High School Senior

[Blinkme323]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi, I am a senior in high school right now aspiring to be a dentist. I've given my career choice a lot of thought, and I've always considered dentist my calling. I have good dexterity, enjoy precision work, and like helping people. The practicality is nice, although I'm not in it solely for the money.

I have most things planned out, just busy selecting and applying to colleges at this point. As much as I've researched though, the only way to really be sure on my choices is to ask. I don't want to make a mistake that I'll regret down the line if it can be avoided. I guess I should start off with my grades, because Dentistry school isn't exactly easy.

3.94gpa (4.3 this semester not included)
1360 SAT (taken once 710 math, 650 reading, 570 writing)
Tend to procrastinate a lot
1 AP course, 7 Honors
Lowest Grade is an A-
Not many Extra-curricular activities

I've already fulfilled my graduation requirements, so I got stuck with mostly useless electives next semester. My school has a program to substitute with classes from Widener University or Delaware County Community College. Since they pay for it all, I might get a jump start and take 1 or 2 classes this spring.

Judging from what I've read on here, something like a psychology major for pre-dentistry seems to be the way to go. And, ideally take these courses at the very minimum:

2 Chemistry
2 Organic Chemistry
2 Physics
2 English
1 Biochemistry

For college, I'd like to stay within 2 hours of the Philadelphia area, but not in the heart of the city. I'd go to Temple for all 8 years, if it wasn't for the bad area. I doubt I'll get into Penn now (not sure if I should even apply), so it looks like I'll just transfer there (or Temple as a backup) after 4yrs. Still undecided on where to go for undergrad, I like Villanova the best so far. I doubt many people here will be able to help me with that, but I'll take suggestions if you have any.

Also, is it reasonably possible to only take 3yrs of undergraduate before transferring, especially to a school like Penn...which brings me to my next question. What kind of requirements will it take to get into Penn? I'd really prefer to go there over Temple.

I really appreciate any suggestions or advice that you might have.

 

[xxxTheDonxxx]

Hi, I am a senior in high school right now aspiring to be a dentist. I've given my career choice a lot of thought, and I've always considered dentist my calling. I have good dexterity, enjoy precision work, and like helping people. The practicality is nice, although I'm not in it solely for the money.

I have most things planned out, just busy selecting and applying to colleges at this point. As much as I've researched though, the only way to really be sure on my choices is to ask. I don't want to make a mistake that I'll regret down the line if it can be avoided. I guess I should start off with my grades, because Dentistry school isn't exactly easy.

3.94gpa (4.3 this semester not included)
1360 SAT (taken once 710 math, 650 reading, 570 writing)
Tend to procrastinate a lot
1 AP course, 7 Honors
Lowest Grade is an A-
Not many Extra-curricular activities

I've already fulfilled my graduation requirements, so I got stuck with mostly useless electives next semester. My school has a program to substitute with classes from Widener University or Delaware County Community College. Since they pay for it all, I might get a jump start and take 1 or 2 classes this spring.

Judging from what I've read on here, something like a psychology major for pre-dentistry seems to be the way to go. And, ideally take these courses at the very minimum:

2 Chemistry
2 Organic Chemistry
2 Physics
2 English
1 Biochemistry

For college, I'd like to stay within 2 hours of the Philadelphia area, but not in the heart of the city. I'd go to Temple for all 8 years, if it wasn't for the bad area. I doubt I'll get into Penn now (not sure if I should even apply), so it looks like I'll just transfer there (or Temple as a backup) after 4yrs. Still undecided on where to go for undergrad, I like Villanova the best so far. I doubt many people here will be able to help me with that, but I'll take suggestions if you have any.

Also, is it reasonably possible to only take 3yrs of undergraduate before transferring, especially to a school like Penn...which brings me to my next question. What kind of requirements will it take to get into Penn? I'd really prefer to go there over Temple.

I really appreciate any suggestions or advice that you might have.

it's nice to have such enthusiasm from a high school student. I say major in something you like, not major in something because it's easy to get your As, and make sure you do really well on your pre-regs in college. While you're in college, make sure you balance your work with your social life; it's good to have both. It's good to have an overview of what you are doing, but just take one step at a time. Get your grades and have your fun, and you'll be fine. Enjoy!

