by Sarah Soule

In a few short weeks, area students will return to school and begin yet another academic year, one filled with courses that are designed to prepare them for future college and university study. Each student should take classes that are appropriate given their academic ability with the focus being on diligent, hard work and the goal being good grades. Staying attentive in class and asking questions when one arises, and meeting homework deadlines will ensure successful outcomes in each class. Seeking extra help from a teacher, tutor, or a classmate, as needed, will typically lead to additional success. When a student applies to college, a report of all grades and courses are recorded on an official school transcript which is sent out by the high school guidance office.

It is important to understand that when it comes time to review a student's academic transcript that college admission officers carefully review the school's profile, too. A profile is an official document provided by each high school that is filled with important information that is carefully reviewed by college admissions representatives. The profile highlights the school's course offerings, a summarization of the school's standardized scores, the graduation requirements, a listing of where the graduates have been admitted to college, and grade point information.

I encourage area students to check in with their college counselor and ask to see a copy of their official transcript, as well as a copy of the school's profile, at the onset of the school year.

It is wise to review both documents and consider these as you begin to move forward in formulating your list of colleges.

Each year of high school is important, but the 11th grade year is pivotal in the college admission process. It is the most recent year that colleges can see the full year of a student's record when reviewing a candidate for admission. When a senior applies to college, they do so typically between November and January of their 12th grade year. This means that usually only their first quarter grades are available, therefore the grades from junior year are vitally important in the college review process.

Always remember that there are over 3,000 colleges in the United States and one is just right for you!

Sarah Soule is an independent educational consultant, www.sarahsoule.com and she is the Director of Admissions and College Counseling at the Vermont Commons School in South Burlington. She has 28 years of experience advising families on college and independent school admissions and is a professional member of IECA. She was recently featured in The Princeton Review's latest publication "The Portable Guidance Counselor."