Transcript Review and Grade Remediation

High schools generally have policies in place to ensure transcripts accurately reflect a student’s academic history. However, these policies can vary significantly. Some schools may allow a grade to be replaced if you retake the course, while others might keep the original grade visible but add the new grade to show improvement.

I offer flexible options for retaking courses, including summer sessions or concurrent online classes during your junior year. These opportunities can help you strengthen your transcript and demonstrate your commitment to academic growth.

I Help You Navigate Your School's Transcript Policies:

• Talk to Your Guidance Counselor: They can provide specific information about your school's policies regarding grade replacement, transcript updates, and how retaken courses appear on your record. If you are at a community college and inquire about grade remediation protocol, there are usually steps laid out for students to repeat courses and have poor grades removed from their GPA.

• Understand Your Options: Some schools may remove the lower grade entirely, while others might average the two grades or add the new grade alongside the original.

• Seek Guidance on College Applications: If your school cannot remove or replace the grade, your counselor can advise on how to address this in your college applications.

Presenting Your Story to Colleges:

Colleges understand that students grow and improve over time. They will consider your entire academic journey, not just one grade. Demonstrating an upward trend in your performance can positively impact how admissions officers view your application.

If there were specific circumstances contributing to the low grade, you can explain this in the Additional Information section of the Common App. Keep your explanation concise and straightforward. For example:

"During my sophomore year, I took a computer science course that required specific software for the final project. Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to the program at home and felt too embarrassed to ask my teacher for alternatives. As a result, I couldn’t complete the assignment and received a low grade. This experience taught me the importance of advocating for myself and seeking support when needed. Since then, I’ve become more proactive in finding solutions and communicating openly with my teachers."

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This demonstrates personal growth and the ability to learn from a challenge