Applying with a BA?

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I am currently an undergrad but was curious how often people apply with a BA? I would only need about 25 credit hours for a BA in chemistry vs 49 credit hours for a BS in chemistry. Is it even necessary to have a BS? I was hearing that dental schools dont really care what you major in (could even be psychology)?

Originally Posted by BrotherAli

I am currently an undergrad but was curious how often people apply with a BA? I would only need about 25 credit hours for a BA in chemistry vs 49 credit hours for a BS in chemistry. Is it even necessary to have a BS? I was hearing that dental schools dont really care what you major in (could even be psychology)?

They really don't.

Originally Posted by DoeAdeer

They really don't.

So if I get a BA in chem, in your opinion I wouldnt be at a disadvantage?

In a way that seem unfortunate since getting a biochem degree wouldnt benefit vs a psyc degree yet overall GPA would likely suffer.

Originally Posted by BrotherAli

So if I get a BA in chem, in your opinion I wouldnt be at a disadvantage?

In a way that seem unfortunate since getting a biochem degree wouldnt benefit vs a psyc degree yet overall GPA would likely suffer.

im applying with a BA. some schools only offer BA. that said i mean they do see what you major in so like depends on the person

This is my personal opinion...PERSONAL OPINION

I don't think having a BA will put you at advantage, but adcoms weren't born yesterday.

They know which degree generally had more difficult requirements.

So imagine if some guy came in with the same stats and a BS instead of a BA?

I think you can see where im going with this.

It won't matter as long as you post a really high GPA. If you are not posting a 3.7+ then I think getting a BS would be a better option.

No, not at all. PLENTY of people with BA degrees getting accepted.

I am getting my BA in bio over a BS b/c I will have 3 semesters of Spanish. I think taking Spanish will be more of a benefit than taking some random upper division bio class about plants... So that's why I switched

I got accepted with a BA and a 3.3 GPA. Don't worry about it

Originally Posted by nboogie

I got accepted with a BA and a 3.3 GPA. Don't worry about it

^damn!!!! you got accepted into UCSF with a 3.3?? What undergrad did you go to and how high were your dat scores, haha.

Originally Posted by GoBlue24

^damn!!!! you got accepted into UCSF with a 3.3?? What undergrad did you go to and how high were your dat scores, haha.

She's a CA resident, which makes a lot of difference.

Originally Posted by DoeAdeer

She's a CA resident, which makes a lot of difference.

No, having a 24 AA and a 3.55 science GPA makes a lot of difference.

Congrats on the UCSF. I'm glad adcom is looking at DAT. When and if I get on the adcom I'm going to make sure the DAT is given preference. I realized that grade inflation is almost as prevalent in college as it is in high school!

--

I don't think a BA degree will be looked any differently. Yes, there's always a chance that someone with equal stats comes around and they might use the degree as a tie breaker. It's completely valid. I doubt this will happen.

Besides a degree in chemistry is more impressive than the boat loads of biology degrees we see. At least in my opinion! No offense to biology majors, as I was one of them!

Originally Posted by TheToothsayer

No, having a 24 AA and a 3.55 science GPA makes a lot of difference.

Congrats on the UCSF. I'm glad adcom is looking at DAT. When and if I get on the adcom I'm going to make sure the DAT is given preference. I realized that grade inflation is almost as prevalent in college as it is in high school!

Just by being a California resident, she already had one foot in at UCSF. And her impressive stats are probably what got the other foot in. Residency plays a significant role in public dental school admissions.

Originally Posted by BrotherAli

I am currently an undergrad but was curious how often people apply with a BA? I would only need about 25 credit hours for a BA in chemistry vs 49 credit hours for a BS in chemistry. Is it even necessary to have a BS? I was hearing that dental schools dont really care what you major in (could even be psychology)?

what do you mean by "could even be psychology" ?

...from my experiences I'd say it's probably one of the most applicable undergrad degrees

Choosing over BA over BS depends on your gpa. If you can maintain a high gpa with a BS, then go for it. If not, go for the BA. I would say, my gpa would probably be around 3.4 if I went for a BS. Unfortunately, I am going for a BA, so it'll probably be around a 3.7!

Originally Posted by MOUTHLOVER

what do you mean by "could even be psychology" ?

...from my experiences I'd say it's probably one of the most applicable undergrad degrees

are we saying psych majors are real people

Originally Posted by DoeAdeer

Just by being a California resident, she already had one foot in at UCSF. And her impressive stats are probably what got the other foot in. Residency plays a significant role in public dental school admissions.

It was more of a joke. I know how key residency is in D-school admissions.

<----- 23AA 25TS 3.95 no UCSF interview even as a CA resident. Same thing happen to my GF with their med school. Its worth applying but don't go in w/ any expectations and don't be too nice(its known for being cut throat)

BA = BS. Bachelor's is a Bachelor's.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=610029

I think it really doesn't matter. Admissions probably looks at the overall application as a whole: GPA, DAT, extracurriculars, difficulty of classes taken, etc). There are many factors that come into play regardless of it's a BA vs. BS.

Hey Brother Ali! You've left Rhymesayers for dentistry??

It depends on how you want your degree to appear to the adcoms:
BA as in Bad *****
BS as in Bull S***

But seriously the differences are only minor. Some schools may only offer one type only(for keeping tradition/historical reasons). I could only see where a BS would benefit and that's when you're applying for a job in a laboratory. What's more important are your grades being top notch.