How do schools view improvement over a student's HS academic career?

[tamagotchi]

@JackH2021

If a student does not perform up to their potential their freshman year (think 3.2-3.5 UW GPA) does it kill their chances to get into a strong school even if they pull close to a 4.0 their remaining three years?

It probably depends on what you consider a “strong school.” Lots of great schools don’t expect perfect grades.