The Great Common App Conundrum: 12th Grade Courses, Grades, and the Mystery of “No”
So, you’re applying to college and staring at the Common App, feeling like you’ve just walked into a labyrinth of confusing questions and cryptic instructions. And one of those head-scratchers is the “12th Grade Courses and Grades” section. You’re probably thinking, “Do I put my 12th-grade courses on here? What if I don’t have grades yet? What’s the deal with this ‘No’ option?”
Don’t worry, fellow applicant, you’re not alone. This section is a bit of a wild card, and it’s a common source of confusion for even the most seasoned college application veterans.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
The Common App, in its infinite wisdom, asks you to list your 12th-grade courses. This seems straightforward enough, right? But then they throw in the curveball: grades. Do you need to provide grades for your 12th-grade courses?
The answer, my friend, is a resounding “Maybe.”
Here’s the lowdown:
- You will not need to add 12th-grade courses and grades if it is before the end of the first semester. This makes sense, right? You haven’t gotten those grades yet.
- If you have completed 12th-grade courses, then yes, you’ll need to fill out this section.
- If you haven’t completed 12th grade yet, you can select the ‘No’ option for the question that asks, ‘Do you have 12th Grade courses?’ This is where the “No” option comes in handy. It’s not a sign of failure or a lack of academic prowess; it’s simply acknowledging that you haven’t finished those courses yet.
But wait, there’s more!
The Common App also has a section called “Courses and Grades.” This section is where you report your grades from your transcript. But here’s the catch: it’s only for 12th-grade grades, and only some schools even require you to fill it out.
So, what’s a student to do?
The best course of action is to check the specific requirements of each college you’re applying to. Some colleges might ask for 12th-grade grades, while others might not.
And if you’re really confused, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions office of the college. They are there to help you navigate the application process, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Now, let’s talk about some of the common questions that pop up about 12th-grade courses and grades on the Common App:
- Do colleges look at 12th-grade courses?
- Generally, no. Colleges primarily focus on your previous academic performance, including your high school GPA and standardized test scores.
- However, there are exceptions. Some colleges, particularly those that require you to submit your first semester grades after you’re admitted, might look at your 12th-grade courses and grades.
- Does Common App look at senior year grades?
- Common App doesn’t look at your senior year grades, but some colleges might. They usually request first quarter, first trimester, first term, or first marking period grades for their admissions decisions.
- Do I put middle school courses on Common App?
- Only if they appear on your high school transcript. Otherwise, you shouldn’t report them. If you have a middle school course on your transcript, you can list it in the “Other Courses” section and select the high school’s name as the “School Name.”
- Do all Common App colleges use the Courses & Grades section?
- No, they don’t. Some colleges might require you to complete it, while others might not.
Remember, the Common App is a standardized application, but each college has its own specific requirements. It’s crucial to check what each college expects from you and to provide the necessary information accordingly.
Think of it this way: applying to college is like a game of “Guess Who?”. You’re trying to figure out which colleges are a good fit for you, and they’re trying to figure out which applicants are a good fit for them.
The Common App is like your first “Guess Who?” card. It gives them a glimpse into who you are and what you’ve accomplished. But it’s not the only card you’ll play. Your essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities will all contribute to your overall application.
So, keep your chin up, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this!
Need more help with the Common App or other college application questions? Connect with us at the JobLoving community! We’re here to support you every step of the way.