Hard or easy classes, can't get a straight answer.

[TarheelDDS]

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I keep asking people this and still can't get a straight answer.

When applying to dental school, does the admissions board even look at what classes you took besides the pre-reqs?

I am in basic studies now, and when it comes down to something like the foreign language requirement, should I go for something like sign language (which everyone says is crazy easy) or French/German something of that sort (which everyone says is hard)?

I am not trying to be a slack off...But if they are never going to look back at my schedules and say "Wow this kid took an easy FL, where as his peers took a hard FL" and have that hurt my chances, why not pad my GPA and be able to focus on the classes I have that are hard/pre-reqs?

Thanks.

 

[shiftypoptart]

Unless you're trying to fully learn french or german I would take the class that's not gunna screw up your gpa. Foreign languages are difficult especially if you live somewhere where its rarely spoken. I live in California and I feel spanish is by far one of the best skills to have so living here taking a spanish course vs. french or german would be not only easier because you constantly use it, but more beneficial for the same reason. So if your not planning on following through with the language I would say go the easy way because all you're gunna remember how to say from a college language class is please and thank you.

 

[PaulieGualtieri]

No one cares about language classes unless you speak fluently. Done!

 

[UndergradGuy7]

The only classes they look at are high level biology and chemistry. They don't care about your english electives and stuff.

 

[lippy104]

They definitely look at your other classes. Those other classes might not be as important as your bio/chem/physics courses but the admissions committees would look favorably on an applicant that is able to take a heavy course load similar to what you will face in dental school.

On the other hand, there is no excuse for getting bad grades. No matter what classes you are taking, you need to keep your GPA up. In the end you should try to find a balance in the classes you are taking so that you keep a good GPA while still showing dental schools that you can handle a heavy course load.

 

[aelian]

No one cares about language classes unless you speak fluently. Done!

👍
Honestly, why would someone be asking about foreign language requirements and not some science classes? To answer the OP's question, they look at the level of difficulty of your science classes because those are the classes they are familiar with. They would give preference to an individual who took histology over something easier and less correlated to the dental curriculum such as plant biology. So if you are wanting to please the ADComs, take your histo, neuros, a&P's, bichs, etc.
Now, to be more specific with your question, yes, I guess to a small effect it can give them a better idea of who the applicant is if they take unique courses. This will serve the purpose of showing the applicant is unique and not just taking the orthodox, boring classes. It gives the applicant flavor. My flavor is, I guess, history. I spoke a little about my history of Japan class at an interview. How critical it is on the overall decision? I am guessing very, very minimal. Don't worry about the difficulty of something completely unrelated to dental school (sign language).
And you should probably take Spanish. If you ever get the chance to work at an underprivileged clinic (most dental schools have a clinic where the dental students get a buffet of patients because they are cheaper than a private practice), you will notice that a good portion of them are Spanish speakers, not sign language people. I know a lot of 4th years who have already picked up Spanish or who are wanting to learn it.

 

[Munks]

Science > electives. in terms of upper division courses, they mean upper division bio - biochem, anatomy, physio, etc

Unless you're fluent or double majoring, electives don't matter much. If you're fluent, there is a question under background I believe that asks for second/third languages.

 

[TarheelDDS]

Alright thanks guys!


You are right there is no excuse for bad grades (some circumstances applying) and I am confident I will do well in most if not all classes...


I know Spanish would realistically help me the most, but I personally can't stand the language. I switched to French and loved it. So I will probably do that unless something compels me to take something else.


I do know that the sGPA is more important than the overall GPA. However I am a Freshman this year and I don't have a clue what the hard sciences are yet, and which ones I would be best off taking to set up for an excellent looking application, so you guys will have to help me with that.


But can you guys tell me if doing a BA in chemistry like I am planning on would hurt my chances over a BS?