Please help w/ my school selection

[Hasti]

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Hello,

Here are my stats:

sGPA: 3.38
GPA: 3.48

DAT

AA: 21
Total Sci: 21
PAT: 21
QC: 22
RC: 18 🙁
Bio: 19
GCHEM: 24
OCHEM: 20

Schools I want to apply to: (I'm an Illinois resident)

SIU
UIC
MIDWESTERN-IL
CREIGHTON
WESTERN
UNLV
NOVA
BUFFALO
USC
TEMPLE
BOSTON U
NYU
TUFTS

please let me know if I should add any other schools or may be take any off from the list I have?

And I have 60 hours of shadowing and a 5 week externship.

 

[Lane138]

If you have ECs and/or awards, then you're golden for a lot of these schools.

Hello,

Here are my stats:

sGPA: 3.38
GPA: 3.48

DAT

AA: 21
Total Sci: 21
PAT: 21
QC: 22
RC: 18 🙁
Bio: 19
GCHEM: 24
OCHEM: 20

Schools I want to apply to: (I'm an Illinois resident)

SIU
UIC
MIDWESTERN-IL
CREIGHTON
WESTERN
UNLV
NOVA
BUFFALO
USC
TEMPLE
BOSTON U
NYU
TUFTS

please let me know if I should add any other schools or may be take any off from the list I have?

And I have 60 hours of shadowing and a 5 week externship.

 

[Hasti]

No ECs or awards🙁 I was a chem tutor for 4 years at SIU, but no ECs 🙁

 

[bing12]

No ECs or awards🙁 I was a chem tutor for 4 years at SIU, but no ECs 🙁

u have NO EC's?....NONE? all u did was study..and not get involved at all?..i dont think thats so good...be happy ur stats are good.

 

[Maygyver]

I don't think your stats are good enough to warrant "no ECs." Nobody wants a completely flat candidate. You should add some more dimensions. Also, check out the thread "what are my chances? where should I apply?" It will give you a really good idea.

The schools you are applying to look good. You can probably get into your state school, especially if you went there for undergrad.

 

[bing12]

I don't think your stats are good enough to warrant "no ECs." Nobody wants a completely flat candidate. You should add some more dimensions. Also, check out the thread "what are my chances? where should I apply?" It will give you a really good idea.

The schools you are applying to look good. You can probably get into your state school, especially if you went there for undergrad.

I agree, but we dont really understand how heavy EC's are weighted in the admissions process. It is better to have great stats and no EC's than Great EC's but no stats.ha. but overall, I do agree with you. I think the OP should get on some life experiences involving talking to other humans and collaborating with them.

 

[Maygyver]

I agree, but we dont really understand how heavy EC's are weighted in the admissions process. It is better to have great stats and no EC's than Great EC's but no stats.ha. but overall, I do agree with you. I think the OP should get on some life experiences involving talking to other humans and collaborating with them.

Definitely. ECs are kind of a grey area, but having absolutely zero probably is a red flag to schools. I knew some pretty impersonal (not sure if that's the right word) people that still managed to do one club. If someone does get an interview with 0 ECs, I'd love to see what they manage to talk about other than random science topics. Obviously if someone has a 3.9 or maybe like 3.85+ and 25 DAT and no ECs, then maybe schools could somehow find a way around them, but ECs are the other half of college. College isn't about locking yourself in a room for 12 hours a day and reading books. I've noticed the students that get out and do things are much more personable which translates into successful interviews. Again, most of this is just opinion, but I think it's generally correct.

 

[Hasti]

I came to US 5 years ago with my english being 0! I know I should have had ECs but even getting where I am now wasn't really easy😉

 

[Maygyver]

I came to US 5 years ago with my english being 0! I know I should have had ECs but even getting where I am now wasn't really easy😉

Yeah, you're definitely on a good path, and an 18 on the RC is really good compared to most ESL students. I would just try to find some EC things you can do. Is there a pre-dental club at your school? or anything with your major that you could maybe join? Or any sports that you play?

 

[prsndwg]

didnt you say Chem tutor for 4 years.. that will count as EC! get into some school clubs and you ll be good to go. GL

 

[DentToBeCont]

If you are mainly looking midwest why not throw Marquette on the list. That way if you dont get into your state school (I'm assuming IL) you can still be closer to home.

 

[John Durian]

Definitely. ECs are kind of a grey area, but having absolutely zero probably is a red flag to schools. I knew some pretty impersonal (not sure if that's the right word) people that still managed to do one club. If someone does get an interview with 0 ECs, I'd love to see what they manage to talk about other than random science topics. Obviously if someone has a 3.9 or maybe like 3.85+ and 25 DAT and no ECs, then maybe schools could somehow find a way around them, but ECs are the other half of college. College isn't about locking yourself in a room for 12 hours a day and reading books. I've noticed the students that get out and do things are much more personable which translates into successful interviews. Again, most of this is just opinion, but I think it's generally correct.

👍👍👍👍👍

But on a side note, I don't think I talked much about ECs on any of my interviews...

 

[dentalWorks]

Your list of schools seem fine... Maybe I'd add a couple more.

Sure, having ECs is better than having none however since your applying VERY soon, your not gonna be able to make any changes at this point. IMO, I think you'll be okay, the ONLY potential time this lack of ECs could hurt you is during the interview if they asked "how come you don't have too much community involvement" (aka ~ how come you have no volunteering).... This is not a common interview question, so don't go freaking out thinking every school will ask it... just if it comes up, have a good response.

 

[Hasti]

Thanks for the feedbacks everyone🙂