<p>I can give a specific answer. THEY ARE IMPORTANT. VERY IMPORTANT. </p>
<p>None of the “key metrics” (which is not a phrasing I would use) are “locked in” on our end. It is all fluid. New testing comes in, we adjust. New grades come in, we adjust. When we sit in committee, we have midyear grades for the nearly the entire applicant pool, and we will make the adjustments there if necessary. Frequently, school append the midyears with updated info. As I read, if I notice a tentative trend, but I would need senior year to confirm it, I make a note. When that folder comes up in committee, I’ll spot check to be sure my assumptions were valid. </p>
<p>Midyear grades were among my most frustrating surprises during my first year of admissions work. There were many applicants who I loved, and I was all ready to fight for them in committee. Then, I’d open the folder during committee to find that significantly sub-standard grades. That argument that I had built - that fight I was ready for - poof! Gone. Applicants need to take at least the first half of their senior year seriously</p>
<p>As for unweighted school rank becoming increasing important - I’m unaware of that trend. In nearly all circumstances, if a school gives me a weighted rank and GPA, that’s where my focus goes. There are, as there are for all things, small exceptions: schools that weight classes so slightly that rank tends to be misleading. But when provided with weighted information, that’s what we’ll use. </p>
<p>I’m curious to hear about the trend as you perceive it elsewhere. Where have you seen this starting to take place?</p>