Colleges can tell more about you from your transcript than you think. How are you performing in comparison to the other students at your high school? Has your attendance been consistent? Have you become more or less motivated as a student? Are you challenging yourself? Take a look at these parts of a transcript and we’ll help you see what a college admissions officer sees.
Absences
Many high schools record your absences and tardies on your transcript so colleges can see how consistently you are attending school. A pattern of absences or tardies may be a red flag. If you know this will stand out on your transcript, think about writing a statement (or having a qualified adult write one) explaining the reason for your absences.
Weighted GPA
Your weighted GPA gives more value to your advanced and AP classes. That way, your GPA doesn’t suffer because you made the decision to challenge yourself. Not all schools calculate weighted GPAs on your transcript (and some schools only calculate weighted GPAs), so check your transcript to see what appears.
Course Rigor
Your transcript will usually show the level of rigor of your courses. AP and advanced classes will be noted so that colleges can see how you are challenging yourself.
Class Rank
Class rank allows colleges to see how competitive you are within your high school. This allows them to understand how you measure up compared to students who likely come from the same community and take similar courses. Again, not all high schools will give out this information.
Electives
Schools look at your electives to get an idea of your talents and passions. This student has been enrolled in JROTC for his entire high school career, so a college might expect him to have a deep commitment to and interest in this area.
Academic Trends
Colleges will be looking at how your grades change over time. This student’s grades slipped in his sophomore year, but they improved markedly in his junior year. This raises questions for admissions officers (what caused the slip?) but also shows them your ability to improve over time (the student addressed the problem that caused his grades to fall). Grades that consistently worsen over time are a major red flag.
Your Senior Year
When you apply to college in the fall, your senior grades may not have come in yet, but your currently enrolled courses will appear on your transcript so schools know what you are taking. Some colleges will require you to submit a first semester grade report as well.