Should I go ahead and graduate? Or should I wait and do it later?

[Dr Smee]

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Like others I've noticed here, I decided late in my academic life (27) to pursue dentistry as a career. Late enough that I'm about to graduate without many of the prerequisites I need to get into dental school. Had I known earlier I was going to end up wanting to be a dentist, I would have taken the proper science courses and not sucked at the ones I did take.

As it stands, I've never taken physics, anatomy, biochemistry or organic chem. On top of that, while I have A's in most of the classes I took in college, ironically my basic biologies and chemistries are mostly D's. I took a look at the DAT and had some WTF moments at some of the questions, so obviously I need to get those prereqs under my belt asap, not just because they're prereqs but because I can't do the problems.

I've decided that I'm going to retake all my bio and chem classes over the course of the next year, in addition to the other prereqs I need. I desperately need to get my science GPA up and I need to develop a solid backing in the sciences, which I currently don't have.

Anyway, my question is, since I'm slated to graduate this December, should I hold off until I have retaken all my bios and chems, and taken my additional prereqs so I can graduate later with a higher GPA? Or should I go ahead and graduate and then reapply as a non degree seeking student in the spring? I'm not sure how the GPA system works exactly and I'm curious if taking courses as a non degree seeker will have any bearing on my undergrad science GPA. I assume it won't but I'd like a second opinion.

Thank you!

 

[Blarelli]

If I were you I would sit down with a financial aid councilor and see how things change once you get a degree. It might be financially advantagous to put off graduating. Beyond that, I don't know that it would make any of a difference as far as your GPA goes.

 

[Dr Smee]

If I were you I would sit down with a financial aid councilor and see how things change once you get a degree. It might be financially advantagous to put off graduating. Beyond that, I don't know that it would make any of a difference as far as your GPA goes.

I agree with you. It's just that everyone is expecting me to graduate this semester and I've cried wolf more than once. It's taken me forever to get a degree and I only recently got my act together to take my education seriously. 👍

I was just hoping I could graduate and satisfy everyone, but still be able to take care of my own interests at the same time.

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

Financially, I agree, it actually might be cheaper not to graduate and begin completing your prereqs. However, you could always still graduate and then return the next semester as a non-degree seeking student to complete your prereqs...

 

[youknowthedrill]

At some state schools tuition is much higher if you already have a degree.

 

[customx]

I would delay your graduation and knock out the prereqs. I tried to go back to my university as a post-bac student but was rejected, probably due to lack of space. Even if I was admitted, all the undergrad students have first priority of classes, which makes it really tough to get into chem and bio. You also won't be eligible for financial aid if you've taken at least 5 years years to earn your bachelors degree.

 

[Dr Smee]

I would delay your graduation and knock out the prereqs. I tried to go back to my university as a post-bac student but was rejected, probably due to lack of space. Even if I was admitted, all the undergrad students have first priority of classes, which makes it really tough to get into chem and bio. You also won't be eligible for financial aid if you've taken at least 5 years years to earn your bachelors degree.

That's really interesting... I wasn't aware of that.

Thankfully I have a fiance with a good job who is keeping us afloat while I go back to school.

Thanks all for the advice, I think I'll hold off on graduation for at least another semester.

 

[doc toothache]

Failure to graduate might suggest that there is lack of ability to finish a task. Besides, it might help you get a job that may pay real money while you tinker with you ds idea.

 

[Dr Smee]

Failure to graduate might suggest that there is lack of ability to finish a task. Besides, it might help you get a job that may pay real money while you tinker with you ds idea.

That's very true, but I've been on this particular bachelor's track for over 8 years, so at least in my case I am waaaaay past the point of finishing on time.