Major improvement in junior year? Will colleges take that into account?

Hi. I’m a high school senior.

I was never really a good student in the past. Freshman and sophomore year, my averages were in the mid to high 70’s. My school never really drilled into me that these grades count for college. Obviously it’s not their fault, but yeah.

At the end of sophomore year, they started talking to us about the SATs and ACTs and college stuff. This got me really excited and got me looking into things. I also went on a summer program that summer that just helped me mature a lot. I realized that if I really pushed myself, I can achieve great things.

My first semester of junior year average was 81, second semester of junior year was 85, and first semester of senior year was 87. My ACT score is 24.

All I want is to get into a decent 4-year college in the New York area. Will colleges notice my improvement and take it into account when deciding? Can I win them over with a sob story?

(I’m applying next year because I’m taking a gap year)

I think they will notice your improvement, especially because it was so rapid. A gap year will probably help too, since it will provide you time to get your feet on the ground and try new things.