tchaikconcerto

I completed 18 hours of dual credit when I was in 8th grade. I also took some classes out of order (example Govt II, then Govt I).

How should my transcript reflect this? Should I put the courses under 9th grade?

Also, my semesters are not clearly defined. For example, I did not study academic subjects for a couple weeks while preparing for a national music competition. Do I need to explain this?

I'm a senior preparing college applications and would really appreciate any advice!

sbjdorlo

Have you already done your transcripts? One way to prepare transcripts is to do it by subject not by grade level. So, for instance, you just put all the math classes in one section and put the year the classes were taken. I did that with my son's transcripts and it worked out great.

If you want to explain anything, do it in either the counselor letter or in an essay...or don't mention it at all. Some subjects can be studied over several years. You might put "music theory" (as an example) 2010-1012, or something like that.

tchaikconcerto

OK, that sounds like a good idea.

Do you mind telling me if your son applied to selective schools, or state universities with standard requirements for admission. I am applying to safety/matches, but am also hoping to add a couple reaches.

Thanks!!

sbjdorlo

Hi tchaikconcerto,

My son was blessed to have been admitted to a number of highly selective schools including Princeton, Penn, MIT, Caltech, Vanderbilt, WUSTL, and Harvey Mudd, as well as his three safety schools. He currently attends MIT. He did part time college from 7th-12th grade and having transcripts laid out by year rather than grade level was a much better fit.

I wish you well! Feel free to ask more questions. The posters on this forum are very knowledgeable.

GeekMom63

What I did for my son's transcript was twofold. First, I did it by subject, as sbjdorlo (hi sbdjorlo!) suggested. Second, I put all the "relevant" classes he took before ninth grade in those subject areas, with the calendar years, but for the grade level I just put "pre-ninth" or something like that. If you PM me, I'd be happy to send you a sanitized copy of his transcript. My son did very well at many very selective schools - Caltech, Harvey Mudd, & Rice were the most selective. He didn't apply to MIT or the Ivies because he had his heart set on small schools.

Good luck!

sbjdorlo

Hi GeekMom! :-)

You reminded me that on my son's transcripts I also put a little asterisk by the classes taken before 9th grade, either college or high school.

tchaikconcerto

Thanks, I recently joined CC and I appreciate your willingness to help answer my questions!