Attn Howard Applicants!!

[DentalKidd]

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I was considering adding Howard to my list of prospective schools, however I found out today they have updated their admissions requirements, which seemed ok until I saw that they now want applicants to have two courses in Biochemistry at 4 credits each. Most dental schools require one, some do not require Biochemistry at all, I just thought this was interesting and wanted to make it known to my fellow dental school applicants!

PS- The DAT requirement increased as well, now Howard requires atleast an 18 in each section. DAT: 18 (in each of the eight categories) I don't know what the other 2 categories are though, there were only 6 on my DAT.

English Composition and Literature 6
Human Anatomy 6
Biochemistry 8
Inorganic Chemistry and Labs 8
Organic Chemistry and Labs 8
Physics 8
Biology 8
Electives 22
The Following courses are also recommended:
Physiology 6
Microbiology 6

 

[herkulease]

I was considering adding Howard to my list of prospective schools, however I found out today they have updated their admissions requirements, which seemed ok until I saw that they now want applicants to have two courses in Biochemistry at 4 credits each. Most dental schools require one, some do not require Biochemistry at all, I just thought this was interesting and wanted to make it known to my fellow dental school applicants!

PS- The DAT requirement increased as well, now Howard requires atleast an 18 in each section. DAT: 18 (in each of the eight categories) I don't know what the other 2 categories are though, there were only 6 on my DAT.

English Composition and Literature 6
Human Anatomy 6
Biochemistry 8
Inorganic Chemistry and Labs 8
Organic Chemistry and Labs 8
Physics 8
Biology 8
Electives 22
The Following courses are also recommended:
Physiology 6
Microbiology 6

where did you find these updated requirements?

Also their are 8 categories on the DAT score report.

PAT, QR,RC, BIO, GCHEM, OCHEM, TS, AA

 

[Kobebucsfan]

where did u find this ?

their website says differently.

8 credits of biochem ? My univ. doesn't even have that

 

[Muggs]

where did u find this ?

their website says differently.

8 credits of biochem ? My univ. doesn't even have that

yeah haha. Mine doesn't either. Can someone confirm OP's statement?

 

[Shipponz]

i couldn't find that either, i was wondering though what if i finish most of the pre-reqs except human anatomy/physiology. I am a biomedical engineering major and i have 2 more years before applying but the only pre-req i need to complete besided a/p is ochem 1 and 2 which i am doing this upcoming year but i don't have space for a/p. I am also going to be a 5 year undergrad starting my 3rd year.

I plan on studying for DAT all of next summer and taking it in end of aug/beginning of sept.

 

[DentalKidd]

The ADEA held a virtual Dental School fair yesterday. About 37 schools participated. Howard being one of them. You could chat and ask questions with the school reps. The lady I spoke with was "Deb". There was a link with a brochure with the most up to date information concerning admission to Howard. When I saw the new prereq for two semesters of Biochemistry I immediately asked her when did Howard add Biochem as a prereq, she said they just implemented it for the 2013 applicants. I said its not on the website and she said they're in the process of updating the site. I don't think two semesters of Biochem is necessary. Some schools do not offer two semesters of Biochem. I removed them from my list.

 

[hopefulja]

Yup, I can confirm. I was in the chatroom too and the lady confirmed it and said "they're in the process of updating their website". In my honest opinion if it didn't get there before June 4th when the cycle opened it shouldn't apply to us especially since there are no refunds or swaps allowed by AADSAS. And the requirements have to be complete before June 30 so that just makes it impossible for me to do. Sooooo annoyed!

 

[Kobebucsfan]

thats not fair. my biochem is only 3 credits and w/ lab its 5 credits

Biochem II doesn't even exist

 

[jeffity]

Write a letter to your congressmen!

Really though, to announce this information at a sluggish, unreliable, online fair almost 4 weeks after the cycle opened is a little silly. Maybe they'll reconsider bumping this to class of 2018 applicants...if enough people rage against it. Use a fake name and email before revolting.

 

[user122]

Dam I already submit my AADSAS to them AND paid their $75 application fee...I have only one semester biochem, 3 credits 👎

 

[Kobebucsfan]

Write a letter to your congressmen!

Really though, to announce this information at a sluggish, unreliable, online fair almost 4 weeks after the cycle opened is a little silly. Maybe they'll reconsider bumping this to class of 2018 applicants...if enough people rage against it. Use a fake name and email before revolting.

I just called the admissions ppl

they said "Yea u need 8 hours of biochem"

I said "My university only has 1 biochem course"

They said "well u need to take it at another university then"

I said "the website doesn't say that"

They said "Well, they need to fix that then"


I WAS LIKE 😡😡😡😡

 

[Kobebucsfan]

Dam I already submit my AADSAS to them AND paid their $75 application fee...I have only one semester biochem, 3 credits 👎

they said they were gonna call everyone that submitted and tell them about this change. u might get email or phone call telling u ur app is incomplete

 

[jeffity]

How about they refund your $80 (and $75 if you paid that) since they changed the rules late? How hard is it to update their website? They seemed to have time to make a digital brochure.

