Does Your Freshman Year of High School Really Count for College Admissions?
Every new high school student hears the same two mantras, usually in equal measure: One that says that the freshman year of high school doesn’t really matter when it comes time for college admissions and one that says that it’s a critical period that can dictate their entire future.
What’s the truth of the situation? The short answer is, “Yes, freshman year really does matter when it comes time to apply to college.” But the long answer has many nuances that are worth considering. Understanding more about why your freshman year matters can help you make better choices at the start of your high school career.
Your Freshman Year of High School Sets a Tone for the Future
Freshman year sets the academic tone for the remainder of your high school experience. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t get to “drop out” your grades from your freshman year of high school when you apply to college, so get that thought out of your head.
A strong academic start in high school is going to make it a lot easier to get (and keep) the high GPA you need to be competitive when you apply to college. If you don’t take your grades seriously in your freshman year, you may have a hard time getting your GPA where you need it to be later.
Your Course Selection Becomes Increasingly Important
Prior to high school, you had very little control over your course selection – but the freedom that comes with having choices once you enter high school also comes with some weighty responsibilities. Starting your high school career with advanced classes in math, science or the language arts can open doors to higher-level courses (and sometime even college credits) in later years.
Colleges appreciate students who take challenging courses throughout high school, as that demonstrates their willingness to push themselves academically. These universities to which you will later apply do look back to the freshman year to see how much a student has grown.
Your Personal Growth and Development Start Early
Freshman year of high school is also a critical time in a young person’s personal growth in several different ways. You must learn to manage your time independently, without as much direction from your teachers and parents as you once had. You also must learn how to balance school with other responsibilities while simultaneously navigating the often-murky social aspects of high school. These are the experiences that you may draw from when it comes time to write those all-important personal essays for college applications.
There’s also the question of the extracurriculars you choose. Whether it’s joining clubs, making the cut for a sports team or doing volunteer work, these activities can shape your interests and showcase your leadership abilities. Consistent involvement in extracurriculars is impressive to college admissions officers, who look for well-rounded students with diverse interests and a high energy level.
What if You Make a Mistake? What if You’ve Already Made Mistakes?
Nobody is perfect, and it’s not uncommon for students to struggle during their ninth-grade year as they adjust to the new environment and academic rigors.
Fortunately, colleges understand this transition and often place more emphasis on grades and achievements from sophomore to senior year. If your freshman year grades are not as strong as you might have hoped, you can mitigate the damage by showing massive improvement the next year and taking on independent projects and other academic challenges later. The struggle to overcome early mistakes also makes good “fuel” for a college essay – and resilience is a quality that college admissions officers value.
What’s the Bottom Line About Freshman Year?
Freshman year of high school does count for college admissions, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Many colleges use a holistic admissions process, meaning they consider the entire student profile rather than just grades and test scores. Freshman year is just one piece of the puzzle – but it does set the stage for the rest of your high school experience. Getting things “right” can make your college admissions journey a little bit smoother.
