<p>Do regular decision schools look at first semester senior grades/class rank, or do they only count junior year and before? I'm guessing first semester counts because there's the "mid-year report" but does anyone know for sure?</p>
<p>I'm currently ranked 1, but I'm afraid I will get a B in AP English, which will probably drop me to 2 or 3. Will this look bad to colleges? I already have one B freshman year from French.</p>
<p>Oh GOD no, not a B! Because this ONE B in my senior year along with that one wayy back when in freshman year is going to keep me from getting into college! It may even sacrifice my valedictorian status!</p>
<p>Get real dude, adcoms do not put enormous weight on valedictorian/salutatorian status. They care much more about your SAT scores.</p>
<p>^ Really? Because I think a few years of work outweighs a few hours of testing.</p>
<p>Perhaps they don't care that much about the difference between the top 5-10% or so, but how can SAT scores be "much more" important?</p>
<p>how exactly do colleges factor in the first semester of senior year grades?</p>
<p>As far as I know, it really depends on the school. Different schools place different weight/importance on class rank. You can check that out on collegeboard or the school's website, I believe. </p>
<p>And as far as senior year grades go, I think that also depends on the school. But I do know that for some, if you apply after your first semester or so passes then you can submit those scores & new gpa. With others, I'm not sure. But just check out their websites, or call the admissions office.</p>
<p>My advice?</p>
<p>Don't get a B in AP...</p>
<p>I have a 4.00 and will be at Valedictorian status at the end of this year...I had several VERY hard classes this last year...I was on the verge of losing my 4.00...I worked my butt off and did what I had to do (several nights of no sleep) but now that I look back at this last year...I am SO glad I did it...I just have to survive this year</p>
<p>SO...if you are as smart as you sound...don't let yourself get a B or even an A- when you are capable of much more...
good luck</p>
<p>My advice?</p>
<p>That B won't screw you over at all.... BUT an A is always better than a B.</p>