First Quarter Grades...How critical are they?

<p>Out of curiosity, is Wash U a little more lenient with first quarter grades considering kids are taking a more rigorous course load and applying to college? Do they only care about them if a kid is on the bubble of being accepted or not? And if they do look into them, are they looking for amazing grades? I'm just curious to find out if they are looking for A+'s in classes for the first quarter. Thanks! </p>

<p>I would imagine they count as much as any other recent semester.</p>

<p>I probably should have been more clear. More in terms of ED applicants. Especially if the application is in well before grades come out</p>

<p>Many schools, and I believe Wash U is among them, will require 1st quarter grades for ED, even if your application was submitted before the quarter closed.</p>

<p>Even if you get accepted, your application can be rescinded if your senior grades plunge.</p>

<p>@skieurope‌ If you’re on a semester system? How does that work?</p>

<p>Even for semester-based students who won’t have an official half-term report, Wash U requires a letter from the HS with an updated status. Your assigned application processor will be able to tell you what that letter needs to contain and who needs to sign it. And yes, they do follow through; your file will not progress if that letter is not there. After that, if you are admitted, all offers of admittance are subject to rescission based on Senior Year grades. </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>I had this same question when I was applying last year. My high school was on a semester system, and I didn’t realize until just before the deadline to send in first quarter grades that Wash U needed them to consider the application complete. I immediately went to the registrar and explained that I needed to send them in as soon as possible, and she faxed them over right then. </p>

<p>As opposed to the other grades in your GPA, your first quarter grades aren’t your official grades for the semester. You’re probably taking pretty difficult classes, and your quarter grades should reflect that you’re continuing to put in effort.</p>