Does being valedictorian consider grades from all four years?

I'm a little confused about how valedictorian is chosen. Does it factor in all four years of high school or just certain years? I had a rough freshman year, but my grades have significantly improved since then.

Yes, being valedictorian typically considers grades from all four years of high school. The valedictorian is the student with the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) in their graduating class. This means that all of your grades, from freshman year to senior year, will be factored into determining your class rank and, ultimately, whether or not you become the valedictorian.

That said, it's important to note that each high school may have slightly different methods for calculating class rank and determining the valedictorian. Some schools might weigh certain years more heavily, while others could have additional selection criteria beyond just the GPA, such as extracurricular involvement or leadership roles. It's best to speak with your school counselor or an academic advisor to get specific information on how your school calculates class rank and chooses the valedictorian.

While having a rough freshman year may impact your cumulative GPA, it's still possible to demonstrate significant growth and improvement in your academic performance as you progress through high school. Colleges will take note of this upward trend, so don't be too discouraged if your chances of becoming valedictorian are slim. College admissions officers often appreciate seeing improvement and resilience in a student's academic record.