Is majoring in a non-science a bad idea?

[Kelo]

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Im about to start my education (Bachelor's-undergrad) to eventually become a Dentist one day..

I've done lots of research- and I know that its said that you can major in anything, it does not have to be a science related major like Biology,Chem. ect.

My question is- Does majoring in a science like biology, or Chem. have any advantages compared to somebody who majors in a non-science like Communications,Art,Music, ect? 😎

Also, if I do not major in a science, whens the best time to start completing my pre-requisites? 2nd year? 3rd?

Thanks,

 

[americanpierg]

Do whats good for you.

 

[nze82]

Im about to start my education (Bachelor's-undergrad) to eventually become a Dentist one day..

I've done lots of research- and I know that its said that you can major in anything, it does not have to be a science related major like Biology,Chem. ect.

My question is- Does majoring in a science like biology, or Chem. have any advantages compared to somebody who majors in a non-science like Communications,Art,Music, ect? 😎

Also, if I do not major in a science, whens the best time to start completing my pre-requisites? 2nd year? 3rd?

Thanks,

There's an upside and a down side to this. I'll begin with the downside. You still have to complete all the science prerequisites in order to be considered for dental school. This means you need to take more classes in addition to whatever you need in order to get your non-science degree, which in turn means that you need to spend more time and put in more effort in order to graduate with a decent GPA.
Also, when you're a science major, you simply have a greater exposure and a broader understanding of different topics compared to someone who has simply completed few prerequisite classes, and that's because you'll take lots of upper division science classes, when you're a science major. This greater exposure and broader understanding will definitely become handy, when you're preparing for the DAT.
So, in my humble opinion, people who are science majors have an advantage over non-science majors, at least when it comes to the DAT.
What's the upside?
Well, many adcoms are looking for well-rounded individuals who have a broad range of experiences in life. They're not looking for some nerdy kid who spent 4 years of undergrad in his dorm room doing nothing but studying chemistry. So, for example, if you major in art, you'll definitely have a greater appreciation for art compared to someone who has only studied chemistry, and that will help you present yourself better during your interviews.

To make the long story short, by deciding that you want to become a dentist you're getting yourself into a field that has its foundation in science. So, sooner or later you're gonna need to take lots and lots of science classes. The sooner you start doing that, the less painful it will be when you get into dental school.

Good luck👍

 

[ReallyCuteGirl]

I was an english major. Not one of my interviewers asked or even mentioned my major. As long as you ace the pre req courses, feel free to major in burger flipping if you wanted to.

 

[physic8888]

I was an english major. Not one of my interviewers asked or even mentioned my major. As long as you ace the pre req courses, feel free to major in burger flipping if you wanted to.

I was also wondering about this...

I know medical schools don't really care about your major as long as you do your pre-reqs.

However, it seems alot of dental schools have the RECOMMENDED and REQUIRED 5 upper bios- such as anatomy, histo, biochem, micro, and something else I believe.

Considering theres only 20-30 dental schools and alot more medical schools- (Some med schools recommend/require the above- but since theres so many schools- it really doesnt matter) I would think you put yourself at a MINOR disadvantage by not majoring or minoring in bio in order to get into dental school.

 

[ReallyCuteGirl]

I was also wondering about this...

I know medical schools don't really care about your major as long as you do your pre-reqs.

However, it seems alot of dental schools have the RECOMMENDED and REQUIRED 5 upper bios- such as anatomy, histo, biochem, micro, and something else I believe.

Considering theres only 20-30 dental schools and alot more medical schools- (Some med schools recommend/require the above- but since theres so many schools- it really doesnt matter) I would think you put yourself at a MINOR disadvantage by not majoring or minoring in bio in order to get into dental school.

No way hozay. When it comes to predents, bio majors are dime in a dozen.

 

[physic8888]

No way hozay. When it comes to predents, bio majors are dime in a dozen.

Maybe:

But here is my reasoning-

I.E. 20 out of 58 dental schools recommend a few bio electives.

I.E. 30 out of 150 MD/DO schools recommend a few bio electives.

