Is it wise to take non-science classes at CC?

[Kef318]

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I am a 2nd semester freshman biology major at Pitt. I'm considering taking a non-science class over the summer at a CC, as a way to lighten my workload at Pitt (thereby keeping my GPA up). Is this a good idea?

 

[JdogDMD]

I think your best bet is to always take your classes at a university, science or not...

 

[Kef318]

May I ask why?

 

[coolbeans123]

I disagree. If you want to take required classes like economics and humanities at CC, then go ahead. It'll save you time to focus on important classes and maybe even some money. Econ, humanities, history and things like that can be taken at CC. I wouldn't take any of your english, math, or pre-req science classes there just because some schools don't take CC credits.

Correction: Yes, make sure your credits transfer to Pitt. That's probably the most important thing.

 

[wizi]

Ask Pitt first if you want to take classes at a CC in the summer. Usually Universities dont allow you to do that. If you still want to do that, you might have to reapply to Pitt.

You should take your classes at Pitt.

 

[Predentaljr]

I hate when ppl down play comunity college. As long as the common course # match it is okay. Some classes do transfer to Universities. Dental schools dont mind commc course, I got accepted to 3 dental schools w/ over 70hr from community college, being most of my science pre req... NOTHING IS WRONG W/ COMMUNITY COLLEGE... some classes are tougher than universities

 

[jackalo34]

I hate when ppl down play comunity college. As long as the common course # match it is okay. Some classes do transfer to Universities. Dental schools dont mind commc course, I got accepted to 3 dental schools w/ over 70hr from community college, being most of my science pre req... NOTHING IS WRONG W/ COMMUNITY COLLEGE... some classes are tougher than universities

I hate when people down play universities. There is a reason CC credits are often frowned upon and it is not because ALL CC are bad, but the reputation they have is not good. Why risk it unless you have no choice? I’d take it if it was my only option or I really needed it to save money. As long as you have a B.A or B.S and your university grades match your CC grades…it doesn’t really matter.

 

[hail2pitt]

Pitt will most likely allow CC credits (I have friends that took classes at CCAC), you have to submit a syllabus (or course description, I can't remember which) to an office somewhere in Thackeray, and they'll let you know whether or not it will be approved and what course(s) you will get credits for.

 

[Bereno]

If they are non-science, then it should not matter much. The only thing I will add is that I took my first 2 years at a CC, and there were sine some pretty tough classes in there... Not all CC classes are a walk in the park. Just saying lol. 👍

 

[Baker2010]

I hate when ppl down play comunity college. As long as the common course # match it is okay. Some classes do transfer to Universities. Dental schools dont mind commc course, I got accepted to 3 dental schools w/ over 70hr from community college, being most of my science pre req... NOTHING IS WRONG W/ COMMUNITY COLLEGE... some classes are tougher than universities

Not saying that all CC's are bad but in general, they are not as rigorous as Universities.
I have had friends taking the same classes as me just at a CC's and they have shown me their exam's they take and many of them were high school level.
A better example that you probably have heard about a little bit more often is how people take a course a their own University and completely fail it and then retake the same course at a CC and get an A or much better than at their University.
Like I said,they are not all bad, but there are definitely good reasons as to why CC coursework is looked down upon in general.

 

[youknowthedrill]

Take it at a CC so you can lighten your load. GPA is the most important factor for dental school admission.

 

[vellnueve]

Take it at a CC so you can lighten your load. GPA is the most important factor for dental school admission.

You couldn't be more wrong.

 

[BTown DDS]

Not saying that all CC's are bad but in general, they are not as rigorous as Universities.
I have had friends taking the same classes as me just at a CC's and they have shown me their exam's they take and many of them were high school level.
A better example that you probably have heard about a little bit more often is how people take a course a their own University and completely fail it and then retake the same course at a CC and get an A or much better than at their University.
Like I said,they are not all bad, but there are definitely good reasons as to why CC coursework is looked down upon in general.

I hate when people down play universities. There is a reason CC credits are often frowned upon and it is not because ALL CC are bad, but the reputation they have is not good. Why risk it unless you have no choice? I’d take it if it was my only option or I really needed it to save money. As long as you have a B.A or B.S and your university grades match your CC grades…it doesn’t really matter.

