Should I graduate?

[hgdoan]

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Hello friends.. I am debating whether or not I should load up on science classes next semester and get a degree or just take 13 so that I would be considered a full time student.

In order for me to graduate this would be my schedule.. LOL
Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics Lab, Survey to Physical Chemistry, Physics 2 with Lab, Human Gentics, and a Kinesiology class. This is a total of 23 hours.. 😎 FML

Edit: I got accepted into UTHSCSA.

 

[pinkpari27]

Wow that's a lot of hard classes, did you get into dental school?

 

[hgdoan]

Wow that's a lot of hard classes, did you get into dental school?

yes I did

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

Hello friends.. I am debating whether or not I should load up on science classes next semester and get a degree or just take 13 so that I would be considered a full time student.

In order for me to graduate this would be my schedule.. LOL
Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics Lab, Survey to Physical Chemistry, Physics 2 with Lab, Human Gentics, and a Kinesiology class. This is a total of 23 hours.. 😎 FML

Edit: I got accepted into UTHSCSA.

You have to complete your degree no later than spring semester in order for a dental school to not take away your acceptance. If those classes are required to graduate, then you should take all of them over spring semester.

 

[hgdoan]

You have to complete your degree no later than spring semester in order for a dental school to not take away your acceptance. If those classes are required to graduate, then you should take all of them over spring semester.

I actually don't have to graduate, just have to finish the prereq courses before attending

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

I actually don't have to graduate, just have to finish the prereq courses before attending

I would still suggest finishing the degree... You never know what life will drop on you.

 

[hgdoan]

I would still suggest finishing the degree... You never know what life will drop on you.

I totally agree with you, this is what makes the decision so difficult.. I guess it just comes down to what I decide is best for me..

 

[yuppers]

Option 1: graduate, but could do sub-par in a class and not get into DS.
Option 2: no graduation but lock for DS

I would go with option 2, but I definitely take some of those science courses.

 

[BiomajorPreDent]

There is no way you can survive a course load like that..if you're sure you dont have to graduate, then just get through the semester in one piece.

 

[sketo43]

Do all of your credits need to be in science? Could you take easier classes?

Also, maybe you could take some of the classes in the spring and the rest in the summer before dental school begins

 

[MusicJunkie]

I'm in a similar situation. In order for me to graduate on time, I'd have to take 4 science classes per quarter (with two labs per quarter as well) for a year and a half, and do a full course load during summer also. I also work 12-20 hours per week. Not to mention that all of the classes that I have left are my upper division courses.

It's a tough decision. The 23 hour course load you described sounds really intense, but I was reading a thread in the pre-med forum where students were taking anywhere from 23 -38 units (insane, I know).

Ideally, you should have a bachelor's degree before you graduate, just in case. But even if you don't have the bachelor's degree, you could go back later on and take the few classes you have left and then be done if something were to happen.

Have you talked to UTHSCSA? Have they told you that as long as your pre-reqs are finished, then your acceptance still stands?

 

[MTD52]

Why not take what you have to and finish the rest in the summer to get your degree?

 

[SiemReap]

If i were you, I'd speak to the head of admissions at your dental school. Tell him/her your situation and perhaps you two could come to an agreement on what would best prepare you for dental school (the 23 hr course load would prolly be somewhat similar to your 1st semester at dental school. i wouldnt necessarily recommend it so you dont get burnt out too fast tho). If they explicitely state that they do not require for you to get a bachelors degree before you matriculate, then i dont think it would be lawful for them to withdraw your acceptance-- in that case, you're in the clear. Even still, since you are short of graduation credit, i wouldnt want to appear as if you are taking it too easy. good luck.

 

[FutureDent020]

Why not take what you have to and finish the rest in the summer to get your degree?

I agree with this post

 

[SiemReap]

I agree with this post

i highly disagree with this post. please give yourself a well deserved break before school starts!

 

[FutureDent020]

i highly disagree with this post. please give yourself a well deserved break before school starts!

I mean I guess a B.S. or B.A. is arbitrary if you have already been granted the opportunity to pursue a DDS or DMD. It comes down to a personal decision. Do you want a college degree or could you care less, since you're going to dental school anyways.

 

[ohs]

I would just go to school full time at 13 credits. If your plans ever change and you need a bachelors, going back to school and taking 10 more credits likely won't hurt you.

 

[MTD52]

i highly disagree with this post. please give yourself a well deserved break before school starts!

I'm totally with you there, but is it worth taking 23 credits in the spring and risking doing poorly in some (or all) of them? For almost ANYONE, I would definitely say to live it up this summer before dental school, but this is a different situation.

And technically, you don't need the degree if you're going to dental school, but I wouldn't be willing to give it up at this point either. You spent 3 and a half years of your life working for it. Don't just blow it off now.

OP, are those the courses you have left to take in your major? I mean those don't even seem related enough to be necessary for a particular major...

 

[hgdoan]

thanks to everyone that posted their advice.. I called UTHSCSA and they told me that I didnt have to graduate. I will call again to make sure because in my application I stated that I was seeking a degree.