I hope these aren’t the only schools to which you are applying, particularly because of your unusual application, and understand that i would say that to anyone. Schools have varying policies about freshman grades, but almost all like an improving grade point. I think more important than worrying about whether ‘these colleges are aware of this’ is to call up your admissions officers and let them know of your interest and ask them any questions. They probably know all this at these elite schools but it cannot hurt to reach out to them. Call now if you can afford to; otherwise, email them. Understand that they are extremely busy so word your questions well.