Is freshman year important?

Hi everyone! I'm currently a freshman in high school, and I'm wondering how important this year is when it comes to college admissions. How much do colleges consider freshman year grades and activities? Should I be worried if I don't have a perfect start?

It's great that you're thinking about your future so early in your high school career! Freshman year is definitely a building block for your high school journey, and it sets the foundation for your subsequent years. Moreover, getting involved in activities you're passionate about starting in freshman year can show commitment and depth of experience by the time you're a senior.

Although colleges take your freshman year seriously, but it's not the be-all and end-all. If you didn't do as well as you hoped, use this experience to motivate yourself to improve. Colleges are interested in seeing growth and improvement, so even if you don't have a perfect start, you can demonstrate how you've developed academically over your high school years. Always remember, your health and well-being are just as important, so while you strive for academic success and meaningful activities, balance is key! Keep up the work, and don't be too hard on yourself—you have plenty of time to build a strong application.