 

[collegeboy30000]

Hi, I am a senior in high school right now aspiring to be a dentist. I've given my career choice a lot of thought, and I've always considered dentist my calling. I have good dexterity, enjoy precision work, and like helping people. The practicality is nice, although I'm not in it solely for the money.

I have most things planned out, just busy selecting and applying to colleges at this point. As much as I've researched though, the only way to really be sure on my choices is to ask. I don't want to make a mistake that I'll regret down the line if it can be avoided. I guess I should start off with my grades, because Dentistry school isn't exactly easy.

3.94gpa (4.3 this semester not included)
1360 SAT (taken once 710 math, 650 reading, 570 writing)
Tend to procrastinate a lot
1 AP course, 7 Honors
Lowest Grade is an A-
Not many Extra-curricular activities

I've already fulfilled my graduation requirements, so I got stuck with mostly useless electives next semester. My school has a program to substitute with classes from Widener University or Delaware County Community College. Since they pay for it all, I might get a jump start and take 1 or 2 classes this spring.

Judging from what I've read on here, something like a psychology major for pre-dentistry seems to be the way to go. And, ideally take these courses at the very minimum:

2 Chemistry
2 Organic Chemistry
2 Physics
2 English
1 Biochemistry

For college, I'd like to stay within 2 hours of the Philadelphia area, but not in the heart of the city. I'd go to Temple for all 8 years, if it wasn't for the bad area. I doubt I'll get into Penn now (not sure if I should even apply), so it looks like I'll just transfer there (or Temple as a backup) after 4yrs. Still undecided on where to go for undergrad, I like Villanova the best so far. I doubt many people here will be able to help me with that, but I'll take suggestions if you have any.

Also, is it reasonably possible to only take 3yrs of undergraduate before transferring, especially to a school like Penn...which brings me to my next question. What kind of requirements will it take to get into Penn? I'd really prefer to go there over Temple.

I really appreciate any suggestions or advice that you might have.

Some schools have combined, B.S./D.M.D programs (UF, Harvard, and ???), if you are serious about dentistry then find out about those programs requirements,(from their websites, they usually have a "Prospective High School Applicant" section). If you are accepted to those programs, you are admitted to to their dental school as a freshmen (I am saying freshmen b/c I do not know how many credits you have).

Personally, I believe what I did in high school is not important as far as dental school, I think only Harvard ask for your high school transcripts and SATs.
In high school I was a true slacker, (not much has changed), and so far I have been accepted to two dental schools. I think I still have room to show what I can be made of, go ahead apply to UPenn, and to any school you think is worth a shot.

Good luck, if you want more info, pm me.

 

[DMD to Be]

www.predents.com
....and enjoy your last year of high school.

 

[dentalman]

You should pick a major that you enjoy ... and you can get excellent grades in. Please, please, do not pick psych just because you think it will be easy. If you will finish your prereq's in time, you can apply and be accepted in your 3rd year (although I would argue it may be a little more difficult, but it happens). The key is to keep up your GPA. Your stats remind me of me when I was in highschool. But, don't forget to enjoy college, too.

 

[PChemGrad]

Don't judge things by their face value. Remember you'll be dealing with patients.

As far as college, go to the one you like the best, in the end they all provide you with a education. College is a time to enjoy life, and experience what is out there. I wanted to be a dentist back in high school, but when I got to college, I realized there is soo much more out there. And I went with it, I explored other avenues and even eliminated dentistry as what I wanted to do. But after all was said and done I ended up applying to dental school and getting in, that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy everything that went along with not planning on going to dental school.
Don't be set on going to a specific dental school until you have done your research and visited all of the campuses, some may impress you more than you thought. Also don't limit yourself to within 2 hours of Philadelphia. There are many great college and dental schools outside of this range. Besides a part of living is experiencing America and all of the different cultures we have in this melting pot. Try moving out west, you will experience a different aspect of life which will enrich who you are as a person, instead of dealing with the same type of people all the time. After you have experienced what America is then decided if you want to go back home, then you would have what it takes to be a well cultured person, with some life experiences outside of just the East Coast.
I'll be the first to tell you that Grades don't really matter in college. Yes you have to do well, but their is more than getting straight A's. I got many C's on my record and these are in pre-req classes, I still got in.
High school doesn't matter for getting into Dental school. I just barely got above a 3.0 and got a 1070 on the SAT, so that shows nothing as to what you can do in college. I know friends who failed out in college and did a lot better than I did in High school. High school means nothing.

