Transcripts - What Matters?

Hi all, I just got my transcript but, to be honest, I don't really know what I'm looking at. Can anyone help me understand what’s on a transcript and why it might matter to colleges?

Sure, I'd be happy to help explain! Your high school transcript is essentially a detailed report card that summarizes your academic achievements throughout high school. It's one of the most crucial parts of your college application because it provides colleges with a detailed look at your academic history. Here's a rundown of what you'll typically find on a high school transcript:

1. Classes: Your transcript will list every class you've taken from grade 9 onwards, along with the final grade you received in each one. Sometimes, classes from 8th grade that count towards graduation requirements might appear too.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The GPA is a numerical evaluation of your performance across all your subjects. There might be two types of GPA on your transcript: weighted and unweighted. The unweighted GPA is a simple average of your grades, regardless of the complexity of the course. Meanwhile, the weighted GPA takes into account course difficulty (Honors, AP, IB) and assigns more weight to those classes, so the maximum GPA can exceed 4.0.

3. Class Rank: Class rank, usually a percentile, shows where you stand acadically among your classmates. Some schools report this, while others do not.

4. Course Level: High school transcripts will usually show the level of your classes -- for example, College Preparatory, Honors, AP/IB.

5. Credits: Credits represent the relative time and effort you spent on a class. More rigorous courses typically confer more credits.

6. Comments: Some transcripts may also include comments from instructors or details about academic honors you've received.

Colleges use your transcript to assess your academic abilities and how you've challenged yourself within the confines of what your school offers. It's an overall depiction of your dedication to your academics over time, showing not just your strengths, but also how you handle more challenging subjects. It's a significant aspect of your college application, so make sure to maintain your grades and take rigorous courses whenever possible!