A weak freshman year is not ideal, but it is far too early to self-reject. An upward academic trend can materially change how the record looks by the time you recruit.

Use the next semesters to improve the cumulative number and understand how firms may view a lower GPA in consulting applications.

At the same time, build the rest of the profile: meaningful internships, leadership, analytical experiences, and evidence of impact. Those do not erase academics, but they give recruiters more reasons to look at the whole candidate.

If there was a legitimate reason for the weak semester, keep the explanation brief and factual if you are ever asked. The strongest response is still improved performance afterward.

Freshman GPA matters way less once you have 2 more years of grades.

Upward trend + good internship helped my screen.

Do not overload next semester trying to fix everything at once.

What is your current cumulative? The advice is different for 2.5 vs 3.5.