Why Junior Year Grades Matter Most in College Admissions

December 16, 2025December 16, 2025 by Jen Foldvary

Junior year grades play the biggest role in college admissions because they show how students handle rigorous coursework just before applying.

Learn how parents can help students finish this pivotal year strong.

Excellent

Educational Connections Tutoring, Executive Function Coaching, and College Consulting4.9

Based on 232 reviews

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Clem Rastatter

2 months ago

The tutor provided for or 10, now 11 year old grandson is clearly the best tutor we have ever hired. I was concerned about her being on zoom, but they quickly established a relationship. Part of the tutoring process each session is games. I hear them giggling all the time. Highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Hi Clem, thank you so much for this wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear how strong the connection has been between your grandson and his tutor. 😊 Building rapport and making learning engaging (remotely!) are huge parts of our approach. We’re so glad the games, relationship, and results have made such a positive impression. Thank you for trusting us and for the enthusiastic recommendation!

David Popelier

2 weeks ago

One of my kids has worked with two different Educational Connections reading tutors over the past three years, and they have been excellent. He has progressed leaps and bounds, and the proof is in the standardized test results. I highly recommend their services!

Marlene Chiasson

3 weeks ago

Response from the owner:Thanks for your review, Marlene!

Jana Puertas Lamontagne

4 weeks ago

Response from the owner:Thanks for rating us, Jana!

David Greenwood

1 month ago

This tutoring service is amazing! My son needed support with school assignments and executive functioning. Educational Connections was kind, supportive and very helpful. My son learned so much from his virtual tutoring sessions. I highly recommend Educational Connections. They are top notch!

Julie Flamant Hamilton

1 month ago

They could not make getting instructional support any easier. From the start, you let them know your needs, they work with you and match you with an instructor. Our instructor is knowleageable and a great teacher. Everyone is super responsive and informative. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Hi Julie, thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so glad the process felt easy and that you’ve had such a positive experience. Our team works hard to make thoughtful matches and stay responsive every step of the way, so your feedback truly means a lot. We really appreciate your recommendation!

Heather Tyrer

1 month ago

We have been extremely pleased with the continued level of support that we have received from Educational Connections. We appreciate the knowledge, professionalism, responsiveness and expertise offered and know that we are in excellent hands. Everyone has been incredibly helpful and we would highly recommend their services to anyone who needs assistance navigating the complicated world of college admissions. I highly recommend them!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Heather, for your kind words! We're happy to hear you've been pleased with the support your family has received. Our mission is to confidently guide families through the college search and application process, and we're delighted to know that you feel in excellent hands. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to support your child on this important journey to college.

Cathy Vaughn

2 months ago

It takes a great weight off my shoulders when an impartial coach is going over everything with my student and helping keeping him on track. Especially when he admits he rarely listens to the wisdom and knowledge I do have, and states me asking him questions stresses him out. Boggles the imagination.

Response from the owner:Hi Cathy,
Thank you for sharing this! So many parents will read your words and nod along. We hear this all the time. Having an impartial executive function coach can completely change the dynamic, taking pressure off the parent-child relationship while still giving students the structure and accountability they need. We’re so glad this support has helped your student stay on track. We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave this review.