<p>Hey guys, I know this question has probably been asked before, but I haven't seen it on the boards so far. I'm a current senior right now getting my apps done. I was wondering how your senior GPA is figured into your total if it is because I mean colleges only look at your 1st semester grades, whereas for junior, soph., and fresh grades are whole year gpa's. Are senior year's figured in as a temporary indicator for the whole year or what? Thanks!</p>
<p>Most schools factor your grades into your gpa at the end of the semester or year, I believe. I don't know if any do it by quarter, but for the most part, your cumulative GPA will stay the way it is. Colleges will take a look at your senior schedule and see what kinds of grades you get (to see if you can handle hard classes/not slack off), but that's about it.</p>
<p>Most schools use the semester grades. If you're applying before the semester ends, they'll just send grades through the end of junior year with a copy of the classes you're taking. It's still possible to apply to schools after the first semester of your senior year or you could be waitlisted, so senior year grades are still important. Don't slack off! If you are waitlisted, get your GC to send new semester's grades to prove you are a serious student. At the end of the your senior year, your GC will send a final transcript to the school you end up choosing. My son's final semester grades were good enough to bring his GPA from a 3.48 to a 3.52. We called the financial aid office and they said they'd give him another $1,000/year for crossing that threshold.</p>