Here's why:
* College Applications: Most college applications have deadlines in the fall of senior year. Junior year grades are almost always completely finalized by then, forming the bulk of the academic record colleges consider. Senior year grades may or may not be available to colleges by application deadlines, and even if available, they often carry less weight.
* Course Rigor: Junior year usually involves the most challenging coursework for many students, reflecting the courses taken to prepare for college applications. Colleges see junior year performance as a strong indicator of ability to handle college-level work.
* Mid-Year Reports: Many colleges require mid-year reports from junior year, demonstrating continued academic success after initial application submission.
While senior year grades are important and can impact scholarship opportunities and potential placement within a college, the overall impact on college admissions is typically less than junior year's. A significant drop in senior year grades might raise concerns, but a strong junior year can offset some weaker senior-year performance (though this isn't ideal). Therefore, maintaining a strong GPA throughout both years is crucial, but junior year carries a more significant weight in the college admissions process.