I applied to Cornell ED, and my counselor said they sent my first quarter senior grades. I averaged 4.75 for first quarter, which is a lot higher than my pre-senior year gpa of ~4.2. I’m wondering how much weighting do colleges give to first quarter grades?
Approx 1/7. You have three prior years of data they will consider in addition to the latest.
Many colleges consider the first semester grade of senior year as the most accurate measurer of the applicant’s performance in college. Therefore, that half year grade is treated the same as, if not better than, the whole term grade of junior year.
It’s great that you excelled in the first quarter since it will raise the chance of your acceptance.
Please substantiate that comment @HardOREasy. I’ve not seen it.
Strong first quarter grades could help, especially if an applicant is on the cusp.