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Featuring Matthew Whelan, director of admission, St. John's University (Jamaica, NY)

Q: I've already sent in all my applications for College, but I earned really great grades last semester that can probably help my chances. Do I need to send an updated transcript?

A: Clearly, you have heard that old expression: "Put your best foot forward." The expression, like the idea behind it, is a good one. It's always wise to make the best impression possible, especially when Applying to College.

Ultimately, though, the answer to your question depends on the individual college. Schools often have different policies regarding deadlines for applications, and supporting materials like transcripts. The best way to find out whether it's worth sending your updated transcript is to check the regulations of each college you've applied to, either on the Web or the print application.

You'll be glad to know that many colleges do accept updated transcripts with recent scores. Most often, these are the colleges that have more flexible -- or "rolling admission" -- policies. However, some schools with application deadlines may also accept updated transcripts. For example, St. John's University maintains a rolling admission policy that usually proves convenient for students who want to send additional materials a bit later on in the application process. If you earned especially Good Grades since your last transcript, St. John's Office of Admission will consider those grades in its overall admission decision.

If you've already been admitted and have received an academic scholarship, St. John's will use your updated transcript to decide whether to increase your award. (Like many colleges, St. John's also requests that you send the Office of Admission a final transcript as proof of high school Graduation.) Again, your best course is to check with the individual college. If the college does have rolling admission, you have every reason to strengthen your chances by sending in an updated transcript with great grades.

Of course, if a college does not have a rolling admission policy, you will need to plan ahead when sending supporting materials like transcripts. Clearly, the correct answer to your question is, "it all depends" -- on the college and its policies. Being informed is your best approach. If the college you choose does consider transcripts after the application has been submitted, then by all means send in that updated transcript -- putting your best foot forward is a great way to increase your admission chances.

Best wishes for a wonderful College Experience!

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