High School Student Here

[lolitsjoey]

Ok so I'm in 9th grade. I am failing math this semester so far. There is 4 report cards per semester, and the 2nd reporting period ended on friday. Ive been extremely depressed and have been procrastinating. I have had no motivation. But the motivation is now here. I have a few questions.

My school offers IB and AP as well as Honors courses. These include pre cal, cal ab and bc, ap chem, ap biology, etc. What should my exact schedule be if I want to become an orthodontist? Please start with next year. I won't do football next year due to my grandparents being afraid for my life, so I will have more time on assignments, but wrestling is my passion.

Anyways, again, what should my exact schedule be? The courses are semester long, 2 semesters per year. Please start with my sophmore, then junior, then senior year. I am able to take classes over the summer if needed. I really want to be an orthodontist, I appreciate it.

Oh by the way, foreign language is french, spanish, and german. And Ap classes add 1 point to your gpa if you get an a. So all ap with all a's = 5.0 Honors with all a's = 4.5

Oh, one last thing or so. We have a ten point grading scale, and ye. Thanks guys.

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[aznriptide859]

Yea, uh, you know life-planning isn't exactly the job for a bunch of strangers on the internet, much less SDN. You're better off planning your curriculum with your school counselor or a professional one that you can meet in person.

Frankly you're planning too far ahead - dental schools will not care for any of your academic performance before you start college. Focus on getting IN to college first, then worry about your GPA and prereqs/etc. once you're in university. You're honestly sweating over the little stuff to much; you have plenty of time to plan and figure things out.

 

[Incis0r]

Ok so I'm in 9th grade. I am failing math this semester so far. There is 4 report cards per semester, and the 2nd reporting period ended on friday. Ive been extremely depressed and have been procrastinating. I have had no motivation. But the motivation is now here. I have a few questions.

My school offers IB and AP as well as Honors courses. These include pre cal, cal ab and bc, ap chem, ap biology, etc. What should my exact schedule be if I want to become an orthodontist? Please start with next year. I won't do football next year due to my grandparents being afraid for my life, so I will have more time on assignments, but wrestling is my passion.

Anyways, again, what should my exact schedule be? The courses are semester long, 2 semesters per year. Please start with my sophmore, then junior, then senior year. I am able to take classes over the summer if needed. I really want to be an orthodontist, I appreciate it.

Oh by the way, foreign language is french, spanish, and german. And Ap classes add 1 point to your gpa if you get an a. So all ap with all a's = 5.0 Honors with all a's = 4.5

Oh, one last thing or so. We have a ten point grading scale, and ye. Thanks guys.

Good for you for getting started early!
Glad to hear you've got the fire in you.

Why do you want to be an orthodontist? Just curious.

So here's the deal: dental schools do NOT care about your high school grades. How you do in high school does NOT matter at all for dental schools (assuming you aren't in one of the combined bachelor's-dental programs).

The only thing high school is important for is getting into a good college.

So, my advice to you:
1) AP/IB is your friend. Take as many of those exams as you can to place out of the mandatory requirements in college. Keep taking a math class a year so you can work your way through Calculus senior year and take that AP exam. Do the same with language exams.

2) Get involved in some extracurriculars, but don't kill yourself over them. Being involved with 2 or 3 organizations over your time at high school counts way more than being involved with 10 only for 1 week each.

3) Take honors chemistry, honors biology and honors physics, and then take AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP physics if you can. The reason? These are your basic science courses that you will take again in college. Taking them in high school will lay a VERY strong foundation which will help you get an amazing science GPA in college. And THAT is what will help you with dentistry.

4) Pick up a hand-skills hobby. Knitting, painting figurines, something. Enjoy it.

5) Shadow dentists after you start college.

6) Kick off your shoes and relax now. High School is amazing. Just enjoy your time there. You started early so you can be more relaxed than your counterparts who will start much much later than you. Some people start looking into dental school after graduating from undergrad! so you are way ahead of the curve.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

PS- if you are ambitious, LOOK INTO COMBINED BACHELOR'S-DENTAL PROGRAMS!! The University of the Pacific has a combined 5-year program (2 years college + 3 years dental school), a 6-year program (3+3) and a 7-year program (4 college + 3 dental school). I know Boston University has a combined 7-year BS-DMD program as well. Plenty of other programs like that. They're called "BS-DMD" or "BS-DDS" programs. It'll make you a dentist faster. But you have to make sure it's what you want.

To get into those, you need tons of shadowing experience (shoot for 200 hours), involved volunteering/extracurriculars, an AWESOME SAT score (Aim for 2200+) and a great GPA (Aim 3.8+) along with stellar recommendations. Consider making a plan to achieve this.

