Looking for advice on how to interpret my GPA and how to explain it

[chinesedude]

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Without freshman year,
cGPA = 3.85
sGPA = 3.825

With freshman year,
cGPA = 3.73
sGPA = 3.63

What happened: Best friend died my freshman year finals week. Don't want anyone's sympathy, but does pretty much explain bombing my finals and getting B's and C's.

Questions now, with the new MSAR out today, are:
1. What schools can I realistically shoot for, what is my "psuedo-GPA"? (3.73 vs. 3.85 is a huge difference).
2. How much does my freshman year matter in the end (I can't completely disregard it, right)?
3. How do I explain the situation so that I've got a better shot at making my dream schools (Manhattan, NY)?
4. Will adcoms really consider my situation as a valid excuse?

I am applying this cycle and thanks in advance!

 

[efle]

If you were making 3.8+ GPAs all throughout sophomore, junior, and senior years, I'd apply like you had a 3.8

Have you got an MCAT?

 

[chinesedude]

If you were making 3.8+ GPAs all throughout sophomore, junior, and senior years, I'd apply like you had a 3.8

Have you got an MCAT?

Sophomore Fall: 4.0, 18 credits
Sophomore Spring: 4.0, 21 credits
Junior Fall: 3.77, 17 credits
Junior Spring: 3.49, 14 credits
Senior Fall: 3.78, 14 credits
Senior Spring: 4.0, 12 credits

MCAT: 515 balanced

 

[efle]

I'd apply like you had a 3.8/34

 

[chinesedude]

I'd apply like you had a 3.8/34

Thank you for your help, how do I talk about my freshman situation on my app?

 

[Kpw101]

Thank you for your help, how do I talk about my freshman situation on my app?

I don't think it's necessary to talk about it. You've had stellar grades throughout your next 3 years and still maintained a competitive GPA despite a subpar performance first year. If it comes up it'll come up during an interview and you can explain then. Otherwise just apply normally. Best of luck!

 

[efle]

As above, I don't think it needs to be brought up. Many people have a rough time adjusting to college. Three years of sustained good grades and the strong MCAT are going to make it moot.

 

[candbgirl]

What was your Freshman GPA because your Junior GPA is pretty "low". I would think that is what is bringing down your GPA. But you're fine.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

 

[chinesedude]

What was your Freshman GPA because your Junior GPA is pretty "low". I would think that is what is bringing down your GPA. But you're fine.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app

My freshman year:
cGPA: 3.41
sGPA: 2.83

 

[Goro]

Thank you for your help, how do I talk about my freshman situation on my app?

No one will care

 

[chinesedude]

No one will care

Noted, I have told my committee about this so I'm guessing it's a possibility that they end up disclose this without me knowing.