OP, do not listen to this advise. These predents do not work in admissions. I would call the dental schools in which you wish to apply and ask them about taking non-prereq CC courses. I am sure they will say that it doesn't matter. There is no way to compare CC to a university just like there is no way to compare one univerity to another. There is a reason you have to take the DAT.

 

[Baker2010]

OP, do not listen to this advise. These predents do not work in admissions. I would call the dental schools in which you wish to apply and ask them about taking non-prereq CC courses. I am sure they will say that it doesn't matter. There is no way to compare CC to a university just like there is no way to compare one univerity to another. There is a reason you have to take the DAT.

Anyways,

long story short. Some schools allow them up to a certain number, while some don't accept any.
This is a school specific issue that you need to contact them or look at their website to discover.

BTown DDS,
The point that I was making is that, its better if you do take them at a University because 1. you do not limit yourself to which schools you can apply to 2. Your application is stronger with University courses.

In sum, its up to you guys to decide what you wanna do. I'm already in.

 

[Predentaljr]

I hate when people down play universities. There is a reason CC credits are often frowned upon and it is not because ALL CC are bad, but the reputation they have is not good. Why risk it unless you have no choice? I’d take it if it was my only option or I really needed it to save money. As long as you have a B.A or B.S and your university grades match your CC grades…it doesn’t really matter.

Yes I am dowmplaying universities b/c I have sat in a class and atually watched students pass a class b/c they had old exam. So the level of difficulty is out the building. Thats why DAT matters most... It equalizes

 

[vellnueve]

Yes I am dowmplaying universities b/c I have sat in a class and atually watched students pass a class b/c they had old exam. So the level of difficulty is out the building. Thats why DAT matters most... It equalizes

The DAT does not matter most, it is simply another tool you can use to enhance your application if you do well.

As for CC classes, I can't say that I would recommend them.

 

[jackalo34]

OP, do not listen to this advise. These predents do not work in admissions. I would call the dental schools in which you wish to apply and ask them about taking non-prereq CC courses. I am sure they will say that it doesn't matter. There is no way to compare CC to a university just like there is no way to compare one univerity to another. There is a reason you have to take the DAT.

Anyways,

long story short. Some schools allow them up to a certain number, while some don't accept any.
This is a school specific issue that you need to contact them or look at their website to discover.

BTown DDS,
The point that I was making is that, its better if you do take them at a University because 1. you do not limit yourself to which schools you can apply to 2. Your application is stronger with University courses.

In sum, its up to you guys to decide what you wanna do. I'm already in.

Pretty much what Baker said. Neither of us claimed to work in admissions and why shouldn’t he listen to our advice if he asked for it?

 

[jackalo34]

Yes I am dowmplaying universities b/c I have sat in a class and atually watched students pass a class b/c they had old exam. So the level of difficulty is out the building. Thats why DAT matters most... It equalizes

ok….. Do you mean the professors reused old exams that students had access to or that the professors gave old exams as practice for the actual exam?

 

[Predentaljr]

All im saying is that there is nothing wrong with taking classes at a CC... The schools I was accepted to advised me to take my remaining courses at CC to save money. Yes, I believe big universities are overrated. There is not a way to compare the level. But speaking from my perspective, the only difference is a bigger classroom. Many ppl on these forums act like taking classes at CC is like going to jail. Why would you make a classes youre not interested in "harder" than it should be

 

[jackalo34]

All im saying is that there is nothing wrong with taking classes at a CC... The schools I was accepted to advised me to take my remaining courses at CC to save money. Yes, I believe big universities are overrated. There is not a way to compare the level. But speaking from my perspective, the only difference is a bigger classroom. Many ppl on these forums act like taking classes at CC is like going to jail. Why would you make a classes youre not interested in "harder" than it should be

I understand and you’re entitled to your opinion, but I don’t ever say that CC are bad schools, while you are saying that uni’s are bad…anyway. My experience with CC classes were in high school and I easily aced them both so that’s the only reasoning I have for knowing that the school I went to was considerably easy.

