Does Senior year count to colleges?

Question

Ok, I'm going into senior year in a new school and 9th and 10th grade I did really good, 11th grade I had 1 D for the year and 1 C for the year and 1 A, 2 B's (I went to vocational school). This year, I'm not going to vocational school and my guidance counselor gave me a full course load. I'm taking AP english, us history 11 honors, trig (but I'm switching to pre-calc), anatomy and physiology, physics, gym, sat prep (and they're telling me to take at LEAST 2 SAT's), and sociology. Will this matter to colleges, or no, and if not, should I drop some classes?

Answer 1

It depends on what college you go to.

If its a University, they are going to be really picky.

But if you start out at a community college they will let you in no matter what you did in High School.

The college I'm going to will let in High School drop outs...so don't over-work yourself, take a deep breath, and be comfortable knowing you don't have to fry your brain ^^

Answer 2

Your entire academic record is important, but admission officers are going to look more closely at how you are doing in 11th and 12th grade. They'll take note of how your grades have improved, and they'll look for comments from teachers or counselors who have also noticed your increased efforts. In your situation, recommendation letters play a valuable role because they can often explain a shift in grades or growth in character.

Since you have a D and C in junior year, you will want to work hard to bring your grades up senior year.  Colleges want to see that you're taking challenging classes and getting good grades, so from the schedule you submitted these are the most impressive classes: AP English, US History Honors, Pre-Calc, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology. (SAT Prep may not be in "impressive class" but it will help you raise your score--and yes, you should take the test twice).  Before you drop a class, make sure that you're on track to fulfill your high school graduating requirements as well as the requirements recommended for the colleges where you'll be applying.

You should also take a look at the schools to which you are applying and be sure you are applying to several schools where you know your academic record is on par with the average admitted student. And, of course, it's not all about grades. Capitalize on the strengths in your application. You should be proud of all you have achieved, and many schools will be impressed with your accomplishments.

For more college advice from Seventeen's College Expert, check out her blog at http://www.jayefenderson.com/guideseek

Answer 3

I'm not really sure what you are asking; will WHAT matter to colleges?  That you are taking an SAT course?  That you are switching to pre-calc?  That you had a D or C?  That you have a full class load?  I am not 100% sure of your exact question.

As for your header question.  YES - Senior year does count!  In fact, some of my students last year almost had their college acceptances rescinded because of poor first term grades.  Colleges decided to get harder on Seniors over the past few years because some students were slacking off in a major way after receiving their acceptance letters.  Some colleges, the higher level ones, may ask for your progress reports and mid year report card.

It sounds to me like you have a strong academic background.  Continue with the full course load.  It will show that you are serious about your education.  Oh,  and yes, you should take the SAT at least twice.  Most student's scores go up after they have taken a course (either private, or in school).  

Answer 4

colleges won't look at the SAT prep - and of course they look at senior year.

check out the admissions guidelines on the colleges you are interested in to give you more info on what classes you should take =)