help a HS kid out

[justvinsane]

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its the 2nd semester of junior year, and i'm really starting to get serious in my college hunt. I already know that i want to become a dentist, but i don't really know where to go to college. I'm thinking about majoring in biology (or predentistry if the college has it), and i was wondering which programs in the Northeast (from like Maryland to Massachusetts) have the best science departments and are known for getting kids into dental school. I know Holy Cross is very good, Providence isn't bad, and Villanova has a program affiliated with UPenn, all of which i'm currently looking into. Any additional schools i should look at? Anything you want to tell me about those schools? thanks in advance...

if you want an idea of where i stand/what type of student i am:
-asain/nj
-93 avg (91 frosh, 92 soph, 96 jr- 1st semester)
-pretty competitive high school
-mostly honors past years, all honors/2aps this year
-decent amount of clubs
-volunteering at a hospital and local ems
-didn't take the SAT yet but had 209 PSAT if that helps

 

[Regmata]

Just go to a respectable university and do well.

 

[axum]

You can get into dental school from most Universities. Don't worry so much about it. You are still in high school, you don't know what might happen. You might even change your mind after a few biology classes.

 

[wigglytooth]

You can get into dental school from most Universities. Don't worry so much about it. You are still in high school, you don't know what might happen. You might even change your mind after a few biology classes.

This is so true. I would say to try to find a university that has well-respected science departments, but also look for a school that is generally well-balanced in other departments as well. Try to go to a school that you get a good feeling from (ie. you think you will fit in with the student body, you like the location, etc). You really never know what will happen, especially after you start taking classes and seriously shadowing dentists, and college isn't just about preparing you for a career.😎

 

[blankguy]

Go to whichever college you feel will allow you to flourish. Don't worry if its a obscure college. In the long run DAT/GPA is what is going to allow you to go to dental school.

 

[absolutely]

absolutely. DAT and GPA. I have seen some kids come out of completely unknown universities and do just fine getting into dental school because they worked hard and did well on the DAT and had a good GPA. Extracurriculars are also important. Be well rounded. I'm sure you are going to do fine.

 

[Danny0230]

As far as Rhode Island goes, URI has a much better science rep/curriculum than Providence.

 

[sajjy]

Its still High School.....dont stress out so much right now....there will PLENTY of things to worry about later on...😀...save your stresses for your future😛

 

[blankguy]

As far as Rhode Island goes, URI has a much better science rep/curriculum than Providence.

As far New England goes.
MIT, BU, Harvard, Tufts, and Brandeis are very strong in the sciences unlike the diploma mills Danny is suggesting😛

 

[charlestweed]

It’s good that you plan your future education early. I’ve seen a lot people who chose wrong careers that they were not too happy with…..they had to quit their jobs and applied for dental schools. You should take all the prerequisite courses in college, do well on the DAT, and apply for dental school as soon as possible. You don’t really need to spend all 4 years to get a BS degree. Good Luck!

 

[blankguy]

To avoid wrong career choices the OP should at least shadow a dentist because a career change later on is going to be much more costlier in terms of money, time, and effort.

 

[ThePreDentLife]

Hey, You seem to be a very good student...I think you would have no problem in undergrad, and getting into dental school if you took the usual route. But why don't you consider a guaranteed program? MANY universities have 6,7, or full 8 year programs...You will be required to maintain a gpa usually 3.2 or above which shouldn't be a problem for you.

Here, go to this page, scroll to page 17 of 18. Table 3.6

http://www.adea.org/Resources/OG/OG_3_WhereToApply.pdf

Look at all the schools that offer combined BS/BA and DDS programs. Some also have 6 year programs, which seem pretty appealing to me, if I did good in high school I would be applying to those.

There may also be other school that offer these combined programs, but this is a pretty good list...or search Google and type BS/DDS
You will find many throughout the states...

Getting in a guaranteed program will give you peace of mind, and you don't have to go through the money and stress of applying, interviewing, etc...

just my 2 cents...

 

[bodiddely]

Any particular reason you want to stay in the north east? I would also recommend applying to one of the combined programs (I think the fastest is 2 + 3 at Pacific).

 

[in her drawer]

Any particular reason you want to stay in the north east? I would also recommend applying to one of the combined programs (I think the fastest is 2 + 3 at Pacific).

I was about to mention Pacific, too.

 

[TerpFan]

.

 

[Suren911]

I think there are some schools that pre-accept HS students for their future dentistry program... no? i.e. you get in college with a conditioned acceptance to their dental school also, as long as you keep a certain GPA.