Does attendance matter in college admissions?

I've been wondering if colleges look at your high school attendance records when reviewing applications. During my time in high school, I had a few absences, but my grades and extracurriculars are pretty solid. Should I be worried that my absences might hurt my chances in the admissions process?

While the primary focus of college admissions is on your academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and other aspects of your application, attendance could be a factor, albeit a very minor one, in some cases. Schools may be interested in your attendance if it is included in your transcript or if it is otherwise mentioned by your high school counselor in their recommendation letter.

However, having a few absences here and there is generally not a significant concern, especially if you have maintained strong grades and participated in substantial extracurricular activities. Colleges understand that students might have occasional absences due to illness, family emergencies, or other valid reasons.

That said, a pattern of excessive absences combined with poor grades or a lack of participation in extracurriculars could raise a red flag for admissions officers, who might question your commitment, work ethic, and ability to succeed in a college environment.

In summary, don't worry too much about a few absences as long as the rest of your application is strong. Focus on showcasing your academic achievements, personal strengths, and extracurricular involvement to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded and motivated applicant.