How many upper level sci. courses are recommended before applying?

[topgun129]

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HI,

I'm a business admin. major and was wondering, how many upper levels should we take, or how many are recommended before applying to dental school. I've taken genetics and did well in it, and plan on taking molecular bio next spring semester. That's all I'll have when I apply. I'm just concerned that I don't want my app being tossed when they see I've only taken 2 upper levels?

Or should I take more upper levels before graduating? Also how many upper levels have you guys taken and been able to get in (or even applying?)

Thanks,

topgun129

P.S. As for my pre-reqs, I only have a year of orgo left.

 

[Notoriousjae]

HI,

I'm a business admin. major and was wondering, how many upper levels should we take, or how many are recommended before applying to dental school. I've taken genetics and did well in it, and plan on taking molecular bio next spring semester. That's all I'll have when I apply. I'm just concerned that I don't want my app being tossed when they see I've only taken 2 upper levels?

Or should I take more upper levels before graduating? Also how many upper levels have you guys taken and been able to get in (or even applying?)

Thanks,

topgun129

P.S. As for my pre-reqs, I only have a year of orgo left.

Upper level science courses are not required in order for you to apply to dental school. All you need are the prereqs in sci, math and english, although taking upper level science classes and doing well in them would be a good indication of how you would do in professional school. Some of the more important upper level classes that you will end up having to deal with again in dental school would be Biochemistry, microbiology, human parasitology, Physiology or anatomy. I've taken all of the above since i am a biology major and used it to fulfill my electives. My suggestion to you since you are a business admin major would be to only take the upper science courses you are interested in and know that you could probably get a good grade. Taking too many upper level science classes and not doing good in them could hurt you especially when they arent required to be able to apply. good luck

 

[Dr.Pain]

Dude-
Take as many upper level science courses as possible! First of all, you're not a science major. You are going to have to prove that you can handle this stuff. Secondly, by loading up on upper division science (and doing well) you'll leave no doubt in the adcomms' mind about your ability to handle 22+ units of the hardcore dental school cirriculum. You want to eliminate any doubts someone may have about you, especially coming from a non-science background. Taking genetics here, or micro there doesn't prove that you can take biochem, gross anatomy, dental anatomy, histo, etc, etc, etc, all in the same semester. I would say turn it on now to show your stuff, and do whatever it takes to do well. It's the 'easy' way to separate yourself from the crowd.

 

[Dr.Pain]

22+ units/semester that is.

 

[aurora507]

Dude-
Take as many upper level science courses as possible! First of all, you're not a science major. You are going to have to prove that you can handle this stuff. Secondly, by loading up on upper division science (and doing well) you'll leave no doubt in the adcomms' mind about your ability to handle 22+ units of the hardcore dental school cirriculum. You want to eliminate any doubts someone may have about you, especially coming from a non-science background. Taking genetics here, or micro there doesn't prove that you can take biochem, gross anatomy, dental anatomy, histo, etc, etc, etc, all in the same semester. I would say turn it on now to show your stuff, and do whatever it takes to do well. It's the 'easy' way to separate yourself from the crowd.

Good advice. That is what I've heard from several Deans of Admissions as well. But take only as much as you can handle!

 

[INFNITE]

if you could use sci courses as electives for your major, take as many as you want. Remember though, don't go overboard and pick like 20+ credits of courses. The most important thing is still the GPA, and at the same time, you really don't want to get to the point where you don't have time for any sort of social life. Balance your schedule accordingly and you'll do fine. If you get the opportunity, definitely take courses like biochemistry, physiology or gross anatomy. Those courses will help a ton when you get to dental school.

 

[topgun129]

yeah you guys are right. i was planning on taking these type of courses after i graduate but at the same time i want to get started in dental school, so there is sort of flip off (meaning I could just get rejected if I go ahead and apply).

my only problem is that i go to a small liberal arts college and they only offer say physiology every 3 semesters so i'm out of luck there. i'll probably head to a big univ. to take major upper levels like psysio., anatomy and biochem.

and your absolutely right about how much easier dental school is if you've taken those courses already.

take care,

topgun129

 

[Notoriousjae]

ooh also if u can take Immunology. thats a pretty important class that i unfortunately wont be able to take before i graduate due to scheduling issues.