<p>My first semester grades come out a couple days after the James Madison University (JMU) application deadline. I know that at a lot of colleges, you can "update" your transcripts. So if I called and asked them to put my application at the bottom of the pile until I can update my transcript (it'll literally be like a week later at most and I'll have my guidance counsler fax it over as soon as they come in), would they? It'll make a huge difference in my GPA and could be the difference between a acceptance and a rejection. JMU is my dream school so I really hope it won't be a problem.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me for 100% sure if JMU allows this? I'm pretty sure it does because I had a friend who claimed she did that and it's why she got in and my mom says I can do it, but I can't go just on my mom's word. Plus JMU says they seriously consider your first semester senior year grades in the decision process. And my first senior year semester doesn't end until a couple days after the deadline so...</p>
<p>Please no trolling. Thank you so much for answering!</p>
<p>The application deadline is for YOU to get your materials in – not the other documents. Your file will be complete when, way after the deadline passes, all your docs flow in. They aren’t held to the application deadline. So relax. JMU actually WANTS to read your complete file and to admit you.</p>
<p>At most schools, transcripts and Recs have to be in by the deadline too. I know of many students who lost out because they didn’t request transcripts in time, and they didn’t arrive until after the deadline.</p>
<p>Maybe this is not the case at JMU, but I would be surprised.
If an updated transcript were sent, most schools would consider it. I’m not sure contacting them to ask them to wait is necessary.</p>
<p>Oh well I’d send my original transcript with my application. I just wanted to send in an updated one once my new grades come in. I’m sure that they wouldn’t get to my application for a week or probably more anyway so why wouldn’t they let me update my stuff with a better GPA and Class Rank?</p>
<p>CTScout: that’s not my experience. It flies against logic as well. Schools spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get applications from a broad pool. THen they STICK it to kids b/c of factors beyond their control (such as a tardy rec letter or delayed transcript) when in reality, the first few weeks after the app deadline is just sorting and scanning the many documents? You’ll find many instances of successful applicants in the various fora “results” threads who actually missed the deadline themselves!</p>
<p>Of course there’s a cut off but my HYP alma mater has a reasonable window for missing materials. They’ll call the student or school or whomever in order to track down late/missing docs. It’s in the school’s interest to do so. Your statement that “most schools” need all the docs in at the application deadline just doesn’t ring true in my experience.</p>
<p>If you’re from a Virginia school there are likely hundreds of transcripts coming from your district. They’ll know and expect that flood of information. Also as someone said, they want your senior information- probably to be sure you’re not sucking in most cases, but they require it to come so they’ll wait for it. Relax.</p>
I can breathe a little easier now!</p>