I never have. Yet I got great grades and scholarships in school I don’t think it ever made a difference. Portfolio is everything.
First year is not about practicing design it’s about getting you ready for design thinking and practice. I don’t think it’s the most most important but I don’t think you could do subsequent years without it. Not to mention, for most it’s a peek at what design is really about. Many go into id pretty blind and it’s a good opportunity to see if it’s right for you before wasting more te and money.
R