First Year GPA Concerns...

[StressfulMD]

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Hi everyone,

I know this SDN is probably saturated with questions like these at the moment, but I'd really appreciate advice from you guys as you all have been phenomenal in helping me thus far.

I just finished freshman year, and all second semester grades are in. Overall, I ended the year with a 3.3 cGPA and a 3.32 BCPM. First semester was pretty abysmal with a 3.03 overall, but I turned it around, stepped my game up, and attained a 3.5 this semester once I realized how bad a 3.02 really was. The transition was tougher for me than I thought.

With Orgo next year, would it be possible for me to improve dramatically? I know standards are getting higher these days, with the average matriculant GPA now standing at a 3.7 overall and 3.8 science (iirc). I'm starting some preliminary studying of orgo this summer since I'm really gunning for some type of A.

Thanks guys--sorry for sounding like a pest, but I'm in a tough spot,and would really encourage your collective advice. How did you guys turn it around after a bad year?

To clarify, I am primarily looking to go to an MD school, but DO isn't totally off the table either since being a physician is an honor in and of itself.

 

[purplefrog13]

I think the most important thing is showing an upward trend. If you've just finished freshman year and you aren't happy with your GPA...you've got 3+ years to bring it up.

It seems like you already know what works for you in improving from 1st semester to 2nd semester....I would caution you against changing strategy too much.

Just be wary of your course load and taking on too much extracurricular wise. Orgo was really tough at my school, and definitely required lots of time and attention. Make sure to give it the time and attention it needs, but don't neglect your other classes...they still factor in! If you find you are struggling with concepts, seek help early. Talk to the professor, ask for recommendations for tutors, talk to upperclassmen and see what they suggest.

 

[Spliced]

Hi everyone,

I know this SDN is probably saturated with questions like these at the moment, but I'd really appreciate advice from you guys as you all have been phenomenal in helping me thus far.

I just finished freshman year, and all second semester grades are in. Overall, I ended the year with a 3.3 cGPA and a 3.32 BCPM. First semester was pretty abysmal with a 3.03 overall, but I turned it around, stepped my game up, and attained a 3.5 this semester once I realized how bad a 3.02 really was. The transition was tougher for me than I thought.

With Orgo next year, would it be possible for me to improve dramatically? I know standards are getting higher these days, with the average matriculant GPA now standing at a 3.7 overall and 3.8 science (iirc). I'm starting some preliminary studying of orgo this summer since I'm really gunning for some type of A.

Thanks guys--sorry for sounding like a pest, but I'm in a tough spot,and would really encourage your collective advice. How did you guys turn it around after a bad year?

To clarify, I am primarily looking to go to an MD school, but DO isn't totally off the table either since being a physician is an honor in and of itself.

Don't worry so much about the freshman year. I started off exactly how you are now. However i got myself together and managed to get only 1 B+ from 2nd year onward and am now sitting at a decent gpa of around 3.8. But you really can't afford to have another year as you did. We all had to take the pre-med requirements and guess what, most of us did fine. If you need help just watch Khan Videos, go over the textbook, etc - find what works best for you. First year students tend to have bad study habits but if you focus on improving yourself as a student, work on your study habits- the grades will come by themselves. Best of luck, just focus on the goal; everyone has ups and downs and sometimes we need a reality check.

 

[Goro]

Go visit your school's learning or education center for help.

Hi everyone,

I know this SDN is probably saturated with questions like these at the moment, but I'd really appreciate advice from you guys as you all have been phenomenal in helping me thus far.

I just finished freshman year, and all second semester grades are in. Overall, I ended the year with a 3.3 cGPA and a 3.32 BCPM. First semester was pretty abysmal with a 3.03 overall, but I turned it around, stepped my game up, and attained a 3.5 this semester once I realized how bad a 3.02 really was. The transition was tougher for me than I thought.

With Orgo next year, would it be possible for me to improve dramatically? I know standards are getting higher these days, with the average matriculant GPA now standing at a 3.7 overall and 3.8 science (iirc). I'm starting some preliminary studying of orgo this summer since I'm really gunning for some type of A.

Thanks guys--sorry for sounding like a pest, but I'm in a tough spot,and would really encourage your collective advice. How did you guys turn it around after a bad year?

To clarify, I am primarily looking to go to an MD school, but DO isn't totally off the table either since being a physician is an honor in and of itself.

 

[Pasmal]

You did better than I did first year. You can do it. If you're applying after junior year, you actually only have 4 semesters of hard work left. Two more years of 4.0 and you should be sitting around 3.76. Two more years of 3.8 and you'll have around 3.63. Gun for that 4.0, not "some type of A." It is attainable in every class with enough dedication.