This fact sheet highlights statistics related to the transition into high school for U.S. students. The statistics indicate a noticeable trend in the lack of progress of many students throughout freshman year. Many students are held back in ninth grade--creating what is known as the "ninth grade bulge"--and drop out by tenth grade--contributing to the "tenth grade dip." (Contains 1 footnote.) [This publication was produced by the National High School Center. For related document, see ED501073.]