Do colleges check your spring courses?

Do colleges really look at the courses we take this spring when evaluating our applications? I'm trying to decide on my spring classes and I want to know how much it matters for college admissions. Any advice would be great!

Colleges place a strong emphasis on the rigor of your high school course load, and this includes your spring courses taken during your senior year. The spring semester can often be a time when students maintain or even increase their course rigor in preparation for college.

Many colleges request a mid-year report from your high school to stay updated on your performance throughout your senior year. This report typically includes the courses you're enrolled in during the spring semester. While the admissions committee may not assign a great deal of weight to these senior year spring classes when initially considering your application, they will be interested in whether you've continued to challenge yourself academically throughout your high school career.

It's also important to know that college acceptances can be conditional upon your performance during your senior year. If your course load or grades drop significantly, it could send a red flag to the colleges to which you've been admitted and potentially jeopardize your acceptance.

So, while your spring courses may not significantly alter the initial read of your application, they are relevant to show you're maintaining a rigorous course load and strong academic practice, and they can also contribute to your case for demonstrating a deeper interest in your intended major or college. For instance, if you're applying for a STEM major, taking a high-level math or science course in your spring semester can be beneficial. Similarly, including an advanced language or humanities course can be an advantage if you're applying for a humanities major.

But remember, balance is key. Make sure to not overload yourself to the point where it hurts your chances of performing well in these classes. Select courses that challenge you, but also allow you to maintain a high level of academic performance.