Do Ivy League Colleges Look at Freshman Year Grades?

Hey guys. So, I have my heart set on applying to Ivy League schools, and I'm wondering just how important my freshman year grades are. I know they're selective and have high standards, but do they review your entire high school transcript, including freshman year? Thanks in advance!

Absolutely, Ivy League schools do look at your entire high school transcript, which includes your freshman year grades. While it's true they consider the rigor of your coursework and your improvement over the years, all four years of high school contribute to your GPA, a key component of your application. For example, if you had a rough start during your freshman year but showed significant improvement, admissions committees will note this upward trajectory in your academic performance. However, consistently high performance throughout high school can demonstrate sustained academic excellence and discipline. It's also essential to maintain strong grades in challenging courses, as this shows your ability to handle rigorous academics, which is what Ivies expect. If your freshman grades aren't as strong as you'd like, focus on showing substantial growth and success in subsequent years. Ivy League schools appreciate students who have demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges and improve.