As far as next semester go to the college and take some class, and just pick a college that you want to attend and have fun at. Get involved with clubs, community activities, and explore every other option besides dentistry. Chances are you'll enjoy something else besides being a dentist. Don't pick a major just because you think it will help with being a dentist, pick a major that you want to learn about. Dental schools will always want a wide eclectic group of students that are well learned and can related to many different aspects of life, and quite often scientist don't have that wide of a view point into the humanities in which most of American feels at ease with.

I can go on and on about this all day, and I am sure many other people will as well. Don't be narrow minded and experience what America has to offer. You're family will still be there.

 

[dr.rex]

this should be restricted to 2nd year college students and above...no one that young needs to have to see the madness that goes on here at SDN

 

[dmd2011]

this should be restricted to 2nd year college students and above...no one that young needs to have to see the madness that goes on here at SDN

i agree

 

[StephL26]

Hi, I am a senior in high school right now aspiring to be a dentist. I've given my career choice a lot of thought, and I've always considered dentist my calling.

3.94gpa (4.3 this semester not included)
1360 SAT (taken once 710 math, 650 reading, 570 writing)
Tend to procrastinate a lot
1 AP course, 7 Honors
Lowest Grade is an A-
Not many Extra-curricular activities

I really appreciate any suggestions or advice that you might have.

Wow, kiddo. I have to give you mad props for looking into dentistry this early. And how the h*ck did you learn about this SDN site? 😱

I've always wanted to become a surgeon since the day I could read, then I became interested in dentistry after thinking it over during COLLEGE.

But I have to say this much: I got 4.0 GPA in high school, got in the 1400s SAT, took all sorts of SAT IIs, took ~8-9 AP courses (sophomore year I started- my school didn't really allow it at first), took all honors, graduated rank #2, did 3 different Varsity sports in high school...but did the total opposite in College. I went to an IVY school, but had more fun then studied. JUST DO WELL IN WHATEVER COLLEGE YOU GO TO.

I wish I looked into enrichment or dual-degreed schools sooner, because my GPA in high school is not looked at now, and I think I would've been competitive enough to get into them. And I didn't do as well during college, so my application process now blows. 👎

Good luck with future endeavor.

 

[1992Corolla]

If you want an advantage in dental school major in a science degree. I would chose Zoology. Take the prereq's you mentioned plus Anatomy, Micro, Histo, Psych, etc.

Any four year university will be good enough to get into dental school, just get those grades and make sure you smack the DAT like a pimp.

 

[student1985]

Blinkme323, I'm in my last year at Temple undergrad and will be attending Temple Dental school next year. I also live in the Philly area. As for your suggestions, here is my take to the colleges you were thinking about and some general advice:

UPenn: A great school with lots of tradition. However, it's a private school and is very expensive. Tuition for the 2006-2007 year was $34,156, not including room boarding and other miscellaneous fees.

Temple: Also a solid school where you spend around $11,000 for tuition and take the same classes you would at UPenn. I have gone here for 4 years and I have not a single complaint. The bad area hype is overrated and you are fine if you take care of yourself (just like any campus that is in the city)

Villanova: It too, is a solid university, but like Upenn, is very expensive. Their tuition for 2006-2007 was around $31,000.


So basically, my point is this. With all due respect to those who have gone to UPenn and Villanova, I, God Willing, will be attending dental school next year, and have paid a total of around $45,000 for my 4 years of college education. The same person who has attended UPenn has paid $136,000 and the individual who went to Villanova has paid around $126,000 for essentially the SAME education.

