Do 9th Grade Grades Matter for College Admissions?

Hey everyone! I've heard mixed opinions about whether or not 9th grade grades actually matter for college admissions. Can anyone clarify if colleges take these grades into account or if they focus more on grades from 10th-12th? Thanks!

Hello! 9th-grade grades do indeed matter for college admissions. Although colleges typically place more emphasis on the grades from 10th-12th grade, since they are more recent indicators of you academic performance, your overall high school GPA includes your 9th-grade performance, and admissions officers generally review your entire transcript from all four years of high school to get a sense of your academic progress and achievements.

That being said, it's essential to know that colleges appreciate growth and improvement. While a strong performance in 9th grade is praiseworthy, you don't want to rest on your laurels, as you want to maintain that high level or, ideally, even progress over the coming years. On the flip side, if you had a rough start, don't worry! Demonstrating an upward trend in your grades as you move through high school can show colleges that you've developed a better understanding of the material and how to study effectively over time.

Ultimately, your 9th-grade grades matter, as you want to do your best in all aspects of your high school experience, but your grades from the coming years will likely play a more significant role in your college admissions journey. Good luck!