Will colleges consider semester grades? Does senior year count?

Applying to College
1

I was wondering how colleges examine your grades. I am concerned that a college will just look at my GPA and/or class rank and not notice the accomplishments I have made. There were only two semesters where I did not have straight A’s (first semester freshmen and sophomore years). These have had an impact on my GPA, it is 3.87. Also, I have maintained straight A’s for the past four semesters, in my most difficult classes. I think I have shown great improvement and that I am capable of having a 4.0. Do you think colleges will take this into consideration, or will they only see my GPA as being a 3.87? (I have also never received a grade lower than a B+)

I was also wondering if colleges will take into consideration my grades this past semester my first semester of senior year. I have once again received straight A’s and was wondering if they would be able to see this? I believe my class rank will rise from 20/400 to maybe even top 10 of my class of 400. Is this something they will consider?

2

Yes, colleges do not simply look at your GPA. They carefully analyze your entire transcript, taking particular note of course rigor and how well you have performed in advanced courses. Thus, your 3.87 is a perfectly solid GPA for any top college you may want to apply to (assuming that you have taken advantage of most or all of the academic opportunities your school offers).

Most schools to which you apply RD (and for schools from which you were deferred EA/ED) will take into account your first semster senior year grades via the Mid-Year Report through the Common Application or another school-specific form (if they use one).

3

Thank you that was really helpful!