What is a midterm report for Common App?

I keep hearing about this 'midterm report' needed for the Common App. Can someone elaborate on what it is exactly and how it impacts my application? Are there any tips about what should go in there?

The Mid-Year Report is a part of the Common Application process that is typically sent after the first semester or trimester of your senior year of high school. It's usually submitted by your high school counselor and gives colleges an update on your academic progress, including grades for the first half of your senior year. This can be especially impactful if you have shown academic growth or tackled more challenging classes in your final year of high school.

Mid-Year Reports are essential because your application review might not be completed until the college admissions office receives this information. In fact, many colleges will specifically hold off on deciding your acceptance until they get this report. This does not mean all the colleges work this way. However, at colleges that use this approach, the Mid-Year Report effectively serves as a check to ensure students maintain strong academic performance throughout their senior year.

As for tips, it's not something you directly control since it’s usually sent by your counselor. However, your responsibility would be to ensure that you're continuing to engage with your coursework, maintaining good grades, and affecting positive growth in your academic journey. If you see improvements in your grades during your senior year, especially in challenging classes, this can reflect positively on your application.

Remember to keep open, timely communication with your counselor about when they plan to send it because colleges may have varying timetable requirements for this report. Finally, don’t forget to thank your counselor for their support - their work in ensuring these documents get sent is a crucial part of your college application process!