 

[lolitsjoey]

Yea, uh, you know life-planning isn't exactly the job for a bunch of strangers on the internet, much less SDN. You're better off planning your curriculum with your school counselor or a professional one that you can meet in person.

Frankly you're planning too far ahead - dental schools will not care for any of your academic performance before you start college. Focus on getting IN to college first, then worry about your GPA and prereqs/etc. once you're in university. You're honestly sweating over the little stuff to much; you have plenty of time to plan and figure things out.

I just want classes to prepare me for college. No idea on what I should take.

 

[lolitsjoey]

I want to be an orthodontist because I don't mind straightening teeth etc., and I hear you don't have to work a full week. Maybe like 3-4 days. I like that, and I hear it pays pretty well.

 

[lolitsjoey]

1 last thing, should I take honors math and english? I'm decent in english but not in math. I can take a class over the summer to get into honors.

Also, after math I II and III, should I take advanced functions or go straight to precal? Thanks

 

[Incis0r]

I just want classes to prepare me for college. No idea on what I should take.

It's fine that you're asking on here. My guidance counselors had NO idea on what a budding pre-health student should take. Even as a college student, I've learned 1000x more on SDN than I could have ever learned from them.

You've demonstrated great resourcefulness by seeking out a place to get your questions answered. Few people take the initiative that you have. Always cultivate that habit. It will serve you well!

I want to be an orthodontist because I don't mind straightening teeth etc., and I hear you don't have to work a full week. Maybe like 3-4 days. I like that, and I hear it pays pretty well.

Fair enough- you do also know that general dentists work 3-4 days a week, have a wider scope of practice (you can't do fillings, crowns, etc. as an orthodontist) and earn a lot too right?

In fact, the highest paid dentists are not specialists- they are general dentists who have expanded into multiple practices. Just something to keep in mind.

1 last thing, should I take honors math and english? I'm decent in english but not in math. I can take a class over the summer to get into honors.

Also, after math I II and III, should I take advanced functions or go straight to precal? Thanks

Make sure that your schedule allows you extracurriculars, volunteering, and down-time. Once you have that established, take as many honors classes as you can. I did, and I had a HUGE advantage in college over my peers who had not challenged themselves in high school. College for me is easier than high school was.

I'd go straight to pre-calc and then on to calculus. You want to get the calculus out of the way ASAP so that you get the AP credit and don't need to take it in college. If you want, after that, take advanced functions for fun, but not necessary.

Definitely challenge yourself with honors math and honors english. It'll make you develop confidence in yourself!

 

[hoppingpre]

I want to be an orthodontist because I don't mind straightening teeth etc., and I hear you don't have to work a full week. Maybe like 3-4 days. I like that, and I hear it pays pretty well.

Volunteer/shadow an orthodontist and find something better to say than that before your dental interviews. Which won't be for another 7 or so years.

 

[lolitsjoey]

orthodontists can't make their own practice? I eventually wanted to do that. what a bummer. So general dentists only work 3-4, that's what I want since I'd like to have family time and open up a practice.

so here's what my schedule is looking like:

over this summer to be in honors etc.: math II honors, french II, and Biology I honors

10th grade 1st semester:
Civics and economics honors
math III honors
French III honors
English II honors

2nd semester:
Chemistry I honors
AP Human Geography
Health Science 1 (if not good please recommend something else)
French IV honors

11th grade 1st semester:
Biology II honors
Chemistry II honors
English III honors
Precal Honors

2nd semester:
AP Biology
Ap Chemistry
AP united states government and politics
Physics Honors

12th grade 1st semester:
English IV honors
Ap Statistics (is this of any help?)
AP physics I algebra based
AP calculus AB

2nd semester:
Health Science II honors
AP computer science (for fun, I like coding, if something it to be better utilized for this spot, please do say.)
AP physics II Algebra Based
AP calculus BC

Is this any good? Please critique any classes that I chose if there are better ones, appreciate your time.

 

[Incis0r]

Schedule looks good. If it is too rigorous, don't be afraid to drop down from one or more of the honors/AP. GPA is important so protect it with all you have.

I don't know your elective options so I can't cross out classes and recommend other ones.

AP Statistics is a good class to have under your belt.

Definitely take AP computer science if you like coding. It'll also teach you to think through algorithms which is a very valuable skill.

It's excellent that you're hitting AP calculus BC.

Are you planning to take the AP exam for French?

 

[lolitsjoey]

Schedule looks good. If it is too rigorous, don't be afraid to drop down from one or more of the honors/AP. GPA is important so protect it with all you have.

I don't know your elective options so I can't cross out classes and recommend other ones.

AP Statistics is a good class to have under your belt.

