ASD’s Expert Insights to Ensure Academic Success for Students Transitioning to Our School

At American School Dhahran we believe in providing comprehensive support to our students as they navigate important transitions in their academic journey. One of the key figures in helping our students through these changes is Ms. Deanne Byrd, our high school counselor. Whether it’s guiding students from middle school to high school, assisting those transferring to ASD, or providing advice for university-bound students, Ms. Byrd is a vital resource for our community.

Ms. Byrd is often asked a range of questions about the transition process, and we wanted to share some of the most common ones, along with her expert insights:

Transfer Student Transcripts

For students transferring to ASD, their previous school credits are transferred onto their ASD transcript and marked as "XCR." This ensures that students receive credit for courses completed at their previous school, making the transition smoother as they continue their academic journey at ASD.

College vs. University

A common question Ms. Byrd encounters is the difference between colleges and universities. While colleges generally focus on undergraduate programs, universities offer a wider array of programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Understanding this distinction helps students make informed decisions about their post-secondary education.

GPA vs. CGPA

Another frequently asked question revolves around the difference between GPA (Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average). Your GPA reflects your academic performance in a single semester, while your CGPA is the average of all semesters completed so far. This helps students track their progress over time.

AP Exam Scoring

Ms. Byrd also helps clarify the AP exam scoring process. On the multiple-choice section of the exam, students are awarded points for correct answers, with no penalties for incorrect or unanswered questions. This ensures that students are only rewarded for their knowledge, without the fear of losing points for mistakes.

Ms. Byrd’s support is invaluable in ensuring that our students are on the right path, whether they are adjusting to high school life, transferring to ASD, or preparing for the next chapter in their education. We encourage all students and parents to reach out to Ms. Byrd or our counseling team with any questions or concerns. We are here to help every step of the way!