How many of you guys did all your pre-reqs at a community college?

[doctor123456789]

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I feel kinda down since i did ALL of my pre-reqs at a com college. I had to because to transfer as a bio major, i had to do chem, o chem, bio, bio chem, calc, physics. They said i had to do this because you do all your lower-division work at the CC, so when you go to university you do your upper division work.

I just feel really down, and basically just want to know im not alone. How are all you guys doing with dental school acceptances/interviews for the people out there that did their pre-reqs at a CC?

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527335

 

[wizi]

You are definitely not alone.

 

[srbm1786]

I didn't do all of mine at CC, but I did several (all of gen. Bio, micro, half of gen. Chem, and all of my English Lit and Comp).

My pre-health advisor doesn't seem concerned. My GPA is high, and I'm a nontraditional student with small children - the CC was closer, cheaper, and just more convenient than the 4 year university, so I took everything I could there. I'm not applying until next cycle, but I'm sure adcoms will understand. If your GPA and DAT are competitive, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[YoHomey]

CC = Kiss of Death

I'm sure there are some with CC pre-reqs who get into dental school, but I would bet most don't.

Let's be serious, everyone applying would have a 4.0 (or 3.8 minimum) if they took their classes at CC.

Here's a concrete example. There's this dude in my school who sucks balls in physics. He withdrew from physics I late in the semester, then got a D the second time around, then took it at a CC and got an A- without doing much work. What a joke.

I would suggest people steer clear of CC and pay the extra $$ and take your pre-reqs at a normal 4-yr college. Not worth the risk and time spent. Also, some Adcoms may think you're a big wuss for taking the easy CC road.

 

[srbm1786]

CC = Kiss of Death

I'm sure there are some with CC pre-reqs who get into dental school, but I would bet most don't.

Let's be serious, everyone applying would have a 4.0 (or 3.8 minimum) if they took their classes at CC.

Here's a concrete example. There's this dude in my school who sucks balls in physics. He withdrew from physics I late in the semester, then got a D the second time around, then took it at a CC and got an A- without doing much work. What a joke.

I would suggest people steer clear of CC and pay the extra $$ and take your pre-reqs at a normal 4-yr college. Not worth the risk and time spent. Also, some Adcoms may think you're a big wuss for taking the easy CC road.

I really disagree with this. Obviously this is just anecdotal evidence, but I have several friends in dental and medical school who have community college credits. If you are an overall strong applicant (good DAT score, high GPA, and especially if you've made good grades in upper-level science classes at a 4-year university), I don't think CC credits automatically equal a rejection or even a negative mark on your application.

And I also disagree with the assumption that CC courses are automatically easier. I took the first half of Inorganic Chem. and Anatomy & Physiology at a CC, then took the second half of each at a 4-year university. I found both classes to be more intense at the CC, and thought that the professors graded harder and expected more from the students (for example, in A&P at CC, the tests involved a lot of short answers and essay questions, requiring an extensive understanding of physiology...A&P tests at the university were composed of fairly basic multiple-choice questions). I made A's in all four classes, but I worked harder for them at the CC. Obviously this isn't the case in every situation, but I trust that adcoms understand that all colleges and courses (CC or 4-year) are not equal.

I haven't applied yet, so take my input with a grain of salt, but I certainly don't think a strong candidate is automatically out of the running at most schools because of CC credits, unless those particular schools don't accept them. Perhaps if your GPA and DAT are average or low, CC credits might be a problem, but in that case you would have the same problem if all of the credits were from a 4-year university.

That's just my two cents. We'll see how it turns out for me next year.

 

[doctor123456789]

oh

 

[MuskieMan33]

Ive only taken one prerequisite at a CC. It was for Gen Chem 2, over the summer so I could get into orgo at my university in the fall. I talked to my advisor, and contacted the dental school. They both said that having one or two wouldn't hurt me, especially since they are not upper level classes. GChem at my university is a freshmen level course (1000 or 100 level depending where you take it).

So I think in moderation, you wouldn't have to worry, but as for taking ALL of your prerequisites at a CC, I would talk to the dental school and explain your situation (money issues, maturing a little later, unsure what you wanted to do.. etc). Just be truthful and genuine and I would think you should be safe. I'm sure they don't get excited to see all CC prereq's, but if your gpa was good at CC, university, and have a good DAT score and a personable I would think you are just as competitive as any person from a university.

Also, a lot of people who work full time will take night classes at CC to get pre reqs out of the way. Your not the only one in the CC pre req situation. Keep your head up and keep improving your application and bettering yourself.

 

[YoHomey]

I really disagree with this. Obviously this is just anecdotal evidence, but I have several friends in dental and medical school who have community college credits. If you are an overall strong applicant (good DAT score, high GPA, and especially if you've made good grades in upper-level science classes at a 4-year university), I don't think CC credits automatically equal a rejection or even a negative mark on your application.

