Hi everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I had a rough freshman year, but my grades have steadily improved since then. I'm wondering if colleges will take this upward trend into consideration when reviewing my application, or if they only look at my cumulative GPA? Any insights would be really helpful!
Hey there! I can certainly understand your concern. From my experience with my own child's college application process, I can tell you that many colleges do take grade trends into consideration. An upward trend in your grades shows that you've worked hard to improve and have been successful in doing so, which can reflect well on your character and dedication. While your cumulative GPA is important, admission officers do like to see growth and improvement over time.
If you also had a rough freshman year because of extenuating circumstances, you can also explain this in the Additional Information section of the Common App. Colleges understand that sometimes life challenges get in the way of performing your best.
Don't let your freshman year hold you back! Continue working hard, and be sure to highlight your growth and achievements in your application. Best of luck in your college journey!
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