I was wondering how much personal statement and teacher recs account for? And if colleges look at senior year at all?
Every college publishes a “Common Data Set” There will be a chart showing how much weight each section of the application is given. Most seem to list recommendations as “Very Important” or “Important.” It’s listed as C-7 on Common Data Sets. To find them just google “Common Data Set” and the name of the school.
Colleges will be sent your first semester grades by your guidance counselor as soon as the grades are in. The grades are vital for Regular Decision. If you apply early and are wait listed or deferred the grades will also be vital.