Every September high school seniors begin to submit their college applications. While most students believe that the application is finished upon submission, the process is not quite over. This is especially true for students who submit the Common Application.
Senior School Schedules
The Common Application, as well as many other applications, require students to submit specific information. The most common element needed is the senior school schedule. Colleges want this information to evaluate the student's progression towards college level classes.
On the initial application students need to write down their entire senior schedule. Sometimes students submit an electronic version of the schedule. Nevertheless, the college needs to judge the level of rigor of this courses compared to other students who are applying to the same school.
The midyear report will require students to list their second half of the school year's schedule. The purpose of this is to ensure that the same classes are listed on the form as appeared on initial form. Many seniors contemplate changing their senior schedules for the second half of the year, like dropping math or science and adding physical education or food classes.
Senior Grade Point Average
Colleges want to be sure that students are taking their high school classes seriously. In order to check on this, the college will ask seniors to submit another transcript after the first half of the year has ended. Once again, the colleges want students to continue progressing towards college and not backslide on their grades.
Counselor Comments on the Midyear Report
College rely on school counselors to give them a true perspective of the student. While students put their best foot forward at the beginning of the year, some students may have a different attitude towards the end. Senior high jinx, like senior pranks, may make the college decide not to offer admission to the student.
The midyear report will require the school counselor to verify the schedule the student wrote on the report. Additionally, the counselor will have to provide the college the rank and grade point average after the first term is finished. A drop in either may affect a student's acceptance.
One other element on the report is convey additional information pertinent to the student's character at that point of the year. Colleges will ask the counselor if the student has received any behavioral incidences inside or outside of school. Counselors are also encouraged to provide any information of change in the student good or bad. Examples can include awards or absenteeism.
Moreover, initial submission of a college application does not mean that the application process is completely finished. Seniors should be very aware that their academics and behavior for the entire senior year needs to be flawless. Students need to be aware of the academic status at all times and not allow a senior slump occur. Also, behavior incidences will affect admission. If either occur, the student should contact the college first and explain the situation rather than wait for the midyear report to be submitted.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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