Do colleges look at freshman year grades?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and I'm worried about how my freshman year grades will affect my college applications. Do colleges look at freshman year grades, or do they mainly focus on sophomore and junior year performance? Thanks for any input!

Hello! I completely understand your concern about your freshman year grades. From my experience with my child, who is currently in college, most colleges do take your freshman year grades into consideration, but they tend to focus more on your sophomore and junior year performance. This is because your later years in high school give a better indication of your current academic abilities and how well you've developed as a student over time. However, every college is different and may weigh your grades differently. If you've shown significant improvement since your freshman year, this upward trend can work in your favor, as colleges appreciate students who demonstrate growth and resilience. Don't forget that your extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation also play a significant role in the admissions process. So, while your freshman year grades may have some impact, there are many other factors that colleges consider when evaluating your application. Keep working hard and focusing on your strengths, and you'll have a strong application. Best of luck!