do low grades freshman year really hurt?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>How much does UVA look at improvement? </p>

<p>I'm a junior right now, and have straight A's and will continue to keep these grades this year, and most likely next year. But my 8th, 9th, and first half of my 10th grade years, I didn't do as well. I got 3 B's my 8th and 9th, and 2 B's my 10th, with all other grades being A's. I've taken the highest level classes for junior year, and will next year. I'm also in a specialty art school, play sports, and have lots of volunteer hours. I'll graduate with a 4.11, but apply with a 3.92. My PSAT scores were good, and I should do well on my SAT. Will UVA understand that when I was 13 and 14 years old, I didn't focus as much on school as I do now? Will they overlook what may look like a "low" gpa because of the improvement shown?</p>

2

<p>They're only considering freshman to senior year grades, so your performance in 8th and 9th grades won't factor in. Don't worry and just focus on packaging your application. That means focusing on essays and networking with admissions counselors; write thank you notes to them via e-mail after visiting UVA if you have the time.</p>

3

<p>Thank you, I hadn't thought about writing thank you notes! I'll have to do that after an "official" tour.</p>