Question from an Undergrad

[SharpayxX]

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Hi guys!
I'm new to this forum, and I am so glad I found such a great resource for students on the predental career path! I am currently a 2nd semester freshman at a university with a dental school and recently my counselor told me because of the amount of AP credit I've earned, I can easily graduate in 3 years (as long as I take at least 15 credit hours each semester). If I chose to do this, it would mean that I would have to apply to dental school after the end of my sophomore year (if I want to apply early at the start of the admissions cycle). I was wondering if this was a good idea. I personally would LOVE to graduate early since I'll be getting a year of my life back and saving money. However, I also feel this might look kind of bad for my application since by the end of my sophomore year the duration of time for my volunteer work, research experience, and shadowing experience will be on the short side. Also at that point, I would have only taken 3 semesters worth of science classes for them to look at (I got the rest of my gen eds out of the way my first semester). What do you guys think? Should I graduate in 3 years or should I do it in 4 (but if I do it in 4, what should I do for that last year?)? Thanks, any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[makushin]

You will have trouble using AP credits for the pre-requisites.

 

[blankguy]

Some schools prefer to see you take the prereqs in college.

 

[ummjoey]

you can still graduate in 3 years, just apply your 3rd year and take your 4th year off?

i agree with the others........you should take your pre-reqs at university.

if you think you will be a strong applicant then apply next year. the decision is really upto you.

but i would recommend applying your 3rd year because your application will be stronger?

 

[SharpayxX]

Thanks guys🙂 One more question....I have AP credit in general chemistry and biology so right now I am taking more Orgo and other more advanced Bio classes (Genetics, Cell Biology). Since dental schools want to see my prereqs. at a university should I go back and take general chem and bio next semester even though I have already taken higher level chem and bio classes? Would that look like I'm regressing?

 

[bigstix808]

Thanks guys🙂 One more question....I have AP credit in general chemistry and biology so right now I am taking more Orgo and other more advanced Bio classes (Genetics, Cell Biology). Since dental schools want to see my prereqs. at a university should I go back and take general chem and bio next semester even though I have already taken higher level chem and bio classes? Would that look like I'm regressing?

i'm not sure on any details pertaining to that one, but most schools don't have a clause about where the credits must come from. they just mention that you must have so many credit/hours in that particular subject matter. but if you're AP sciences are like mine, i only got credit for 3 hrs per class (no lab i guess) of the 4 hrs required for dschool, so i ended up taking some generals over again at a university. but look on the bright side...hell of a way to boost your science/overall GPA!!😀

 

[Logjammin]

I highly recommend that your retake all your pre-reqs at the University. Even if you have AP credit. It is a risk you will have to take if you decide to go with the AP credit. Adcoms like to see all courses done at the University level.

I had to do the same thing even when I was already in more advanced classes - but it worked out in the end and I was accepted. It will also help you when you are ready to take the DAT. Trust me, the more you get this stuff drilled into your head the better off you will be. Don't rush - it is not a race!

 

[scuzfly]

If I was you I would focus on classes right now. Take the DAT before you take your prereqs since you are ahead of the game. If you get micro, organic, genetics, immuno and some of the upper division courses next year I would take the DAT after you finish that. Then you would be able to take the prereqs you needed to boost your GPA in the last year or so. This way you have the DAT taken care of and you can relax, find out what prereqs you need to take to get in and take them right before you enter.

 

[mashimlro]

Thanks guys🙂 One more question....I have AP credit in general chemistry and biology so right now I am taking more Orgo and other more advanced Bio classes (Genetics, Cell Biology). Since dental schools want to see my prereqs. at a university should I go back and take general chem and bio next semester even though I have already taken higher level chem and bio classes? Would that look like I'm regressing?

Tufts does not get AP credits; others accept AP credits (I asked each admission officer thur email)...so if you apply Tufts, then take gen chem and bio again at ur current school

 

[SharpayxX]

Thanks guys for all the responses 🙂 It looks like I'm going to have to take gen chem and bio then at my university which sucks since that makes my AP credit worthless (credit wise), plus now I have less room for other electives. The only thing that is bothering me though is if it would look bad to dental schools that I took Orgo I and II, Anatomy, Cell Bio, and Genetics (all upper level science classes at my university) my first two semesters and then went back to take these easier classes. I'm afraid they'll think I'm kind of a slacker.

 

[jackbauer!]

In my opinion, the AP exam is much harder than the exams you will take at the university level. However, regardless of how true this may be, I would advise you to contact the dental school at your university and see how they feel about the AP credits. If they are cool with it, then I would continue to take upper level courses. No point in going backwards if you don't have to!

jb!🙂

 

[UCSF2012]

You could always overload your schedule. That's what I did when I had to repeat classes I AP'd out of. I had 21 credit hours that semester, and it was a blast. Show up to class on test and quiz days. Sleep in on other days.

If a school doesn't take AP credits, that may be a problem. Some of the country's brightest minds AP'd out and only take upper division courses because those classes are challenging. A few even only take graduate courses.