Definitely take AP computer science if you like coding. It'll also teach you to think through algorithms which is a very valuable skill.

It's excellent that you're hitting AP calculus BC.

Are you planning to take the AP exam for French?

It's an option, didn't think that it would matter if I took it or not. Would have to drop health science II to do it.

How do I go along getting this shchedule finalized? How do I approach my counselor? Like during school or what?

 

[Incis0r]

It's an option, didn't think that it would matter if I took it or not. Would have to drop health science II to do it.

How do I go along getting this shchedule finalized? How do I approach my counselor? Like during school or what?

Don't know the protocol in your school...but I'd probably start things off with sending an e-mail to the counselor:

"Hey ...,

My name is ... and I am a freshman this year. I understand you are my counselor and I would like to come in and meet with you regarding my schedule for the upcoming year. I would also like to discuss my long-term post-high school plans with you and get your feedback on it. Would you happen to have some time available on ....

Thank you so much,
Sincerely,
...."

Fill in the "...."s and send. Good luck!

Also, maybe this is just me because I went to a really large public school, but this is your future. It's your job, not theirs, to get you where you want to be. Their only task is to make sure you graduate on time.

I'm not saying this because you're irresponsible or something. In fact, quite the opposite- you are EXTREMELY responsible. I am just saying this to let you know that you shouldn't be afraid to get assertive and push for what you want. There is noone who will look out for your long-term interests better than you. Don't blindly follow what anyone tells you, even if they are a counselor. Question everything, and understand the reasoning behind it. Always feel free to ask SDNers for advice. It's all in your hands. The power and the responsibility.

P.S.- also check out college confidential forums. I used those extensively when I was in high school. Helps a lot in finding out about good colleges and hearing from students at those schools.

Use your time and knowledge wisely, and you'll be an orthodontist (or whatever you want to be at the time) one day. Use it poorly, and it will not be pretty.

 

[suzlee]

Pssh, I think I got a 60 something in grade 9 bio - none of that matters. All that really matters is you figure out study skills by grade 11 (or even grade 12) so you can get into University and then succeed there. Don't worry about grade 9.

 

[vk223]

Try to take as many AP classes as you can (make sure you can still handle them tho)..For me, the AP classes that worked the best are all the AP math classes. (AP Calc BC, AP Stats). I'm a molecular and cellular biology major. Those AP math classes got rid off my math requirement for the degree, so that I don't have to take a single math class in college (and I heard that Calculus in college is much harder than in high school). AP Chem and Bio would be great too. However, a lot of dental schools won't take AP credit for their prerequisite. So I ended up taking all the physics, chemistry, and bio classes again, just to be safe.

Another thing is that you might want to shadow some general dentists as well. Since you have to become a general dentist first, do well in your dental school, then specialize... If you really hated what dentists do or are just interested in the easy lifestyle of orthodontist, you might have a hard time keep your motivation up and survive the tough years in dental school.

 

[dentopix]

Try to take as many AP classes as you can (make sure you can still handle them tho)..For me, the AP classes that worked the best are all the AP math classes. (AP Calc BC, AP Stats). I'm a molecular and cellular biology major. Those AP math classes got rid off my math requirement for the degree, so that I don't have to take a single math class in college (and I heard that Calculus in college is much harder than in high school). AP Chem and Bio would be great too. However, a lot of dental schools won't take AP credit for their prerequisite. So I ended up taking all the physics, chemistry, and bio classes again, just to be safe.

Another thing is that you might want to shadow some general dentists as well. Since you have to become a general dentist first, do well in your dental school, then specialize... If you really hated what dentists do or are just interested in the easy lifestyle of orthodontist, you might have a hard time keep your motivation up and survive the tough years in dental school.

Double check before you take a bunch of AP courses, I'm under the impression that it can end up backfiring in terms of prereqs

 

[Incis0r]

Double check before you take a bunch of AP courses, I'm under the impression that it can end up backfiring in terms of prereqs

This is false.
Taking AP courses does not have any negative consequences at all.

What CAN be a problem is if you use the AP credits instead of taking the general science sequences in college (gen chem, gen bio, etc), for the purpose of dental school admissions, which is what I think you were trying to say. Some schools do not accept AP credits. Noone cares if you took the AP course though. And the AP course is beneficial since it prepares you for college classes....it's very helpful.

Just be careful in your terminology here.

Taking AP courses to enrich your knowledge and to get a headstart on the material is NOT going to backfire. Then, go to college and take the courses again, and ace the courses with the background knowledge you have.

 

[lolitsjoey]

This is false.
Taking AP courses does not have any negative consequences at all.

