[header] How to get accepted to a top college [title] Start immediately. [step] Most top colleges look at your transcripts for all of the years you were in high school. Though there are a few that hold open spots for high school students whose academic records improve over time, most will be taking your entire high school career into account. 
It's nearly impossible to get into a top college if you tank your gpa in the beginning. [substeps] Don't completely write off your chances if you struggled during the first few years of high school.