LECOM Questions...

[ziggy1104]

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Hey guys,

Please excuse me for posting on the dental forum, I just need answers from a current student at LECOM (or any dental student/grad!), who I obviously would not reach through the pre-dent forum. I have two questions...

First, some quick background info. I have an obscene amount of credits (already reaching 120) and still have 2.5 years left (Spring '16) if I stick with a Biomedical Science degree (which would include all the upper level sciences). However, if I do strictly the pre-reqs for LECOM (which is a pretty small list), I can graduate by this December with a history degree.

By going the history route, I am effectively eliminating my chances pretty much anywhere else because I wont be completing the typical pre-reqs. You may think I am crazy for this, but I have a 6 month old and family roots in the Bradenton area, which is why I am pretty much stuck with LECOM at this point.

So, my questions are: do you think not having any upper level sciences is going to severely hurt my chances? I would love to hear personal experiences from others who possibly were in a similar situation as me if possible. Also, am I crazy to go for this history degree? I am cutting off a whopping 1.5 years and saving tons in loans. I also will have a much easier schedule with history classes in there, therefore a higher GPA and more time to volunteer, shadow, etc. However, I am apprehensive because I am not sure how LECOM will react to me not having those upper levels.

Sorry for the long post! I would love to hear your opinions/experiences! Thank you!!

 

[Glimmer1991]

Okay, so...

To begin, if these are the prereqs for LECOM, they are pretty dang standard: http://lecom.edu/entrance-requireme...dicine-Entrance-Requirements/49/2205/619/2433. If you get those done, I would venture to say that you can apply to most schools, although a few require slightly unusual courses (UNC necessitates an anatomy class, for example, and Harvard requires Calc 2). If you already have the prereqs for LECOM, then by all means, graduate with the history degree! You have what you need.

What are your grades and DAT score like? I have gathered on SDN that LECOM is a pretty sure bet for people with applications that are decent.

If LECOM is really the only dental school you would consider attending, you could theoretically only apply there the next application cycle and see how things go. If you're open to other schools, though, I would normally recommend applying to at least a few more. Like I said, though, LECOM's acceptance standards aren't the highest--so if your application is solid, you do have a great shot. Crazy things happen, though, so it is always good to have a backup!

If, for some reason, you were not accepted and were told you needed more upper-level classes, you could always just sign up to take higher-level courses as a non-degree seeking student. My gut feeling, though, is that high DAT scores would quell any doubt about your scientific learning abilities, especially if your GPA is high and you had good grades in the pre-reqs.

And here is my final piece of advice: Make sure you are totally against relocating before setting your sights solely on LECOM. I'd research the school heavily. It's very expensive, and its teaching style is not for everyone (along with other things).

 

[MedDevil]

I agree with Glimmer, but since LECOM doesn't require physics as a prereq and most other dental schools do, get that under your belt if you do end up planning to apply elsewhere.

 

[ziggy1104]

Thanks for the responses 🙂

Yes, LECOM's pre-reqs are incredibly basic. I can get them done quickly and fairly easily. I currently have a 3.66 GPA and have not yet taken the DAT (waiting until I am done with org 2). I have A's in all pre-reqs so far and almost finished, so I hope this is good enough to get into LECOM without those upper levels.

I do feel that I definitely need to step up my game as far as extra-curriculars in order to hopefully make up for the lack of upper levels. I do have several, but not in the past year since I was busy being pregnant, fat, and then having a baby 😛

I hope this is a good enough reason as to why my extra-curriculars virtually came to a halt in the past year.

Anyway, thank you guys!

 

[Glimmer1991]

Oh yeah! I didn't even think about physics. 🙂

Your oGPA is great, and a 4.0 sGPA is fantastic. Also, I think they will definitely understand the deal with you being pregnant! I'm sure you'll be able to weave that into your application, and I think it is certainly a good enough reason. It's impressive to me that you've been able to carry on in school throughout all of it.

Best of luck!

 

[ziggy1104]

Thanks Glimmer! 🙂