Should I Drop Physics?

[thegame2388]

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I'm going into my 2nd year at UCSD. I don't have a stellar GPA (with CC units), my AADSAS GPA is about 3.3, but without those CC units, my UCSD GPA is like a 2.8.

I have to take physics for D-school, which is fo sho, but I've heard from people, to try and avoid it until senior year, (which is AFTER you apply to d-school).

I'm gonna take Ochem, some history class, some easy natural disasters class, and physics w/lab

SHould i postpone the 3 quarter physics series to senior year or drop it and take some easy ass-computer science related course or something?

 

[iamlegend]

First of all you shouldn't wait until senior year to take physics because that is one of the essential requirements for d-school. I am in the same situation as you, but what I am going to do is wait until Spring quarter to start the Physics series. Take Physics 1 during the Spring quarter of your second year and finish taking Physics 2 & 3 during the Summer Sessions following your second year, that is if you can take summer classes. This way seems less stressful and you can concentrate on Ochem more.

 

[thegame2388]

I've actually heard that dental schools don't care if you take physics senior year. I have a friend who took his bio w/ lab his senior year and he's into UCLA dental.


So is there anyone out there that really wishes me to go ahead with my plan?

 

[lphiewok]

oh well requirement courses mean that you have to have them finished by the time you graduate (most schools require you to finish before summer of your last year) so you technically do not need to have it done.

but in my opinion, your GPA is very low (not counting CC credits, sorry but im going to be straight) and in your case, you need to show them that you can handle science courses and also you need more science courses to raise up your science GPA.

so unless you're going to take another science upper-division class (human anatomy or etc.), you should definately have your physics done with good grades in order to show them that you can handle science classes and also bring up your Sci-GPA

 

[doc3232]

IMO, schools won't mind as long as you have mostly all the reqs by the end of spring of junior year.
Physics is the only unnecessary science class after all. Not on the DAT.
If you think you will bomb it, then definitely don't take it. But I don't understand why you are avoiding it...

 

[thegame2388]

I mean, between now and end of junior year, I would have taken 10-12 science courses. So to the guy who thinks I NEED THE physics to show I can handle it, I have 12 chances to raise my science GPA

 

[lphiewok]

my point was you should have your requirement courses done unless you have a good reason not having it done other than just 'not good at physics or don't want heavy courseloads'

if you talk to adcom, they will say they expect you to excel with high number of hours (dental school curriculum is about 30-35 hrs / sem) and they also want to see most (if not at all) of your pre-requisites done by the time you apply. of course your friend can get into to d-school without having them done at the time they apply but if you're asking a question of whether you should do it or not do it, all i am saying is you should do it.

you can get in w/o doing it, just like 4 people in texas year who got into d-school without even taking DAT (so it is possible, but should i take DAT? yes you should ****ing take your DAT), but if you want to impress them and get higher chances of acceptance, then you should complete your pre-req.

 

[thegame2388]

Well it's funny you said that because I originally thought of this idea after I read "The Pre-Dental Guide" by Joseph Kim.


Look at this scanned picture and you'll see what I mean (I underlined and clarified the words that may have not appeared well-enough to read on the scanner):


http://img504.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dschoolphysicslu2.jpg

 

[dreaming2k5]

What happened to try harder and get an A in physics? Stop avoiding it and just take the dang class.

 

[thegame2388]

Did you not see the picture?

 

[dreaming2k5]

Yup, I saw the picture and I'm still saying the same thing - just take the damn class. Do you think you'd do well in dental school if you can't even get an A in physics if you try? Who cares if it's not covered in DAT ~ you'd be cramming for the DAT independent of all the classes you're taking.

 

[thegame2388]

Yeah but why risk lowering my GPA (I've never EVER taken physics and I got C's in calculus so that should tell you about my physics 'strength') and my chances when I can just postpone it till senior year?

 

[DrReo]

Yeah but why risk lowering my GPA (I've never EVER taken physics and I got C's in calculus so that should tell you about my physics 'strength') and my chances when I can just postpone it till senior year?

You're settling, making excuses and relying on courses that are from the past. I took physics without ever taking it before along with biology, calculus III, quantum, speech, research, teaching so don't give excuses. Adcoms will see that you potentially can handle the 20+ credit load their school will through at you.

It might be one less party, though.

 

[TeamGuo]

Yeah but why risk lowering my GPA (I've never EVER taken physics and I got C's in calculus so that should tell you about my physics 'strength') and my chances when I can just postpone it till senior year?

Just do it. I think you can do it, but you just don't want to. I'm sure you can pull an A if you give it your all.

It doesn't matter if you received a C from Calc, I was in the similar situation last semester, never ever taken Physics, it turned out to be not so bad at all.

 

[Blarelli]

If you have open spots in your schedule, I would take it before your senior year. At my school, the pre-health adviser recommends taking it as a senior, as does most of the pre-dental students, and I understand the strategy. However, I personally think that the only reason you should put it off until your senior year is if you have a full schedule of courses that will help you on the DAT during your junior year. If you have the space open, find out who the other pre-dental students recommend you take it from, and sign up.

