Applying to college is hectic, exciting, and stressful. During this time, colleges are reviewing applicants’ four-year high school history.
However, some high school grades are more important than others and can impact the application process.
Will a College Look At My Grade 11 or 12 Marks?
Yes, most colleges will look at a student’s grade 11 and 12 marks. However, a college may only be interested in the final grade for certain courses. These courses can include English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages.
What Grades Do Colleges Check?
Each college campus will vary and have different requirements. However, many colleges will look at final grades as early as ninth grade. That being said, a student’s ninth-grade marks may not be weighed as heavily as their later years.
Which Grades Are The Most Important?
To put it simply, every grade is important and will factor into your college application process. However, some campuses will favor different grades over others.
Freshman/Grade 9: College campuses do look at a candidate’s freshman year. However, this year isn’t weighed as heavily. This year is typically reserved for students making adjustments and settling into their new environments.
Sophomore/Grade 10: Colleges will also take a look at students’ Grade 10 marks. This year is slightly more important than a student’s freshman year. However, many colleges still view this year as the building period.
Junior/Grade 11: Many colleges favor Junior year or grade 11 for college applications. This is because grade 11 is the last full year of high school that a college will see. Grade 11 will represent your work ethic and the type of classes you can handle.
Senior/Grade 12: Although many students slack off during their Senior year, it is still a vital year on a college application. Colleges may be able to see marks from a student’s first semester of Grade 12. It’s important to build on what you’ve done in Grade 11 during Senior year of high school.
What If My Grades Are Bad?
Students with poor transcripts might have a harder time getting into select colleges. These poor grades may have a negative impact on how the student is perceived during the application process.
That being said, a GPA of 2.0 or higher is typically the bare minimum. This GPA score may not even negatively affect certain students. High standardized test scores or interesting extracurriculars can sometimes cancel out a poor GPA.
What Are Colleges Looking For?
Colleges and universities aren’t just looking at grades. These campuses typically take a holistic approach, judging applicants on all their achievements.
Official Transcript: Typically, colleges will be viewing a potential student’s official transcript. An official transcript is different from a report card, as it shows more information. An official transcript will have a student’s final grade for all their classes. Additionally, a transcript may have information regarding absences and standardized test scores.
Core Classes: College admissions officers will commonly prioritize high marks in core classes. These classes can include English, math, social studies, and science. These marks are important as they can show a student’s potential and base understanding of core concepts.
GPAs: Colleges will also view an applicant’s final high school GPA. That being said, each campus will have a different protocol for viewing GPAs. Some colleges “recalculate” a student’s GPA before entering the program.
Extracurriculars: Colleges will also be searching for students with good extracurriculars. This can include sports, clubs, music, and more. It’s important for colleges to accept well-rounded students that fit within their culture.
These are only a few of the categories that colleges are viewing. Each campus will have varying requirements, guidelines, and restrictions. For the most accurate information, be sure to speak with your college counselor or administrative staff.
What Should I Focus On During Grades 11 and 12?
There are many different strategies on how to approach grades 11 and 12. These tactics vary from high-intensity effort to bare necessities. However, some things remain true despite the level of commitment.
Focus on Your GPA: During Junior and Senior years of high school, it’s vital to maintain a positive GPA. You’ll want to start each school year strong, putting your best foot forward. If you need help, you can seek out tutors or ask for extra credit.
Take Challenging Classes: Grades 11 and 12 are excellent times to take challenging classes. These can be AP courses or something similar. Taking tough classes now will look good on your future college applications.
Take Extracurriculars: Hopefully, you’ve been taking extracurriculars throughout high school. If not, now’s the perfect time to start! Attending a club, sport, or other groups can have a positive impact on your college transcript. Additionally, Summer internships or volunteer opportunities can look amazing on college applications.
Ask For Teacher Recommendations: Grade 11 is an especially good time for asking for letters of recommendation. In fact, many colleges will require two letters of recommendation. If you have a favorite teacher, ask them to write you a recommendation letter. A letter of recommendation will nearly always have a positive impact on your college application.
Don’t Neglect Your Well-Being: Although getting into a top college is a dream for many students, it shouldn’t come at the price of one’s health. During grades 11 and 12, it’s equally important to focus on your health, well-being, and enjoyment.
These are just a few of the ways you can increase your odds of getting into your desired college. Taking the PSAT, SAT, or ACT is also important during this time. As always, be sure to speak with your counselor or school staff when determining the best path forward.
Do Universities Check Grade 11 or 12 Transcripts?
Most universities will be looking at Grade 11 and 12 transcripts. Grade 11 is an especially important year for college applicants. However, each campus will have varying rules, regulations, and guidelines. For the most accurate information, be sure to speak with your college counselor or administrative staff.