How much does being a science major matter?

[amar314]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I'm a bio major but have recently been thinking about switching because there are some classes that my major requires but dental schools don't so they seem like a "waste" of time. Also FYI I've only recently been looking at dentistry so I'm not as familiar.

Would it be normal/okay to major in something like anthropology or French and do all the prereqs obviously? Would I be asked something about it since the majority of the applicants (i'm guessing) have science majors?

Thanks

 

[predentalgirl]

No. You can major in ANYTHING you would like. Just finish the pre-reqs. You will be fine.

 

[Blake1e]

I'm a bio major but have recently been thinking about switching because there are some classes that my major requires but dental schools don't so they seem like a "waste" of time. Also FYI I've only recently been looking at dentistry so I'm not as familiar.

Would it be normal/okay to major in something like anthropology or French and do all the prereqs obviously? Would I be asked something about it since the majority of the applicants (i'm guessing) have science majors?

Thanks

I dont think what you major in matters too much. Though I will say many D schools do recommend /suggest taking upper level sciences like genetics, physiology etc. http://dental.nova.edu/doctoral/

 

[Stereum]

Here's my advice:
1.) Major in something you enjoy
2.) Make sure the major can get you a job in case you don't get into dental school
3.) Minor in bio. for pre reqs, etc.

If anything, not majoring in a science will make you stand out since everybody else is bio/biochem/microbio. major. Just make sure your science grades are outstanding.

 

[chill45]

I know a few people that were business majors or health science majors and got into dental school. Obviously the majority of accepted applicants are biology or chemistry majors though. Just because biology majors take more classes than dental schools require is not a good reason to switch. Remember you will have to take all pre-reqs (around 30-35 hours) plus the additional required 110-120 hours of classes to fulfill your major requirements to graduate whereas after the pre-reqs I only needed 90-95 hours to complete my chem major. So you end up taking an additional 20-25 hours of classes which is nearly 2 semesters worth. Of course that depends on your school's requirements for graduation and what other major you decide on, but still something to think about. I knew I wanted to do bio or chem for this reason and chose chem cause it was more math-based and it ended up helping out my science GPA when I botch a couple bio courses.

 

[tandem7]

Major in an area that you truly love; college is really your only chance to be selfish and to do what you want to do. Just do well in pre-reqs and take a few upper level science courses and you'll be golden.

 

[Blake1e]

Here's my advice:
1.) Major in something you enjoy
2.) Make sure the major can get you a job in case you don't get into dental school
3.) Minor in bio. for pre reqs, etc.

If anything, not majoring in a science will make you stand out since everybody else is bio/biochem/microbio. major. Just make sure your science grades are outstanding.

I agree with this, especially on the bolded part.

 

[Jbrowndds]

Personally I didn't have the time to waste on majoring in something other than biology. It's cheaper and I'm not having to take extra classes outside of my degree. If you switch your major you still will be taking classes you don't need for d school. Stick with bio

 

[sbdento]

From what I've heard from the people in admissions is that you're at an advantage with a non-biology major. It shows diversity, which dental schools love.

 

[durden]

Major in something that will get you a job.

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/trend-in-undergraduate-majors-2005-2012.994597/

 

[Rubberpulp]

I met a guy at one of my interviews that was a liberal arts major. He did so because he had a lot of elective requirements so he filled those electives with science classes. Smart dude if you ask me. Most bio major I know do not finish in 4 years. With that in mind the year you enter d school will change. And in the reality is once you're accepted to d school your undergrad grades , major and dat score don't mean anything!!!

 

[dentistaazzurro]

Italian Major here (Chem minor) and I was invited to 9 interviews, went to 7 and go into 5 schools. For me, it was a HUGE plus. I would not change a thing. I loved my major, loved all of my classes: it truly helped me enjoy my undergrad. If you have any questions, PM me, but here's what I will tell you:
1- I agree 100% with those who say to major in something that you can find a job in. There were days early on when I panicked about the possibility of not getting into dental school and just having my Italian degree to rely on.
2- Definitely take some upper-level classes. Aside from the typical requirements of Chem, Bio and Physics I took Biochem, Anat, Phys, Genetics, Analytical Chem etc.
3- One benefit is that your overall GPA will probably be higher in a liberal arts major. To make sure that this doesn't look watered down, keep your sGPA/bcpGPA and DAT score just as impressive or more so.
4- My best letter of rec. came from my favorite Italian professor who taught me twice, one of which was a course with about 10 students total. She later invited me to do an internship. That alone was worth it. My other letters were just normal, even though I worked tirelessly to stand out. The reality is, it's very difficult to do so in a class of 200+ premed/nursing/predent students.

Good luck! And like I said, PM me if you have any questions.