How much do colleges look at senior year when reviewing applications?

Hey everyone, I've been hearing mixed opinions regarding how important senior year is in the college admissions process. How much do colleges look at senior year when reviewing applications? Does it vary between colleges, or is there a general consensus?

Colleges definitely consider your senior year grades, albeit with varying degrees of weight. For early application rounds, they might only see your coursework and any grades up to the point of application submission, which can serve as an indicator of the rigor and continuation of your academic performance. However, for regular decision and after admission offers, final senior year grades can also play a role, especially to ensure that a student hasn't experienced a significant drop in performance. Each college's emphasis on senior year can vary, but it's best to keep your performance consistent to avoid any negative impact. For instance, a noticeable decline in grades could lead to deferred admission, waitlisting, or in extreme cases, even rescinding an offer. So, strive for consistency and let your senior year reflect the same work ethic and dedication you've shown throughout high school.