Should H.S. Seniors Submit Fall Grades to Colleges?
If you applied Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) this November, you are now in the window admissions officers pay close attention to: the period between submission and review. Students often ask whether they should send their fall term grades to the colleges where they applied early.
The answer, in almost every case, is yes.
Selective colleges want to see that your academic performance remains strong after your application is filed. Submitting fall grades — when they reflect continued excellence — reinforces the academic trajectory you presented in your application.
Why fall grades matter to colleges
When a student submits updated grades, they give admissions officers another data point that confirms readiness for the level of work expected on campus. Strong grades signal consistency, discipline, and follow-through — qualities colleges prioritize when making final decisions.
When grades are withheld, admissions offices notice the absence. They may assume the performance is weaker than expected, or that the student is choosing not to disclose a decline. In a competitive pool, silence is rarely interpreted generously.
Where Ivy Link fits in this process
Many students underestimate how closely selective colleges monitor academic performance after the early rounds. At Ivy Link, we help students decide when and how to submit updates, frame any necessary explanations, and ensure the information reaching admissions offices strengthens — rather than complicates — their file.
For seniors preparing RD applications, this is also the moment when narrative coherence matters: every new piece of information should fit the academic direction you’ve built over the past four years.
What if your grades slipped?
A dip in fall performance can happen for many reasons. Even in those cases, we still advise students to submit their grades.
Colleges will see them eventually — either through midyear reports or final transcripts — and choosing not to disclose them rarely works in a student’s favor. Most institutions allow students to include a brief, factual explanation for any downturn. When circumstances genuinely affected performance, transparency is better received than avoidance.
What colleges expect next
The next step is procedural but important: contact your high school and request that your official fall term grades be sent promptly. If you need to clarify inconsistencies or contextualize a shift in performance, speak with your school counselor first. They understand how colleges interpret academic fluctuations and can guide you on the appropriate approach.
Looking for tailored support as you navigate the broader college admissions process? Reach out through the link below to connect with an Ivy Link expert.
