*In need of some help!!*

[sb1759]

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hey,

i'm an undergraduate junior, and i'm typing up the answers to some essay questions so the health committee can write a recc, but I can't think of an answer to this question: "Describe an experience in your life that caused you to re-evaluate a previously held belief." What are some examples that you guys might write about? Also, there is a question about explaining academic difficulties that I have encountered during my undergraduate study and what steps I took to address them. I wrote about getting a bad grade in Orgo and addressing this problem by retaking the course. But, what do you guys think I should say in regards to why I didn't do too well in the course the first time around? Should I say that I was taking a difficult course load or will that make me look incompetent?

Also, I was wondering what upper level science classes are good to take that might strengthen my application (biochem, a&p, microbio). Should I take one of these this semester or should I wait until senior year? Do you think dental schools will look down upon me taking nutrition and health this semester (i'm trying to boost up my overall gpa, a 3.36)...

thanks 🙂

 

[Blitzdt]

hey,

i'm an undergraduate junior, and i'm typing up the answers to some essay questions so the health committee can write a recc, but I can't think of an answer to this question: "Describe an experience in your life that caused you to re-evaluate a previously held belief." What are some examples that you guys might write about? Also, there is a question about explaining academic difficulties that I have encountered during my undergraduate study and what steps I took to address them. I wrote about getting a bad grade in Orgo and addressing this problem by retaking the course. But, what do you guys think I should say in regards to why I didn't do too well in the course the first time around? Should I say that I was taking a difficult course load or will that make me look incompetent?

Also, I was wondering what upper level science classes are good to take that might strengthen my application (biochem, a&p, microbio). Should I take one of these this semester or should I wait until senior year? Do you think dental schools will look down upon me taking nutrition and health this semester (i'm trying to boost up my overall gpa, a 3.36)...

thanks 🙂

Tell them why you got the bad grades (think of a good reason) and write about how you're going to change those grades. They want to see improvements, and your flexibility as a student to bounce back from your past mistakes. I would say take one of them per semester, there's no need to fill up your schedule with difficult courses when you're trying to boost up your grades. Lastly, Nutrion and Health classes are great science classes; they will help your application and they will be counted as your science grades in your aadsas application. Good luck.

 

[Mackchops]

Yes on Biochem, Yes on Micro, and YES on A&P.

About the academic question: I would only mention orgo if you really struggled through the course (as opposed to failed it because you didn't do any of the work). Otherwise pick a very specific assignment that was difficult for you and what you did to ultimately succeed at it. "Academic difficulty" doesn't mean failure -- I would instead choose a hard success.

As for the belief question, avoid things you wouldn't feel comfortable talking about with someone who disagrees with said belief (eg: religion, politics, etc.). Instead, choose a personal truth that you discovered or how shadowing your dentist more helped change/remold your reasons for choosing this career.

Just suggestions. Good luck.

 

[eleminopee]

Example:

You believed ketchup and eggs would be gross until you tasted it for the first time

You thought girls were easy to get along with until you got your first girlfriend.

You thought you'd be happy to move away to college until you cried yourself to sleep the first night because you missed your dog fluffy.

 

[Blitzdt]

Example:

You believed ketchup and eggs would be gross until you tasted it for the first time

You thought girls were easy to get along with until you got your first girlfriend.

You thought you'd be happy to move away to college until you cried yourself to sleep the first night because you missed your dog fluffy.

awww....fluffy....booo hooo.....me miss you long time. booo hooo!

 

[sb1759]

haha thanks for the help guys 🙂

 

[djeffreyt]

I figure you were asking about examples for you first question and thought I'd toss some out for you. I don't think something that changes a belief needs to be a grand event...hell, it happens everyday. Like these:

While wandering around in Portland, Oregon one night, a bunch of drunk guys and girls began harrassing me from their car. They called me chink and spoke to me in badly done chinese accents as they snorted and pulled their eyes at the sides. I picked up a empty bottle and ****ed it at their car and ran as they ran after me. It changed two beliefs...1) That people today are generally able to see beyond racial lines. 2) That I would stand up to any fight (I ran like a freakin girl when all of them started rushing out of the car)


One time I came home and found our house broken into. Only one of my roommates rooms was ransacked and very specific things of his, including his discreet money holder were stolen. Not many people knew about those items in his room or that all of us would be gone specifically for a certain time that day. But there were a couple suspects...one of them was my best friend. I refused to believe he would do it, but eventually found out he did break into our house and steal those things. Belief it changed: I can always trust my friends.


Here's my favorite:
One day while driving along, I made a left turn...into oncoming traffic and it was not a one way street...belief it changed: I am not an asian driver.

 

[Mila]

Here's my favorite:
One day while driving along, I made a left turn...into oncoming traffic and it was not a one way street...belief it changed: I am not an asian driver.

Hahahahahaha... that was hilarious. That really sucks about the best friend though...

 

[bassman65]

you have to remember also that dental schools will look at the type of course load you are taking too. Getting an A in biochem is really good, but doing so while taking 3 or 4 other easy classes makes it not look so impressive. Remember, dental schools are looking for people that can carry a heavy course load and still succeed. I took 4 science classes last semester, 1 of which required a lab, and worked 20 hours a week and still pulled 4 A's (including my lab) and a B.