Grading scales that vary from county to county could cost some students the HOPE Scholarship. Georgia doesn't have a statewide grading system, so it's up to individual school districts to set their own.

In Gwinnett and Cobb a 70-73 is in the "D" grade range, but in Fulton, Atlanta, DeKalb, and Clayton that range is considered a "C" grade.   A "D" earns one point toward the HOPE Scholarship, a "C" earns two points.

Duluth High School Junor Sara Rogers is preparing for college by taking AP and college courses to strengthen her resume.  However, taking an AP class can hurt her chances of getting the HOPE Scholarship.

"I got an 81 or 82, so that went down to a "D" which counted a lot lower," said Rogers

That happens because Gwinnett County adds 10 points to AP classes, but when calculating the HOPE GPA, the 10 points are subtracted.

Sara's mother, Annette Rogers, tells Channel 2 Action News each student should have an equal opportunity.

"It's still not fair that someone could have lower scores, but a higher HOPE GPA," said Rogers.

Jorge Quintana with Gwinnett County Schools says changing the grading scale would lower their standards.

"The question is whether the state of Georgia will be setting a statewide grading scale." said Quintana

The Georgia Student Finance Commission oversees the HOPE scholarship. The commission's David Lee says it's a pretty tough political issue and without a statewide scale, some students are at a disadvantage.

"The cut point on C's and D's can make a difference,  yes," said Lee.

The state currently requires a minimum passing score of 70.  The state Legislature is the only body that can establish a statewide grading scale for both public and private schools.