Hello!
Schools emphasize particular years more or less depending on what your application plan is. For example: Early decision/action students aren't going to have their senior year grades considered whatsoever, however the rigor of your class schedule can matter, especially for more competitive schools. Regular decision, ED2, and late term rolling applicants who submit a senior midyear report will have their 12th grade transcript taken into serious consideration. Stanford university is a great example of this, where they explicitly describe how the admissions decision for RD candidates can be significantly influenced by senior midyear reports (https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/decision_process/index.html). Here's the general standard for admissions:
Early applicants:
- Junior year grades are THE most important. Sophom*ore and freshman grades are given less of an emphasis.
- Unless deferred, senior year performance will not impact your chance of admissions (unless quarter/trimester/predicted grades are requested)
- Although senior year performance won't be considered, the rigor of your senior year will contribute to your admissions decision.
Regular/Rolling applicants:
- Junior and Senior (first semester) grades are the most important. Sophom*ore and freshman grades are given less of an emphasis.
- Unless you don't submit a midyear report, your senior year performance will have a significant impact on your admissions decision.
- Senior year rigor STILL MATTERS. Taking a difficult selection of classes (relative to your school's course catalogue) should be constant throughout your entire transcript.
What also matters is how many AP classes your school offers. If a student isn't offered the resources to take 10+ APs, prestigious colleges will recognize that and take your course rigor into a relative consideration.
Depending on how many APs your school offers, it seems like you're doing good for your junior year. 2-3 APs is standard, though not ideal. You have your senior year to make up for any lack in rigor. Consult with your school counselor and see what course load might be reasonable for you in 12th grade. Best of luck!
