Selfish Question

[mfoti1]

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This is a selfish question but i need some opinions here.

I'm a freshman at a Community College. This spring quarter, im taking 4 classes. the summer i plan on taking Chem 25( so that i can start my chem 1a, 1b, 1c cycle).

So basically im sitting here, and i need to plan out how im going to combine my science classes for the next 2 years.

the classes i need to take are:

Chem 1a, 1b, 1c
O Chem 12a, 12b, 12c
Physics 2a, 2b
Bio 1a, 1b, 1c
Eng 1a, 1b


So, i need some opinions and advice on how to group my classes together, for the best pre-dent route.

Normally, i would just put 2 sciences together each quarter or something, but then i thought of the DAT. Since i would maybe take the DAT sophmore summer( going into my junior year, by that time ill be at a 4 year), i was thinking if there was a better way to plan my classes.

So basically i have

Next fall, Next winter, next spring, next summer
then
the next fall, the next winter, the next spring, and the next summer.


These are the quarters in which i can spread these classes out into. ( keep in mind i can only take probably 1 class during summer, MAYBE 2 during my last summer in community college, because of how extensive and quick-moving summer courses are)


So i was wondering if i should start with physics, to get it over with, because i hear its not important on DAT, but what other science would i combine with physics? because chem and bio and o chem are very important on DAT. so i just want to plan it correctly, so that the most important info is in my head the most recently...

if this were you... how would you spread it out
only putting 2 science classes per quarter( because i have other classes i need to take ontop of those sciences)


thanks so much to anyone who decides to read my selfish post
lol

 

[bing12]

I did not read your entire post, just cause im way to lazy right now.

BUT, I personally think that you should hold off physics until after you apply. The reasoning behind this is, why risk your gpa if its a class you can take after applying. Physics is a tough science class, and as long as you dont need it for the DAT ( which you dont), then you might as well postpone it and focus on doing well in the more relevant science classes.

 

[dentalWorks]

Question: when are you planning to switch over to a 4-year university? I ask because I was going to recommend to squeezing the general chems, orgos, and biologies in the first 1-1.5 years..... that way, when your done, you can hit up the DAT in that summer session (without taking any courses ~ just DAT preparation)

But this could back-fire because what if you end up staying at the university for 3+ years? By time you apply, the DAT score will be expired (usually, most schools like to see the dat taken within the last 24-36 months)

 

[mfoti1]

BING:

yes, but for the pre-reqs( to get into a 4-year), for my biology degree, i need physics

theres no way of getting around that, i think?

 

[mfoti1]

Question: when are you planning to switch over to a 4-year university? I ask because I was going to recommend to squeezing the general chems, orgos, and biologies in the first 1-1.5 years..... that way, when your done, you can hit up the DAT in that summer session (without taking any courses ~ just DAT preparation)

But this could back-fire because what if you end up staying at the university for 3+ years? By time you apply, the DAT score will be expired (usually, most schools like to see the dat taken within the last 24-36 months)

DW, i plan on switching to a 4-year whenever i have all of those classes finished, listed above. On top of other pre-req classes that i need to be elidgable for transfer( history, poli science, econ etc )

 

[dentalWorks]

DW, i plan on switching to a 4-year whenever i have all of those classes finished, listed above. On top of other pre-req classes that i need to be elidgable for transfer( history, poli science, econ etc )

I think I remember you now, were you the guy from California with those weird high school classes you had to miss?

My recommendation is: Use physics as a stepping stone lol. Take it first with english. Your going to pick up some studying patterns that will help you succeed in the more important sciences (like GC for example).

Ofc thats just a theory, in reality, it doesn't matter which courses you take, as long as you are willing to study hard.

As far as biology / orgo / or GC goes, it doesn't matter how you shuffle them, they are all hard&easy in their own ways.

 

[mfoti1]

I think I remember you now, were you the guy from California with those weird high school classes you had to miss?

My recommendation is: Use physics as a stepping stone lol. Take it first with english. Your going to pick up some studying patterns that will help you succeed in the more important sciences (like GC for example).

Ofc thats just a theory, in reality, it doesn't matter which courses you take, as long as you are willing to study hard.

As far as biology / orgo / or GC goes, it doesn't matter how you shuffle them, they are all hard&easy in their own ways.

Yea lol. Gotcha. Yea, im taking Bio 10 right now, which is the first Bio class you can take, and then i can start the bio 1a and 1b and 1c cycle.

