Failed first 2 exams of Dental School

[dentaldreaming]

I’ve recently started dental school and ended up failing the first 2 exams (gross anatomy and histology). I felt like I had prepared a ton (studied full weekend for each and a few hours on weeknights too.) In undergrad, I could always muscle my way though exams but not seeming that way now. I have an incredible desire to become a dentist but am starting to wonder if I’m not cut out for dental school!

I ended up getting a 20 AA DAT And getting into 5 dental school this last cycle.

Hoping to hear some suggestions or someone who has gone through this.

Thanks!

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[Typical Average Student]

1st year 1st semester is the hardest because the transition is difficult to manage.
Ask your classmates who did well how they studied for it. Ask professors. Ask around!
Traditional studying methods used in undergrad are not always the best in dental school!

 

[setdoc7]

Sounds like you need to study more, like every night, review your coursework. And you need to go to class. The transcripts or pods wont be enough right now. Good luck.

 

[Doctorishere12345]

u can study all day n still end up with failing. It's all about study smart not study hard. You should know why u failed. Is it due to memorization or not understand the materials. Go talk to your professors n ask for help.

Fail first 2 exams is definitely not a good start since it's just beginning. The courses will get harder as you move forward.

 

[SoftGel]

I’ve recently started dental school and ended up failing the first 2 exams (gross anatomy and histology). I felt like I had prepared a ton (studied full weekend for each and a few hours on weeknights too.) In undergrad, I could always muscle my way though exams but not seeming that way now. I have an incredible desire to become a dentist but am starting to wonder if I’m not cut out for dental school!

I ended up getting a 20 AA DAT And getting into 5 dental school this last cycle.

Hoping to hear some suggestions or someone who has gone through this.

Thanks!

I don't consider a weekend of studying and few hours in the evening to be trying very hard. But I also probably study more than most people and have poor working memory 🙂 You need to re calibrate something, and quickly.

 

[Streax1]

Get into a study group with some classmates if you're not already doing so.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I second everyone who said it sounds like you’re not studying enough. Only a few hours during the week when you have an exam coming up?! That’s not going to work. You need to be studying hours every day, even when you don’t have a test immediately coming up. Like setdoc7 said, you should be reviewing the day’s material every night.

Big Hoss

 

[schmoob]

Think of it this way, you're thirsty for your dental degree and you will have to drink from a fire hose.

The 1st two exams are just easing you in, it's going to ramp up ALOT. Plus lab and practicals and everything else. This isnt undergrad, the workload is no joke. Also, study what the professor teaches ONLY. Because that's where the questions will come from.

You worked hard and you ARE cut out for this, you just need to adapt. Dont let people discourage you.

 

[Someoneelse30]

I agree with everyone else said.

Recalibrate and find what works for you.

Here are some things that I did that works for me:
1. Anki — I put everything in anki. It’s a great tool for recalling information and active learning (quizlet will do if you don’t have anki)

2. Relisten to lectures

3. Study with a friend that can explain things to you in classes you don’t understand well and you can do the same for them. OR if you study better by yourself then get a tutor for classes you don’t understand well— tutors are great Bc they’re upperclassmen who have taken these classes before and will know how the prof asks his/her questions.

4. See if your class can put together a google drive and share study guides so you don’t have to waste your time making them for all your classes.


The key to dental school is studying smart. Just simply tweak your study habits and you’ll be just fine 🙂 hope this helps!

 

[Faefly]

Can you explain to us what is your studying strategies ?

 

[PreDent2015]

I’ve recently started dental school and ended up failing the first 2 exams (gross anatomy and histology). I felt like I had prepared a ton (studied full weekend for each and a few hours on weeknights too.) In undergrad, I could always muscle my way though exams but not seeming that way now. I have an incredible desire to become a dentist but am starting to wonder if I’m not cut out for dental school!

I ended up getting a 20 AA DAT And getting into 5 dental school this last cycle.

Hoping to hear some suggestions or someone who has gone through this.

Thanks!

DO you go to buffalo?