Do colleges look at semester grades?

Hey everyone, I'm a bit stressed about my GPA. Do colleges only see our final grades or do they also look at our semester grades? Just curious how this whole thing works.

Hey there! Understandably, GPA can be a source of worry for many students. Typically, colleges will look at your cumulative GPA, which accounts for all grades earned over your high school career. This includes semester grades, as they contribute to your overall GPA. Some high schools, however, may report grades on transcripts differently – either by semester, trimester, or year. Colleges will evaluate your high school transcript when reviewing your application, which means they'll see both final and semester grades if that's how they are reported.

It's important to remember that colleges are also interested in your academic growth, so a few lower semester grades don't spell disaster, especially if there's a clear upward trend in your academic performance. Context is important too. If your GPA is lower because you've taken challenging coursework like AP or honors classes, colleges may be more forgiving.

Ultimately, while GPA is an important aspect of your application, keep in mind that admissions are holistic, and aspects like extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation also play significant roles. Focus on presenting the best application you can in all areas, and take advantage of opportunities to show growth and improvement in your academic performance. Good luck!