1st Semester GPA and Trajectories

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I go to a to Rice and I'm undecided engineering (so I take physics, calc, etc.).</p>

<p>My GPA is a 3.5 this semester (B+ Physics, A- Calc, A- Spanish, A (symphony/lessons 3 credits total), B- Philosophies of 20th Century Politics). </p>

<p>I was hoping for a stronger start, but was very happy with my grades as I transitioned to college. I'm upset about missing Dean's List because of the B- in the poli sci class (an elective, no less). Had I not taken the course, I would have had a 3.67.</p>

<p>Anyway, I'd like to make corrections and get things in context. I'm a freshman, so I can't say I have post-college goals, but I don't want to eliminate possibilities. I'm thinking I'll want to get a PhD. </p>

<p>Next semester, I'm taking fewer credits (just 4 classes and lessons) so I think things will be easier, but I can't shake this B-. I had a B+ at the midterm and up until the final, but did so poorly on the final that I knocked myself down. It was the 4th of 4 finals, so perhaps I was fatigued (or likely didn't study hard enough--let's be honest). </p>

<p>I've been beating myself up over it. Is this justified? Should I be worried? What corrections need to be made, those of you with perspective and experience? I also feel a bit guilty about the A in symphony/trio/lessons...Although those activities combined took about 7 hours a week (not including all of the practicing I had to do), one simply receives an A for successfully learning the music and showing up. So In my mind, my GPA is even lower. </p>

<p>That's a vague outline of my worries--I'll see what you guys have to say and we'll shape the conversation from there I suppose. </p>

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<p>Calm down. A grade is not a measure of your worth as a human being. There is zero reason for you to feel guilty about your A in symphony – you did the work, and the time you spent on it was worth it you, right? You succeeded in something that had value.</p>

<p>If your B- came from not studying hard enough for the final, then allocate more time for studying prior to the next semester’s finals. It’s that simple. You’re doing just fine and should feel proud for what you are accomplishing instead of tearing yourself down for things that you can and will improve.</p>

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<p>You’re right about symphony. Certainly an accomplishment. It’s just here at Rice everyone works really hard and they sometimes get Bs…where as in music (something very important to me) you try really hard and always get an A. But I understand the distinction is moot. Good point. </p>