* It's early: High school GPAs are cumulative. A lower freshman year GPA can be improved upon in subsequent years. Colleges look at the overall GPA, not just freshman year.
* Context matters: The grading scale and rigor of your courses influence the GPA. A 2.9 in a challenging curriculum might be more impressive than a 3.5 in an easier one.
* Improvement is key: Focus on improving your study habits, time management, and understanding of course material. Talk to your teachers and seek help when needed.
In short, don't panic, but do use it as motivation to work towards a higher GPA in the future. A strong upward trend in your GPA is more reassuring to colleges than a consistently mediocre one.