I honestly don’t care if Stanford looks at Freshman grades or not, but many of you from what I’ve read CONFIRM that they do not look at Freshman grades. So, I want to be going to the medical field when I’m older (I’m very serious, I want to help others when I can, it’s ALWAYS been a dream to be a neurosurgeon.) I’m taking AP Biology in 9th, and so if they don’t look at it, do they disregard the AP Biology or do they still know I took it since its college-level and not actually 9th grade level? Thanks.
I spoke with an admissions officer from Stanford, and she confirmed that they do not take into account freshman grades, but do take into consideration the course rigor. Taking AP Bio as a freshman is especially impressive and noteworthy, but if you’re looking to get college credit for it, they probably won’t accept it. They can’t expect you to be strong on the same content four years later.
Oh man. Is there a way to show them that I will be strong in it, by retaking in 11th or is there another kind of class I can show them that because I want to them to consider and KNOW I’m taking this rigorous class because I am determined to get in the Biology field…? Or is there no other way?
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Sorry if I’m confusing but I thought they just don’t look at Freshman classes in general like Algebra 1 and English 1 or whatever… I’m taking Algebra 2 and AP Biology and not getting the credit for it seems odd? To clear-up all in all, do they only excuse 9th grade level classes or do not take in accountability the 11th grade and college-level class I’m taking this year?
Its just hard to believe lol sorry about that, the next reply, if similar to the first, then I’ll understand thanks
AP classes offer the chance to get both high school credit and college credit IF you score a 4 or 5 on the exam. Most universities accept these credits towards earning a degree, but some may require you to take biology in college again just to refresh yourself on content you learned four years prior. Taking AP Biology as a freshman is extremely impressive and Stanford will take note of that. However, they will not consider grades in standard freshman courses. I would advise you not to take it again, but to just stay on the science track to show you have a deep interest in that field. Take advantage of all the science courses your school has to offer.
Got it. Thank you for clearing it up. Much appreciated. 
The course name and grade are going to be on your transcript, so it is certainly there for them to see it. They will know that you took AP Bio and Algebra II in 9th grade becuse they will be listed on your high school transcript. You can also self-report AP scores on the common app.
Here is a link to the list of courses that Stanford offers AP credit for. Biology, by tthe way, is not on this list.
https://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/ap-charts
Hmm, a lot of the APs that my school offers aren’t on the list lol. That sucks. Thanks for your help, though. I will keep that in mind.
My S a member of the class of '19 received 6 B’s freshman year and 5 thereafter. He took the most challenging course load possible and in his high school’s 21 year history. He had no hooks, nor was he a member of an underrepresented applicant group. He was passionate about his pursuits and a leader in the activities in which he participated. He presented himself authentically and humbly.
Of Stanford?!? Wow, that is impressive and I applaud his drive and passion to being successful. Truly gives someone like me hope. Thanks for your input, @ProudDad2019 !
How are you able to see the list without a Stanford ID
@myyalieboy That’s really odd. I was able to see the list before, I think it is now restricted to see it only with a Stanford ID now, even though it was able to work for me earlier. I can tell you some of the classes from the top of my head, but most of them on the list were AP language classes, AP Chemistry, and some type of literature (I didn’t save the list or anything.) I guess you got here a bit too late.
Stanford DOES look at Freshman grades and DOES expect stellar performance ALL 4 years.
See the last sentence below.
From Stanford selection process website.
http://admission.stanford.edu/basics/selection/prepare.html
"Academic Preparation
There is no magic formula for getting into college. It is true, however, your college search has the potential to be enjoyable and successful if you have:
taken full advantage of the opportunities available to you in high school
achieved at a high level all four years"
and this is a summary of admitted student profiles for 2014
Interesting information, but when checking with Stanford the school itself, many people have learned that they don’t look at Freshman grades which idek anymore but that’s okay. The links are much appreciated. @menloparkmom
@myyalieboy - that is so weird. I have no idea why that is happening. I have always been able to see that list.
I do not believe literature is on the list. AB, BC Calculus, Chemistry, Physics ( I think B and both the Cs) are on the list, as well as foreign languages. A “4” on an AP foreign language fulfills the requirement but receives no credit. I think a 5 receives some credit.
I thought students received ID numbers once they enrolled??? But I may be mistaken. Perhaps your ds has one and can pull up the chart for you.
Edit - try this?? It’s archived, but I don’t think there are any changes:
https://web.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/bulletin1112/4884.htm
Thank you. The second link worked. I did not even know they gave AP credit. I think DD will be given 20 credits. It is helpful bc it allows her to take fewer credits when taking a new, hard course line CS. Thanks a bunch!