But thats a good idea, i guess to start with physics and english. But i feel stupid not having atleast 2 sciences in one quarter, because im trying to fit everything into those next 2 years (2011-12 fall winter spring summer THEN 2012-13 fall winter spring summer). i want to finish everything and be able to be at a 4-year after the 2012-13 summer.

I feel like this Bio class im in, is sort of a good stepping stone. Ive been taking 3-5 pages on notes in class, reviewing/re-writing some of them when im back home, and ive been to the bio labs a few times. Im liking it so far.

So knowing what i just told you, do you have any other advice?

thx again D-dub

 

[mfoti1]

and also, i wanted to maybe take the DAT right after i finish those 2 years or something so its fresh in my mind? so im really trying to think this over and plan it out correctly

 

[dentalWorks]

Yea lol. Gotcha. Yea, im taking Bio 10 right now, which is the first Bio class you can take, and then i can start the bio 1a and 1b and 1c cycle.

But thats a good idea, i guess to start with physics and english. But i feel stupid not having atleast 2 sciences in one quarter, because im trying to fit everything into those next 2 years (2011-12 fall winter spring summer THEN 2012-13 fall winter spring summer). i want to finish everything and be able to be at a 4-year after the 2012-13 summer.

I feel like this Bio class im in, is sort of a good stepping stone. Ive been taking 3-5 pages on notes in class, reviewing/re-writing some of them when im back home, and ive been to the bio labs a few times. Im liking it so far.

So knowing what i just told you, do you have any other advice?

thx again D-dub

I see.
Maybe you can do English 1a + Physics 2a + Bio 1a in 1 term
and the next term you do english 1b + physics 2b + bio 1b

Fair warning, I dunno how the sciences are taught in your school, but for the new college beginner, thats a good work load, it'll keep you busy.

 

[dentalWorks]

and also, i wanted to maybe take the DAT right after i finish those 2 years or something so its fresh in my mind? so im really trying to think this over and plan it out correctly

we can discuss this later when you are done with pre-reqs (or almost done).... Generally speaking, its a good idea to take the DAT after pre-reqs but not if your going to apply 2 years later, your DAT will expire at many schools, meaning your going to limit your schools selection to those with 3+ year expiration dates.

Again, its too early to talk about DAT.

 

[mfoti1]

Ok, yea, that makes sense. I was just hesitant about finishing my bio so quick because then it wouldnt be so fresh in my mind?

When do students normally tend to take the DAT?
and when do students normally tend to apply for Dental School?
Because i hear all this stuff about people being out of school for a year. Does that mean that if you apply to Dental School after the summer that you graduate, that you wouldnt be IN Dental School for another year?

also:
is it reccomended that i do cycles all at once. for instance, im taking bio 10 this quarter. does that mean i should take bio 1a next quarter? or can i save my bio cycle till later? am i learning things in bio 10, that will help me a lot in my next bio classes? because if so, then i would take my next bio classes right after this Bio that im taking right now




lol sorry about the barrage of questions, i dont expect you to answer them, just throwing them out there

 

[mfoti1]

sorry DW, another quick question:

when i apply, as a transfer, to a 4-year( im going to a CSU ), after im done with my 2 years at community college.

Lets say i apply the summer of 2012-2013( to a 4 year), but i still need to take 1 more pre-req( o chem 1c ), that same summer. can i even apply that summer, and letthem know that im taking my final pre-req during that summer, or do i have to wait untill i finish all pre-reqs to apply?
thanks

 

[dentalWorks]

okay, one question per paragraph plz

Ok, yea, that makes sense. I was just hesitant about finishing my bio so quick because then it wouldnt be so fresh in my mind?

Dun worry about "freshness" right now. The most important thing is to complete your pre-reqs. Believe me, whether the material is fresh or not, if you got the work ethic and determination, you'll re-fresh the material back into place.

When do students normally tend to take the DAT?
and when do students normally tend to apply for Dental School?
Because i hear all this stuff about people being out of school for a year. Does that mean that if you apply to Dental School after the summer that you graduate, that you wouldnt be IN Dental School for another year?

I don't have any data as to when students take the DAT. Generally speaking, you take it before you apply (your probably thinking "we no duh"). But you will also see right now in SDN, people are applying this coming June but not taking the DAT till few weeks later.... Its not a bad thing, but it makes them rush and sometimes freak out.... If you can help it, try to have a DAT score on hand before applying, that way your not driving your self mad between studying, applying, worrying, and studying some more.

