Would a unexpected grade "F" impact my application?

[seeker]

In my freshmen's year , I was not able to attend one of the exams but forgot to get a medical certificate on time so I got an F. After taking the same course in second year I got an A+, however I guess this F will really look ugly on my transcript. My professor agreed to clarify it for me maybe in the recommendation letter(or should I also clarify the issue in CV or something?), but I'm still worrying about it. So will it be an impact for my application?

[Arcadian]

What class was it? If it was in your major field, then I guess you should explain the situation. If it was in an unrelated field, it shouldn't matter because it was your freshman year. Shit happens.

[seeker]

It is one of my major courses, where should I explain it? Is it enough if my professor clarify it for me in the recommendation letter?

[Teelee]

1 class from freshman class is not gonna be a huge problem, especially if you have really good grades after. Unless you can spin the reason behind F in a really positive way, I don't think you need to address it.

[vindicated]

Something really similar happened to me, and the F seriously screwed my GPA, but I don't think it affected my chances of getting in anywhere.

[seeker]

Ok thank you guys, this is reassuring to me.