Waunakee Community High School Profile 

The purpose of the Laude System is to recognize students for the rigor of their academic program as well as their success in that program. This award system was initiated with the Class of 2011. It is implemented in addition to the gold honor cords that are awarded for GPAs of 3.6 or higher.

Award Levels

There are three levels of awards:

• Summa Cum Laude (purple cord)
• Magna Cum Laude (silver cord)
• Cum Laude (white cord)

Minimum GPA

To be considered for a Laude award, a student must have a cumulative GPA after first semester senior year of 3.0 or higher. This is approximately the top half of the class.

Laude Score

A student’s Laude score will be determined by multiplying:

1. The student’s cumulative GPA after eight semesters
2. The number of designated Laude points earned through all four years as listed in the course offerings chart

Score Breaks

There will be no rounding of Laude scores

• 56+ Summa Cum Laude
• 40 – 55.999 Magna Cum Laude
• 24 – 39.999 Cum Laude

There may be some students who will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis, such as students who take a semester or year abroad or who graduate early.

Examples

Minimum combination for Cum Laude

• 4.0 GPA and 6 semesters of advanced coursework
• 3.5 GPA and 7 semesters of advanced coursework
• 3.0 GPA and 8 semesters of advanced coursework

Minimum combination for Magna Cum Laude

• 4.0 GPA and 10 semesters of advanced coursework
• 3.5 GPA and 12 semesters of advanced coursework
• 3.0 PGA and 14 semesters of advanced coursework

Minimum combination for Summa Cum Laude

• 4.0 GPA and 14 semesters of advanced coursework
• 3.5 GPA and 16 semesters of advanced coursework
• 3.0 GPA and 19 semesters of advanced coursework

Sample Calculation

GPA = 3.685

Courses: AP Psychology (2), Pre-Calculus (2), AP US History (2), AP Calculus (2), Brit Lit (1), AP Lit (1), Biotechnology (1),

Adv. Art Workshop (1) = 12 Laude points

Calculation: 3.685 x 12 = 44.22 earns Magna Cum Laude

Academic Honors:  3.0 - 3.49
High Honors: 3.5 - 3.99
Superior Honors:  4.0 and aboveClick here to see the list of WCHS Advanced Courses for Laude Recognition.

Click HERE for a transcript request tutorial using Naviance. Transcript information and support can also be found within the College Application Assistance page. Once you request a transcript in Naviance, it will be sent to the institution of your choice within five business days. 

Transcript payment info: Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, seniors will be charged a one-time fee of $15.00 for their first transcript request. This fee will be paid through your School Store account. The $15.00 fee will cover all transcript requests during senior year and as an alumni. 

Waunakee alumni should complete this form to request their high school transcript.

1. Initial: Your high school record through junior year which includes your senior year schedule. Colleges/universities use your initial transcript for admission purposes.
2. Mid-Year: Your high school record including first semester senior year grades and second semester senior year schedule. Colleges/universities will use for more informed admission decisions. Colleges/universities will likely request this documentation.
3. Final: Your complete high school record with all grades/credits. You will indicate the college/university where your transcript should be sent on your senior survey in May prior to graduation. Click here for a tutorial on requesting your final transcript. 

Common App & Naviance

If you are applying to your prospective college or university using the Common App, you must first match your Common App account to your Naviance account before the transcript can be released. This video demonstrates how to match your Common App and Naviance accounts.