Why does UC not recognize 10th grade honors courses?
The University assigns extra weight to grades received in honors level courses to encourage students to undertake more challenging work at the advanced secondary level. The University uses a specific and narrow definition of honors level work, which often differs from honors programs offered by high schools. Acceptable UC certified honors level courses are specialized college level courses — such as those offered through the Advanced Placement program — normally offered to students in grades 11 and 12. The University does not certify 9th and 10th grade level courses as honors because they do not meet these requirements. The University expects students to complete core courses before undertaking advanced, specialized college level work.
