Graduating in 5 years vs the traditional 4

[winternights]

I'm a sophomore biochemistry major and recently realized that I might not be able to graduate in time. Because the major has so many classes and I didn't take biology my first year, it is almost impossible for me to graduate on time without overloading on classes every semester and taking summer classes (I'm behind because everything has so many pre-reqs)

How do dental schools view students who take 5 years instead of the usual 4 to graduate?
Will this hurt my chances of admission at all?

While I do want to graduate with my class, I don't know if I can afford to take summer classes at my school and I don't want my grades to suffer because I have to take 3 or more science classes every semester until I graduate. 🙁

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[ewu6three]

I wouldn't worry about it. I graduated in five years, it was only brought up at one of my interviews. It hasn't hurt me, at least I don't think it has.

 

[MedDevil]

It doesn't matter. If anything, it gives you an extra year to work on your EC's, which would make you a more competitive applicant.

 

[journeybegins]

It really makes no difference. Your grades should be the utmost importance.

If you can handle the courses and graduate on time, then do.

If you think your grades will suffer by graduating in 4 years, then don't do 4 years.

I think this is a very, VERY minor detail in your application. It's not a red flag in any way. Some people finish in 3 years, some people finish in 5. It really just depends on what the rest of your application says about you.

 

[R3DEUCE]

I'm a sophomore biochemistry major and recently realized that I might not be able to graduate in time. Because the major has so many classes and I didn't take biology my first year, it is almost impossible for me to graduate on time without overloading on classes every semester and taking summer classes (I'm behind because everything has so many pre-reqs)

How do dental schools view students who take 5 years instead of the usual 4 to graduate?
Will this hurt my chances of admission at all?

While I do want to graduate with my class, I don't know if I can afford to take summer classes at my school and I don't want my grades to suffer because I have to take 3 or more science classes every semester until I graduate. 🙁

It doesn't matter as long as there is a reason behind me. It took me 6 but I majored in something unrelated and did another 2 years just for pre-reqs. I started college in 2000 and I wrapped things up 12 years later (lol). I'm in. No biggie.

 

[R3DEUCE]

Behind it*

(Sorry)

 

[HeadgearBraces]

I am doing 5 years basically because of how my credits transferred from a college on quarters to a college on semesters after my freshman year. Also, I must work part time in order to pay bills, so it helps to take a less busy class schedule. It bothered me to think I was graduating in 5 years until I talked to an advisor. He made it clear to me that one extra year isn't something you will regret when you look back after becoming a dentist. It will look much better to get all A's and a few B's in 5 years than trying to cram a bunch of classes in 4 years and getting C's, D's, and a few F's. Summer classes are an excellent time to take the stupid required general classes as you can get them out of the way and they are only a few weeks. I took out extra loan money during fall/spring semesters to pay for summer classes as I don't get offered loans for part-time status during the summer semester. My advisor made it clear to eventually demonstrate you can handle a full schedule while still getting good grades for a few semesters. Along with taking summer classes since I transferred, I'm taking 16 credit hours next semester, working 16 hours a week, and I plan on getting some volunteering done. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Deadpool]

I took 5 as well + a post-bac. If you know you're going to be in school an extra year, make the most of that extra year. Maybe grab a minor if it allows (could also take classes to boost gpa), do some volunteering, etc. No one really asked me about taking 5 because I had so much stuff packed into the time that there were other things that they preferred to ask about. Goodluck. =)

 

[lemoncurry]

Unless it looks like you're just slacking, I wouldn't worry about it. It took me 5 years as well, with about 7 years in between 2nd and 3rd year. The important thing is to work hard and do well.

 

[aznnytezx]

If this makes you feel better, my school only 37% of the people graduate within four years. 70% within five years, and 90% six years +

 

[Bereno]

My undergrad took 7 years. (and I had 6 interviews so it did not seem to matter) best of luck 🙂

 

[winternights]

Thanks everyone. You guys make me feel a lot better. Once school starts i will talk to an adviser about it. I'm still a bit upset because I may not be graduating with my class. :/

 

[NDPitch]

Just adding to the feedback. I took an extra semester in undergrad and had a somewhat light course load (so 4.5 years), and had 8 interviews, and then 6 acceptances on Dec 3rd. So, don't sweat it!