How much can 1st semester senior grades change things?

<p>I have a C and a C+ from freshman and sophomore year as well as several B- or Bs throughout my freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Long story short? I'm ready to crack down and work hard next year to maintain mostly As and B+ in all my classes. If I get mostly As and apply regular decision so I can submit those grades, would that help me out at least a little bit?</p>

<p>It would show a rising trend, and my class schedules have increased in difficulty each year so it's not like I suddenly have As senior year because of easy classes.</p>

<p>What do you think?</p>

<p>I'm not expecting miracles here, but I'm hoping it will at least help a tiny bit with some of my reach schools. I'm applying mostly to small, respected but not super competitive LACs FYI. A couple are on the CTCL list.</p>

<p>Well, I don’t think your first semester grades will help you too much with the GPA but it will look good on your transcript. And, since you are applying to some descent colleges (not competitive ones) I think you will be fine. Just work hard, and try to take some AP classes on the way.
Good luck!</p>

<p>Yeah, the semester-long As won’t do much for your GPA, but remember, it’s the transcript colleges will be looking at. It certainly will be impressive!</p>

<p>Getting good grades in the first semester of senior year DOES help. If you apply RD, it will get get you a second look when they get the mid-year report. It was enough to get me a second look at more selective schools and got me a chance for additional merit aid at one of my safety schools.</p>