My pleasure.
I also would just like some advice on how to sort of get through ur first year etc.
First year is mostly a matter of adjustment, and in my experience there are primarily two kinds. Everyone in dental school was pretty successful in college, and the new little-fish-big-pond mentality is what takes the most getting used to. The first kind is for people who have excelled all their lives and continue excelling in dental school. The issue for these folks is that dental school requires a lot more effort to do well in, so it's easy to (incorrectly) feel like you're not quite as sharp as you used to be. On the other hand you have folks like me, who did well in college but for whom continuing that trend requires more effort than it's worth. If you want to be a general dentist, you can worry less about grades and more about learning. For me, the biggest issue is getting the occasional pang of obligation to be doing as well in school as I always have. Then you get over it.
Also I cant seem to find what the passing rate for IUSD has for its boards.
I actually don't know this off the top of my head, but I do know we don't routinely make the top ten. OTOH, I don't think we have much trouble with people not passing either. Our class is taking a lot more initiative toward boards than the ones immediately preceding us, but board performance is mostly up to the individual anyway.
Also is it mandatory that u buy a computer from them in ur first year?
Buying a laptop is mandatory. Buying
their laptop is not. If you're comfortable buying your own computer, or bringing one from home, you'll be fine. I bought a Gateway and have had no trouble. The only thing you absolutely *must* have is wireless capability.
I think that is it for right now but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Good luck!
