Are First Semester Senior Grades Really that Important?

Are First Semester Senior Grades Really that Important?

Spoiler alert: Yes, they are! But let’s a take a step back….Senior year can feel like an Ironman triathlon. You are taking your most rigorous course load yet, stepping into new leadership positions, and then writing a gazillion essays for college apps. Demands pile up, one upon another, and they do not seem to relent on any side.After three years of hard work throughout high school, it’s common for 12th graders to think it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family before going off to college.But don’t let your brain slip into hibernation mode. Opportunities to celebrate and rest will come soon enough. Now is the time to put on your game face and double down on your studies because your senior grades matter a great deal to college admissions.

Why exactly are Grades Important Again?

Excellent question.College is a vehicle for many things. You can gain research experience, partake in internships, and meet people from the other side of the world. Holistic review processes mean that colleges consider who you are as a person—your interests, school context, family background—to determine whether you are a good fit.However, college is first and foremost is a place of higher learning.  Admissions officers must be sure their incoming cohort of students are capable of succeeding in their courses and contribute to the intellectual growth of classmates. They also want to protect their graduation and retention rates.Strong grades in high school, particularly senior year—when students should take their most demanding classes—indicate that you will meet the rigor of college-level courses head-on.

Does That Mean I have to earn Straight As to Get Into College?

Not exactly.Straight As can only help you, of course, but getting one or two Bs will not necessarily devastate your chances of admittance, depending on where you apply and what classes you’re taking. Earning a lower grade in AP Physics would be looked up on more favorably than in a regular science class, for example.Colleges look for trends in your transcript: have you always been a straight-A student, or did you earn Bs throughout high school? If you have had a positive grade trend from freshman to junior year and then your grades dip a little, admissions officers may raise an eyebrow.In general, you should aim to match or exceed the average high school GPA of students at your first-choice college. Keep in mind that straight As are common among applicants accepted to Ivy League schools.

What If I Apply Early?

If you are accepted into your early action and early decision schools, the difference between an A and a B won’t rock the boat. Colleges aren’t going to rescind your admissions decision because you earned an 85% on a final test rather than a 95%. But dipping into Cs is risky and Ds and Fs are alarming.Beyond acceptance and rejection, some colleges will defer early applicants to the regular decision round. Perhaps they want to read you in the context of the whole applicant pool, are curious about how your extracurriculars will develop, or want to see your first semester senior grades. For students who had lower grades their freshman year or only took college-level courses their senior year, the latter is typically the case.

Is it Game Over for Me if I Get a Bad Grade?

Nope!Many U.S. colleges use holistic review processes. They care about your context and consider how life circumstances affect your academic performance. Things happen, and colleges understand that.If you receive a poor grade (Cs or lower), write to your regional admissions officer. You can usually find out who this person is through a quick Google search using key words like, “Los Angeles X College Regional Admissions Officer.” Alternatively, you could browse their admissions page and find the list of staff.How you respond to a poor grade (and bad circumstances in general) is more telling than the grade itself. Evaluate your effort, make necessary adjustments, and consult trusted advisors to help you formulate a plan to turn a bad grade around and more accurately demonstrate your true ability.

Good Habits Build Success

Doing well does not have to look like slaving yourself on assignments and getting three hours of sleep every night in order to meet all your deadlines. Your health is more important than your grades, after all. But do communicate well with your parents and teachers so they are aware of your multiple responsibilities. Mange your time, keep a calendar, and rally a team around you so you can finish strong. For specific strategies for studying, check out the book, How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less, written by Georgetown computer science professor, Cal Newport.The habits you build in adolescence will remain with you throughout college and life. Even if it may seem challenging to stay focused throughout senior year, do not give up. The resilience, work ethic, and focus you develop during this season of your life will help set a steady foundation for you when other obstacles pop up.The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.See what others are saying about us