 

[Baker2010]

All im saying is that there is nothing wrong with taking classes at a CC... The schools I was accepted to advised me to take my remaining courses at CC to save money. Yes, I believe big universities are overrated. There is not a way to compare the level. But speaking from my perspective, the only difference is a bigger classroom. Many ppl on these forums act like taking classes at CC is like going to jail. Why would you make a classes youre not interested in "harder" than it should be

You just stated what we are talking about.
"Why would you make a class youre not interested in 'harder" than it should be"

So you too know that CC courses are much easier.

 

[Kef318]

How about 1 CC (not math or science) each summer for 4 years? That's 12 credits out of 120 to graduate from Pitt with a biology degree. Will my dental school application really be frowned upon because of this?

I am only a 2nd semester freshman so this is all new to me. I greatly appreciate all of the advise and will be a frequent forum visitor.

 

[herkulease]

I'm guessing you're looking to take your GE courses at a CC.

the 1st thing you should do is find out if there are any articulation agreements between your university and the CC you're planning to take them at.

It would be a waste of time and money to take them when they don't transfer and you're forced to take them again.

As for whether if it adversely effects your application, that is debatable. The only thing with CC course is that some schools will not accept prereqs taken at a CC, some will limit you on the number of units. Often the limits or restrictions on CC course on placed on the prereqs rather than some GE course or random class you might take(photography, PE, etc.) Look at each schools website or in the ADEA guide to get the exactly details.

 

[Kef318]

Yes, I was thinking Gen Ed classes ONLY.

I will check to be certain that they are transferrable. I guess the real question is whether or not it is worth it as a way to keep up a high GPA

 

[Silencio]

Confucius says it's ok. I agree.

 

[Predentaljr]

You just stated what we are talking about.
"Why would you make a class youre not interested in 'harder" than it should be"

So you too know that CC courses are much easier.

It was referenced in quotation marks for a reason... I guess that went over your head... The classes are cheaper point blank period... I know plenty of ppl that got accepted w/ cc courses, including me (to 3 of 3 schools)

 

[Predentaljr]

Every situation is different, so take this information but dont let it make your decision. We represent a small portion of thr predental population. Call each school you plan on applying to and ask them the maximun hours of cc credits they would take into account w/o causing a red flag... Have a nice day to ALLll

 

[LittleTomato]

Schools have different attitudes when it comes to CC credits. If you have your heart set on one particular school, I would call their admissions department and ask just to be safe. However, as long as it is alright with your undergraduate institution, I don't think you'll run into issues having taken a 3 credit class over the summer at a CC to save some time and money. Especially if it is not a pre-req.

I took 60 credits at a 2-year institution and I have to say that I not only loved the experience, but applying to 10 schools, I got 6 interviews. I went to four of them. I got accepted at all four on Dec. 1st. So I'm not sure why all the CC bashing is happening here because people clearly get accepted with CC credits. The point of the thread is not to argue about whose curriculum is easier or whether GPA is an important factor (and yes, it is very important for most people), but rather to give advice on the OP's situation. I say go for it. 👍

 

[SN1]

The argument of taking CC classes VS Uni classes is getting old. I used to freak out over this thing myself(as you can see from my previous threads). There are plenty of people who got into dental schools by completing their prerequisites at a CC.
If schools truly frown toward students taking their prereqs at CC then why do they still accept them?

The point I am trying to make is that make the best out of your situation. Apply smart and avoid schools that flat out reject CC credits.

 

[toothlove]

I would ask how the schools you are applying at react to classes at a CC.

 

[BrutalViking]

I don't think it matters. I had a friend who took all his pre-reqs at a CC, then transferred to a 4-year university....and he got accepted to dental school without even finishing his undergrad. People say you shouldn't but i don't it matters as long as you do well (above average) on the DAT. CC can save you a lot of money.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

I don't think it matters. I had a friend who took all his pre-reqs at a CC, then transferred to a 4-year university....and he got accepted to dental school without even finishing his undergrad. People say you shouldn't but i don't it matters as long as you do well (above average) on the DAT. CC can save you a lot of money.

Pretty sure he's the exception and not the norm. Did he already have a degree before he started? Very few people matriculate without a bachelor's degree.

 

[BrutalViking]

@AwesomeTeeth
beside a good GPA and DAT score? no. He had no undergrad degree and he told me that some schools gave him a lecture about the importance of a bachelor's at the interview lol but at the end he got accepted to pitt and he's doing his second semester now.