A standardized document submitted by secondary school counselors to colleges and universities through the Common Application platform, it provides an update on a student’s academic performance during their senior year. This report typically includes the student’s grades for the first half of their final academic year, as well as an updated transcript reflecting those grades. For example, if a student applied to college in November/December, this document offers insight into their progress during the fall semester/trimester.
This updated academic information is crucial because it allows admissions committees to assess a student’s consistency and potential for continued success in college. It demonstrates whether the student is maintaining the same level of achievement as in previous years or if there have been improvements or declines in their academic performance. Historically, colleges relied on this to get a more complete picture of an applicant’s academic trajectory, especially when early applications were submitted before the complete senior year record was available.