The Mid-Year Report is an essential part of the Common Application (Common App), which many colleges and universities in the United States require for admissions. This report provides updated academic information, ensuring that schools receive the most recent grades of an applicant before making a final admission decision.
In this guide, we’ll cover what the Mid-Year Report is, why it’s important, how to submit it, deadlines, common issues, and tips for students.
What Is the Mid-Year Report in the Common App?
The Mid-Year Report is an official document that includes a student’s first-semester or second-trimester grades from senior year. It is submitted by the high school counselor to colleges through the Common App platform.
Key Components of the Mid-Year Report:
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Updated Grades – Reflects a student’s latest academic performance.
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Class Rank (if applicable) – Shows how a student ranks compared to their peers.
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GPA Update – Displays any changes to cumulative GPA.
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Additional School or Counselor Comments – Provides context for any significant academic changes.
Many colleges require the Mid-Year Report to make a more informed admission decision, especially for students applying through Regular Decision or those deferred from Early Action/Early Decision.
Why Is the Mid-Year Report Important?
The Mid-Year Report can impact admissions decisions, especially for students who:
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Applied with strong first-semester senior grades that reinforce their academic standing.
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Were deferred from Early Action or Early Decision and need to demonstrate improvement.
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Had weaker grades in junior year but have since improved.
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Are borderline candidates where final decisions depend on recent academic performance.
For competitive colleges, maintaining a high GPA throughout senior year is crucial, as declining grades could affect admission chances.
Which Colleges Require the Mid-Year Report?
Most selective colleges and universities require the Mid-Year Report as part of the application process. Some notable institutions that typically require it include:
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Ivy League Schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.)
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Top Liberal Arts Colleges (Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, etc.)
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Public Flagship Universities (University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, University of Virginia, etc.)
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Highly Competitive Private Universities (Stanford, MIT, University of Chicago, etc.)
Students should check the Common App requirements for each school to confirm if the Mid-Year Report is needed.
How to Submit the Mid-Year Report?
1. Counselors Are Responsible for Submission
Students do not submit the Mid-Year Report themselves. Instead, the high school counselor uploads and submits it via:
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The Common App counselor portal
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School-specific online systems (e.g., Naviance, SCOIR)
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Direct email or postal mail (if required by the college)
2. When to Follow Up with Your Counselor
Students should remind their counselors to submit the report as soon as mid-year grades are available. Some schools experience delays, so early communication is key.
3. Checking Submission Status
Students can track the submission status by logging into their Common App account under the "Recommenders and FERPA" section. If the Mid-Year Report status remains "Not Submitted" for an extended period, they should follow up with their counselor.
Mid-Year Report Deadlines
While specific deadlines vary, most colleges require the Mid-Year Report by late January to early February. Here’s a general timeline:
| Application Type | Mid-Year Report Deadline |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | Late January – Early February |
| Deferred from Early Action/Early Decision | Mid-February |
| Rolling Admissions | Varies (check with the college) |
Students should verify deadlines on each college’s website to ensure timely submission.
What If My Grades Dropped?
If a student’s mid-year grades decline, it could affect admissions. However, there are ways to mitigate the impact:
1. Provide Context
If there was an extenuating circumstance (illness, family issues, etc.), the counselor can include an explanation in the report.
2. Show Improvement in Final Semester
Some colleges request a Final Report after graduation, so students should aim to boost their grades in the second half of senior year.
3. Contact Admissions Offices (If Necessary)
For significant grade drops, students may consider reaching out to college admissions officers to explain the situation proactively.
What If My School Doesn’t Send Mid-Year Reports?
Not all schools automatically send Mid-Year Reports, especially international schools. If a college requires it but the high school doesn’t provide one, students should:
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Inform the College – Contact the admissions office to explain the situation.
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Ask the Counselor for an Alternative Report – Some schools can prepare an unofficial grade summary.
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Submit a Self-Reported Academic Update – Some colleges allow students to self-report grades if an official report is unavailable.
It’s important to follow each school’s specific policies regarding mid-year grade updates.
Tips for Students Preparing for the Mid-Year Report
1. Maintain Strong Academic Performance
Even after submitting college applications, students should remain academically focused to keep their grades competitive.
2. Communicate with Your Counselor Early
Since counselors handle multiple students, proactive communication ensures that the Mid-Year Report is submitted on time.
3. Keep Track of Submission Status
Regularly check the Common App dashboard to see if the Mid-Year Report has been submitted. If not, follow up promptly.
4. Be Honest About Grade Changes
If grades drop, students should be prepared to explain any changes to colleges if necessary.
5. Take Advantage of the Final Report
The Final Report, submitted at the end of senior year, gives students a last opportunity to demonstrate academic progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all colleges require a Mid-Year Report?
No, but many selective colleges do. Students should check each school’s requirements on the Common App or college website.
2. What happens if my counselor doesn’t submit the Mid-Year Report on time?
Students should follow up with their counselor immediately and inform college admissions offices if needed. Some schools may allow a short grace period.
3. Can I submit my own Mid-Year Report?
No, only the high school counselor can submit the Mid-Year Report through the Common App or directly to colleges.
4. How do I know if my Mid-Year Report has been received?
Log into your Common App account and check the submission status under the "Recommenders and FERPA" section.
5. What if my GPA drops significantly?
A significant drop in GPA could affect admissions. Students should communicate with their counselor and, if necessary, contact admissions officers to explain the situation.
The Mid-Year Report in the Common App plays a crucial role in the college admissions process, particularly for students applying via Regular Decision or those deferred from Early Action/Early Decision. It provides colleges with updated academic performance data, which can strengthen or weaken an application depending on a student’s grades.
To ensure a smooth process, students should stay on top of their academic performance, communicate with counselors, verify deadlines, and track submission status. By taking these steps, students can maximize their chances of securing college admission success.