When we think of transcripts, we tend to think of numbers—things like overall GPA and class ranking. But when colleges read your student's transcript, they're actually looking at a lot more than that. They're using the transcript to help inform their holistic understanding of your student and get a better grasp on how your student will fare in their undergraduate courses.
So what exactly are readers looking at when they review a transcript? Colleges consider four key ways colleges will read a student’s transcript as part of the admissions read:
1. WHAT COURSES HAS YOUR STUDENT TAKEN?
Instead of looking only at a student's grades, colleges pay close attention to the specific courses a student has taken. Sometimes this is to be sure prerequisites for a specific major have been fulfilled; for example, many schools will want to see that a student focusing on STEM majors took calculus in their junior year. Other times it's to see if a student's course load is challenging enough: colleges want to better understand when and how a student challenged themselves, without their grades suffering.
Takeaway: Be sure your student selects classes they feel are challenging, worthwhile, and in line with their interests.
2. WHAT IS YOUR STUDENT'S ACADEMIC CORE GPA?
Overall GPA is important, but when evaluating transcripts, college admissions decision-makers focus mostly on a student's grades in core academic courses. Core academic courses cover 5 areas: English, History/Social Science, Foreign Language, Math, and Science. In admissions, some colleges will recalculate a student’s GPA to reflect only their grades in core courses. Other colleges, for example, when reviewing applications from high schools with religious affiliations, will consider grades from rigorous theology courses. Colleges will even use algorithms to recalculate a GPA and be sure that the overall number isn't skewed by courses like Physical Education (which doesn't generally indicate a student's academic potential). And still, some colleges will review a student’s weighted GPA as reported on their application.
If students have concerns about how a certain college or university approaches a transcript, follow up with the school’s admission representative long before submitting your application. Not only will you have answers to any questions, but developing relationships with admissions representatives is a vital form of demonstrated interest.
Takeaway: Be sure your student focuses on their core academic courses the most.
3. WHAT ARE YOUR STUDENT'S TRANSCRIPT TRENDS?
Let's say your student got lots of B's in 9th grade, but their grades at the beginning of junior year were all A's. Colleges will notice that upward grade trend, and in some cases, they may be a bit more forgiving of weaker grades earlier on. On the other hand, if a student's grades were strongest early in high school and have gone down in their junior or senior year, colleges will notice that too. If there's a reason for a student's grade decline—like a medical issue—it's worth mentioning in their application. Supplying relevant context to a student’s situation is imperative. Places to do this in an application include the additional information section as well as in teacher recommendations and counselor reports.
Takeaway: Don't be discouraged by lower grades in 9th and 10th grade, but be sure that the grades trend upward in junior and senior years.
4. WHAT COURSES DOES YOUR STUDENT'S HIGH SCHOOL OFFER?
Colleges understand that each high school might have its own curriculum, and they won't expect a student to take courses that aren't offered at their school. As part of the transcript, a school profiles a demographic record of the school's student population, AP/IB classes offered, and other academic information. Colleges will use that information to consider the relative rigor of a high school's curriculum. Having said that, it reflects well on your student if they go out of their way to take outside courses (online or in the summer) that cover a topic that their school doesn't include in their curriculum.
Takeaway: Colleges will take into consideration each high school's academic offerings, but it shows initiative for a student to take classes elsewhere that aren't offered at their school.
In the end, a transcript is about a lot more than raw numbers. Remember, there are humans reading the transcript, and that means they're analyzing those numbers through various contextual lenses. Curriculum strength, core academic GPA, grade trends, and high school offerings all play into how a college reads your student's transcript, so there are many opportunities for students to shine.
FAQs
As part of the transcript, a school profiles a demographic record of the school's student population, AP/IB classes offered, and other academic information. Colleges will use that information to consider the relative rigor of a high school's curriculum.