 

[LNinlove]

Physics is what you make of it...if you go into it thinking your gonna get your butt kicked, then you will! Go in and try to have a good time...you will see how important physics is in your every day life and once that happens, it's sooo easy!

I got a C in calc. too, but remember that all you have to take is algebra based physics...

Don't drop it, keep up with the homework (very important) and you will do just fine! 👍

I would reiterate what Blarelli said, find out who the other students recommend and take it from that person. OR, if your school doesn't post the student reviews of their professors, go to ratemyprofessor.com and see how they rank on there...you can generally get a good idea of how the prof is.

Good luck and hang in there!

 

[Selso2109]

I took Physics and Organic at the same time, it shouldn't really be a problem. You say you have never done physics before, so then how could you know you would be so awful at it? Due to the fact that your 4 year school GPA is low, it would be in your best interest to have as many of the pre-reqs already done when you apply. You have some CC work, so were some of your other pre-reqs completed at the CC level? If so this would be an even bigger reason to have the physics courses completed by time time you submit your app.

 

[thegame2388]

I took Physics and Organic at the same time, it shouldn't really be a problem. You say you have never done physics before, so then how could you know you would be so awful at it? Due to the fact that your 4 year school GPA is low, it would be in your best interest to have as many of the pre-reqs already done when you apply. You have some CC work, so were some of your other pre-reqs completed at the CC level? If so this would be an even bigger reason to have the physics courses completed by time time you submit your app.

I just don't understand why you guys are so forward for me to take this class so early. I've heard horror stories about ochem, and this history class, is a pain in the ass! THe natural disasters is an easy A. If you look at me 4 year plan, you would see that my senior year only required 2-3 classes per quarter so throwing physics in there wouldn't hurt at all.

You just have to see things from my perspective. I want to do the best I possibly can. The lab itself is 2 units, the lecture class is 3 units. Add that stress with OChem and the history class and you've got yourself a recipe for another quarter of 2.8GPA's.

I know you guys want to look out for me, but my real question revolved around the adcom's perception of such postponement. I know they have absolutely no problem with other prereqs taken your senior year. And besides, I might be one of those people who INCLUDES senior year grades in my application, and applies MAY OF senior year (due to kinda bad grades) but let's not get carried away lolol.

 

[DrReo]

I just don't understand why you guys are so forward for me to take this class so early. I've heard horror stories about ochem, and this history class, is a pain in the ass! THe natural disasters is an easy A. If you look at me 4 year plan, you would see that my senior year only required 2-3 classes per quarter so throwing physics in there wouldn't hurt at all.

You just have to see things from my perspective. I want to do the best I possibly can. The lab itself is 2 units, the lecture class is 3 units. Add that stress with OChem and the history class and you've got yourself a recipe for another quarter of 2.8GPA's.

I know you guys want to look out for me, but my real question revolved around the adcom's perception of such postponement. I know they have absolutely no problem with other prereqs taken your senior year. And besides, I might be one of those people who INCLUDES senior year grades in my application, and applies MAY OF senior year (due to kinda bad grades) but let's not get carried away lolol.

Did you want us to be passive? You asked for our opinions...

Confidence? 😱

 

[Selso2109]

I just don't understand why you guys are so forward for me to take this class so early. I've heard horror stories about ochem, and this history class, is a pain in the ass! THe natural disasters is an easy A. If you look at me 4 year plan, you would see that my senior year only required 2-3 classes per quarter so throwing physics in there wouldn't hurt at all.

You just have to see things from my perspective. I want to do the best I possibly can. The lab itself is 2 units, the lecture class is 3 units. Add that stress with OChem and the history class and you've got yourself a recipe for another quarter of 2.8GPA's.

I know you guys want to look out for me, but my real question revolved around the adcom's perception of such postponement. I know they have absolutely no problem with other prereqs taken your senior year. And besides, I might be one of those people who INCLUDES senior year grades in my application, and applies MAY OF senior year (due to kinda bad grades) but let's not get carried away lolol.

If you are only interested in what the adcom's view of the situation is, then why don't you go and ask them? Everyone on here has given you sound advice. Looking through your old posts, you wrote that you thought orgo would not be a big deal, but now you are mentioning hearing horror stories about it.

MY POINT IS, if you don't want to hear what anyone else has to say about the situation, then don't come here asking for others opinions. It's frustrating to see someone ask for advice and then contest it so strongly, if you already had your mind set on a particular option, then just go with it. Unfortunately, people are not always going to affirm the decisions you choose to make.

 

[thegame2388]

I contacted about 20+ dental schools just now through email. We'll see what they say.

 

[Dan3223]

Just to clarify.... you are saying that you havent started the class yet.... but want to take it out of your schedule and replace it with something else?

If that is the case, then I dont see why you couldnt put it off till later. You dont NEED to take it now...
I dont think you need to replace it with some BS class though... you could fit something else in there that you are more confident about.

