Deciphering the Common App’s “Courses & Grades” Enigma: A Guide for the Perplexed
Ah, the Common App. That glorious, yet often confusing, online behemoth that acts as your gateway to higher learning. It’s filled with countless questions, prompts, and sections that leave many students scratching their heads, muttering, “What in the world does this even mean?!”
Today, we’re diving headfirst into the murky waters of the Common App’s “Courses & Grades” section. It’s the one that makes you feel like you’re back in high school, staring at a mountain of homework assignments, except this time, it’s your future on the line. No pressure, right?
Fear Not, Fellow Applicants!
Let’s break down this section into digestible chunks, because frankly, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Think of it like a puzzle. We’re going to put the pieces together, one by one, and before you know it, you’ll be a Common App “Courses & Grades” master.
“Please list all courses…” – The Big Question
So, the first thing that throws everyone for a loop is the question itself. “Please list all courses…”. It’s so simple, yet so daunting. What exactly does “all” mean? Does it mean every single class you’ve ever taken since the dawn of time? The answer, my friends, is a resounding NO!
The “Courses & Grades” Section: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
The Common App wants to know what you’re currently taking, or, if you’re applying for Fall 2024, what you took in the 2023-2024 school year. They’re interested in seeing your academic schedule for the most recent year, not your entire academic history. Think of it as a snapshot of your current academic life.
The Nitty-Gritty: How to Fill It Out
For each grade, you’ll provide the following information:
- School Name: This is self-explanatory. Just enter the name of the high school or institution you’re attending.
- School Year: This refers to the academic year for which you’re reporting courses. So, for a Fall 2024 application, you’d enter “2023-2024”.
- Grading Scale: This is typically “Letter Grade” or “Numerical Grade”. Just match what your school uses.
- Schedule: This refers to the type of schedule you’re on. Choose from “Semester”, “Trimester”, “Year-Round”, or “Other”.
- Subject: Choose the subject area for your course, like “English”, “Mathematics”, “Science”, etc.
- Course Name: This is the actual name of the course, like “AP English Literature” or “Algebra II”.
- Course Level: This is where you specify the level of the course, such as “Honors”, “Advanced Placement”, “Dual Enrollment”, “College Prep”, “Regular”, or “Other”.
- Grade(s): Enter your grades for the course. If you haven’t received a final grade yet, you can leave it blank and update it later.
- Credit(s): Enter the number of credits you receive for the course.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: What about those college courses I took?
If you’ve taken any college courses, whether through dual enrollment, AP, or other programs, you need to list them separately in the “Colleges & Universities” section. Don’t try to shoehorn them into your high school courses!
The “Colleges & Universities” Section: Your College Creds
This section is where you showcase your academic prowess beyond high school. To add a college course, follow these steps:
- Click on “Colleges & Universities” in the “Education” section.
- Click “Add College” and select “Community College” or “University.”
- Enter the name of the college and the dates you attended.
- Enter the number of credits you earned.
- Click “Save.”
Remember:
- Be accurate: Double-check all your information for accuracy. The last thing you want is to be caught in a web of inconsistencies.
- Be consistent: Use the same formatting and terminology throughout your application.
- Be thorough: Don’t leave out any courses.
The “Courses & Grades” Section: A Chance to Shine
The “Courses & Grades” section isn’t just about listing your classes; it’s a chance to demonstrate your academic strengths and interests. By showcasing your challenging coursework and strong grades, you’re signaling to colleges that you’re a dedicated and capable student who’s ready for the rigors of higher education.
So, there you have it! The “Courses & Grades” section demystified! Now, go forth and conquer the Common App. You’ve got this!
Still Stumped? Don’t Panic!
If you’re still feeling lost in the wilderness of the Common App, don’t worry! There’s always help available. Reach out to your guidance counselor, a trusted teacher, or a college admissions counselor. You can also find plenty of resources online, including the Common App’s own support site.
And remember, you’re not alone! We’ve all been through this. Just take a deep breath, gather your information, and tackle the Common App one section at a time. You’ll get there!
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to figure out the Common App’s “Courses & Grades” section, or any other part of the application process, head over to the JobLoving community! We have a team of experts ready to answer your questions and provide guidance. We’re here to help you navigate the college application maze and land your dream school. Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re happy to help!