Huge GPA drop in one semester...should I worry about it?

[missdiana]

HI,

I am about to face huge GPA drop.
My current cGPA is 3.92 and science GPA is 3.97
then after this semester, cGPA will be 3.8 and science GPA will be 3.77.
My last semester's gpa was 4.0 and this semester GPA will be 3.44....

I know it is good gpa but I am worry that this drop is huge and it happened only over one semester.
the problem was that my mom got into bad car accident in middle of semester so I had to go back to my hometown (2 hours from school) a lot and didn't have time for anything.

I am worried that if this change will look bad (I am always all A students but this semester..I am getting all B or possibly even C!!!)

My personal statement talks about why I want to be a dentist and I don't want to add my mom's accident because it doesn't go with the statement at all.

I am freaking out right now!! (if I constantly had 3.8, I would be happy about it but this drop...right before I apply...)

Do you think I am worrying too much? or should I try to do something about it? geezzz help

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[DancingBull]

Don't worry too much about it. Just focus hard on doing well in future semesters and you will be fine. They might ask you about it in your interviews, in which case you could explain yourself. I don't see this as a huge issue.

 

[dentalWorks]

HI,

I am about to face huge GPA drop.
My current cGPA is 3.92 and science GPA is 3.97
then after this semester, cGPA will be 3.8 and science GPA will be 3.77.
My last semester's gpa was 4.0 and this semester GPA will be 3.44....

I know it is good gpa but I am worry that this drop is huge and it happened only over one semester.
the problem was that my mom got into bad car accident in middle of semester so I had to go back to my hometown (2 hours from school) a lot and didn't have time for anything.

I am worried that if this change will look bad (I am always all A students but this semester..I am getting all B or possibly even C!!!)

My personal statement talks about why I want to be a dentist and I don't want to add my mom's accident because it doesn't go with the statement at all.

I am freaking out right now!! (if I constantly had 3.8, I would be happy about it but this drop...right before I apply...)

Do you think I am worrying too much? or should I try to do something about it? geezzz help

you better not lose another 0.1 off that GPA... or you can kiss dental school good bye

 

[GOCHARGERS]

People make mistakes. You'll be fine.

 

[JAWSSS]

Take out an official transcript now that only has last semester's grades on there and send that when the time comes (Or, if you go to a school that does not get out until mid-June, you can send your grades right at the beginning of the application cycle)..... Then you can explain after you have been accepted and they are asking for grade updates.

 

[Hawkteeth]

Your horrible semester is greater than my overall GPA...

 

[missdiana]

Take out an official transcript now that only has last semester's grades on there and send that when the time comes (Or, if you go to a school that does not get out until mid-June, you can send your grades right at the beginning of the application cycle)..... Then you can explain after you have been accepted and they are asking for grade updates.

my school get out in may and transcription get updated around min-may
and they have this system that they send everything (including recommendations and things like that)

so I don't think I can do that...and the application cycle is not open until june 4th either...🙁

 

[tomhrxbfg]

my school get out in may and transcription get updated around min-may
and they have this system that they send everything (including recommendations and things like that)

so I don't think I can do that...and the application cycle is not open until june 4th either...🙁

As long as you try to make it up in the later semesters it should not be an issue...I messed up my 4th year getting a B average whereas all of my previous years are A- to A...so you see the issue there because I was dumb enough to slack off...anyways I made that up in my 5th year for all As and no one ever questions my gpa during the interview. So gl and don't worry too much about it. Don't talk about your grades unless they ask you during the interview. I was scared too thinking what am I going to do if they ask but really they mostly care about your cgpa.

 

[missdiana]

As long as you try to make it up in the later semesters it should not be an issue...I messed up my 4th year getting a B average whereas all of my previous years are A- to A...so you see the issue there because I was dumb enough to slack off...anyways I made that up in my 5th year for all As and no one ever questions my gpa during the interview. So gl and don't worry too much about it. Don't talk about your grades unless they ask you during the interview. I was scared too thinking what am I going to do if they ask but really they mostly care about your cgpa.

wait..but I am applying this cycle. so this is my last semester before I apply.
I mean..I do have another year until I graduate but I would apply to dental schools before I start next semester...so I am doomed? 😱

 

[JAWSSS]

I have never heard of a school that will not let you take out an official transcript on its own. You should double check on that. Then check to see if you can JUST send LORs. LORs should never be though the same office that does transcripts.

 

[RaeRae0903]

I personally don't see much of an issue here. You have a great GPA as it stands. I don't think one semester will deter schools from inviting you for an interview. At that point they may ask about it (and they may not as well). You have a good explanation. I got asked about why I had 2 Ws one semester (which were the only classes I had signed up for) and I explained that I had a car accident and broke my dominant hand, totaled my car, etc and couldn't attend classes or do the work. He replied with "that's probably the best reason I've ever gotten for a W. Can't really argue with that." My point is that if you're honest and explain about your mom and the distance I'm sure they will understand - life happens and they usually get that. And again, I don't think the one semester will be a deal breaker. Relax - it'll be ok! 😉 GL!