WHY ARE TRANSCRIPTS IMPORTANT?
Transcripts are an important part of the college admissions process because they provide an official record of a student's academic journey. They show not only the courses a student has taken and the grades earned, but also the level of academic rigor pursued over time.
Admissions officers use transcripts to assess a student’s readiness for college-level work, consistency in performance, and growth throughout high school. In many cases, transcripts also help determine eligibility for scholarships, honors programs, or placement in specific courses, making them one of the most influential documents in a college application.
Official Transcript
This section discusses the importance of a student's official transcript which is the school- recorded history of academic grades.
WHICH TRANSCRIPTS ARE SENT TO COLLEGES?
Colleges primarily review the transcript at the end of your junior year, which includes all grades from 9th through 11th grade. These are considered the most important because they reflect the majority of your high school academic record and help colleges assess your performance over time. The GPA calculated and submitted with your applications is usually based on these three years only.
However, senior year transcripts are equally important. They are often reviewed if you are deferred or waitlisted, and many colleges also monitor your senior-year performance before finalizing decisions. A strong senior year, especially if you have taken on more rigorous courses, can significantly strengthen your application and demonstrate continued academic growth.