Low GPA on first semester of college

I just finished my first semester of college, and I am a premed major, but I had bad grades in Math and Chem,

Calculus- C
Gen Chem I- D
English- B+
Liberal Arts- B+

I am going to retake math and chem next semester, but my college averages the grade if I get A on the both courses I would end up getting a B in Math and a C+ on chem. My GPA currently is 2.36, retaking the courses would help me to raise my gpa, but I am scared. Is this a good idea? Should I retake chem again after the next semester?

Check with your school since many will not allow to retake courses where you received an C or higher and replace that grade to bump up your GPA. If you can do academic renewal for Chem, then yes retake but you may not be able to replace that C grade in Calculus.

I concur with gumbymom, I don’t think you can erase that C in Calculus. A C isn’t the worst grade in the world, and I’d focus on retaking chemistry instead. It’s your first semester. You have many more to raise your gpa. Do remember, lower grades (B- and lower) drag your gpa down a lot. I say this to keep in mind for planning your courses in the future. A tough science course with a math course might not be a good combo next time.