Middle school grades matter for college?

Ok, so I'm starting to think about my college applications. Do colleges take into account middle school grades or just high school grades? I'd appreciate any input on this, thanks!

While it's good that you're thinking about college applications early on, you can relax a bit about your middle school grades. Colleges primarily look at your high school performance when evaluating your academic record. They consider factors like your course rigor, GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Although middle school grades aren't included in your high school record, those years can still serve as a foundation to build on as you enter high school.

In high school, it's crucial to challenge yourself with a rigorous course load, which may include honors, AP, or IB classes, depending on your school's offerings. At the same time, aim for strong grades throughout your high school career. Keep in mind that extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are also essential components of the college application process.

One thing to note is that if you took any high school-level courses during middle school (such as Algebra I or foreign language classes), the grades for those specific courses might appear on your high school transcript. While colleges will see these grades, your overall high school performance will still carry more weight in the admissions process.

In summary, focus on doing well in high school and explore activities that help you develop your interests and passions. Your middle school grades won't impact your college applications directly, but building on that foundation and making the most of your upcoming high school experience will put you in a strong position when applying to colleges.