How To Add Middle School Grades To Common App

The Great Middle School Grade Conundrum: A Common App Saga

Alright, folks, let’s talk about the elephant in the room (or should I say, the *middle school* in the college application). We’re tackling the age-old question that plagues many a high school senior: How do you add those middle school grades to the Common App? The answer, my friends, is surprisingly straightforward, but like most things in life, it’s not without its quirks.

You see, the Common App is designed to showcase your high school journey, your academic prowess, and your extracurricular escapades. Middle school? Well, that’s kind of like your awkward teenage phase – it’s best left behind in the annals of time. Colleges are primarily interested in the grades that reflect your recent academic performance and how well you’ve prepared for the rigor of a college curriculum. So, they don’t actively *seek out* those middle school grades.

But here’s the catch: Sometimes, those middle school grades might be lurking in the shadows of your high school transcript. You know, those pesky courses that your high school deemed “necessary” to include, even though they were taken in the dark ages of middle school. Fear not, for the Common App has a solution – the “Other Courses” section.

Navigating the Labyrinth of the “Other Courses” Section

Think of the “Other Courses” section as the digital equivalent of the “miscellaneous” drawer in your kitchen, where you throw all those random things that don’t fit anywhere else. In this case, it’s your middle school courses, summer courses, or any other academic ventures you’ve embarked upon outside the typical high school curriculum.

The process is relatively simple:

1. Identify the Culprit: Go through your high school transcript with a fine-tooth comb and identify any courses that were taken in middle school. Note the course name, the subject category, the grade you received, and the number of credits earned.
2. Head to the “Other Courses” Section: Within the Common App, you’ll find this magical section where you can list those “other” courses. It’s usually nestled somewhere near the “Courses & Grades” section.
3. Fill in the Blanks: For each course, select the appropriate subject category (e.g., Math, Science, English) and type the name of the course exactly as it appears on your transcript. Then, enter your year-end grade and the number of credits earned.
4. School Name Shenanigans: Here’s where things get a little tricky. For “School Name,” you’ll need to choose the name of the high school that lists the course on your transcript. Yes, even if you took the course in middle school. It’s like a high-school-centric time warp, where your past is always tied to your present.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully added your middle school courses to the Common App. You can now pat yourself on the back, knowing that you’ve done your due diligence in disclosing every academic detail to the college admissions committee.

The Art of Omission (and When It’s Okay)

Now, before we move on, let’s address the elephant in the room (again, it’s still middle school). We already established that colleges don’t *really* care about those middle school grades. So, why go through the hassle of adding them to your Common App?

Well, it’s all about transparency and completeness. Colleges want to see a comprehensive picture of your academic journey, even if some parts of that journey are a little less glamorous than others. Plus, you never know what a college admissions officer might be looking for. Maybe they’re secretly a middle school history enthusiast and will be impressed by your stellar 8th-grade performance in American Revolution studies. (Okay, that was a joke, but you never know!)

But here’s the catch: You don’t need to add 12th-grade courses and grades to the Common App if they are prior to the end of the first semester. Those grades aren’t relevant yet, and frankly, they’re probably still fresh in your mind. Focus on the courses you’ve already completed in your senior year.

The CSU (California State University) Twist

For those of you applying to California State Universities (CSU), the process is slightly different. Instead of the “Other Courses” section, you’ll find a dedicated “High School Coursework” section where you can add those middle school courses. The only twist? You’ll need to set the “Grade Level” to the actual grade level you took the course (7th grade or 8th grade).

It’s like a time machine, allowing you to relive those halcyon days of middle school, but in a slightly more bureaucratic way. Just remember: Colleges will see your transcript, so even if you don’t list your middle school courses, they’ll still be there, lurking in the shadows.

The Bottom Line: Middle School is a Distant Memory (Mostly)

Let’s face it: Middle school is a distant memory for most of us. It’s a time of awkward haircuts, questionable fashion choices, and trying desperately to fit in (or at least avoid getting shoved into a locker). While those memories might be etched in our brains forever, those middle school grades? Not so much.

So, do colleges look at middle school grades? The short answer is no. They’re more interested in your recent academic performance and your potential for future success. But, as we’ve learned, adding those middle school courses to the Common App is a good practice to showcase your academic journey in all its glory. It’s a small effort that can go a long way in demonstrating your commitment to transparency and completeness.

Now, go forth and conquer the Common App with confidence. You’ve got this!

If you need further help, answers, or research resources about how to add middle school grades to the Common App, feel free to connect with us at the JobLoving community! We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college applications.