Need help to chooses courses

[gochi]

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Hey guys,

I'm from Canada, and yes the schools are really competitive.

What courses do I have to take in order to gain entry for Dentistry in some of the non-competetive schools ?

I have take first year bio, math and 1/2 of chem. What else do I need to take...I think its something like 90 credits...I think I have finished 15 so far, with those courses listed above.

Thanks

 

[xdianaax]

First off the term "non-competitive" schools no longer applies unfortunately...there are some that have a little bit higher averages, but they're all pretty much competitive...second, the classes needed as pre-reqs are listed on almost every dental schools website and they pretty much say something along the following lines:

1 year of General Biology with lab
1 year of General Chemistry with lab
1 year of Organic Chemistry with lab
1 year of General Physics with lab
1 year of English

Sometimes Biochem is a pre-req too, and then they encourage classes like Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology/Genetics, Histology/Microanatomy, Public Speaking, Art, Sculpture, and Business.

Hope that helps.

 

[gochi]

This definetly helps! Thanks

But, in your opinion, what type of gpa would I have to get in order to be considerd, assuming that extracuricular activities are minimal and my DAT are slightly above average ?

Will the gpa requirements drastically change over the next two years ?

Thanks-alot!

 

[xdianaax]

This definetly helps! Thanks

But, in your opinion, what type of gpa would I have to get in order to be considerd, assuming that extracuricular activities are minimal and my DAT are slightly above average ?

Will the gpa requirements drastically change over the next two years ?

Thanks-alot!

Honestly, I would love to be able to tell you a number, but I can't..all I can say is do the best you can, def try and keep it above a 3.5, and thats if you're applying soon. As for the next two years, it's unpredictable, it looks like they're constantly rising, but you never know, just keep you gpa high and hope for the best!

 

[xdianaax]

Oh, and throw Calculus in the mix of pre-reqs too, majority of schools want you to take Calculus.

 

[gochi]

since I have not done well in my undergrad year, will re-taking some of my courses make me a bad candidate ?

Thx

 

[xdianaax]

since I have not done well in my undergrad year, will re-taking some of my courses make me a bad candidate ?

Thx

People have different opinions of this. Personally I think it takes a lot to go bad and retake an entire class to improve your grade, it shows commitment, and that you're study habits have changed. It also shows you're determined to do what it takes to make it into dentistry. That's just my two cents. Only you can make yourself a bad candidate, if you do what you can, and hold your own, then there is no way you can be a bad candidate. Think positive.

 

[gochi]

sounds like your already in dental school 🙂

If I take more than the required and recommended pre-reqs, then will they be used for calculating my GPA, for dentistry ? If so, then doesnt that mean I could take all the ez classes and boost my gpa (I will not do this) ?

Thanks

 

[xdianaax]

No I am a mere pre-dent as well, BUT I have spoken to A LOT of dean's of admission, and I am in the dental school admissions office of my school way to much. So take what I say worth a grain of salt, it's merely what I here when my own questions get answered.

 

[xdianaax]

sounds like your already in dental school 🙂

If I take more than the required and recommended pre-reqs, then will they be used for calculating my GPA, for dentistry ? If so, then doesnt that mean I could take all the ez classes and boost my gpa (I will not do this) ?

Thanks

Don't do that to yourself, pre-reqs are looked at more heavily than "easy" classes.

 

[keving]

Are you talking about schools in the states of canadian schools?

 

[gochi]

ok, but If I take more than the required and recommended pre-reqs, then will they be used for calculating my GPA, for dentistry ?

And do you think ppl w/ a BSc. have a great advantage over candidates who do not have one ?

Thanks

 

[busupshot83]

ok, but If I take more than the required and recommended pre-reqs, then will they be used for calculating my GPA, for dentistry ?

And do you think ppl w/ a BSc. have a great advantage over candidates who do not have one ?

Thanks

No. As long as you have a bachelor's from an accredited university, the only thing that matters is your GPA... it's a numbers game. Therefore, choose a major you can perform the best in, and take the prerequisites on the side.

 

[gochi]

So if I take a bunch of random science courses then they will not efect my GPA ? I thought for dentistry you need at least 90 credits... ?