How do colleges see your transcript? ›
Your guidance counselor will send a profile of your high school to each college you apply to, so they'll be aware of what's available to you and take that into account when evaluating your grades. Keep in mind, this means colleges will also see which courses you didn't choose to take!
How do colleges see your grades? ›
Colleges use your unofficial transcript to review your final grades. It's always a good idea to maintain a steady and high GPA throughout high school if you want a high cumulative GPA by graduation.
Do colleges care about your final transcript? ›
In general, colleges don't want to rescind offers of admission, but they have the right to rescind offers based on behavior and grades reflected on final transcripts. Two recent incidents highlight the importance of remaining on your best behavior and maintaining your grades during your senior year of high school.
Do colleges care about mid-year reports? ›
Admissions counselors use the midyear report to help them decide which applicants to admit. For many schools, the midyear report plays a key role in admission decisions. As such, it's important to understand the report and know how you can use it to improve your admission chances.
How are transcripts verified? ›
Verified true copies are marked with a stamp, signature, or other notation from the employer or IHE to verify that what is submitted is a true and unaltered copy of an official transcript.
What shows up on my transcript? ›
What is a college transcript? Your college transcript is your “permanent record” when it comes to your college career. Each school you attend will keep a detailed record of which classes you took, the grades you earned, dates attended, majors and minors, and your overall grade point average.
How do colleges verify your grades? ›
How do colleges verify that applicants are telling the truth about their Grade Point Average (GPA) and ACT scores? Most often, they want reports from the testing agency, and a sealed transcript directly from the school. If one tries hard enough, one might be able to fake a transcript or score report.
Which year do colleges look at the most? ›
Junior year grades:
From an application standpoint, your grades in 11th grade are generally the most important. This is the year you start the application process, and colleges figure that by this point you are well-established as a high school student.
Is a 3.7 GPA good? ›
A 3.7 GPA is considered to be a very good GPA and is often an indicator of strong academic performance.
Academic bankruptcy is a process for college students who have earned poor grades in their classes or have struggled with their coursework. It provides an opportunity for students to start over academically by removing all of their past grades from the record.
Do colleges look at your quarter or semester grades? ›
If you are a senior, college admission officials may never see your quarter grades. But they almost always do see your semester grades because most colleges request a “Mid-Year Report” from the high school guidance counselor.
Do colleges keep all transcripts? ›
College transcripts do not expire and schools are obligated to maintain transcripts for all students who have enrolled in and attended their institution — regardless of whether or not that student graduated.
What is the difference between a mid-year report and a transcript? ›
A mid-year report shows the grades you've earned during the first term of your senior year—a period not typically covered in the initial transcripts you submit. At the most basic level, colleges are checking in to make sure you're maintaining the same academic performance you applied with.
Do colleges see senior year progress reports? ›
You might wonder if this still applies to you if your college applications are due before your grades are finalized. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the answer is yes. It is not uncommon for colleges to request your final grades for senior year (for both semesters!).
How do you know if a college wants a mid-year report? ›
Check the counselor section of the applications to see which schools require it. It is your responsibility to submit the correct documents to each school. Important: If one Common App school requires the Midyear Report, there's no need to keep track of whether or not other Common App schools do.
Do colleges fact check transcripts? ›
The truth is some colleges may not be able to tell, but in most moderately competitive colleges - the admissions usually checks to make sure your scores align with other parts of your application - if you are not already in the reject pile - they obviously don't check if they don't want you.
Are college transcripts confidential? ›
FERPA requires that education records be kept confidential. Records may be disclosed with the consent of the student, if the disclosure meets one of the statutory exemptions, or if the disclosure is directory information and the student has not placed a hold on release of directory information.
Do colleges look at your GPA for all four years? ›
A: Yes, colleges look at grades from all four years of high school, but they often give more weight to your grades in junior and senior year. Improvement over time can positively impact your application.
Does a college transcript show that you graduated? ›
For official verification of your degree, you may request an official transcript. Once your requirements are completed and your degree is posted, your transcript will show your Degree conferment date.
