Will a Disastrous 1st Quarter Affect My Chances of Getting into Grad School?

[Williams.235]

Hey everyone, I've been a forum lurker for quite some time and have decided to come out of the darkness.

I have concern regarding my chances of getting into grad school if I decide to go that route. I basically flunked out of my first quarter of college back in 2004 and ended up with an F and a couple of incompletes due to laziness and inability to adapt to the change. I took the next quarter off and came back strong the quarter after at a local community college and have been doing well ever since. I plan on going back to my original school to finish up my Mechanical Engineering degree in near future.

My question is, will that 1st quarter of F/incompletes hurt my chances of getting into grad school? I estimate I will graduate between a 2.9-3.3 GPA.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Yes, it will hurt. Comparing you to someone who got straight A's in that quarter instead, that person will be at an advantage. Will it hurt a lot? Probably not.

I think your bigger problem is your overall GPA. Below 3.5 is not very good. Below 3.0 is bad.

 

[Mene]

I understand your concern about how your first quarter grades may impact your chances of getting into grad school. However, it is important to remember that graduate schools take a holistic approach to admissions and consider a variety of factors beyond just GPA. They will also look at your letters of recommendation, personal statement, research experience, and other relevant experiences and achievements.

That being said, it is important to address any academic challenges or setbacks in your application. You can do this by explaining the circumstances surrounding your first quarter grades, such as the transition to college and how you have since improved and excelled in your academic endeavors. Additionally, you can highlight your strong performance in subsequent quarters and your overall upward trend in grades.

Ultimately, it is important to showcase your potential for success in graduate school through your application materials. This can include discussing any relevant research or practical experience, as well as your passion and dedication for your chosen field. Admissions committees understand that students may face challenges and setbacks, and they will take this into consideration when evaluating your application.

In summary, while your first quarter grades may be a factor in your graduate school application, they will not be the sole determining factor. Focus on highlighting your strengths and potential for success and addressing any concerns in a thoughtful and honest manner. Best of luck in your academic pursuits.