I know you asked me this question via PM so I'm glad you've got to hear different perspectives so you can make the decision for yourself.
There are pros and cons like everyone said. Some dental schools like people taking prerequisites at a 4-year because it's more challenging. There are only 3 schools or so that don't take community college classes, so you should be okay. Some schools have unit caps (maybe 60-70 units) or some don't have a unit limit. Taking it at CC might be easier...but note that eventually you have to take the second portion of it, so you should try your best to prepare. It won't look that great if you got an A at a CC, but when you got to the university to take it, you don't do well in ochem 2. Also, ochem is on the DAT, so you should try to get a solid foundation if you can by the time you take the standardized test.
I know this isn't part of your question...
But if it were me, I'd actually rather take physics 1 at the community college and take ochem 1 at the university.
Why?
1) In the end, you've already taken *some* of the prerequisites at the CC, so it doesn't really matter if you're taking an additional one. People I know that have gone to CC have gone to great dental schools (UCLA, UCSF, etc.) However, they also did extremely well at the univ after they transferred and well on their DATs.
2) I suggest physics because physics to me is a better class to learn in a smaller setting where you get a more personal interaction with the professor teaching it. So, the material might absorb more, and you might get a better understanding than at the university level.
Physics was the subject that made me the most confused in college when I first took it. Ochem was tough, but it wasn't too bad.
3) physics is not as important as biology and gchem/ochem to dental schools (I think). It's still a prerequisite, but with physics not being on the DAT, this shows you that perhaps it's not as much of an importance as the other subjects.
4) HOWEVER!!!!! I will say this with a *BIG WARNING*! Physics is more difficult than calculus (to me). Other people can say their opinions about this. Physics is a lot of word problems....and manipulating formulas.
If you're struggling in calculus, I suggest you get used to solving problems. Physics/Math/Gchem/Ochem is a lot about doing problems, so you have to have your good studying habits in. Or physics might be tough. Granted, physics might still be easier at the CC than at the university.
- I also don't know if you have the prerequisites to take physics, if you can take it yet.
Back to your question...If you should take ochem 1 at the univ or the CC..
I think it doesn't really matter where you take it really. Sure, it looks better at the university, but it doesn't hurt to have one additional class, since you're only basically taking one whole year at the CC. That's not that bad. Wherever you think you can do well in and get a good foundation for the NEXT ochem 2 course would be a good choice. Make sure you enroll in a good professor, and you should be decently prepared.
Good luck!
), General bio 2, organic chemistry, and writing 2. Trig is only 2 credits. So should I take Organic chemistry 1 at my community college or wait until university?
