Requesting Counselor and Teacher Letters of Recommendation 
Before requesting a letter of recommendation from a counselor and/or teacher in School Links, students should speak with them at least two weeks before the application deadline or date that the letter is needed by. Students should be prepared to ask the counselor and/or teacher in-person if he/she would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on their behalf. As a note, students should ask those individuals to which they have a positive relationship and rapport to write a letter of recommendation.  

Student Self-Reported Academic Record 
The Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR/SSAR) is a portion of the college application process that requires students to self-report their grades, classes, and credits from high school. Students are encouraged to consult with each college/university to inquire whether a SRAR is required as part of the admissions process. Students will need a copy of their high school transcript before completing the SRAR.  

Additional Information for completion of the SRAR: 

SPHS (Suncoast Polytechnical High School) uses a weighted 5.0 GPA scale 

Our academic school year consists of two 9-week periods per semester and 2 semesters per school year 

Class Rank is weighted and can be provided to students by a School Counselor or Career Advisor

SPHS uses a number and letter grading system. Our grading scale is as follows: 

Academic Courses: 

90-100: A 

80-89: B 

70-79: C 

60-69: D 

0-59: F 

WEIGHTING OF GRADES: HONORS is given 1.0 weight, and all DUAL ENROLLMENT and ADVANCED PLACEMENT courses are weighted 1.5. 
Honors Courses: 16 
Advanced Placement Courses: 16 

***Students should enter classes just as they appear on their high school transcript. The SRAR must be submitted for your application to be considered complete. 

College Application Reminders: 

Deadlines: Please read all directions carefully and be aware of deadlines. Some schools have rolling admissions, which means that applications remain open during the entire Senior Year. However, those schools may also have a specific deadline to submit applications to be considered for scholarship opportunities. 

Early Decision vs. Early Action 
Early DECISION is BINDING and students must withdraw other applications. Students may also have to navigate the financial aid process early. Early Decision deadlines are often November 1st or November 15th.  

Early ACTION is NON-BINDING and students can still wait for other acceptances. Students can also ask about financial aid when regular decisions are completing the process.