What is considered a bad semester for GPA?

[ImYourTwo]

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I just finished my first semester at Notre Dame and I got a 3.572. I got really unlucky in a few classes (harsh grading professors) and I'm certain my GPA will only go up.

I transferred from University of Miami and had a 3.94 GPA in my Freshman year there. I'm wondering, would this semester be brought up in interviews?

One major issue is that I took Gen Chem 1 at Miami. I did well in the course, always scoring 20% higher than the averages (~60%) on the tests, and earned an A. In my first semester at Notre Dame, I had to take a Gen Chem 1, so I could be on pace to take Orgo next semester. I took Gen Chem 1 for Chem majors. At Notre Dame, the Chem tests averages were higher (~85%), while the tests were much more difficult. I ended up getting just a B in the course, again some unlucky grading. Is this a bad sign to med schools?

 

[freedoctor17]

Not really unlucky grading... If they average is higher and the class is more difficult then you're just around either smarter/harder working students so the curves might not be as high.

A 3.5 is not bad and if youre confident you can continue to do better then you'll be fine.

 

[ImYourTwo]

Not really unlucky grading... If they average is higher and the class is more difficult then you're just around either smarter/harder working students so the curves might not be as high.

A 3.5 is not bad and if youre confident you can continue to do better then you'll be fine.

It was just unlucky because I did really poorly on the second test because I messed up the first part of the problem, pretty much just a brain fart, and every part of the question revolved around that. If I hadn't had the brain fart, I would have gotten a higher test score, and would've gotten at least a B+ or A- in the course.

 

[freedoctor17]

It was just unlucky because I did really poorly on the second test because I messed up the first part of the problem, pretty much just a brain fart, and every part of the question revolved around that. If I hadn't had the brain fart, I would have gotten a higher test score, and would've gotten at least a B+ or A- in the course.

Regardless I think you're fine. It's understandable especially since you just transferred that you would need time to adjust and a 3.5 is by no means bad especially when averaged with your 3.94 from before. If you think it'll go up then even better just keep working hard since ochem is usually a tough course for people.

 

[altblue]

You transferred to a more competitive school OP. 3.5 isn't that bad of a start. Just learn to improve your study habits to adjust to the more difficult coursework

 

[Goro]

I just finished my first semester at Notre Dame and I got a 3.572. I got really unlucky in a few classes (harsh grading professors) and I'm certain my GPA will only go up.

I transferred from University of Miami and had a 3.94 GPA in my Freshman year there. I'm wondering, would this semester be brought up in interviews?

One major issue is that I took Gen Chem 1 at Miami. I did well in the course, always scoring 20% higher than the averages (~60%) on the tests, and earned an A. In my first semester at Notre Dame, I had to take a Gen Chem 1, so I could be on pace to take Orgo next semester. I took Gen Chem 1 for Chem majors. At Notre Dame, the Chem tests averages were higher (~85%), while the tests were much more difficult. I ended up getting just a B in the course, again some unlucky grading. Is this a bad sign to med schools?

Take two of these, please:

 

[ImYourTwo]

Take two of these, please:

Haha, I'm sorry. I'm just very passionate about becoming a physician in the future, and I'd like to keep my chances reasonably high.

 

[jarednogeek]

We can’t answer this. You could get a 3.3 but then a 528 on the MCAT. Then your 3.3 ain’t too bad. But a 3.3 and a 498 we might have some trouble. For MD I’d recommend getting the best grades possible while doing EC’s and having a life. Whether that’s a 3.6 or a 4.0. Then wreck that MCAT.

 

[Walter Raleigh]

It's a little bad but nothing to worry about. 3.7+ from here on out and your GPA isn't going to be anything that holds you back.

 

[PapaGuava]

Keep pushing forward and make adjustments where necessary, you know yourself the best @The Ducktor