What's the point of 6 biochms anyway? They trying once elitists or something?

 

[herkulease]

Good thing I didn't mail out that $75. I'm dropping them.

Anyways, unless I"m pulling up some old cache version, their listed requirements on their website is actually 2 years old.

it shows for the 2010-2011 cycle.

http://www.dentistry.howard.edu/admissions.htm

 

[DentalKidd]

I asked the lady if something else could be substituted for Biochem II, she said no. SMH but Howard is getting ridiculous with the outstanding prereqs so I will not be applying there. Meharry added Biochem as a prereq also...just Biochem I with lab. But good luck everyone!!

 

[jeffity]

Forget URM. Anyone who can pull 6 biochm credits has a good shot.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

I took 3 credit biochem last year and i'm taking the biochem lab (2credits) this fall.

Thats only 5 credits total, where do i get my 3 more credits . My univ. doesn't even have BIOCHEM II ?

 

[periopocket]

When Schools say 8 credits, they most of the time really mean two lecture courses such as: Biochemistry 1 and Biochemistry 2. Different schools grant a different number of credits per lecture course, and I am pretty sure they are cool with that. They just want you to take the set BIOCHEM I and BIOCHEM II.

 

[ToroX]

Write a letter to your congressmen!

Really though, to announce this information at a sluggish, unreliable, online fair almost 4 weeks after the cycle opened is a little silly. Maybe they'll reconsider bumping this to class of 2018 applicants...if enough people rage against it. Use a fake name and email before revolting.

I sent in my application fee on Tuesday after receiving the application received e-mail. I only have 1 course of biochem so I spoke with a lady there and she said well too bad. She said I could talk to Mrs. Nixon who will be there on Friday (6/29/12) to hopefully get my refund back or get this resolved.

I encourage others who are also in my situation to call and notify the school that their slow response penalizes those who applied early. The lady I spoke with said I was the first person she heard that had this problem...

PM me for Mrs. Nixon's number...I'm unsure if I can post phone numbers on the forums or not, if I can post it here I will update my post.

 

[Muggs]

I just called the admissions ppl

they said "Yea u need 8 hours of biochem"

I said "My university only has 1 biochem course"

They said "well u need to take it at another university then"

I said "the website doesn't say that"

They said "Well, they need to fix that then"


I WAS LIKE 😡😡😡😡

haha wow. "take it at another university then." that's ridiculous.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

I sent in my application fee on Tuesday after receiving the application received e-mail. I only have 1 course of biochem so I spoke with a lady there and she said well too bad. She said I could talk to Mrs. Nixon who will be there on Friday (6/29/12) to hopefully get my refund back or get this resolved.

I encourage others who are also in my situation to call and notify the school that their slow response penalizes those who applied early. The lady I spoke with said I was the first person she heard that had this problem...

PM me for Mrs. Nixon's number...I'm unsure if I can post phone numbers on the forums or not, if I can post it here I will update my post.

I highly doubt that

maybe ppl aren't complaining b/c they might not even know about this change

 

[Kobebucsfan]

This is what their website says:

The following subjects are the minimum required core courses that must be obtained from an accredited four (4) year college/university in the United States or Canada:

English Composition and Literature 6 semester hours Inorganic Chemistry and Labs 8 semester hours Organic Chemistry and Labs 8 semester hours Human Anatomy/Physiology 6 semester hours Physics 6 semester hours Electives 22 semester hours

Recommended coursework:

Biology lecture/lab 8 semester hours Physiology 6 semester hours Microbiology 6 semester hours Biochemistry 6 semester hours

Biochem isn't even required, its "recommended", now all of a sudden they change it to 8 credits biochem required ??

 

[copout]

Umm, so if that is true then that sucks. Can someone confirm?

Also to the people that paid the 75 dollars for supplemental, why did you do that? The AADSAS website supplemental info for Howard says....

"Send these materials directly to the dental schools Only When an Admission Officer Contacts You:

• Application fee $75 (money order only)
• Official college transcript(s)
• Three letters of evaluation or a committee evaluation; if not submitted with AADSAS application"

 

[herkulease]

Umm, so if that is true then that sucks. Can someone confirm?

Also to the people that paid the 75 dollars for supplemental, why did you do that? The AADSAS website supplemental info for Howard says....

"Send these materials directly to the dental schools Only When an Admission Officer Contacts You:

• Application fee $75 (money order only)
• Official college transcript(s)
• Three letters of evaluation or a committee evaluation; if not submitted with AADSAS application"

Umm because they contacted people? If you were in the 1st batch, you likely got an email on June 25th from Howard to send $75. That is considered contact.

It wasn't until the virtual fair on the 26th and 27th that someone notice that their brochure had newer requirements. OP didn't post until the 27th.

