Final two semesters, extremely light courseloads

[doeordie]

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I actually finished all my required classes this Fall, but I chose not to graduate. I only took 6 credits in the Fall and spent the rest of the time working a part-time job and doing research.

I didn't graduate because I wanted to stick around and TA for a few classes this Spring. I'm not applying until next cycle anyway. So I'm taking a gap year of sorts, except I'm still enrolled.

Well, turns out that one of the professors I was planning to TA for is being forced into retirement. Another professor I wanted to TA for didn't tell me about when/where to sign up; as such, all the spots were filled by the time I asked.

Right now it looks like I may just have to take 3 or 4 elective credits (1 or 2 classes) for my final semester. But that's not all I will be doing--I plan on spending the remaining time on studying, research, volunteering, shadowing, etc.

Will this negatively affect my application--the light courseloads? I do plan on filling up my time with productive stuff.

 

[californiway21]

My last quarter at my school (Fall 2016) I took an Anthropology class P/F, a Poli Sci class, and a bio lab. I don't think the admissions saw it as a big deal since it was listed as planned on my AADSAS application.

 

[Greyangel6]

I don't think it will affect that much. But personally, I wish I'd signed up for some courses such as gross anatomy, biochem, physiology, histology, endocrinology, embryology as well as any pathology classes before I entered dental school (so it's still fresh in my mind when I start). Meh. too late now, now I'm in my D2 year with some regrets hahah.

 

[aggietxdent]

I don't think it will affect that much. But personally, I wish I'd signed up for some courses such as gross anatomy, biochem, physiology, histology, endocrinology, embryology as well as any pathology classes before I entered dental school (so it's still fresh in my mind when I start). Meh. too late now, now I'm in my D2 year with some regrets hahah.

What about Immunology? I want to take this course before matriculating in the Fall but I've had this prof before and she is HARD and I want to focus on other things. However, I'm willing to take the class if it'll help me (don't need it for graduation)

 

[Greyangel6]

What about Immunology? I want to take this course before matriculating in the Fall but I've had this prof before and she is HARD and I want to focus on other things. However, I'm willing to take the class if it'll help me (don't need it for graduation)

Yep! Immunology will definitely help too.

 

[hopefuldentist123]

Would people suggest taking virology over molecular biology of cancer/or intro to molecular biology? Trying to decide which to take - thanks in advance .

 

[hopefuldentist123]

Also, my school doesn't offer anatomy. Would primate anatomy be useful or should I take a different upper level science instead? Thanks

 

[Greyangel6]

I'm not sure primate anatomy will be enough to replace gross anatomy (as in gross, you learn regional anatomy, meaning within certain triangles, you need to know what anatomical structures exist and whether one is more peripheral than the other, etc.). As for virology, idk how extensive certain dental schools go in with that subject, but for my school, we have a course called Infectious Diseases and virology is only a small portion. I'd rather take molecular bio, just because during D1 year at my school, they basically combine biochem and molec bio together, so that's why background in this is helpful.

 

[doeordie]

I just don't think I can stomach another hard class, so would you think it'd look bad if I just took 2 or 3 easy elective classes?

Or should I just try to take at least one "hard" class like Virology, Immunology, or something of that nature?

My last quarter at my school (Fall 2016) I took an Anthropology class P/F, a Poli Sci class, and a bio lab. I don't think the admissions saw it as a big deal since it was listed as planned on my AADSAS application.

What does "planned" mean in the context of the application?