<p>I didn't do so well Junior year, averaging mostly B's in my AP and Honor classes. So I was wondering if I managed to do exceptionally well senior year (5x APs) first semester would it partially make-up for my lackluster transcript? I'm applying to a bunch of top 20 colleges.</p>
<p>Maybe a bit, but don’t apply ED anywhere. A top 20 with a B average will be extremely tough unless you have some amazing other parts of your app.</p>
<p>Those are two different questions.</p>
<ol>
<li> Are senior year grades as important to colleges [as grades from freshman through junior years, I assume]?<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Yes. Presumably, the classes you’re taking as a senior come closest to the difficulty and complexity of classes you’ll be taking in college. These grades matter.</p>
<ol>
<li> So, if I manage to do exceptionally well in a demanding schedule as a senior, will that make up for my “lackluster” transcript at top 20 colleges and universities?</li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry, but no. To be perfectly frank, top 20 colleges and universities can fill their entering classes with students who did exceptionally well senior and junior years. You’d have to bring something pretty extraordinary to the table to induce them to select you over an applicant who’s had top grades throughout high school.</p>