Hi, my junior year is about to be over, and I worked tremendously hard this year, first semester I got a 4.283/3.95 and this semester I will get something around 4.4/3.9, give or take since I still have 2 weeks left of school.
Next year I’m taking 3 APs, this year I took 4. My first semester grades next year won’t be on the transcript that is sent to any of the colleges I’m applying to (I’m gonna apply everywhere before winter break, and grades don’t go in until after that). Of course, I’m not going to totally slack off next year and get Ds and Fs, but I know I won’t have the motivation to get basically straight As like I did this year. My question is how much do senior year grades, especially first semester, actually matter if colleges won’t consider them for admissions? I will probably get at least a 4.0 weighted, but my point is that my GPA will probably slightly drop next year. Does that matter at all though?
A slight drop in GPA will not make or break your application. Just be aware that some colleges require a mid-year report to be sent when available; others don’t. So some colleges will see your first semester grades. Regardless, all colleges will require a final transcript and a precipitous drop in grades could lead to the offer being rescinded.
In my kids’ Common App and other application experiences, every Regular Decision application required their first semester senior year grades as part of the application; only an Early Decision or Early Action decision was made without the benefit of first semester grades.
So, no senioritis until second semester – and even then, you have to send your final high school transcript with full year senior grades to the school you are attending. Every spring, there are threads from seniors about “Will I get rescinded . . . .”
@skieurope @Midwestmomofboys I know that you send your final transcript, and maybe a mid-year report. I might not apply anywhere RD depending on what happens with EA or Rolling applications. Don’t worry, I won’t let my grades drop to the point of me being concerned about getting rescinded. I was just trying to affirm that I don’t need to stress as much about my grades next year, like this year I would freak out if I got anything below a B on something, but next year I don’t know why it would matter.
If you don’t get in ED, your senior mid year grades could be the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. Plan on keeping your foot on the gas.