And I also disagree with the assumption that CC courses are automatically easier. I took the first half of Inorganic Chem. and Anatomy & Physiology at a CC, then took the second half of each at a 4-year university. I found both classes to be more intense at the CC, and thought that the professors graded harder and expected more from the students (for example, in A&P at CC, the tests involved a lot of short answers and essay questions, requiring an extensive understanding of physiology...A&P tests at the university were composed of fairly basic multiple-choice questions). I made A's in all four classes, but I worked harder for them at the CC. Obviously this isn't the case in every situation, but I trust that adcoms understand that all colleges and courses (CC or 4-year) are not equal.

I haven't applied yet, so take my input with a grain of salt, but I certainly don't think a strong candidate is automatically out of the running at most schools because of CC credits, unless those particular schools don't accept them. Perhaps if your GPA and DAT are average or low, CC credits might be a problem, but in that case you would have the same problem if all of the credits were from a 4-year university.

That's just my two cents. We'll see how it turns out for me next year.

Well then, here's another example. I know this girl who was pre-vet and was an absolute awful student. She rarely studied, always cheated on exams, yet got D's and a couple of F's and everything in between. However, she didn't dare take OChem at my school and opted to take it at CC. I believe it was the highest grade she ever scored in a science class besides Nutrition.

 

[YoHomey]

I agree that one, possibly two, CC course won't derail your chances for admission.

But most on this thread are assuming that one will score high on DAT with a bunch of CC courses. Well, what happens if the person doesn't score high on the DAT? Then it won't matter how high you're CC GPA is because schools will think you're a fraud.

However, if you score sub-par on the DAT, but have a high GPA from a 4-yr college, then you still have a chance. Less pressure on needing to rock the DAT.

 

[JLum]

CC = Kiss of Death

I'm sure there are some with CC pre-reqs who get into dental school, but I would bet most don't.

Let's be serious, everyone applying would have a 4.0 (or 3.8 minimum) if they took their classes at CC.

Here's a concrete example. There's this dude in my school who sucks balls in physics. He withdrew from physics I late in the semester, then got a D the second time around, then took it at a CC and got an A- without doing much work. What a joke.

I would suggest people steer clear of CC and pay the extra $$ and take your pre-reqs at a normal 4-yr college. Not worth the risk and time spent. Also, some Adcoms may think you're a big wuss for taking the easy CC road.

This is ignorance, take it with a grain of salt. I really wish people would stop presenting gross generalizations like this. I also know several other people who have taken quite a few credits at a CC which transferred to a university as prerequisites.

In my case, I had probably taken more credits at CC than my 4-year university upon applying. I actually got an associates degree before leaving that CC. I was accepted early and will begin D-school next fall (I'm a senior right now). I took full year gen bio, all inorganic chem, Physics 1, full year English, college algebra, etc. at my local CC. I did exceptionally well.
I then transferred to the a large public university and have done very well. I found that certain classes at CC were better taught. I had better teachers and favorable class sizes at CC. Overall it was a great experience as it was paid for in full.
As you can see in my sig, my stats didn't fall apart upon entering the university... and a 22 AA aint' bad either. Work hard, make A's, and don't worry about it!

Best of Luck OP👍

 

[SEAirLand]

I took GC I & II at a CC. I also took OC I & II at a CC.

I took Bio I & II at 4-year. I took Physics I & II at 4-year.

I will be taking biochem at 4-year.


I think its all on the teacher and the school. My CC GC and OC was a biotch to take.

I also think that the great "leveler" is the DAT.

If you had crap instruction, you'll probably not get a good DAT score. Unless you teach yourself everything over again, which, some do. But then, you still showed that you are capable via the DAT.

Rock the DAT, have a high GPA, and the doors will open.

Oh, I also got my AS at a CC. Then transferred.

 

[indigenoustw]

Same here. I took all of my pre-reqs at a CC except biochem and microbio.

No matter where you took your pre-reqs doctor123456789, if you studied, you should do fine on the DAT. It's as simple as that. And to be honest, I felt like studying at a 4-yr was less stressful than studying at my CC. One way or the other, the whole admission process is like a court case presented to the admission committee. If you have a loop hole that's obvious and vulnerable, you better back that up with some prep work and defend it. To win the case, you want to have solid evidence and support.

In short, just be perfect...as much as possible. Simple as I said out loud, but that's really when you will out-shine the other applicants who are vulnerable at some part of their applications.

 

[BMS36]

I graduated from a great 4 year university with many pre-reqs still needed (I was a poli sci major and decided on dentistry later than most). I have taken physics 1 and 2, Ochem 2, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics and Abnormal Psych at CC. I have 7 interviews. As long as you do well on the DAT you will be fine.