I just went to the common app and saw the grades section. I would like to include my senior year grades since my GPA and rank will go up. But how would I do that if I get my senior grades in December? Is senior year grade (first semester) part of your transcript? Do colleges see cumulative gpa of freshman to junior year or freshman to first semester of senior year
If you apply RD (i.e. with deadlines in Jan 1 or Feb), your first semester grades will be included in your evaluation. If you apply earlier (Nov 1, for instance for ED or EA), they are not included nor evaluated.
Talk to your guidance counselor and ask how senior grades will be presented on your HS transcript.
It depends on when you apply and when grades are released for your school.