<p>After having a rough start my first year in college I have a pretty low GPA-2.4. I can probably get it up above a 3.0, but not near a 4.0. Am I at a severe disadvantage because of this? It seems like most applicants to PhD programs have near 4.0s.</p>
<p>You still have a long way to go. It’s only your first year. And you will find applicants with near 4.0 GPAs, but don’t let that scare you into thinking only those people get in.</p>
<p>Just work on raising your GPA. Your major grades will count the most.</p>
<p>Concentrate on GPA, research experience, relationships with professors (you’ll need strong professor recommendations), and prepping for the GRE test.</p>