Help! Should I withdraw?

[seemesmile]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I signed up for Biochem this semester for the dental schools that require it. I've already sent in my app and have 2 interviews so far. The problem is I am pretty sick and far enough behind in this class that there is no way I can pull it together for the 50% midterm in a few days. The midterm coincides with the last day for withdrawl, so I literally can't do both. Taking a closer look, I've realized that I am ok with not attending any of the dental schools that require biochem, but will my W interfere with my chances at other schools? I will basically have to announce my W during the academic update on AADSAS.

What should I do?? This is so frustrating, I wish I had never signed up for Biochem in the first place!

 

[drdicty]

I signed up for Biochem this semester for the dental schools that require it. I've already sent in my app and have 2 interviews so far. The problem is I am pretty sick and far enough behind in this class that there is no way I can pull it together for the 50% midterm in a few days. The midterm coincides with the last day for withdrawl, so I literally can't do both. Taking a closer look, I've realized that I am ok with not attending any of the dental schools that require biochem, but will my W interfere with my chances at other schools? I will basically have to announce my W during the academic update on AADSAS.

What should I do?? This is so frustrating, I wish I had never signed up for Biochem in the first place!

How are your other grades/GPA? How are your DAT scores? If you have some pretty solid numbers, I'd say you may be able to use your "I'm human" card to explain your sickness and W from Biochemistry this term and let them know you'd be willing to remediate during the summer. Dental schools will understand that you are human, unless your excuse is something petty that you could have helped.

Most schools nowadays that require Biochemistry do so because the highest dropout or repeat rate at many schools is due to failing 1st year Biochemistry - so I'd say it's a pretty important class. It is tough but definitely doable. If you're going to withdraw now, you should probably prepare to take it in the summer. Even for the schools that don't require undergrad Biochemistry, I can guarantee you that the majority of applicants will have completed this class before or while applying, which already gives them an edge over students who haven't.

 

[PandaXpress]

is this actually true? Biochem kills you in dental school? If so..i start soon and will have to kill the class from the beginning.

How are your other grades/GPA? How are your DAT scores? If you have some pretty solid numbers, I'd say you may be able to use your "I'm human" card to explain your sickness and W from Biochemistry this term and let them know you'd be willing to remediate during the summer. Dental schools will understand that you are human, unless your excuse is something petty that you could have helped.

Most schools nowadays that require Biochemistry do so because the highest dropout or repeat rate at many schools is due to failing 1st year Biochemistry - so I'd say it's a pretty important class. It is tough but definitely doable. If you're going to withdraw now, you should probably prepare to take it in the summer. Even for the schools that don't require undergrad Biochemistry, I can guarantee you that the majority of applicants will have completed this class before or while applying, which already gives them an edge over students who haven't.

 

[drdicty]

is this actually true? Biochem kills you in dental school? If so..i start soon and will have to kill the class from the beginning.

It is not meant to be a difficult class. The biggest difficulty people have is staying on top of things because it is extremely easy to get behind. The key to surviving Biochemistry and any higher-level science class with a high volume of information is to never get behind.

 

[PandaXpress]

It is not meant to be a difficult class. The biggest difficulty people have is staying on top of things because it is extremely easy to get behind. The key to surviving Biochemistry and any higher-level science class with a high volume of information is to never get behind.

once in dental school...its almost impossible to never get behind 🙁. Lol but 1 or 2 lectures isnt too bad. 😀

 

[drdicty]

once in dental school...its almost impossible to never get behind 🙁. Lol but 1 or 2 lectures isnt too bad. 😀

You're right - the sheer volume of information is overwhelming. But there is a difference between being a bit behind within a safe zone (meaning, you're able to catch up within a day or two) and being so far behind that you've gone past the point of no return. The former, as I'm sure people will agree, is quite normal and actually healthy - as it should stimulate you to keep that zone small.

 

[DentalTrain]

I would suggest dropping it if....

You have very few "W" already on your transcript
You feel comfortable that the schools you are looking at the most (or at least the ones left that don't require biochem) that don't require biochem
You replace the Biochem II class you would have taken next semester with a challenging upper level bio/chem class and tell them this at your interview

Overall, I would say take the safer route and drop it and just tell them at your interview your situation. If you have a +3.5 GPA they are already going to know you are a good student.