Question regarding coursework/research and study abroad

[fuqele]

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Hi everyone,

I have some questions on course load and research. I'm currently a junior, and I'm thinking about applying after senior year. (So basically a year late.) I want to do research with a professor next year to get a good rec from him. If I do that, I will probably only take two other science classes per term. (My school is on a term schedule, and most people take 2~3 science classes per term.) I'm wondering how dental schools view research credit versus actual science classes? I'm worried because when I called UoP, the lady told me that they want three lecture-based science classes a semester (I don't know if this is different for term-schools) and they don't count lab courses.

Also, I am planning to do study abroad next term. I am probably taking 2 science classes and 2 humanities classes. Do you guys think this is a good idea? I don't want dental schools to think that I'm goofing around, but at the same time I really want this experience.

thanks in advance 🙂

 

[jmt1984]

Hi everyone,

I have some questions on course load and research. I'm currently a junior, and I'm thinking about applying after senior year. (So basically a year late.) I want to do research with a professor next year to get a good rec from him. If I do that, I will probably only take two other science classes per term. (My school is on a term schedule, and most people take 2~3 science classes per term.) I'm wondering how dental schools view research credit versus actual science classes? I'm worried because when I called UoP, the lady told me that they want three lecture-based science classes a semester (I don't know if this is different for term-schools) and they don't count lab courses.

Also, I am planning to do study abroad next term. I am probably taking 2 science classes and 2 humanities classes. Do you guys think this is a good idea? I don't want dental schools to think that I'm goofing around, but at the same time I really want this experience.

thanks in advance 🙂

Is it possible for you to classify the research with the professor as independent study? I think the study abroad thing is pretty common, can't think that is a deal breaker, but probably depends on what else you a bringing to the table (GPA, DAT, extracur. etc.)

 

[UCLAzy]

i think studying abroad is actually something that you can play heavily to your advantage. a huge part of dentistry is being able to interact with people from all walks of life; what better way to prepare than to go to a foreign place and thrive?

 

[Kahr]

Hi everyone,

I have some questions on course load and research. I'm currently a junior, and I'm thinking about applying after senior year. (So basically a year late.) I want to do research with a professor next year to get a good rec from him. If I do that, I will probably only take two other science classes per term. (My school is on a term schedule, and most people take 2~3 science classes per term.) I'm wondering how dental schools view research credit versus actual science classes? I'm worried because when I called UoP, the lady told me that they want three lecture-based science classes a semester (I don't know if this is different for term-schools) and they don't count lab courses. Three lecture based science classes per semester... for what? Was she simply saying that looks good to them? I would think that upper level science classes with good grades would mean more than research. But I wouldn't necessarily even compare the two. The research will look good on your application, it will strengthen it, but it won't of course replace a higher sGPA and actual courses. More importantly, if you're already looking good GPA-wise right now, and you're really interested in the research (and getting that good LOR), then go with the research (that's just my personal attitude, to do what you like, assuming you're good GPA-wise), it'll strengthen you overall and give you something to talk about.

Also, I am planning to do study abroad next term. I am probably taking 2 science classes and 2 humanities classes. Do you guys think this is a good idea? I don't want dental schools to think that I'm goofing around, but at the same time I really want this experience. Sure, why not? I don't see how that would translate to goofing around in any way. Dental schools aren't looking for soulless academic robots that sit there grinding away heavy science courses every semester and nothing else. I think if anything a study abroad is a good thing, makes you more interesting.

thanks in advance 🙂

Cheers

 

[fuqele]

Thanks a lot of the responses. 🙂
I guess I just get really nervous about the amount of science classes b/c of the UoP lady. She basically said that "Well, here at UoP we're taking 7,8 science classes a term, and we're only asking you to take 3."

 

[LaFleur]

Thanks a lot of the responses. 🙂
I guess I just get really nervous about the amount of science classes b/c of the UoP lady. She basically said that "Well, here at UoP we're taking 7,8 science classes a term, and we're only asking you to take 3."

I don't know about that...maybe it's a UoP thing? This sounds very strange to me, and I don't think it's generalizable.

I definitely know people who have applied/been accepted to dental school who basically only took the prerequisites, since they had humanities majors. Honestly, I don't think that anyone at my undergraduate school (other than the engineers ofc) ever takes 3 science classes per term, since our normal load translates to ~4 actual classes per term.

UoP is a 3 year dental school, so it's definitely possible that they have more stringent requirements than other schools.

 

[duckdds]

Im a Junior and I am taking Microbio lab, organic chem lab, Animal Physiology (with lab), human nutrition and music, along with independent research (2hrs)... Do you think the fact that I mostly have lab classes will look bad? Thanks