do to have the additional weight added to my HOPE Scholarship GPA?
Nothing. We will add the additional weight to your GPA automatically.
Who determines which courses appear in the STEM Weighted Course Directory?
The STEM Weighted Course Council approves additions, deletions, and changes. The council includes representatives from the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia Independent College Association, the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, and a member of the Georgia General Assembly.
How often is the STEM Weighted Course Directory updated?
Changes occur once per year, generally in February.
Where can I get additional information?
Additional information can be found at the GAfutures STEM Weighted Course Directory — opens in a new tab .