Do colleges look at individual high school grades?

I've been wondering, do colleges look at individual grades when reviewing applications? Or do they mainly focus on overall GPA and class rank? Thanks for any insight you all might have!

Colleges do look at individual high school grades when reviewing applications, but they mainly focus on your overall GPA and class rank. Each college has its own way of evaluating applicants, but they tend to prioritize cumulative performance rather than individual grades.

Admissions officers consider your transcript, which provides a full picture of your high school academic performance. This includes all the courses you've taken, the grades received in those courses, and any trends in your academic performance. This allows them to see how you've progressed throughout high school and if you've taken challenging courses, such as honors, AP, or IB classes.

When colleges review your transcript, they are looking for consistent improvement over time and a rigorous and well-rounded course load. If you have a few low individual grades early in your high school career but show marked improvement, that can demonstrate resilience and dedication to your studies.

Overall, while individual grades do matter, they are not the sole focus of the admissions process. Colleges are more interested in your overall academic performance, including GPA, course load, and class rank. It's essential to maintain strong performance throughout high school and take challenging courses that align with your intended major or field of interest.