How do my stats look so far?

[Samin23]

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Hey everyone,

I currently have 68 credit hours completed. My science GPA is currently a 3.5 (but I haven't taken Ochem2 or physics 1&2). My current overall GPA is sitting at 3.55 with an upward trend.

• 1st semester GPA: 3.0
• 2nd semester GPA: 3.67
• 3rd semester GPA: 4.0

DAT: I plan on taking it in August 2016 after I have completed OChem 2
ECs: The only organization I am involved in is the Pre-Dental society.
Shadowing: I currently have 25 hours of shadowing -- I am hoping to work for a local pediatric dentist over the summer which would help increase this number
Volunteering: I volunteer at "The Big Event" (a one-day service project that occurs each year at my school), last semester I began volunteering at TAMU BUILD (organization that renovates shipping containers into portable medical clinics for use in 3rd world countries), and this semester I will start volunteering at a local hospital.

I know I need to increase my shadowing hours and maybe join another organization, but is there anything else that I should think about doing in order to become a stronger applicant?

Thanks.

 

[acesofseven]

As of now, I think your GPA is pretty average. However, a lot can change by the time you apply since you've only completed 3 semesters. Also, I think an "upward trend" is only notable if you keep it by the time you apply/graduate.

*If you're planning to apply to schools in Texas, I wouldn't worry about it so much if you're a resident. I believe the state requires that 90-95% of their incoming class be from in-state.

 

[fogorvostan]

Keep your GPA up, get 100 minimum shadowing hours, continuing volunteering, and do well on the DAT. Good luck!

 

[BioForLife]

So far you're doing okay in you classes, maybe a bit of a rough start but you've made up for that. You're shadowing early so that'll give you plenty of time to get hours. As you brought up, maybe keep looking for other volunteering opportunities, and also aim for 20+ on your DAT. Keep your GPA up and you should be good to go.

 

[Samin23]

Thanks for your responses. One more thing, does attending SMDEP increase chances of acceptance? More specifically, I attended SMDEP at UT-Houston and I plan on applying their when I begin my application, so would showing that I'm familiar with their program and faculty give an advantage?

 

[JLT223]

You're going to need more than one EC.

 

[ajj70]

I also agree that volunteering at a one day event isn't going to cut it and how involved are you in your pre-dent club? Did you run for a leadership position? Are you heading up a committee?? Do you do anything else on campus, give tours, play intermural sports, anything?? What do you do with your free time?