<p>My grades first semester are actually the best grades I'v ever received in my life. What I want to know though, is their weight on the admissions process. I've applied to a lot of top 25 schools, and they all require to see first semester grade. Is it usually completely considered for everyone's app, or is it just a "gut-check" on grades for kids who were already strong enough to make some kind of first cut off?</p>
<p>also to clarify my situation: my only “iffy” part of my app was my gpa. I’ve gotten all A’s and B’s (quite a lot though), but had a slow start because my freshman year was in regular level classes. upward grade trend, school doesn’t report rank or percents or give ANY sort of grade distribution idea (I’ve seen the school report.) I’ve taken the most rigorous courseload since then. I think I’m at the bottomish of top 10% in a huge huge class though because my school does release rank for merit scholarship, and I got one where they mostly take top 10% students (my friend with a lower gpa and 200 points lower on sat got the same one as me). My SAT scores and ECs (just recently won a national title in a creative activity and was elected to quite a few officer positions) are on par for my schools imo and my essay was touching enough to make my friend cry and then rave. My recs were glowing and my gc loves me.</p>
<p>bump? 10char</p>
<p>I believe that most colleges do take first semester grades a lot into consideration or as equally weighed with your other grades throughout high school. It’s their way to checking that you aren’t slacking during your last year since they can’t see your second semester grades until after decisions. It should really help that these grades have been the best since they hopefully brought up your GPA a bit. There’s not much you can do now so just wait for the decisions and hope for the best! Also, you said that you applied to a lot of top 25s, be sure you have a safety or two if things do not go as planned. </p>
<p>equally weighted? That’s a relief. thanks :)</p>