Would one bad year of high school s***w up my transcripts?

Question

Ok, I'm a Junior, and I've done very well over my high school career. I've done community service, I'm on the track team (I'm no good, but I'm still on the team), and I placed third in the nation in the National French Testing Competition. But there's one problem: freshman year. Freshman year of high school I was doing poorly (I made a D in a class, 3 C's, a B, and two A's). Sophomore year I made 6 A's and two B's, and I participated in a lot of clubs, track, student council, etc. I want to get into a top school. Is that one bad (freshman) year going to completely destroy my chances of getting into a top University/College?

Answer 1

Colleges and Universities like to look at the whole student, not just the transcript. Be sure that you keep up your good grades into your senior year and stay active in various school activities.  Also, great SAT/ACT scores will be a big factor.  Don't forget, if you don't get into your first choice school the first time, try going to cc and applying as a transfer, you're chances of getting in after cc are usually better.....