A: To attain an Alberta High School Diploma, you are required to complete at least 100 credits consisting of:

• English Language Arts 30 level

• Social Studies 30 level

• Mathematics 20 level

• Science 20 level

• Physical Education 10 level

• Career and Life Management (CALM) 

• 10 credits (option classes)

• 10 credits in any 30-level course (other than the required)

A: These requirements may not be sufficient for your post-secondary program of choice. Choosing your high school courses is heavily dependent on your plans after high school. You have to research the program requirements at the institution that interests you.

For example, if you plan to pursue engineering at the University of Calgary, you won’t need to complete Social Studies 30-1, but you will need Mathematics 30-1. Luckily, in this day and age, all the information you need about your pursuit program is available online. 

Admission requirements UofC

A: Extracurricular activities are what set you apart from other students. Whether you are applying for a job or a university program, volunteering, leadership roles, or participation in clubs or sports teams will make you stand out. Consider option classes like work experience, Career and Technology Studies, Second Languages, or a dual credit program.

A: The diploma exams are provincial exams that “certify the level of individual student achievement in selected Grade 12 courses.” These exams are only for 30-level courses and weigh 20% of the student’s final mark.

A: Don’t panic; you have options.

• Firstly if this is a 10-level course and you plan to take the 20/30 level, then you don't need to worry too much about your current mark. You should focus on ways to improve to prevent this from happening in the future. Post-secondary institutions will look at the highest level completed in a subject, rarely a 10-level course.

• However, if this is the highest level your going to take in this subject

  • Discuss options with your teacher/counselor.

    • Redo a big assignment/exam.

    • Regrade an assignment

  • Retake the class

    • With the same school

    • Online school

    • Summer course

  • Rewrite the diploma if it’s a 30-level course

A: The grades you need for university are also dependent on the specific program you want. You should always aim for higher grades to guarantee your admission.