 

[ToroX]

This is what their website says:

The following subjects are the minimum required core courses that must be obtained from an accredited four (4) year college/university in the United States or Canada:

English Composition and Literature 6 semester hours Inorganic Chemistry and Labs 8 semester hours Organic Chemistry and Labs 8 semester hours Human Anatomy/Physiology 6 semester hours Physics 6 semester hours Electives 22 semester hours

Recommended coursework:

Biology lecture/lab 8 semester hours Physiology 6 semester hours Microbiology 6 semester hours Biochemistry 6 semester hours

Biochem isn't even required, its "recommended", now all of a sudden they change it to 8 credits biochem required ??

Yeah but the lady told me that in the 'brochure' it says you need 2 semester of biochem. She said the brochure was online somewhere...but I must not have looked hard enough for it.

 

[ToroX]

Umm because they contacted people? If you were in the 1st batch, you likely got an email on June 25th from Howard to send $75. That is considered contact.

It wasn't until the virtual fair on the 26th and 27th that someone notice that their brochure had newer requirements. OP didn't post until the 27th.

Exactly. I sent my money order on 6/26 and I was busy at work so I missed the virtual fair. Unfortunately I was busy at work today and did not get a chance to call Mrs. Nixon. I find this slightly unprofessional.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

I'm sorry but i dont get this "brochure" thing. Every student that applies goes to their website to look at the requirements. Its unprofessional and unfair

 

[herkulease]

I'm sorry but i dont get this "brochure" thing. Every student that applies goes to their website to look at the requirements. Its unprofessional and unfair

I agree.

their website is also woefully out of date, unless for some reason I'm pulling up an old cache version. its still shows 2010-2011 cycle dates.

At least I'm out 80 bucks and not $155 and having to complain to hopefully get back $75.

Not sure what the ADEA can do to help us out in such a situations. Schools are free to make changes to requirements after they are printed and they are obviously free to ignore any requirements they print up.

I'm personally not willing to waste $75 dollars hoping they'd ignore the biochem requirement if and when enough people complain.

If you have your heart set on Howard, see what you can do to get those 8 units of bio chem to be safe, if not then its probably best to move on and chalk up the lost of at least $80 bucks. No point in stressing over it. there are other schools.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

i'm gonna call again and make sure. hopefully the more ppl that call they fix it

 

[Bis-GMA111]

8 credits worth of biochem eh? well, i have that, but i don't have the 18 min. for each sub category so i guess i won't be applying there. 🙄

 

[clcrdh08]

From Dr. Skinner via email---


The ADEA's website should have the correct information. We are in the process of migrating to a Health Science website, which will include medicine, pharmacy, nursing and allied health. If the candidates are that upset and Howard is the only school to which they applied, then I guess they are entitled to a refund. Candidates may request information from Mrs. Willis at [email protected] or Mrs. Randall at [email protected]

 

[Ferneezy]

good thing i already have 8 ancient credits of biochem under my belt...too bad my years of bio and gen chem were taken at a CC.

will i still apply to Howard? yup.

 

[Toofly01]

Sorry I'm late to the party, but I just got the email from Howard so I looked up "Howard money order" because I thought was pretty odd of them to require, and instead found several of the 'requirement changes' threads which has perplexed me further. If they are trying to appeal to URM then they are putting those individuals at a disadvantage because I don't know many universities that even offer the requirements they are now looking for. So I have no idea what they are trying to accomplish. Seems a dry and forced way of implementing change (without even letting the applicants know- which seemingly defeats the purpose!).

You know what's funny... their website is updated now, true, but at the very top it says 2013-2014... that's NEXT application cycle. Last time I checked this was the 2012-2013 application cycle. Any thoughts on arguing that point w/ the adcoms? (Or getting my aadsas app money back...).

 

[Tunaman]

Not that I really care about this school, nor am I URM, but I applied and submitted my app fee based on the pre-req's required as of June 4th....when I e-submitted my app. If I get any correspondence stating that my app is incomplete because I only have 4 instead of 6 biochem credits...lets just say they'll be receiving a certified letter....at this point its about principal, screwing 100's, possibly even 1000's of students out of hard earned money. Lets appeal to URM's, but make it more difficult for them to apply to our program by adding 2 more credits of biochem, when its difficult enough for them to come up with the funding to attend school.....and btw, their DAT averages as of a yr or 2 ago was 16 or 17, now they want 18's across the board....CLOWNS

 

[Qtn2x]

It is so odd, I checked their website earlier in November and it said you need 8 credit hours for Biochemistry, but I am checking the website now and I don't see that requirement anymore, ???? The biochem is not listed in the pre-req nor the recommended course. So far I do'nt have good impression with them already, confusing website, and the admission office never answer their phone.

 

[Bryophyta]

All of the confusion that Howard pre-dents are facing seem to be just the tip of the iceberg once matriculated.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=349680