Grade Disparity

College Life
1

<p>I might be looking into some different internship programs in the future, not to mention graduate schools later on in physics. Here is my question. My grades between first and second semester differ by A LOT! My first semester grades coming out of Cornell were as follows:</p>

<p>Vector Calc: C-
Writing: A
Intro Computer Science: A-
Honor's Physics/Special Relativity: B+</p>

<p>GPA: 3.12</p>

<p>Second Semester:</p>

<p>Differential Equations: A
Writing: A
Honor's E & M Physics: A+
Intro to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: A+
Microeconomics: A+</p>

<p>GPA: 4.18
CGPA: 3.68</p>

<p>Now, there were definetly extraneous circumstance from first semester that were not there second semester. However, what would potential employers/grad schools say when they see such a strong change? I barely know what happened there, and I'm just curious as to how this situation is viewed among those making important admissions decisions.</p>

<p>Anyone else have a similar story?</p>

2

<p>I think you are fine. Your class grades look fine except for vector calculus so there would not be that much of a problem. I have seen people with worse stats and get internships and research projects. You're definitely all right.</p>

3

<p>do they weight gpa's in college?</p>

4

<p>Cornell gives A+ a 4.3</p>