Light Courseload Bad?

[emperoroldguy]

Will taking light courseloads (12-13 hrs/semester) look bad? I have been taking at least two science courses the past three semesters and am doing research. I've just been taking a lighter courseload to get a better gpa; I have a little above a 3.6 overall and science...and yes I know a good DAT and extracurriculars (shadowing, volunteering, etc) are important.

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[B Rock Fun]

I was in a position where I didn't need many credits to graduate, but the classes I had remaining needed to be taken in sequence so I had to spread them over 3 semesters. With that being said I took 12 or 13 credits a semester for my last 3 semesters and it didn't seem to effect my application at all. Whether or not that is normal I'm not sure, but hopefully that info helps you a little!

 

[autoclavemonkey]

You'll probably be fine. I spent 2.5 years of my undergrad with 2 science courses per quarter and I fine this application cycle. But UoP does like to see that students can handle a heavy courseload (possibly because their D1 curriculum is intense)

 

[Saiph]

I will have averaged 12.5 semester hours over my 6 semesters at undergrad. I think it does not hurt you too much, but having a larger load is more competitive. Overall it's not the largest part of your application, so just do what is best for you.

 

[Davermz450]

I think a good gpa with 12-14 units > 18 units with okay gpa. Plus you have less stress and more time to do the things you enjoy, your whole life shouldn't be about getting into d school. Enjoy undergrad

 

[APL22]

This is my last semester in college and I am basically done with my prereqs and other stuff. I plan to take only 7 credits this last semester and I was wondering will dental schools see this bad? (I know that they want to see students handle well on heavier course loads.) Thanks!

 

[mrq]

This is my last semester in college and I am basically done with my prereqs and other stuff. I plan to take only 7 credits this last semester and I was wondering will dental schools see this bad? (I know that they want to see students handle well on heavier course loads.) Thanks!

I did this my final semester as well. Talked about why I did it in my personal statement briefly, which was recommended to me by a few people (and it fit well with my theme anyways). None of the schools I got interviews from seemed to look at it negatively. So as long as you're putting most of that extra free time into volunteering/extracurriculars, you should be fine!