If you have to choose between human AP and microbio

[HL86]

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Hello,

I'm a non-traditional student who's planning to apply for dental school next year.
I graduated with biology degree in 2009 and when i contacted few of the dental schools they
recommended me to go back to college to take some upper level Biology courses and I just finished taking Immunology, which went great.
Now for the next semester, I have to decide whether to take Mircrobiology or Human Anatomy I.
I mean I wish I can take both, but I work full time and I really have to study for the DAT.

Which one should I take? Which one's going to help me better in dental school?

+One more question, should I take my DAT on April so that if I do really bad, I can retake it on July?

THANK YOU!!

 

[NoMorWastedTime]

Having taught and currently tutoring A&P 1 and 2, I would definitely say that A&P teaches you how to effectively and efficiently commit things to memory, and how to finally apply information you have learned to problem solve. I'm obviously bias.

 

[Dr. Dan]

This is a hard one, I mean, Human AP is a must for dental schools imo, but then again, microbiology is quite high on that list too. I'd say both if you could swing it, but if you absolutely have to choose, go with Human AP. Scratch that go with microbiology. No, AP... nvm go human microbiology, AP edition.

 

[arierosa]

If you take Microbiology, it'll be more useful for the DAT Bio section.

 

[PocketRocket]

my vote goes for micro

 

[Typical Average Student]

A lot of schools are now requiring microbio as a prereq so you'll need to take that...

 

[odent]

take both

 

[MolarBear11]

If you had to choose 1 or the other, I say A&P. After taking that class, all my upper level bio classes just made more sense.

But as said above, some schools require it now so if you take it, you wouldn't have to worry about what schools you can apply to later on.

 

[Kittenz]

Anatomy and physiology. It's a comprehensive topic that incorporates much of the material you learn studying for the DAT. I would only suggest microbio if you feel weak in general biology. For dental school, anatomy/phys is much more important.

 

[HL86]

Oh gosh.... thanks for the replies guys. Now I really cannot make up my mind LOL

I feel like it's going to be bit overwhelming to take both classes and work and study for DAT.....grrr....

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

I vote anatomy and physio! I just took it along with the lab, and I actually loved it 🙂 Really interesting stuff and makes me understand the bigger picture of bio in regards to understanding the human body. I understand how you feel though. I'm also a non-trad (using that term loosely since I'm just taking a gap year post-grad) and working while taking a few classes and trying to juggle when I should take the DAT.

 

[bsal1]

Microbio definitely helped me on the DAT as I had not taken A&P before the DAT. However, I understand that A&P will help greatly in dental school. If possible you should try to take both.

 

[BeaverLover]

Wow seems pretty split....isn't A&P required for the majority of schools?

 

[Dr.Payne]

Anatomy

 

[itsmekook]

Anatomy

 

[doktorinprogres]

If either of those classes is required for your intended schools take the one that is. If neither is required and you're worried about the DAT I would just focus on the DAT. Yeah they told you to take some classes but a solid DAT can be just as potent in terms of admissions chances if you knock it out.

 

[1070752]

Microbio definitely helped me on the DAT as I had not taken A&P before the DAT. However, I understand that A&P will help greatly in dental school. If possible you should try to take both.

I'm not sure what microbio you guys are taking, but how did it help you on the DAT? There are very very few microbiology questions on the DAT, and the ones that are there are just skimmed over in microbio classes since it's supposed to be knowledge you should have already had.

 

[bsal1]

I'm not sure what microbio you guys are taking, but how did it help you on the DAT? There are very very few microbiology questions on the DAT, and the ones that are there are just skimmed over in microbio classes since it's supposed to be knowledge you should have already had.

I remember getting questions regarding bacterial genetics which were topics we covered in depth in microbio. I can't remember getting many physiology questions.

 

[zoey1234]

Take micro now to help with your dat, then take anatomy over summer, it's very useful for dental school. It'll help you know the basics

 

[Carbohydrates]

I took both and I would recommend take both if you can. If not, I would vote for AP.
Read Costanzo, best AP book ever!!!

 

[Dr. Dan]

If either of those classes is required for your intended schools take the one that is. If neither is required and you're worried about the DAT I would just focus on the DAT. Yeah they told you to take some classes but a solid DAT can be just as potent in terms of admissions chances if you knock it out.

100% agree this is what you need to do.

 

[fogorvostan]

I never took A&P in college and I wish I did. However, I did notice when I was applying, that several schools are requiring microbiology. I would start to think about your potential school list and see if any of them require micro. If they do, take micro. If none of them do, take A&P.

 

[DC206R]

A&P.

 

[HL86]

Thank you so much guys, for your replies. I really don't think I can take both classes. Since some of you said some schools require mircrobiology, I'll probably look at the prerequisite classes for my potential schools. THANKS!!!!