Ended my first semester with a 3.02 GPA...Advice??

[StressfulMD]

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I'm a first semester freshman on break atm. 3.02 cGPA, 3.03 sGPA. Severely disappointed.

Gen Chem I: B-
Lab: B (they're known for "normalizing" the grades so the average is a B...even though I totally busted my ass)
Bio: B
Calc I: B+
Psych as a Natural Science: B
Literally, straight Bs.

I know this isn't too hot for first semester, so what are you guys' advice on improving from here? Did any of you have a bad first semester too? I struggled with the transition, and it was all just a bit too much for me, but I know now how college works.

Could I use this as a talking point come time for interviews and are med schools forgiving of the first semester? Do I still stand a chance?

 

[Dr.Sticks]

Maintain a 3.9 from here on out and you could graduate with a 3.8
http://gpacalculator.net/how-to-raise-gpa/

 

[RunawayGrape]

It's good that you have a better handle on things. Don't stress out too much, it's really not the end of the world; it's really not even that bad. As long as you don't let this happen again, you'll be okay for med school.

If your grades improve significantly and remain consistently high for the rest of college, I doubt anybody's actually going to ask. They can probably figure out that you just had a tough time adjusting your first semester, and then you got your **** together.

 

[eteshoe]

Make sure you utilize all the resources at your institution's disposal (and the internet) to improve from now on. One 'bad' semester doesn't kill your chances - several may.

 

[toddgurley]

personal anecdote - i ended first term with 2.8 and im applying this cycle with 3.8 . the first few terms your gpa will fluctuate a lot (because math) so nothing is lost yet. End of next term, your 3.01 will easily become 3.6 most likely.