<p>I didn't go to school in America for the first two years of high school, so I was in all unleveled courses (my school didn't offer honors or ap or anything like that) during that time. I had the grades to take all AP/honors courses my junior year but my counselor only placed me in three honors courses (as well as two regular ones and a couple of unleveled ones). Next year, and now that I know much more about the educational system here, I'll have a very rigorous courseload even if only the first few months of senior year really matter. Will this extenuate my less-than-ideal schedules during the first three years of high school? I have good grades and a great SAT score to match, and I want to prove that I'm capable of hard work.</p>
<p>Taking a strong senior schedule is important; it shows that you take hard classes because you want to, not just because they give you an extra GPA point. They aren’t as important as your previous years generally, but most colleges do take into account extenuating circumstances such as yours.</p>
<p>^i disagree that they aren’t important as your previous years’ grades. a low senior year gpa on your midyear report could mean rejection if you are applying regular decision.</p>
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<p>Absolutely, positively 100% correct, especially if you’re looking at competitive schools.</p>
<p>Senior year is very important. It is key to show that you are still working hard and still getting good grades. One year may not make up for the past three, but the increased workload should definitely reflect well on you.</p>
<p>Colleges do care about senior years grades, that is why they want mid year reports sent when they are available. Also they want to see you challenge yourself so they expect one to take a rigorous schedule and not slack off.</p>
<p>I agree, senior year schedule is still very important. One valedictorian at my old high school switched to easier classes after he was accepted early to UNC-CH (was class prez, can do no wrong kind of guy), and he started to slack off like many people do. The whole school was shocked to learn that his accpetance was rescinded, and I have no idea what happened to him now. It’s not too shocking after one reflects on it because he switched from APs to I think reg classes, grades went from As/few Bs to low Bs and a few Cs. Don’t let senioritis get the best of you! ;)</p>
<p>@OP: Hopefully colleges will understand your special situation (I really hope that they do), perhaps have your counselor explain what happened? Best wishes! :)</p>
<p>It’s very important. To use another UNC-CH example, they have a special e-mail account you have to contact with original schedule, proposed schedule, and reason for changes before they’ll give you permission to change the schedule you listed on your application.</p>