3.2 First Semester .. Ways to improve?

[blackarrowmoose]

Well i got my first semester GPA today and it's a 3.2, i got 3 B's and 1 A. (B in Gen chem I H)

Anyway i was thinking of ways to do better next semester does anyone have any specific tips and things they do to get good grades? (not just vague study more tips)

Also is a 3.2 OK for a first semester GPA?

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[ejw5075]

Well i got my first semester GPA today and it's a 3.2, i got 3 B's and 1 A. (B in Gen chem I H)

Anyway i was thinking of ways to do better next semester does anyone have any specific tips and things they do to get good grades? (not just vague study more tips)

Also is a 3.2 OK for a first semester GPA?

I wouldn't say study more, study more frequently and in shorter chunks. If possible, find one place to do all your studying so you don't get distracted.

As for the 3.2, I took 6 credits my first semester (all math, fall of my senior year HS), and got Bs in both classes, 3.0 overall and am graduating with a 3.68ish.. you def can pull it up. Good luck!

 

[balder1]

Well i got my first semester GPA today and it's a 3.2, i got 3 B's and 1 A. (B in Gen chem I H)

Anyway i was thinking of ways to do better next semester does anyone have any specific tips and things they do to get good grades? (not just vague study more tips)

Also is a 3.2 OK for a first semester GPA?

3.2 is a good GPA to start on but you should increase your GPA as the semesters go by. This was my method of studying and class tips that might help for you that helped me:

First I would take two or three courses that I need to focus on(Gen Chem, Biology Phys. ect) then for other classes, i would take others that do not require heavy thinking but are required for general electives, like drawing that would act as a break of studying.
As for studying for these classes, they way I do it is that I would read the section first to get the feel for it then the next time I read it I take notes with it, that helps the learning process since you will recognize what you have understood and written down so on quizzes/exams, you can regurgitate what you have read and be able to excel. Also if professors have office hours, go to them. Usually they are beneficial and they are willing to help you so you can understand what is going on, getting a better clarification. Sorry that this was long but you seem to be on the right track. Aim high, study hard and always believe. Best of Luck.

balder1

 

[bobow98]

As someone who had a 3.2 first semester,
I learned that the quickest way to improve is to (1) stop partying so hard if you are - this was my case actually because I didn't know better (2) start talking to upperclassmen and classmates who seem to be in the know about good professors, good classes, etc. Ask around, it will help you do better. I'm not saying to go after easy classes because that defeats the purpose of a strong undergraduate education and you will be noticed for that, but do ask around for fair graders and GOOD lecturers.

The rest will be your effort and dedication, just put up a piece of paper on the wall 🙂

Good luck!

 

[MaryGoRound]

Talk to your professors throughout the semester. Start to identify how you learn and what your strengths and weaknesses are. If you have a math brain, don't spend the majority of your time practicing writing balanced equations, focus on understanding concepts. Along the same lines, if you are a conceptual thinker, focus on the math side of things. Don't just spend more time studying, use the time you are studying wisely.

 

[Doubtnichts]

Ok, seriously, what's with all the "first semester and I got a 3.xx gpa..." threads?? You all get the SAME advice...It's a good starting gpa, figure out how to study and what works best for you.... Guess what folks, it's premed and yeah it's going to be hard and this isn't high school! You're 4.0 in high school doesn't automatically mean that you'll get one in college. Most of you are learning that this semester, but if you work hard you can bring your gpa up from almost anywhere. Most med schools accept that your freshman year is going to be poorer than your other years.

 

[balder1]

Ok, seriously, what's with all the "first semester and I got a 3.xx gpa..." threads?? You all get the SAME advice...It's a good starting gpa, figure out how to study and what works best for you.... Guess what folks, it's premed and yeah it's going to be hard and this isn't high school! You're 4.0 in high school doesn't automatically mean that you'll get one in college. Most of you are learning that this semester, but if you work hard you can bring your gpa up from almost anywhere. Most med schools accept that your freshman year is going to be poorer than your other years.

this is the best statement by far!

