Dilemma re: schedule and courses - please advise

[customx]

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I'm looking

 

[Svart Aske]

I'm looking at doing a post-bacc early next year and have spent time researching what courses are required for the UW dental school. Since I never took any science courses as an undergrad, I'm starting from scratch. I'd like to apply for the 2012 cycle, but want to finish most of the pre-reqs by the end of spring or summer quarter 2011 so I can take the DAT.

Here's my problem. I was planning to move from Korea to America to start spring quarter. If I do this however, I think it creates a problem schedule wise in terms of the classes I can take during the next two years.

If I start classes winter quarter 2010, I can complete 2 quarters of chemistry, 3 quarters of biology, 3 of physics, 2 bio chem, 2 organic chem and 1 quarter of microbiology by the end of spring 2011. I'd also have a chance to take other electives like histology. I could then take the DAT either in the spring or summer of 2011.

If I start classes spring quarter 2010 then I wont finish classes like physics, microbiology and biochemistry until fall or winter quarter 2012. Wouldn't this put me in a tough spot when I take the DAT in 2011?

Just make sure that you have taken all the required classes by matriculation. You can obviously leave the English, physics, calculus and histology till after you have taken the DAT.

 

[customx]

I suppose

 

[shloopy]

Any biochemistry material that is on the DAT will have been covered in general bio, chem, and o.chem, and it's not necessary (or even productive, imo) to focus on biochemistry material to do well on the DAT. Much better to spend time trying to master general bio, chem, and o.chem (see DAT forums), and THEN take biochem to help prep you for the d-school curriculum.

Having taken the DAT, seen the questions, and as a current biochem student, that's my $.02. Good luck...

 

[yafdental]

The DAT exam consists of general biology, organic chemistry, and general chemistry- two semesters of each. In addition you will need to take math calc as well as english writing. The rest of the classes that are required like physics you can take after the DAT exam becasue you will need to apply to dental school a year in advance so you will have time to take the extra classes that you want.
Also have you thought about taking any prep courses for the DAT or are you planning on taking it without it?

 

[wwdaffodils]

The DAT exam consists of general biology, organic chemistry, and general chemistry- two semesters of each. In addition you will need to take math calc as well as english writing. The rest of the classes that are required like physics you can take after the DAT exam becasue you will need to apply to dental school a year in advance so you will have time to take the extra classes that you want.
Also have you thought about taking any prep courses for the DAT or are you planning on taking it without it?

Calculus is NOT on the DAT.

 

[customx]

Thanks everyone for the help.