Do colleges look at high school grades?

Hi there, I'm a bit anxious about my current grades as a junior. Do colleges look at high school grades when reviewing applications? And if so, how important are they in the admissions process? Thanks for the help!

Yes, colleges definitely look at high school grades when reviewing applications. In fact, your high school grades are one of the most important factors in the college admissions process, as they provide evidence of your academic capabilities and your ability to succeed in a rigorous college environment.

Your grades are a key component of your Academic Index, a value that represents the strength of a student's academic accomplishments, including grades, test scores (if available), and class rank (if available). If your Academic Index is too low, your application may not be considered. But if you meet the Academic Index cutoff, you should at least get your application read. Schools do not publish their Academic Index values, and you must instead compare the academic profile of accepted students to yours to see if you fall in-range.

It's important to note that colleges generally pay more attention to your grades in core subjects (e.g., math, science, English, history, and foreign language) than to elective courses. Additionally, more selective colleges will also consider the rigor of your course load, such as AP, IB, or Honors courses to determine your ability to handle a challenging curriculum at the college level.

Also, keep in mind that the admissions process is usually holistic. This means that while your grades are essential, other aspects of your application, including test scores (if required), extracurricular activities, community involvement, essays, and recommendation letters, also play a significant role in determining your chances of gaining admission to a college.

As a junior, you still have time to improve your GPA, so try to focus on working hard, staying organized, and seeking help from teachers or tutors if needed. It's also important to start thinking about your "spike" or the specialized area where you shine, whether that be a specific subject, extracurricular, or unique interest. Colleges often prefer students with a highly-developed specialty as it indicates they will likely continue to be successful in that field.