I just finished up my first semester of undergrad. I’m a History and English double-major with an Economics minor and a Certificate in Spanish Language at a small Catholic college. Unfortunately I just finished statistics with a CD. I got A’s in my History, English, and Honors Program Courses. My first semester GPA is 3.38. Does anyone have any advice on where to go from here to keep up my chances of getting into a good graduate school? I got accepted to King’s College in London to study European History for undergrad and decided not to go but was hoping to go for postgraduate studies. Is there anything you would recommended to improve my chances after earning a poor grade in this class?
It’s still very early in your academic career, so I wouldn’t stress over how that one class will affect you.
That being said, take an honest look at your study habits, where you struggled and where you did well in your courses, and take that knowledge with you to improve your work ethic next semester. Seek help from your professors or tutors if needed, and do it early in the semester, not as you study for mid-terms or finals. I’d also consider if you need everything that you’re doing - double majors with a minor and a certificate? You can take courses of special interest without worrying about fulfilling minor and certificate requirements. Your career interests will become more clear as you progress, which will allow you to better plan your course of study.
Depending on what your career goals become, you may want to seek research or internship experiences, and build good relationships with faculty (you may need letters of recommendation). But for your first year, I would primarily focus on adjusting to a new routine and developing good study habits.