Request mid-year reports

Overview

The Mid-Year Report (MYR) is the formal document your high school counselor sends to each college showing your first-semester senior-year grades. Confirm it's being sent.

What It Contains

• First-semester senior year grades (final, not progress)
• Class rank update (if your school ranks)
• Updated GPA
• Current second-semester courses
• Any updates to school profile (accreditation, curriculum)
• Counselor signature

When It's Sent

• Typically late January through early March, depending on your school's semester end
• Sent electronically via Common App (Naviance/SchooLinks integration) for most schools
• Sent by direct email or mail for schools without platform integration

Your Role

1. Verify your counselor knows which schools you applied to (they should have your list)
2. Remind your counselor to send MYR after semester grades post
3. For schools NOT on Common App (sometimes UC, CSU), verify delivery separately
4. Check each school's portal 7-14 days after MYR submission to confirm receipt

If Grades Are Weak

If your first-semester grades are significantly lower than your transcript average:

• Write a brief, honest addendum (email to admissions, NOT to your counselor) explaining circumstances
• Do NOT excuse or blame teachers
• Focus on facts + plan to improve

Timing Urgency

• For most RD schools: MYR expected by February 15
• For some highly competitive schools: As early as February 1
• Late MYR does not automatically disqualify, but delays decisions

UC Mid-Year Reports

UC typically does NOT require mid-year reports. UC relies on self-reported grades submitted during application and final transcripts after graduation.

CSU Mid-Year Reports

Most CSUs do not require mid-year reports either, though CSU may audit for self-reported accuracy.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming counselor auto-sends - they don't always; ask
• Not confirming which platform (Common App vs. Coalition vs. direct submission)
• Not checking portal for MYR received status
• Requesting MYR before grades are final

Addendum for Extenuating Circumstances

If there's a legitimate reason for grade disruption (illness, family crisis, school change), send a short, factual explanation via email to admissions. Template:

Dear Admissions Office,

I wanted to provide context on my first-semester senior year performance, which declined relative to my historical average. [1-2 sentences of factual context without excessive detail]. My grades reflect this period and not my overall ability or commitment.

I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely, [Your name] [Application ID]

Follow Up

If MYR is still not showing on portals after 3 weeks:

1. Email your counselor asking for status
2. Email admissions asking if they've received the MYR
3. Request your counselor resend if lost in transit

For Committed ED Students

Mid-Year Reports still matter for ED admits:

• Rescission risk if grades drop
• Credits and AP credit consideration in first semester of college
• Your counselor should still send MYR to your ED school