Even if there is a an insignificant difference in major/minoring in bio- there is a still a slight disadvantage- statistically just due to the number of med vrs dent schools. That being said- I HONESTLY believe that it doesn't make a difference. Major in whatever- I wish I majored in Poly Sci. Would of made easier -_-

http://www.brynmawr.edu/healthpro/documents/DentalSchool_Addional_Requirements2010.pdf

 

[sketo43]

Adcoms like diversity - including diversity of majors. They don't want every incoming student to be a biology major. You're not going to be at a disadvantage in terms of admissions. Also, in some majors, it might be easier to get a really high GPA, and dental schools love 3.5+ GPAs. But you'll still need to find time for the dental pre-reqs, and do well in those

Bio majors have an edge in the bio section of the DAT (but it's just one of several parts of the test). And the first year of dental school might be a little easier for them if they've taken lots of anatomy, biochem, microbiology, molecular biology, and other upper level classes.

Each path has its pros and cons. There's no right or wrong path. The most important thing is to get good grades, no matter what you major in.

physic8888-
There are around 58 dental schools. I don't know of any that require 5 upper level bio classes; in fact most dental schools don't require any upper level bio classes. A handful require a semester of biochem. A few require anatomy or microbiology.

 

[americanpierg]

Maybe:

But here is my reasoning-

I.E. 20 out of 58 dental schools recommend a few bio electives.

I.E. 30 out of 150 MD/DO schools recommend a few bio electives.

Even if there is a an insignificant difference in major/minoring in bio- there is a still a slight disadvantage- statistically just due to the number of med vrs dent schools. That being said- I HONESTLY believe that it doesn't make a difference. Major in whatever- I wish I majored in Poly Sci. Would of made easier -_-

http://www.brynmawr.edu/healthpro/documents/DentalSchool_Addional_Requirements2010.pdf

Recommend is just that... recommended. It's probably in your best interest to take them anyways. Theyre not gonna reject you if you havnt taken a recommended course. Most dental school lists like 10 different courses as recommended courses.

 

[physic8888]

Adcoms like diversity - including diversity of majors. They don't want every incoming student to be a biology major. You're not going to be at a disadvantage in terms of admissions. Also, in some majors, it might be easier to get a really high GPA, and dental schools love 3.5+ GPAs. But you'll still need to find time for the dental pre-reqs, and do well in those

Bio majors have an edge in the bio section of the DAT (but it's just one of several parts of the test). And the first year of dental school might be a little easier for them if they've taken lots of anatomy, biochem, microbiology, molecular biology, and other upper level classes.

Each path has its pros and cons. There's no right or wrong path. The most important thing is to get good grades, no matter what you major in.

physic8888-
There are around 58 dental schools. I don't know of any that require 5 upper level bio classes; in fact most dental schools don't require any upper level bio classes. A handful require a semester of biochem. A few require anatomy or microbiology.

I meant one of the 5. And recommended- is just that- Recommended. Doesn't hurt, but I would think- it would help. Just saying.

But overall- It isn't a bad idea- I don't want to get in any flame wars -_-

 

[wwdaffodils]

-

 

[Dent44]

The best advice I can give you is study something you enjoy. I know it sounds cliche, but when you enjoy your classes, college can be much more meaningful and a lot more fun. If that is chemistry, major in chemistry. If it's art history, try that. DEFINITELY go talk to your school's pre-health/pre-professional advising office. They can help you figure out when to take what pre reqs and upper levels.

 

[Yachi]

do what interests you.

i'm a non-science major, and i'm not too worried about getting in dental school. well, in fact, my science GPA is a lot higher than my major GPA, but i'm sticking to classics anyway. 😎 it's classy.

 

[angelnyc89]

just wondering than, is philosophy a good major?

 

[Yachi]

just wondering than, is philosophy a good major?

of course, it is! philosophy teaches you how to think. 😎 none of the PC crap.

if there is such a thing called "bad major", that would be communication/ethic/gender studies.. and maybe some BA pysc major too... that's only my opinion tho. don't take my word for it.

 

[sketo43]

I meant one of the 5. And recommended- is just that- Recommended. Doesn't hurt, but I would think- it would help. Just saying.

But overall- It isn't a bad idea- I don't want to get in any flame wars -_-

Got it. I just misunderstood what you originally wrote 👍

 

[lazybummy]

There's pros and cons.. but from my personal experience.. at my Maryland interview.. the interviewer verbally expressed how impressed he was by my DAT science scores for the fact that I'm a psych major with no upper level science background. Yes being a science major might give u some advantages in the DAT but you don't necessarily need them to do well. If u learned your intro level science courses well, u will do fine.

 

[doc3232]

I think it is. 😀

 

[Near]

just wondering than, is philosophy a good major?

Hah, when I reading down this thread I was thinking about putting down "Heck, I'm seriously considering philosophy as a major".

I've heard a non-science major might make you stand-out more.