Hey guys, quick question about summer courses. I took a couple of classes over the summer to get ahead, and now I'm kind of lost about how to properly report these on the Common App. Should these be listed as part of my high school transcript, or is there a separate section for summer courses? And are there any tips for highlighting that these were taken out of personal initiative and not just for credit recovery?
Hi there! As you tackle your Common App, it's great to hear that you're looking to include your summer courses. Typically, summer classes that were taken at a high school will be listed on your high school transcript.
If your high school includes these courses and the grades you received on your transcript, then you don't need to report them separately—colleges will see them as part of your academic record. If they are not on your high school transcript because they were taken at a college or through an online program, you can list them in the 'Education' section of the Common App by adding another 'school' where you input the details of these courses.
To emphasize that these courses were taken on your own initiative, you could mention them in the 'Additional Information' section, or weave this detail into your essays or short answers. For instance, you could explain how you chose to explore subjects of personal interest or to challenge yourself academically over the summer. This is your chance to showcase your dedication and motivation for learning beyond the standard curriculum. Best of luck with your application!
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