Do colleges care about a 65 in gym?

I have a 65 in gym in my first semester of senior year. It doesn’t count toward my average but still appears on my transcript. Will this count against me when colleges see it? I had all 90s in gym before this.

It may have an impact in some contexts. Does it say anything about your academic ability for college? No. But does it reflect on your ability to meet your obligations and expectations in general? Yes, and that reflects on your maturity, willingness to abide by the rules, etc. And ultimately, you will be part of a college community so in that regard, what it reflects may be a bit of a shadow over your transcript.

Yes.

I think of it as a grade in sportsmanship, especially when one isn’t part of a high school team. It won’t affect your academic evaluation, but it absolutely reflects the qualities @gardenstategal referred to.

The answer will not be the same for every college/every admission officer. IMO it is unlikely to flip an admission decision from yes to no but it will be noticed. A “D” in gym could be seen as a sign of goofing off which is not viewed as a positive trait. If there is a legitimate reason for the lower grade (ex. you were ill and missed multiple classes) ask the guidance counselor to note it when the transcript is sent. If no illness etc. was involved then pull that gym grade back up to the B (or at least C) level.

Everything in an application is looked at an has some impact. I wouldn’t agree that it won’t to change an admissions decision - when it comes down to the final few decisions for very evenly matched applicants, it’s something that could make for an easy tiebreaker.

It certainly will if gym is a graduation requirement.