Ochem and physics can be taken at the same time without too much trouble. But you can just as easily put another science class in there that you are more comfortable with. I guess what i'm trying to say is that you shouldnt be afraid of taking a couple hard classes together... but physics isnt all that important and you can take it later.

 

[thegame2388]

Thank you for being the lone voice of reason ^^^

 

[Selso2109]

Thank you for being the lone voice of reason ^^^

Once again, do what you want to do. It's your application, it's your life.

Good luck.

 

[thegame2388]

Well, by no means am I jeopardizing it ^ .


For those interested,

I emailed about 20 schools, 12 of which replied:

UCLA: "Prerequisites must be completed by June 30 of the year you are seeking admission for. Therefore, your application will not be affected if the physics series is in progress. Most of our students are accepted on a conditional basis, which means that our office will verify successful completion of prerequisites prior to matriculation in September."

LSU: "Hi XXXXX- Thanks for the email and interest in the LSU School of Dentistry. All required courses must be completed prior to your registration as a dental student. While it is best to complete them as early as possible (helps in competing for a spot in the class), technically you can take them whenever you wish just as long as they are complete prior to registration.

​

I hope this helps."

UNLV: "Dear XXXXXXX,

Yes, applying without the physics prerequisites is acceptable but it must be completed should you gain acceptance."


UNM: "Hello XXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for your interest in the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota.​

All required course work, which includes Physics with a lab are required to be completed by the end of the regular academic year (spring semester) for enrollment the following fall. ​

No courses may be taken during the summer before enrollment.​

I hope this helps. Good luck to you"

Harvard: "Thank you for your interest in HSDM.

We require a full year (two semesters) of physics. Pre-requisite courses do not need to be fulfilled by the time you apply to HSDM, but I would recommend you have them well under way. Additionally, you should indicate on your application a outline for the unfulfilled courses to be completed. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the time an accepted applicant matriculates; no exceptions will be made for students who do not meet these requirements.

I hope this helps with your inquiry.

Sincerely,"

Tufts: "Good morning XXXXXXX,
Thank you for your email and your interest in Tufts University School of
Dental Medicine. Our office strongly encourages applicants to have
completed all, or the majority of all pre-requisite courses at the time
of applying to our program. It is acceptable to be missing one or two
courses, however please be sure to indicate your future course plans on
the AADSAS application. All pre-requisite courses must be
/successfully/ completed prior to matriculation.
"
​

Iowa: "Dear XXXX:
Prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment, not prior to application, so many students elect to complete physics during the year they are applying."




UKY: '

"As long as the physics rquirement is complete before an admitted student would begin dental school, that will meet our requirements..
Good luck with your plans."



UFL: "XXXXXX,
Thank you for your interest in the University of Florida College of Dentistry. We give you up until the summer you are going to enroll to finish any pre-requisite courses. However, please keep in mind that if you are offered an acceptance, it will be contingent upon you completing your physics requirements and earning at least a C in the course. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact our office.

Sincerely,"


Columbia: "You may as long as you have 8 credits in Physics prior to matriculation."








I withheld their names/emails for privacy reasons. But it just goes to show you that they don't care as long as you take the physics class prior to matriculation with a C or better

 

[Bruinlove]

I don't think your taking the physics class in senior year will have much of effect on your chance.

But, I do think that most of horrible stories about certain classes are made up by people who either didn't study or are dumb.
So, don't be scared.

 

[DrReo]

They strongly recommend taking it before. What if you bomb physics, no dental school then.

If that's what you want, do it. You have your mind set so do whatever you please.

 

[thegame2388]

No I'm not gonna fail physics, I'm just worried about getting C's. By the emails I posted, I've come to the conclusion that they could careless WHEN I take it as long as it's BEFORE matriculation.

 

[dreaming2k5]

No I'm not gonna fail physics, I'm just worried about getting C's. By the emails I posted, I've come to the conclusion that they could careless WHEN I take it as long as it's BEFORE matriculation.

When you get into dental school, let us know eh?

 

[DrReo]

No I'm not gonna fail physics, I'm just worried about getting C's. By the emails I posted, I've come to the conclusion that they could careless WHEN I take it as long as it's BEFORE matriculation.

Confidence, hard work and dedication...

positive attitude

 

[thegame2388]

Exactly. With physics out of the way, I can concentrate on maintaining a good GPA.

 

[sddat]

at first I was wondering why you are so worried about physics..because most people say it's not too hard. I am required to take the non-calculus based physics and I'm pretty sure UCSD requires the calculus based physics? Which must be a little harder..I personally would put it off if you are not doing well in math.

I heard horror stories about Ochem too..I ended up doing really well in it. I wouldn't take others opinions too seriously. They are often misleading since everyone is so different.

 

[illuminati5]

-

 

[Californian]

thegames- im in the same boat as u! i have not took physics yet and planning to take physics during my last yr! did u take your DAT yet? are planning to apply without BAor BS?