If I haven't taken Biochem can I get into a school that requires it?

[_DMDMD_]

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I am applying this cycle and am graduating in 2 months without taking Biochem. There are many schools that don't require it but is there any chance I could get into a school that "requires" biochem. If I have a good GPA, DAT score, and resume is it possible they will waive that requirement?

 

[Kentuckylover]

I am applying this cycle and am graduating in 2 months without taking Biochem. There are many schools that don't require it but is there any chance I could get into a school that "requires" biochem. If I have a good GPA, DAT score, and resume is it possible they will waive that requirement?

No chance. They won't waive it.
You are applying this cycle? It's almost over.
You mean next cycle? If right, I suggest you take that course in the summer.

Cheers

 

[Sisero68]

The schools i contacted about this question (anatomy) told me "it is a requirement for a reason, yes you must have it." Though, they did mention i only need it before matriculating into the program not to get an acceptance.

Both Midwestern Ill and Az

 

[doc toothache]

Is there a part of the definition of "requires"/requirement that needs clarification?

 

[JdogDMD]

Requirements are exactly that... they won't give you special treatment! There are plenty of outstanding applicants that they'll take in place of you. No doubt!

 

[tendram]

The schools i contacted about this question (anatomy) told me "it is a requirement for a reason, yes you must have it." Though, they did mention i only need it before matriculating into the program not to get an acceptance.

Both Midwestern Ill and Az

If I remember correctly most schools do this. As long as you have taken the class before matriculation then you'll be fine. You may want to call around to the schools you're looking at applying to to be sure though.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Is there a part of the definition of "requires"/requirement that needs clarification?

👍

If you really don't want to take Biochem, don't apply to schools that require the course. Easy as that.

 

[Demps]

👍

If you really don't want to take Biochem, don't apply to schools that require the course. Easy as that.

Quite a number of schools that previously had biochemistry as recommended requirement changed to required requirement. That seems to be the trend. Might as well take it. It will help you in dental school anyway. Just a speculation.

Also, you're missing out on quite a number of schools to apply just because you didn't take it. Just take it man.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

Quite a number of schools that previously had biochemistry as recommended requirement changed to required requirement. That seems to be the trend. Might as well take it. It will help you in dental school anyway. Just a speculation.

Also, you're missing out on quite a number of schools to apply just because you didn't take it. Just take it man.

Recommended requirement? Required requirement?.... Some schools recommend you take it and some schools you require you to take it.

I believe the OP should take it too because I was told it was "highly recommended". However if the OP really does not want to take it, he/she should look up schools of interest and see if it's worth taking it.

 

[MowgliR]

You can get accepted, but you can't matriculate.

 

[Demps]

Recommended requirement? Required requirement?.... Some schools recommend you take it and some schools you require you to take it.

I believe the OP should take it too because I was told it was "highly recommended". However if the OP really does not want to take it, he/she should look up schools of interest and see if it's worth taking it.

I guess I made my point vague lol. I meant as in, 5-6 years ago when I was in undergrad there were not that many schools that had biochemistry I as required course. There are still schools that do not require biochemistry I, but I'm just saying a number of schools changed biochemistry I as a required course.

 

[persenmi]

Put it this way: you wouldn't want to get into a school that requires biochem without having taken it. If d-school is your first introduction to the material, you will struggle to pass and you will get very little out of the course. They expect you to have already mastered the material and in d-school they will review and exapand. For instance, they won't explain what "enzyme activity" (michaelis-menton) means in class. They will weave this concept into lectures as if you already know it. You would have to do a ton of work outside of class to keep up.

 

[BU2012]

Can you get into a school without having taking the pre-req? Yes, I was accepted to schools having not yet taken Biochemistry. Can you enroll without having taken that pre-req? No. It is VERY rare that a school will waive a requirement. You must have a very good rationale as to why you should be exempt from it. However, I do know that some schools will waive requirements under special circumstances.

As far as it being "your first introduction to the material and struggling to pass," this is certainly not the case. Biochemistry in dental school is taught completely differently and with different focus that in undergrad. I've had students tell me that their biochem undergrad was almost a waste in that the two were not reflections of one another.