E
Are these good enough stats for top colleges (I am a current junior)?
EDUCATION:
Unweighted and Cumulative GPA: 3.953/4.357
Class Rank: 22/717
SAT: 710 Math / 680 Reading (Highest Score Received On Each Section)
CLASSWORK:
AP Coursework: AP Chemistry, AP Biology (3), AP Calculus BC, AP Psychology (5), AP United States History, AP World History (5)
DC Credits: DC English 1301/1302, UT OnRamps Precalculus
School's Math, Science, Technology and Accelerated Math and Science Programs: Participated in the school's honors programs throughout grades 9-11; provides integrated curriculum for advanced math and science courses; volunteered 55 hours when part of program.
OTHER SKILLS: CPR and BLS Certified, in process of receiving TSBDE Dental Assisting Certification.
EXPERIENCE:
Dental Assisting Program, Student 08/2024 - Present
Participated in the Dental Assisting Program which offers a foundational understanding of dentistry, preparation for various dental careers, and a future TSBDE Registered Dental Assisting Certification.
Worked hands-on in a dental office-styled environment while gaining experience and knowledge of dental professions, infection control, radiology, chair-side dental techniques, dental charting, jurisprudence, dental hygiene, and dental anatomy.
ACTIVITIES:
Tutor Club, Junior Ambassador 08/2024 - Present
Represented the juniors of the club in meetings; helped organize activities and scheduling for the club.
Tutored multiple students with Geometry, Algebra, English, and SAT Prep. Led lectures to help tutees.
Tutored 2-3 hours per week.
CCMR Recognition Club, Ambassador 12/2024 - Present
Promoted the importance of College, Career, and Military readiness on campus through a school-wide initiative comprised of designing posters, leading celebratory activities, and creating a website to raise awareness.
Non-Profit Tutoring Organization, Tutor 08/2024 - Present
Tutored elementary and middle school students in math, science, reading, and orchestra at a local nonprofit organization.
Printed and helped create worksheets and lessons for tutees to complete; helped students complete the program’s work in unique and creative ways.
Taught 30+ kids throughout 6 months of tutoring at Light and Salt Academy for 2-3 hours per week.
Orchestra, Concert Member 08/2022 - Present
Played violin in orchestra concerts; participated in UIL Competitions and Solo and Ensemble Competitions; played in district-wide Stringfest Concert.
Practiced violin 3-4 times per week.
HOSA, Organization Member 08/2022 - Present
Participated in HOSA Dental Science Competition and worked in fundraisers and service volunteering.
Volunteered 20 Hours for the past 6 months.
Key Club, Organization Member 08/2024 - Present
Volunteered regularly at school-led events, local fundraisers, DFW city-wide marathons, tutoring sessions, and local toy drives.
Volunteered 45 Hours for the past 6 months.
AWARDS: AP Scholar (2024), Superintendent Scholar (2024), UIL Academic Excellence (2022-2023-2024-2025),
First Place Group Winner in HS Video Contest (2023)
I want to retake the SAT and improve my look as a biology major on the pre-dentistry track by getting an internship, shadowing, and volunteering.
What top colleges could I genuinely get into with these stats? And what should I improve?
3 answers
Dr H
Dr’s Answer
Now, Chinyere here is spot on—especially about boosting that SAT and getting more hands-on experience. You’re already planning on it, so you’re ahead of the game. But let’s add some extra credit sauce to make you irresistible. Because I know. You want that too.
So E, if you can push both sections above 750, you’ll have colleges swiping right on your application faster than you can say "early decision."
Research, Research, Research. If you can assist in a biology or health sciences lab, even if it’s just washing beakers while absorbing knowledge like a sponge, that’ll give your app a major boost. Bonus points if you get your name on a paper—colleges love that.
Start a small initiative related to dentistry—maybe a YouTube channel about dental health myths or a blog on dental careers. Shows leadership, creativity, and dedication!
About the Personal Statement Magic: Your essay should scream why dentistry is your destiny—make it personal, engaging, and, most importantly, memorable. If it reads like a Wikipedia article, rewrite it.
Top colleges? You’ve got a real shot at the big leagues—Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and some other heavy hitters. Just don’t forget to have some match and safety schools in the mix.
You’re already a top contender. Polish up those test scores, add some extra flair, and you’ll be unwrapping acceptance letters like it’s Christmas morning.
Go get ‘em, future awesome E.
Chinyere Okafor
Chinyere’s Answer
Wow! First off, congratulations on your impressive academic achievements and extracurricular involvement! Your stats and activities are indeed strong, and you're on a great path for gaining admission to top colleges. Here’s some advice on what you might expect and areas for potential improvement:
Strengths:
1. GPA and Class Rank: Your GPA (3.953/4.357) and class rank (22/717) are excellent, showing consistent academic excellence.
2. SAT Scores: Your SAT scores (710 Math, 680 Reading) are competitive, but improving them could make you an even stronger applicant.
3. AP Coursework: Taking a variety of AP courses and achieving high scores (especially the 5s) demonstrates your ability to handle college-level work.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Your involvement in diverse activities, especially in leadership roles and community service, reflects well-roundedness and commitment.
5. Certifications and Experience: The dental assisting certification and hands-on experience in a dental office are particularly impressive for a pre-dentistry track.
Areas for Improvement:
1. SAT Scores: As you mentioned, retaking the SAT to improve your scores can give you an edge, especially if you can push both sections closer to or above 750.
2. Internships and Shadowing: Gaining more hands-on experience through internships and shadowing professionals in your field of interest (dentistry) will strengthen your application.
3. Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for dentistry and your commitment to the field. Share personal stories and experiences that shaped your interest.
4. Additional Extracurriculars: While your current activities are strong, consider seeking out opportunities that are more directly related to your intended major (e.g., health-related clubs, science fairs, research projects).
Potential Top Colleges:
Given your strong profile, you have a good chance at several top colleges. Here are some that could be within reach:
1. Ivy League Schools: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia (though highly competitive, your stats and experiences are worth a shot).
2. Top Public Universities: University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); University of Michigan; University of Virginia.
3. Renowned Private Universities: Stanford University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University.
4. Other Prestigious Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, Emory University, Vanderbilt University.
Here are more tips:
1. Recommendations: Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors who can speak to your strengths and achievements.
2. Application Essays: Write thoughtful and reflective essays that showcase your personality, resilience, and dedication to your goals.
3. Campus Visits and Interviews: If possible, visit campuses and participate in interviews to demonstrate your interest and learn more about each school’s culture and programs.
Keep up the hard work, E! With your dedication and strategic improvements, you'll be well on your way to gaining admission to a top college and achieving your career goals in dentistry.
Best wishes!
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