Dear MBAAcct2011,

The time lag you note is quite normal and expected, so your target schools will not expect to see a transcript showing the grade until mid-January. I would suggest sending an official transcript showing the grade once you know it is available. In the meantime, go ahead and submit your applications noting you took the class. In an additional information section (or optional essay if no additional information section), you can convey that the official transcript showing you earned an "A" in the class will be sent once the grade has been posted in mid-January. If you have an unofficial transcript, you can always send that in. If the school requires transcripts from all schools be there by the deadline, then go ahead and send the one showing you took the class with no grade; that way, your application is complete and the transcript reflecting the grade will be an update. There is no reason why this issue should hold up your application in any way, as long as there is a transcript there showing you took the class.

Best of luck,
Lisa