Skip to main content

Advance College Academy for Social Sciences

Application Information

Application Criteria for Social Sciences

Open House: October 7, 2026 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at J. R. Tucker High School

    • Look through this Tucker ACA website.
    • Go to the Reynolds ACA website to watch the video clips about Tucker ACA and read through FAQs.
    • Bookmark the Henrico Specialty Centers page for access to the application and county level information.
    • Attend an Information Session - for overview information
    • Attend our Open House - for in-depth information
    • Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA at all times.
    • Be enrolled in algebra I with a 3.0 or better at all times.
    • Carefully select and secure 2 teachers to complete a recommendations; 3rd recommendation optional

    GPA Calculator

    Your letter grades can be converted into numerical grades using the HCPS Grading Scale. To Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA): add all the number conversions of your letter grades then divide by the number of classes. Only academic courses are included in our calculation (English, math, science, social studies, and world language).

    • 4.0    A, A+
    • 3.7    A-
    • 3.3    B+
    • 3.0    B
    • 2.7   B-
    • 2.3    C+
    • 2.0    C
    • 1.7    C-
    • 1.3    D+
    • 1.0    D
    • 0.0    F

    Example: you are taking 7 classes and have the following grades.

    • 2 A+, 2 A, 1 B+, 1 B, 1 C
    • 24.3/7 = 3.47 GPA

  • New cohorts consist of up to 75 students who have demonstrated the greatest potential for success based on the following criteria:

    • Algebra I in middle school
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA in English, social studies, science, math and world language (if taken) in both seventh and eighth grades (note: students in ACA must maintain a 3.0 GPA)
    • Results of math and reading tests taken at school.
    • Evaluation of mechanics and substance of writing test done at school.
    • Evaluation of video response to ACA prompt.  
    • Strength of two recommendations; a third recommendation is optional.
    • Recommendation of the selection committee.

    • Students who choose to remain on the ACA waitlist will be contacted as seats become available after selecting to remain on the ACA waitlist.

After ACA, You’re Going Places

Almost all Advance College Academy alumni go on to further their education at a four-year college or university and beyond. Click on the link to view a list of destinations our alumni have attended after graduation. The rigor of ACA has helped students gain acceptance to these places of higher education, and give them the preparation to thrive once they’re there