Advice Needed - Newgrad Courses at Community College?

[crankyoda]

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Hi all, I just joined this forum and am in a situation where I need some advice. I am segmenting this into the following:
-academic background, stats
-current situation, and my proposed plan going forward.
Mainly I am looking for advice on areas to focus on in my app and any advice on steps going forward.

I have just graduated with my bachelors in Biomedical Engineering with:
3.4 cumulative GPA
200 shadowing hours w/ general dentist
DAT: 18 AA ;
-Took the DAT to see where I am at, I studied for it to see if this cycle would be worth it to apply, but I will get into the dilemma next. Goal is to retake at some point and aim above 20 AA.

Now here is the problem, I do not have the pre-reqs fulfilled, for example, I need to take about 8-14 credits worth of bio courses alone. I also have to take 2 English courses with a focus on writing, since my COMS were not writing extensive. I will be taking general bio in back to back semesters, likely with labs. Microbio, physio, anatomy, etc.
Since I have graduated from my 4 yr institution, I will likely be taking these courses at a community college, and have found a list of schools that accept CC credit.
I just started working full time at a healthcare company, and will be enrolling in classes at a community college as a part time student. My goal isn't necessarily to apply in the next cycle, I am more so concerned with creating the strongest app I can.

Any advice on any part of my application would be appreciated. Also in regards to prereq completion, any advice on completing these at community college would be great.

 

[doc toothache]

You may be able to skate on bio 1/2 and the English at a CC. Upper level bio courses at a CC may be considered a contradiction of terms.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

So you used a DAT attempt without taking prerequisites. You have three lifetime chances before you ask for permission (formality process) and all your future applications will have your AA 18.

Do it right. Take your prerequisite courses and some upper level courses before trying the DAT.

 

[crankyoda]

So you used a DAT attempt without taking prerequisites. You have three lifetime chances before you ask for permission (formality process) and all your future applications will have your AA 18.

Do it right. Take your prerequisite courses and some upper level courses before trying the DAT.

Thanks for your input, will complete pre reqs before attempting again.

 

[PurpleSails]

I believe a lot of schools have maximum number of community college credits you can put towards prerequisites. Some may not even accept college credits for the main sciences bio/chem/orgo classes. I would definitely make sure that whatever dental school you are looking at, you can meet their requirements before you enroll! And taking DAT just to try it out was probably not the best idea, I would definitely do it again after I take my prerequisites, and I would recommend that you invest in study resources like DATbooster.