It takes approx 1+ years to apply and finally matriculate into dental school. Like for example, I applied last June, but my dental school starts this August (14 months after applying). This is how it is with medical schools as well.

What alot of students do, is they apply in the summer between their junior and senior year... That way, they don't really have a gab-year. They graduate in May (of senior year) and few months later, start dental school.

also:
is it reccomended that i do cycles all at once. for instance, im taking bio 10 this quarter. does that mean i should take bio 1a next quarter? or can i save my bio cycle till later? am i learning things in bio 10, that will help me a lot in my next bio classes? because if so, then i would take my next bio classes right after this Bio that im taking right now

you don't HAVE to.... But its probably best to do it that way tho. At least whatever you learned in bio 10 might stay fresh for bio 1a / 1b....

you also have to pay attention to how the classes over-lap with each other. Like what if there is an important class you have to take (I dunno like history or poli sci) that is only offered once a year and its in the same time slot as your bio 1a? in this case, you'd best take this "fluff" course and worry about bio 1a some other time. Chances are, this bio 1a is pretty popular, its probably offered all year long.

 

[mfoti1]

Thank you so much for all your advice/info.

I have my 2 year-comm college-plan all written out now, for myself, so i know whats upcoming, etc.

So from what your saying, I'm thinking that my best bet would be to take DAT, the summer after my 2-years at community college.

Then, to apply during the summer of my junior year.

OK, only 2 questions this time, i promise!
If i apply the summer of my junior year, obviously they won't see my senior year grades, how does that work out?

Do they not count your senior year gpa( science and non-science ), or do they accept you, and then re-review it after your senior year?

Thanks DW. respond at your leisure

 

[dentalWorks]

Thank you so much for all your advice/info.

I have my 2 year-comm college-plan all written out now, for myself, so i know whats upcoming, etc.

So from what your saying, I'm thinking that my best bet would be to take DAT, the summer after my 2-years at community college.

Then, to apply during the summer of my junior year.

OK, only 2 questions this time, i promise!
If i apply the summer of my junior year, obviously they won't see my senior year grades, how does that work out?

Do they not count your senior year gpa( science and non-science ), or do they accept you, and then re-review it after your senior year?

Thanks DW. respond at your leisure

Senior grades are important, but if you have a good track-record from your community college days along with your 3 years at a university, one can make the assumption that you'll carry the same tradition throughout senior year... and in which case, senior grades won't matter that much.

On the other hand, if you are someone with a struggling GPA, chances are, its best to wait till your senior year is finished (to have a stronger GPA) and apply.

After you get accepted, the acceptance letter will have some stipulations on it. Like (if you are a senior) they will say "you have to finish all the classes you've been planning to take, and you have to maintain the same level of performance as you have been".... I don't know what the consequences are if you don't...Maybe rescind their offer?

 

[mfoti1]

What do you mean 3 years at a University? I would transfer to a University as an incoming Junior. So wouldn't that leave me with just 2 more years at the University?

So I would only have 1 year at a University, and 2 years at a CC, that dental schools could look at, if I applied the summer going into my Senior year

 

[dentalWorks]

What do you mean 3 years at a University? I would transfer to a University as an incoming Junior. So wouldn't that leave me with just 2 more years at the University?

So I would only have 1 year at a University, and 2 years at a CC, that dental schools could look at, if I applied the summer going into my Senior year

Oh I misread that and typed it all wrong lol... I am watching UFC.

Your junior year is going to be packed with upper level biologies (I assume ~ since ur bio major right?).... If you do well in that year along with the 2 CC years, that "should" be enough indication of your work ethic.

 

[mfoti1]

Awesome, I plan on it.
I think I'm in the best situation possible. I learned exactly what I need to do( keep GPA high, esp. science GPA), from SDN and members like yourself, and im at the beginning of my journey, so it's all up to me.

Haha you watch UFC? good stuff. I'm watching the new TUF episode right now. And I'm very excited about the fact that UFC bought out Strikeforce. Were gonna see some great fights because of it

 

[JcRoughriders]

i'd suggest taking orgo I/II right before the time you plan on taking your DAT... it'd help alot
i took my orgo almost 2 years ago and had to relearn the whole thing before DAT

 

[mfoti1]

i'd suggest taking orgo I/II right before the time you plan on taking your DAT... it'd help alot
i took my orgo almost 2 years ago and had to relearn the whole thing before DAT

Thx for the advice, that was my plan