Dental schools really care about Upper Div classes?

[jp2008]

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Do dental schools expect a lot of upper division? The main one's I have are micriobiology, biochemistry, genetics. My other upper division are like virology, immunology, cell bio, etc. I visited some schools and they don't specify. For people who got accepted, does it really matter? Or almost all the upper divs are equivalent. I know some schools like certain ones, like maybe molecular bio? because you learn it first year or something. anyways, thanks for the help guys!

 

[jigabodo]

Do dental schools expect a lot of upper division? The main one's I have are micriobiology, biochemistry, genetics. My other upper division are like virology, immunology, cell bio, etc. I visited some schools and they don't specify. For people who got accepted, does it really matter? Or almost all the upper divs are equivalent. I know some schools like certain ones, like maybe molecular bio? because you learn it first year or something. anyways, thanks for the help guys!

I think you are gonna be OK.

Some schools require those upperdivision classes, but for the most part schools just "recommend" taking them. Taking them and doing well would def. strengthen your application though.

 

[blankguy]

It also depends on the individual. Maybe if the person in question is a nonscience major they may want to see more science courses to see whether he/she can hack it. Regardless taking more science courses as long as the individual does well its always a plus.

 

[xtractime]

the OP didn't mention anatomy or gross anatomy. dental schools love that class. in fact, its a requirement at a few places....indiana and midwestern for example.

 

[blankguy]

the OP didn't mention anatomy or gross anatomy. dental schools love that class. in fact, its a requirement at a few places....indiana and midwestern for example.

👍It is a must to take that class.😍

 

[laundry]

I think it's pretty obvious that 20 hours of upper division biology is going to look better than 20 of music appreciation or PE.

 

[sublimegd]

I was just going to start a new thread, but my question seems better suited here. I was a non-science major, and now I'm taking the pre-reqs post-bacc. Its really frustrating because taking the pre-reqs is a part time endeavor, and I can't take upper any upper level sciences until I get the intros out of the way. I was initially planning on applying this next cycle, having just completed the gen chem, ochem, physics, and bio series, but still lacking any upper division sciences, and lacking any full time "science" student status.

So, I have a few questions. Has anyone gotten accepted taking just the pre-reqs as a part time student post-bacc? or just the pre-reqs as a non-science major? Should I take more upper level courses in the fall? How important is it that I can't seem to be able to work in a larger load of courses? As a post-bacc student I get last pick and classes are full before I can add them, and they often have conflicting times. So frustrated right now...😡

 

[jdoc04]

I was just going to start a new thread, but my question seems better suited here. I was a non-science major, and now I'm taking the pre-reqs post-bacc. Its really frustrating because taking the pre-reqs is a part time endeavor, and I can't take upper any upper level sciences until I get the intros out of the way. I was initially planning on applying this next cycle, having just completed the gen chem, ochem, physics, and bio series, but still lacking any upper division sciences, and lacking any full time "science" student status.

So, I have a few questions. Has anyone gotten accepted taking just the pre-reqs as a part time student post-bacc? or just the pre-reqs as a non-science major? Should I take more upper level courses in the fall? How important is it that I can't seem to be able to work in a larger load of courses? As a post-bacc student I get last pick and classes are full before I can add them, and they often have conflicting times. So frustrated right now...😡

Your chances for applying next cycle as a non-science major with just the pre-req's under your belt will depend on a lot of factors, gpa, DAT, EC's. Even if your stats are high I would recommend you take a human anatomy course and a few upper division courses that are similar to those taken in dental school. Don't take these courses with the sole goal of impressing the adcoms. Having taken these courses previously will increase your chances of handling dental school. The more you are familiar with (hard core sciences) will allow you more time to focus on learning dentistry and developing your hand skills.

As for being a post-bacc and being frustrated with scheduling classes. Will your institution allow you to enroll as a non-degree seeking senior? Anyway I hope this helps and good luck!!

 

[sublimegd]

Having taken these courses previously will increase your chances of handling dental school. The more you are familiar with (hard core sciences) will allow you more time to focus on learning dentistry and developing your hand skills.

As for being a post-bacc and being frustrated with scheduling classes. Will your institution allow you to enroll as a non-degree seeking senior? Anyway I hope this helps and good luck!!

Thanks for the quick reply. I am well aware of the rigors of dental school didactics, and would certainly do everything I could to better prepare myself. But, I am trying to take this one step at a time, and impressing the adcoms is what Im currently going for. I've gotten A's in all the pre-reqs except for bio2 and the ochems, which I'm in the process of completing. I am just concerned that my grades will be tainted by the part time status, and would like to see how others in my situation have faired.

 

[jdoc04]

one step at a time, and impressing the adcoms is what Im currently going for.

My point was you can kill two birds with one stone, impress and increase preparation. It sounds as if you have things in order I am sure you'll make into d-school in the future. Good Luck!

 

[sublimegd]

bizump 😀

 

[derArzt]

Quite a few schools require biochemistry actually.

UF requires microbiology.

 

[small]

I was just going to start a new thread, but my question seems better suited here. I was a non-science major, and now I'm taking the pre-reqs post-bacc. ... So frustrated right now...😡

I applied to 4 schools, interviews at all, accept in Dec. to 2, and rejected by none (yet!), and I did just what you were talking about. Music major, doing non-degree seeking post-bacc at different school and taking mostly just prereq classes (though that did include Anatomy/Phys for Indiana). I also took Virology last fall and am taking Medical Microbiology this spring, but my only upper level classes are Vir., Med Micro, and Bio Chem.
I had professors sign me into the Virology and Med. Micro (I didn't have the prereqs). Talk to the professor teaching the upper-level class you're interested in taking if you want to get in without prereqs. Lack of upper levels shouldn't hinder you as long as other points are strong (GPA, DAT, etc).

 

[xdianaax]

It's really not about what they require so much as how you can better prepare yourself for dental school. Everything you do is for yourself, not the school. Gaining admission is half the battle, the other half is succeeding. Good luck 🙂.