GPA and freshman/soph summer

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm a student coming out of NYU; finished freshman year and was recently admitted as a transfer student to Columbia U. I've been worried because my grades took a slight dive in second semester of my first year. First semester, I had a 3.856, but second semester's grades brought my cumulative down to a 3.68. </p>

<p>I'm sure I'll become a monk and study like heck when I go to Columbia, but I was wondering how this would all figure into the med school admissions game. I'm not doing much in terms of research during this summer (although I'm actively searching for volunteer or work opportunities). I'm aiming for the very top med schools. I guess I'm worried because I haven't even reached the real weeding out courses like O-chem. So again, will my freshman year be looked upon as somewhat leniently? If I work hard enough, is it still possible to make it to Stanford's gate? Sorry if I sound like the stereotypical neurotic pre-med, but I would really appreciate any input at all.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Yes, you sound like the stereotypical neurotic premed. A 3.7 is fine for freshman year (or any year). Averages at top med schools are around 3.8. Your freshman year will count as much as any other year but if you can have an upward trend after this year, that'll be a bonus.</p>