Do colleges even look at your senior year?

<p>I mean the 2nd half of senior year. I'm wondering if I should take APs, or just take it easy last half.</p>

<p>They do put great importance in the 1st semester, but they typically don't see 2nd semester, unless you are borderline on admission and so they will check your 2nd sem. grades to see if you are qualified and still working hard.</p>

<p>ditto...........</p>

<p>Some don't even care about your first semester.</p>

<p>All of the colleges that I'm aware of ask you on your app to list all of the courses you'll be taking senior year. If your courses are notably weaker senior year than they were other years, this will count against you at the selective colleges, which want to make sure they're getting students who are dedicated to studying, not burned out.</p>

<p>After you've selected the college you plan to attend, that college will request your final transcript. All college admissions are provisional -- based on your having an acceptable final transcript. Selective colleges have rescinded admission of students who dropped out of rigorous classes second semester.</p>

<p>Colleges that notify students of admission April 1 will look at your first semester grades and coursework before deciding on whether to admit you.</p>

<p>Simple answer: Yes, they look at both semesters. The first when reviewing your application, the second when reviewing your final transcript. Take it easy AFTER you get to college.</p>

<p>thanks guys that was really helpful</p>

<p>If you really need to take it easy after senior year, take a gap year. Don't think you can take it easy freshman year in college. You'd risk getting low grades and getting kicked out.</p>