We’ve been talking about transcripts here on the blog and this post is the 3rd and final post in the series. You can find the first post here.
This week I’m posting on 3 myths about transcripts. These are pretty much pet peeves of mine, but I try to keep my mouth shut when it happens in real life! A lot of the time, the reason people say these things, is because they just don’t know or haven’t learned the truth. So, let’s take a look at three myths about transcripts.
- “It’s complicated and hard to do.”
- “That will look good on your transcript.”
- “My kid is only in 9th grade so I’ve got plenty of time.”
Transcripts are hard.
Actually, creating a transcript is not that hard. If you have all your records at hand, you can create one in about an hour. People complain that it is hard, because they have an organization problem and are not prepared to create the transcript. But once you’ve taken some time to get organized, your transcript will come together real quickly!
That will look good on your transcript.
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this statement. You should join “such and such” club, because that will look great on your transcript. But actually, the transcript is really more about grades and coursework. What they mean, is that it will look good on your college application, in the resume section of all the honors, clubs, leadership, volunteer work, etc. Click here to learn more about creating a resume. What you should add to your transcript is as many rigorous courses as you are able to do. If that means Honors for you, then fine, add in an Honors course. If it’s IB or AP or Dual Enrollment, then do that. Try to add what you can do and still keep your grades up as high as possible.
I’ve got plenty of time.
Many friends have mentioned to me that they are just going to enjoy high school and not worry about what is going on with their student’s transcript. They figure they have plenty of time. They keep telling themselves this until it gets to Senior year, when they now realize they are behind the eight-ball. Life has been fun, but now there is nothing to show for it. Other people are applying to colleges and researching their options, but this particular student is not ready at all. And maybe that’s just where God has you for this season. Maybe a gap year is just what is perfect for you. I’m not trying to judge anyone for this, but if you are planning to apply to college in your senior year, then don’t wait. Get started on the transcript now. Organize your stuff. Keep good records of your grades and classes taken. Make plans for the most rigorous coursework your student can handle.
This is the 3rd post in a three-post series on Transcripts. To go to the first post, click here.
I hope this series on transcripts has been helpful. Please let me know if I can answer any questions at any time!
Blessings,
Michelle