really nooby question about GPA

[tyrtuga]

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let's say someone has a bad first semester (2.5-3.0), but completes the rest of college at 3.8-4.0.

now…let's say someone has between a 3.8 and a 4.0 for all of college.

will they be looked at identically in the eyes of admissions, given all other factors are equal? I'm worried that med schools will place too heavy of an emphasis on the overall number rather than the progression. yes, I had a bad first semester– and yes, I'm already on my way to maintaining a 4.0 for the rest of this semester after my first few exams.

 

[Goro]

It's not a zero sum game. We don't invite two people for one seat. Both would be accepted.

let's say someone has a bad first semester (2.5-3.0), but completes the rest of college at 3.8-4.0.

now…let's say someone has between a 3.8 and a 4.0 for all of college.

will they be looked at identically in the eyes of admissions, given all other factors are equal? I'm worried that med schools will place too heavy of an emphasis on the overall number rather than the progression. yes, I had a bad first semester– and yes, I'm already on my way to maintaining a 4.0 for the rest of this semester after my first few exams.

 

[moop]

let's say someone has a bad first semester (2.5-3.0), but completes the rest of college at 3.8-4.0.

now…let's say someone has between a 3.8 and a 4.0 for all of college.

will they be looked at identically in the eyes of admissions, given all other factors are equal? I'm worried that med schools will place too heavy of an emphasis on the overall number rather than the progression. yes, I had a bad first semester– and yes, I'm already on my way to maintaining a 4.0 for the rest of this semester after my first few exams.

You know what noobs should do? Use the search function. It does sooooooooooooper great things for you

But Goro is right. The difference is minimal between the two. The key thing is to understand that you should NEVER assume you can make the crazy jump from a 2.5 suddenly to a 3.8 without making drastic changes to your study/life habits in college.

 

[tea guzzling traveler]

I agree with moop on above. Also, they would not be quite equal, as med schools, while they certainly reward the upward trend, would still see the overall GPA which would be higher for the person that never had that bad first semester. However, there is nothing you can do about the past but learn from it, and if you can really push into high gear, you can make up for your first semester.

 

[ridethecliche]

Also consistency is important

 

[justadream]

let's say someone has a bad first semester (2.5-3.0), but completes the rest of college at 3.8-4.0.

now…let's say someone has between a 3.8 and a 4.0 for all of college.

will they be looked at identically in the eyes of admissions, given all other factors are equal? I'm worried that med schools will place too heavy of an emphasis on the overall number rather than the progression. yes, I had a bad first semester– and yes, I'm already on my way to maintaining a 4.0 for the rest of this semester after my first few exams.

If anything, you should hope that adcoms care more about the overall number...

The overall GPA will help mask the fact that you did poorly in your first semester.