Summary:
A Mid-Year Report is a document submitted by a high school counselor that includes a student’s first-semester or first-trimester grades from their final year of high school. Many U.S. colleges require this report as part of the admissions process to evaluate a student’s most recent academic performance before making a final decision.
What Is a Mid-Year Report?
The Mid-Year Report is a formal update that includes a student’s latest grades during their senior (final) year of high school. It is submitted by the student’s school counselor or academic advisor—not by the student themselves—and is usually accompanied by an updated transcript. The report is often required for students applying through the Common Application, especially to selective U.S. colleges.
Because many college applications are submitted before senior year grades are finalized, the Mid-Year Report gives admissions officers an opportunity to see how the student is performing in their final year before making an admission offer.
What Information Does It Include?
The Mid-Year Report contains several key components:
- Grades from the first semester or trimester of 12th grade
- An updated cumulative GPA (if applicable)
- Any changes in course schedule
- Additional counselor comments, if relevant
- An updated transcript reflecting the new grades
This report helps admissions officers determine whether the student has maintained their academic performance or shown improvement since applying. If a student’s grades have dropped significantly, it may affect their chances of admission—even if they were a strong applicant earlier.
Which Colleges Require It?
Many competitive U.S. colleges and universities, especially those using the Common App, require the Mid-Year Report from all applicants. This includes institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and NYU. Some public universities, especially those using their own application systems (such as the University of California or University of Texas systems), may not require it, but it’s still wise to check each college’s official admissions website.
Even for schools that mark it as “optional,” submitting the Mid-Year Report is often expected and seen as a sign of responsibility and continued academic effort.
When and How Is It Submitted?
Mid-Year Reports are typically submitted in January or February, after the school finalizes first-semester grades. Students do not submit the report themselves; their school counselor uploads it directly through the Common App system or sends it via email, post, or a third-party platform like Naviance or SCOIR, depending on the school.
Students should notify their counselor of all the colleges that require a Mid-Year Report and confirm that their school has a process and timeline in place for sending it. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up and make sure the colleges receive it on time.
For International Students
International students must also submit a Mid-Year Report if applying to U.S. colleges that require it. However, many high schools outside the U.S. follow different academic calendars or grading systems. In such cases, counselors may explain that mid-year grades are not available or provide a narrative report summarizing the student’s progress. If mid-year grades exist but are not in English, an official translation should be submitted alongside the report.
If mid-year grades are delayed or unavailable, students should email the admissions office directly to explain the situation, especially if the college expects the report.