WOODBURY — The turning of the calendar to November means the end of Quarter 1 grades, while the new month also means adding pressure for seniors to have good grades for college transcripts.

Many students here at Nonnewaug have already applied or are planning on applying to a college, but at the same time they’re also checking up on their grades.

“37.7 percent of seniors with college plans earned a two-year or higher degree,” according to the American Federation of Teachers. “But low high school grades cut students’ chances markedly — only 13.9 percent of seniors with averages of C or lower completed college.”

Many seniors stress to also get their college applications in, but since their grades change throughout the year, colleges look at grades throughout the year to insure that students stay focused. And to go along with being a senior, their overall GPA also takes a major effect on college applications. Most colleges look for GPAs of 3.0 or higher.

“Students already know about their grades affecting their college decisions,” said counselor Stephanie Gutierrez, “so they should just try to keep their grades up.”,

As the quarters end throughout the year, students still have a fresh start every time. They still have time to earn the grades they want.

“At the beginning of the year grades are harder to go down because there’s not as many tests and people are starting to get used to things,” said senior Faith Lally. “Grades do change throughout the year, though, and people have to pay attention to that.”