<p>For a science PhD program at a top school, how does a low gpa 1st quarter of 1st year look if future gpa's and cumulative gpa are higher?</p>
<p>The situation that I think I may be in is a 3.2 this quarter, and a possible 3.8 cumulative after 3 years. I transferred a lot of units, so I don't have as many opportunities to raise my gpa with ge courses. </p>
<p>My question is strictly for gpa, not for other factors that may play into it. I understand that admissions also look at gre, research, letters, etc., but I just want to understand what my gpa will translate as.</p>
<p>Realistically, a low gpa in your first semester is not the end of the world.
Obviously though, this will need to change. </p>
<p>If you’re aiming for a top program, you will need it all (high gpa, perfect gre score, research, impressive recommendations and a personality that will differentiate you from others).</p>
<p>Great research over the next few years will count far more than your first semester GPA. Remember though that if your transfer courses were for grades at university level, the GPA there will also be considered. If they were AP courses they will not be considered in the same way a transcript is traditionally evaluated.</p>