Transcripts for College Applications - How far back?

Hello everyone, I've got a question that's been bugging me. I know that colleges require transcripts, but there's something I'm not clear on: How far back do most colleges go for unofficial transcripts? Do they typically look at all four years of high school grades, or is there a certain timeframe they focus on more? Thanks in advance!

In the college admissions process, most colleges typically ask for your high school transcript, which includes grades from all four years of high school (9th-12th grades). This provides the admissions committee with a comprehensive view of your academic progress throughout high school.

However, it's worth noting that colleges usually pay more attention to the grades from 10th grade onwards due to the increasingly rigorous coursework often pursued by students in these years. In 9th grade, students are usually still adjusting to high school, so colleges might be slightly more understanding if a student's grades aren't quite as strong in that year. But by 10th grade, they are expecting to see a serious upward trajectory.

Keep in mind that your senior year grades can also be very important. Even after you are accepted, colleges have the right to rescind their admission offer if your grades significantly drop during your final semester. They might request your final transcript after graduation to ensure that you maintained your academic standing.

So, in essence, while colleges are interested in your entire high school record, the grades from 10th-12th grade often carry the most weight, especially if you've taken challenging courses like AP or honors classes in these years.