Question About Majoring

[Dr.K]

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Hello SDN,

For those of you who have been accepted into dental school, did most of you major in biology? If so, did you take calculus as a required course?

 

[psiyung]

Hello SDN,

For those of you who have been accepted into dental school, did most of you major in biology? If so, did you take calculus as a required course?

majored in biochem

had to take calc 1, 2, 3 for BS degree

 

[tam0026]

Yes, majored in bio and took calculus I as a requirement

 

[tam0026]

haha, forgot your prompt read for "those who have been accepted"--not accepted yet, but did have to take calc.

 

[DIRTIE]

Hello SDN,

For those of you who have been accepted into dental school, did most of you major in biology? If so, did you take calculus as a required course?

I believe only but 2 or 3 schools would want to see calculus as a class taken. Unless your physics course is calculus based there is absolutely no reason to take it, also why even get a degree? Unless of course the dental school tells you to. Most really don't care, as long as you have some upper division bio. I majored in Zoology and did not take calculus and am 2 courses short of graduating, I got accepted to 3 schools one being my top chioce. Its all about inflating that GPA! Sad but true.

 

[Dr.Bear]

I majored in Psychology! Some adcoms said that they were impressed that I didn't do a "typical major" I did my regular "pre-dental requirements" too.. (including calc 1 and 2) but my actual degree is in Psychology.

 

[edkNARF]

If you are a science major, you will probably end up taking Calculus as a requirement for your major. I took Calc1&2, and I actually thought they were easier than previous math courses! Calculus is a bit more abstract, which I like.

 

[45540]

I majored in Biochemistry and then I picked up a math major just for fun.

 

[princewalta]

I majored in information science and economics with a minor in chemistry. I took calc. it wasnt that bad, at least i didnt think so.

 

[grinningrice]

I am a psych major and I took calc 1 and 2 just for the heck of it. Got As in both 🙂

 

[DrTacoElf]

Yes, Majored in Biology and took Calculus I (AP Credit) and Calculus II (A In College).

 

[BUBBLICIOUS]

Majored in Anthropology but got my BS so it required all the science core pre-dental requirements. Interviewers loved the anthro major. Majoring in something different gives you an edge over many applicants and schools are always looking for diversity. If you aren't going to do the bio major thing. pick a major that you would really enjoy and take your science classes on the side. It shows you are well rounded and succeed in all academic areas. 🙂

Yes, Majored in Biology and took Calculus I (AP Credit) and Calculus II (A In College).

 

[ecrdoubles15]

i majored in Neurobiology, had to take calc for requirement

 

[Sprgrover]

Double majored in Art History and Visual Art. 😀

 

[Literati81]

Majored in Anthropology but got my BS so it required all the science core pre-dental requirements. Interviewers loved the anthro major. Majoring in something different gives you an edge over many applicants and schools are always looking for diversity. If you aren't going to do the bio major thing. pick a major that you would really enjoy and take your science classes on the side. It shows you are well rounded and succeed in all academic areas. 🙂

Me too (BS in Anthro)!

Most of my interviewers + commented on my major. UCSF appeared to really like the extra emphasis and knowledge of different cultures. It's definitely a nice change from the reaction I typically get from my relatives or my hard-core science mentors (usually consisting of a raised eyebrow and questionable comments such as "Oh, so, science [classes] must have been difficult for you" 🙄 ).

 

[mistoWC]

Double majored in Art History and Visual Art. 😀

I am a interdisciplinary major in art and music and I am taking all the dental school requirements on the side. I only have a 2.85 gpa and my science gpa is even lower than that. I really want to go to dental school but don't know about my grades. I'm a junior now and was planning on applying in the spring but not sure if I should wait until spring of my senior year to apply. I would have higher gpa overall and in science if i waited until senior year. I am doing better in my classes this year, got a B in ochem , rather than the C's in gen bio and one in chem. Also do you think a major different than the usual is something they look for or would help me get in?

 

[BUBBLICIOUS]

My recommendation would be to major in something that is easy for you, perhaps a non-science major. It will boost your GPA up and you will stand out from the other bio majors. Consider pyschology, anthropology, sociology, history...whatever you like and you can do well in. If you had a 3.0 as a bio major you would be up against all the 3.7-3.9 bio majors. But if you had a 3.2 as a pyschology major or a history major, you are in a different category. They see that you took classes in science and non-science areas and are well rounded. Trust me, as an anthropology major, I got interviews everywhere I applied. They always as me why anthro and admire my choosing. Good luck!

I am a interdisciplinary major in art and music and I am taking all the dental school requirements on the side. I only have a 2.85 gpa and my science gpa is even lower than that. I really want to go to dental school but don't know about my grades. I'm a junior now and was planning on applying in the spring but not sure if I should wait until spring of my senior year to apply. I would have higher gpa overall and in science if i waited until senior year. I am doing better in my classes this year, got a B in ochem , rather than the C's in gen bio and one in chem. Also do you think a major different than the usual is something they look for or would help me get in?

 

[Sprgrover]

I am a interdisciplinary major in art and music and I am taking all the dental school requirements on the side. I only have a 2.85 gpa and my science gpa is even lower than that. I really want to go to dental school but don't know about my grades. I'm a junior now and was planning on applying in the spring but not sure if I should wait until spring of my senior year to apply. I would have higher gpa overall and in science if i waited until senior year. I am doing better in my classes this year, got a B in ochem , rather than the C's in gen bio and one in chem. Also do you think a major different than the usual is something they look for or would help me get in?

I would apply when your gpa is higher (e.g. your senior year). Dental school admission is getting more and more competitive and raising some of your numbers would be to your advantage. As far as a different major being acceptable mine was brought up as a positive in a couple of interviews. Furthermore I know that my university has had a lot of Spanish majors go into dentistry (why Spanish? Couldn't tell ya...). Anyway, I think that a non-science major certainly sets you apart from the rest of the pack and as a result of your major your perspective might be really valued by schools (they want applicants that have a good head on their shoulder and will contribute to their community as well as the broader, professional one). In short I encourage you to continue with your major and strive to earn higher grades in your remaining science courses. Best of luck!

 

[BulsangHanNamja]

I also have a question considering taking calc. Our school offers calculus for life science and i heard that med schools accept this course as calc. Does anyone know about this class and dental school?

 

[BUBBLICIOUS]

Whatever works for medical school will certainly work for dental school. You should have no problem taking those classes.

I also have a question considering taking calc. Our school offers calculus for life science and i heard that med schools accept this course as calc. Does anyone know about this class and dental school?