All 3 of us have studied bio, orgo, chem, physics, etc. and will be going to dental school. However, I have saved almost $100,000. Temple also is by far the most diverse university in the state and one of the tops in the east coast (if you care for that). Judging by your great performance in high school, you could definitely land a sweet scholarship and probably spend half the amount of money I spent in my 4 years at Temple.

In the end, we are going to dental school and becoming dentists, and that's all that really matters, right? As long as you maintain a great GPA in college, it doesn't matter if you go to UPenn, Temple, Villanova, etc. I did good in school and got accepted to Temple Dental with interviews at other top dental schools. So ultmiately it's up to you and your financial situation.

Hope this helps. PM me for further questions...

 

[Blinkme323]

Thanks everybody, I really appreciate all the replies. Before I get any further, does anybody care to chime in about some of the bad sides of dentistry. No matter how much you like a field, there will always be things about your job that you hate. I just want to know what kind of stuff I'm in for. What are some of the worst things about being dentist; what's a typical work day like?

 

[kappa505]

Have you ever smelled tooth decay? It stinks. Also, most of being a dentist is running your own business. That means hireing, fireing, insurance, dealing with some pushy a**hole patients that try and manipulate you out of money. Guilt trips about charging the standard price and everyone expecting things for free. The general attitude from all around you is that "why not, they can afford it." You will be the hardest working person in your own business, something that alot of people dont realize. It is not as stress free as everyone thinks. Be a real estate investor, it is way easier.

 

[jaxx]

Before getting into some negatives, I have a few comments for your initial question. 1. Undergrad location is not that important, doing well is. 2. Schools are getting more and more applicants each year. Your job is to be as good as possible in order to be accepted over all those other applicants. Being well rounded is important (rounded in many ways). Definitely do some service stints. The most important advice I think I can give you is to find some dental offices and observe what goes on there - not the technical stuff (which you will learn) but the day by day stuff - patient interactions, staff interactions, talk to the dentist and find out what he/she likes dislikes. It is a long road to the degree, make sure it is where you want to go.
Negatives 1) Insurance and their attempts to tell us how to practice. 2) Patients who enter the office with a fear/dislike of dentistry. 3) patients who think we are only in this for the money and therefore any treatment plans we derive are more for our financial gain than their health. 4) dealing with staff problems and business problems which many dentists are not good at. Finally, and this is something you can only answer for yourself - It is tons of work to finally get the degree - won't seem so bad if you know that is really what you want. I can only speak for myself, but I know meny dentists will agree - dentistry is one of the most fantastic jobs on the planet - I love it, always have and always will. The positives way outweigh the negative aspects. Good Luck. 🙂

 

[juicy]

If you will finish your prereq's in time, you can apply and be accepted in your 3rd year (although I would argue it may be a little more difficult, but it happens).

I'm actually thinking about applying to some CA schools this spring and I'm a sophmore this year (I'm hoping to get accepted in my 3rd year). Thing is, I won't be taking physics until my third year of college. Should I still try?

 

[kappa505]

physics is not on the DAT.

 

[muz]

i was interested in dentistry from my junior year in high school...so i applied to a 7 yr bs/dmd program...i got in...failed out, but graduated college in 3 years (high honors) and now attend THEEEEE University of Michigan

Points from the blurb:
1) Apply to an accelerated program(you maybe a lil too late)
2) Have fun in college
3) Focus on the right things and at the right time
4) GO to an aMAIZEing dental school (university of michigan)

 

[pearlywhite]

Sometime in the midst of enjoying college and focusing on your schoolwork (both of which are extremely important) find some time to hang out with a dentist. This could mean shadowing or even better: volunteering, assisting, or any other hands on experience at either a private office, public health clinic, or free dental clinic. I would start as soon as you can- seeing and experiencing what a dentist really does will help you to see the good and the bad of dentistry and help you to figure out if it is right for you.

 

[pmantz]

this should be restricted to 2nd year college students and above...no one that young needs to have to see the madness that goes on here at SDN

You are wise Dr. Rex.

It is great to think you know what you want to do with your life, but to get involved with SDN shananigans this early on can be a prescription for disaster. I am glad I only discovered SDN my senior year. Run away OP....Leave while you still have your innocence.