How should I send grade updates?

[Shellzie2010]

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I wanted to send my summer grades to some of the schools I applied to (I know it seems late, but they were courses taken abroad, so it took forever to get them) and was wondering how I should do this. Should I have an official transcript mailed to the school or e-mail them a link to the electronic transcript my school offers?

 

[Stratego]

I've seen that some people report sending an official transcript, but that can be expensive at some schools. It's also fine to just summerize the summer grades in an update letter (since they have all the previous grades), which would also include additional accumulated/or new activities pertinent to your application. If you're in school now, just wait for the fall grades too. The letter could also mention why the school is a perfect fit for you. And how you look forward to receiving an interview/acceptance (whichever is appropriate)from them.

 

[J ROD]

I've seen that some people report sending an official transcript, but that can be expensive at some schools. It's also fine to just summerize the summer grades in an update letter (since they have all the previous grades), which would also include additional accumulated/or new activities pertinent to your application. If you're in school now, just wait for the fall grades too. The letter could also mention why the school is a perfect fit for you. And how you look forward to receiving an interview/acceptance (whichever is appropriate)from them.

👍

 

[Shellzie2010]

Mostly I think it would be good for them to see my new cumulative GPA, which went up a bit. It will be going down again this semester since this last round of tests has been rough after missing a lot of classes for interviews, so I'd like schools to decide what to do with me before they see that... Also, both the paper and electronic transcripts are free at my school (and considered official). Is it weird to just send them a transcript without an update letter?

 

[Stratego]

I would send at least a brief cover letter (not necessarily a full "update") so they know why they are getting the transcript, namely to showcase that your academic efforts show an upward trend. If this semester's grades won't be good news, I'd agree with doing it now rather than waiting for the fall grades to come out. Be sure an official transcript won't show midterm grades if it won't reflect well on you.

 

[Tatastrophy]

Stratego you seemed to have a breadth of knowledge on the topic of grade updates, so I come with a question:
If the school didn't specifically ask for first semester grades, should I just write them an update letter with them or do they not care until the final transcript?
Thanks a ton!

 

[Stratego]

If they don't ask, then don't tell, unless the news is good. It's fine to write an update letter without referring to grades. The only time you absolutely have to tell them is when your final transcript is submitted prior to matriculting at your med school.