Question Regarding Courses Calculated into GPA & Struggling with Biology

[JustNeedAdvice]

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Hello there everyone. I am new to this forum and I was hoping to ask questions about courses calculated into your GPA and as well as my struggle with biology.

My first question is regarding if Dental Schools take into account classes that are not transferable for example, I took a beginning english course and a few other courses at CC called (English 200) and I currently go to UCI. UCI takes only courses numbered 1-99. So, does Dental Schools take into account every course taken at CC, even if they are not transferable? Also, how does your GPA get calculated if you failed a course and retook it. Do they average the grades or look at the most recent? I live in California too.

My next question is regarding Biology. I am having a tough time with Biology in general and I wonder if I can still continue along this path. My thinking is that if I can not handle the tough concepts and terms in Biology, how will I handle the complex terms and concepts in dental school? Knowing how the first year is comprised of Biology courses.

Any sort of advice will help. Thank you all for reading this post.

 

[MSPV]

Hello there everyone. I am new to this forum and I was hoping to ask questions about courses calculated into your GPA and as well as my struggle with biology.

My first question is regarding if Dental Schools take into account classes that are not transferable for example, I took a beginning english course and a few other courses at CC called (English 200) and I currently go to UCI. UCI takes only courses numbered 1-99. So, does Dental Schools take into account every course taken at CC, even if they are not transferable? Also, how does your GPA get calculated if you failed a course and retook it. Do they average the grades or look at the most recent? I live in California too.

My next question is regarding Biology. I am having a tough time with Biology in general and I wonder if I can still continue along this path. My thinking is that if I can not handle the tough concepts and terms in Biology, how will I handle the complex terms and concepts in dental school? Knowing how the first year is comprised of Biology courses.

Any sort of advice will help. Thank you all for reading this post.

1. Yes, dental schools look at your overall GPA and this includes classes that don't transfer to other CCs and universities. That's why they ask for all official transcripts from all the colleges you've attended.

2. If you fail a grade and retake it, they calculate it by averaging your F and the new grade resulting from the retake. If you make an F the first time and a B the second time, they average them together and that's what goes into your GPA.

3. Studying and learning sciences and biology is different from the other subjects like Math, Reading and English. I find to study and excel in science, you have to comprehend AND apply what you just read. Yes, you are right, struggling in biology is a bad sign for a potential dental student. I suggest tutoring and looking online for videos or information to teach you how to study biology and sciences. There are also books like Study Skills for Dummies that show you ways to study science courses in college.

I hope this helps! 🙂