Upward GPA trend- how much does it matter

[PoliScioh]

Hi all,

My first post on grad cafe- wahoo! I have a question regarding GPA and how much trend matters for admission into top-20 poli sci phd programs. My overall GPA currently sits at about a 3.5GPA, however, this is due to my first 2 semesters averaging a 2.96, while the following 3 semesters have averaged a 3.9GPA. There a couple of reasons for this split that are unimportant, but the question still stands- how much does this trend matter? Will they evaluate me as they evaluate any other applicant with a 3.5 GPA, or will they put more emphasis on my recent coursework? Obviously GPA is a small part of the equation when it comes to getting into grad school, but an important part nonetheless, so I am curious as to how my application will be received. I have pretty strong GRE scores (167V, 162Q) so I am looking at T-20 schools. What do y'all think? Thanks!!!