Are semester grades important for Regular Decision?

For Regular Decision colleges, do they look at our first semester grades from senior year? I'm trying to figure out if I need to push extra hard this semester or if it's less important.

Yes, first-semester senior year grades can play a crucial role in many Regular Decision applications. This is because colleges generally want to see consistent or improving academic performance over the entirety of your high school career. While the deadline for regular decision applications is generally in early January, and some students might have already submitted their application before their first semester grades are finalized, most colleges will receive a mid-year report from your high school counselor that includes these grades.

However, the weight these grades hold can vary depending on the institution. Some colleges may place a strong emphasis on senior year grades as they reflect your most recent academic performance, while others may consider your entire high school transcript more holistically.

Nevertheless, maintaining high grades during your first semester of senior year can demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence, and readiness for college-level work, and could be especially important if you're applying to highly competitive programs or institutions. So, it's still a good idea to aim for the best grades possible.