High School Transcripts

Hey guys, I've heard a lot about the importance of high school transcripts in college applications, but what exactly are they? Do they include more than just our grades? Also, do colleges look at any other documents to assess our academic performance?

Hello! A high school transcript is an official document that provides a comprehensive record of your academic achievements throughout high school. It generally includes the following information:

1. Courses taken: Your transcript lists all the classes you've taken during your high school years, usually broken down by semester.

2. Grades: Your transcript shows letter grades or numerical grades for each course, depending on your school's grading system.

3. Grade Point Average (GPA): It typically displays your cumulative GPA, which takes into account all your grades in high school.

4. Class rank: Some transcripts include your class rank, which shows your academic standing compared to your classmates.

5. Course levels: It indicates the level of each class taken, such as honors, AP, or IB courses.

6. Graduation requirements: It often includes information on your progress towards fulfilling the graduation requirements of your school.

In addition to high school transcripts, colleges may consider other documents when assessing your academic performance:

1. Standardized test scores: Many institutions require or accept scores from tests like the SAT or ACT, though some colleges have transitioned to test-optional or test-blind policies.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) scores: While AP scores typically don't hold as much weight as the corresponding courses' grades, they may be used for college credit or placement purposes.

3. Letters of recommendation: Teachers and counselors can provide insight into your academic abilities and work ethic, which can complement your transcript.

Keep in mind that while your transcript is a major aspect of your application, colleges usually review your entire application holistically, by taking into account factors such as extracurricular involvement, essay quality, and demonstrated interest. The goal is to get a comprehensive understanding of who you are as a student and an individual outside the classroom, so make sure you dedicate time and energy to the other areas of your application, just like you have to earning good grades.

Best of luck with your college applications!