 

[gettheleadout]

Ok, seriously, what's with all the "first semester and I got a 3.xx gpa..." threads?? You all get the SAME advice...It's a good starting gpa, figure out how to study and what works best for you.... Guess what folks, it's premed and yeah it's going to be hard and this isn't high school! You're 4.0 in high school doesn't automatically mean that you'll get one in college. Most of you are learning that this semester, but if you work hard you can bring your gpa up from almost anywhere. Most med schools accept that your freshman year is going to be poorer than your other years.

Extrapolate this further and into the Allopathic forum and people will realize their 4.0 in college doesn't mean they'll Honor everything in med school

 

[Protagonistic]

I had a 2.9 my first semester and I learned the following, hopefully you can draw something from it.

1. Rate my professors is a good friend. I could have had a 3.3 easily had I picked professors who don't use skewed dating systems and lecture about irrelevant BS.

2. Study right after class and use the library to your advantage.

3. Always attend lectures.

4. Avoid cramming at all costs.

5. Take balanced course load, easy and hard classes.

 

[13132]

I wasnt in the same situation but I know how to get the good grades because I feel pressure to maintain mine just as you feel pressure to raise yours.

1.) As mentioned by others, the library is essential. It really is amazing what you can figure out with your book, notes, a quite secluded spot, and a good internet connection.

2.) Don't study to the point where you burn out. Take the task in small portions and do some work daily.

3.) This is related to #2 but don't fall behind at all costs.

4.) This last one is the most important one aside from study habits. If your schools posts grade distributions for previous semesters and professors then USE IT! This has allowed me to plan which professor I am going to take.

The last one really is just the icing on the cake when you develop good study habits.

 

[Motivation]

i had a 2.9 my first semester and i learned the following, hopefully you can draw something from it.

1. Rate my professors is a good friend. I could have had a 3.3 easily had i picked professors who don't use skewed dating systems and lecture about irrelevant bs.

2. Study right after class and use the library to your advantage.

3. Always attend lectures.

4. Avoid cramming at all costs.

5. Take balanced course load, easy and hard classes.

+1

 

[s1lver]

1) Take one or two super easy class next sem to help boost the GPA.
2) Learn how to use ratemyprofessors.com and pick the easy profs.

 

[Lindlar]

Rate my professors is one of THE MOST useful tools. There are simply bad professors out there.
Edit
You're probably taking core classes right now. Realize that from the statistics, a relatively small percentage of the people will get A's. Many of these are probably pre professional school students. The majority of students are not aiming for all A's. The difference between the preprofessional and the other students is not how smart they are, it's how much work they're putting into it. You will not have as fun a lifestyle as these students and still get the A's. Doesn't mean you should have no life, but you should realize that your social life will and should be less active than theirs.

 

[Ladoctora44]

I wouldn't say study more, study more frequently and in shorter chunks. If possible, find one place to do all your studying so you don't get distracted.

I agree. The best way to bring up your grades is not studying more, but studying often and making it count. Honestly, I did a lot better when i studied an hour or two 6 days before the test compared with 6 hours the night before. It keeps the materials fresh on your mind and if you stay on top of things lecture makes more sense. Quality not quantity, my friend.

Also, 3.2 is not bad for first semester. Note to all freshman of SDN: Unless you flunk out of school, DO NOT freak out. There are a lot of people in who are doctors or in medical school now who had GPA's a lot worse than all of you. The 4.0 is not your ticket to medical school and not having it will not keep you out either. It is very possible that you will have a MUCH higher GPA by the time you apply. So, Hakuna Matata! 👍

 

[Protagonistic]

yea, a good professor is a difference between an A and a C, I am a history specialist and I just found out that the history professor I had, well he had the lowest rating on rate my professors and I was the only kid to make a B in his class, the rest of the kids made C's and D's