Non Biology and Chemistry Majors

[deleted675533]

I have been debating between several majors that I would like to peruse. I know that many Pre-Dental students go for the biology or chemistry majors, but I have opted to study a couple of other fields that interest me a little bit more, specifically NUTRITION and EXERCISE SCIENCE. This is where my question comes from. I am equally interested in the two areas of study, and they both are more or less equal when it comes to the number dental prerequisite courses the the major will fulfill. So in everyone's opinion, which major would be more beneficial to my dental education? Keep in mind that they both cover about the same amount of chem, o. chem, physics, general biology, etc., but they differ in the sense that nutrition covers more metabolism, nutrient absorption, etc. and exercise science covers more anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, etc.

I am really torn between both of these majors, and I wonder if any of you have any input on this subject. Thank you!

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[doc toothache]

Unless your basic courses required for nutrition and exercise sciences are taken from the bio/chem departments respectively and are designed for science/pre professional majors, the foundation received from any other source may be lacking for upper division courses/DAT prep.

 

[deleted675533]

Unless your basic courses required for nutrition and exercise sciences are taken from the bio/chem departments respectively and are designed for science/pre professional majors, the foundation received from any other source may be lacking for upper division courses/DAT prep.[/QUOTE

The basic courses like bio/chem that I will be taking are the standard courses that come from their respective departments and are what would teach me what I need to know to pass the DAT and fulfill dental school prerequisites. What I meant by my question was other than those courses that I will be taking no matter what, which major, in your opinion, would benefit me more? ( I realize that exercise science and nutrition are not necessarily associated with dentistry, I am just wondering which one would be more beneficial)

I appreciate the response!

 

[Tebros]

just a heads up, I majored in Psychology and during my interviews, it was something they all asked about. haha. The best advise my adviser gave me do a major you WANT to do, and not one that you HAVE to do. Cheers.

 

[ixyz]

Majored in psychology as well. Doesn't really matter what major you take. Just pick whichever one of those you're interested in

 

[BYU4you]

Excersise science classes don't count towards science GPA, so kill your pre reqs.

 

[deleted675533]

just a heads up, I majored in Psychology and during my interviews, it was something they all asked about. haha. The best advise my adviser gave me do a major you WANT to do, and not one that you HAVE to do. Cheers.

I appreciate your response. When you say they all asked about your psychology major, was that a positive thing or a negative/skeptical thing? Like, did they have concerns that you decided to not major in biology or chemistry, or was it more of a curiosity or interest in the fact that you chose a different route? Thanks!

 

[Tebros]

I appreciate your response. When you say they all asked about your psychology major, was that a positive thing or a negative/skeptical thing? Like, did they have concerns that you decided to not major in biology or chemistry, or was it more of a curiosity or interest in the fact that you chose a different route? Thanks!

haha no, it was a good thing, they were just interested on why I majored in psychology instead of biology or the norm haha I think they just wanted to know more about me and see how I'd respond to their question.

 

[hugomaaf]

Duel degree track, one BA of modern language studies, one BS of Biochemistry

Ask separately by the student and staff interviewer. It was a positive thing thing as long as u maintain a good GPA and able to get a good DAT

 

[Tebros]

Duel degree track, one BA of modern language studies, one BS of Biochemistry

Ask separately by the student and staff interviewer. It was a positive thing thing as long as u maintain a good GPA and able to get a good DAT

those do NOT sound like fun semesters...hahaha kudos though.

 

[rendal]

I majored in microbiology which turned out to be very challenging and helpful for DAT studying, but if I had to do it again I would have chosen either a major I would have enjoyed more or a major that would have made it easier to get a high GPA. Don't choose biology or chemistry because you think that's what you're supposed to major in. Major in religion, psychology, or business if you find those interesting or if you think you'll do well. Then make sure you put a lot of effort into your required science courses since they will be your only foundation for the DAT.

 

[wjwong]

I majored in Art History and was accepted into my state school. My advice is to take the required pre-rec courses, commit to studying for your DATs, and enjoy your undergrad. From my experience, dental schools won't care what you majored in. They might mention it at your interview however, they really won't care.

 

[H4LfAd1ME]

I majored in art, and like someone mentioned above, my interviewers were all very interested in it and seemed to see it as something different from the norm. It didn't hold me back either since I received acceptances from seven schools (with scholarship offers too!). As long as you do well on the DAT (particularly the science sections) and pre-req science courses, adcoms will know you are fine.

My word of advice: study well for the DAT because it can make or break you. My sGPA was average, but my DAT scores were great, so I think doing well on the DAT is crucial--especially for those of us who aren't majoring in the hard sciences.

 

[rev_rend]

Do what interests you. I have a MA in Russia, East Europe, and Central Asian Studies and did work involving the region for a while. Both of my interviewers at one school wanted to know my professional opinion on Russia and Ukraine.

 

[Macabalony]

I majored in music AND biochemistry. During my interviews, I was asked many questions regarding music and lead to some awesome conversation pieces.
It makes your application unique.

 

[midman19]

I majored in exercise and sport science and loved it. I felt like it was a very pertinent degree for a predental student. I did really well in all of my major courses and my dental pre-reqs because there was an even balance between the two. Many of the schools I interviewed with thought it was neat that I had such a useful degree that will serve me well in my personal health for the rest of my life. Do something like exercise science and you will enjoy every moment of it! It will not hold you back! I got in at my top choice school on Dec. 1 and so can you, no matter what degree you have!