College admissions committees consider the official high school transcript to serve several primary purposes:
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Academic Performance: The transcript provides a comprehensive record of a student’s academic performance throughout high school, including grades in courses, GPA, and the rigor of the curriculum.
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Course Rigor: Admissions committees assess the types of courses a student has taken, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, and standard classes. This helps them evaluate the student’s willingness to challenge themselves academically.
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Consistency and Trends: The transcript allows committees to see the consistency of a student’s performance over time. They may look for trends in grades, such as improvement or decline, which can indicate a student's growth or challenges.
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Curricular Completion: It shows whether students have met high school graduation requirements, including core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies.
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Preparation for College-Level Work: A strong transcript reflects a student’s readiness for the academic demands of college, suggesting they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in higher education.
Overall, the official high school transcript is a critical component of the application that provides a clear picture of a student’s academic journey and potential.
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