“Do freshman year grades really matter?” is one of the most googled questions by incoming 9th graders — and the honest answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Here’s what you need to know.

Yes, They Count Toward Your GPA

Your cumulative GPA includes every semester of high school, including 9th grade. If you get a C in English freshman year, that grade is averaged in permanently. It doesn’t disappear. So in the most direct sense, yes — freshman year grades matter because they contribute to the overall number colleges will see on your transcript.

But They’re Not the Whole Story

Colleges do look at your entire transcript including trajectory. A student who struggled freshman year but showed consistent improvement through 10th, 11th, and 12th grade tells a compelling story of growth. That’s significantly better to admissions readers than a student who peaked freshman year and gradually declined. The trend matters, not just the snapshot.

The Bigger Warning: Course Level Choices

The more important decision in 9th grade isn’t just avoiding bad grades — it’s choosing the right course levels. If you take a lower-level math in freshman year because it feels safer, you may find yourself locked out of more advanced math in junior year when it matters most. Make sure you’re in courses that challenge you at an appropriate level, not just the path of least resistance.

Start Strong, Not Just Early

The best approach to freshman year is to take it seriously from the start — not because one B will ruin your future (it won’t), but because the habits you build freshman year become your default. Students who develop good study habits, show up to class consistently, and turn work in on time in 9th grade tend to perform better every year after. Students who take a “just get by” approach freshman year often find it hard to shift gears later.

Freshman year is a foundation. Build it well and everything after gets easier.