Which high school grade impacts your college application the most?

Hey there, folks! I, like every high schooler out there, want to make my college applications as strong as possible. In your opinion, which grade of high school carries the most weight or importance during the college application process?

Generally speaking, all years of high school matter in college admissions because they collectively contribute to your cumulative GPA and class rigor, both of which are important factors in your application.

However, colleges often pay the closest attention to your grades from junior year. This is typically the most recent full academic year on your transcript when you apply, and it's often the year where students take the most challenging classes, like APs or IBs. Plus, junior year tends to lay the groundwork for the courses you'll take senior year, demonstrating your ability to handle rigorous coursework.

That said, consistent growth over your high school years can paint a compelling picture. If your grades improved from freshman to senior year, colleges might take this as a sign of your academic maturity and resilience. So, while your grades in junior year might get an extra hard look, it's essential to perform as well as you can throughout your high school career.

Bear in mind that colleges are also interested in your extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and other aspects of your application. So grades certainly matter, but they are just one part of the bigger picture. And remember, each college has its own way of looking at things, so this may vary somewhat by school.