What CAN be a problem is if you use the AP credits instead of taking the general science sequences in college (gen chem, gen bio, etc), for the purpose of dental school admissions, which is what I think you were trying to say. Some schools do not accept AP credits. Noone cares if you took the AP course though. And the AP course is beneficial since it prepares you for college classes....it's very helpful.

Just be careful in your terminology here.

Taking AP courses to enrich your knowledge and to get a headstart on the material is NOT going to backfire. Then, go to college and take the courses again, and ace the courses with the background knowledge you have.

What are the lowest grades I can get on the honors and AP classes to be considered "okay, but could do better?" Want to know what is the 'danger zone' Remember, i'm on the 10 point grading scale.

 

[Incis0r]

What are the lowest grades I can get on the honors and AP classes to be considered "okay, but could do better?" Want to know what is the 'danger zone' Remember, i'm on the 10 point grading scale.

Depends on your college aspirations. Remember, AP/honors courses do not have an impact on dental school admissions, only on college admissions, unless you are going for a combined BS-DMD program.

If you want to be competitive for college merit scholarships, I'd aim for 9 out of 10 points minimum in every class.

 

[doc toothache]

By the time you are eligible to apply, you could easily go through a dozen different majors/professions.

 

[lolitsjoey]

Do colleges take into account that certain schools grading scale, or base it off of their's? Thanks

 

[Incis0r]

Do colleges take into account that certain schools grading scale, or base it off of their's? Thanks

Colleges take your grading scale into account and assess you based on the opportunities that you have had in your school and how you have performed.

They recognize that it is not fair to compare someone who has taken 6 AP classes (in a high school with 15+ AP courses) with someone who has taken 0 AP classes (because their high school does not offer any).

So take advantage of all the opportunities you have, be involved, get an amazing GPA/SAT/ACT score, and you'll be golden.

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

@lolitsjoey Here is my advice.

Hang out with your friends as much as you can
Watch your favorite TV shows
Work to save some money
Get into your state's flagship school to save you more money while getting a great education and not adversely affecting your chance to get into dental school, despite what anyone tells you
Don't worry about ANYTHING DENTAL SCHOOL RELATED until you graduate from high school.

You will never have as favorable of a balance between opportunities for fun vs responsibility as you will have as you do in high school. Learn for the sake of learning and not for what's on the test, enjoy yourself, and make friends. Worrying about dental school now does absolutely nothing for you.

Please listen to me. Every reasonable person on here will tell you they wish they spent more time in college having fun than they did, and if I had those same regrets about high school as well, when would I have had fun? Just relax. Wait three years before you worry. Also, I suggest not looking at SDN until then. It's pretty addictive and can consume time you should be spending sneaking out onto the roof of your house to have some beers with your friends after your football game on Friday night.

 

[ReptileDisfunction]

Here is my advice.

Hang out with your friends as much as you can
Watch your favorite TV shows
Work to save some money
Get into your state's flagship school to save you more money
Don't worry about ANYTHING DENTAL SCHOOL RELATED until you graduate from high school.

You will never have as favorable of a balance between opportunities for run vs responsibility as you will have as you do in high school. Learn for the sake of learning and not for what's on the test, enjoy yourself, and make friends. Worrying about dental school now does absolutely nothing for you.

Please listen to me. Every reasonable person on here will tell you they wish they spent more time in college having fun than they did, and if I had those same regrets about high school as well, when would I have had fun? Just relax. Wait three years before you worry. Also, I suggest not looking at SDN until then. It's pretty addictive and can consume time you should be spending sneaking out onto the roof of your house to have some beers with your friends after your football game on Friday night.

Quoted for truth. When it comes to AP or IB classes, take whichever ones you're interested in. If they are non-science they will help you be able to get out of some extra classes in college, if they are science you won't be able to use for dental school but you should have no problem getting As in them in college. Either way is a win-win.

My dad sat me down before college and gave me the whole "college talk" and it was the best advice ever. He said grades come first, but a college experience also comes first, so I busted my butt to actually pay attention in class (rather than facebooking) and got as much work done in a responsible, effecting way possible between classes and during the week. Because of that I was able to join a sorority, go out at least twice a week for most of college, and never study past 11pm or on Fridays or Saturday's unless it was finals. I got involved with a ton of different clubs, studied abroad twice and went to every single football game during my four years.

What did any of those things have to do with dentistry? Nothing. What have I talked with at my 5 interviews I've been on so far? Maybe one or two questions about why I want to be a dentist, and then a lot of questions about why I loved Spain and why I was the president of the scuba club.

Focusing on academics and the dat is great but don't get so bad of tunnel vision that you look back with regret on wasting four years. Don't feel like you can't get involved with your hobbies and interests, dental schools would much rather see a well rounded person than another clone with a resume filled with prehealth clubs and joke honor societies and things that "look good".

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.