Should I take micro? (also sorry for all the questions...)

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Roy Williams

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First, sorry for all the questions. I just found out how useful this site can be and had a lot of questions that came up...

But I can currently apply to 44 dental schools with the pre reqs I've taken. If I take micro next semester, I can apply to 9 more. I just don't know if it would be worth taking.
 
Do you want to apply to any of those 9 schools? Its worth taking just due to the fact that it will help you in dental school.
 
Are any of those 9 schools ones that you'd want to attend? Are they instate or out of state friendly? If so, you might as well.
 
I took micro because it's a requirement for my degree. Turn out, the class was great and I actually enjoy it.
I recommended take it, for your knowledge, but then you can apply to more school if that something you want.

Again, your decision.
 
I'm assuming you're not planning on applying to 44 + 9 schools. I'd narrow down your school list using IS/OOS preferences. Once you've done that, check to see how many are remaining and if any of them require micro. If any of them do and you truly think you will be competitive applicant for that school (obviously hard to say without a DAT score), then take micro.
 
I loved micro, next cycle schools can change their requirement and ask that you have this course ( like human anatomy, biochem, human phys) I recommend taking it to have the background knowledge fresh if you are applying next cycle.
 
I'm assuming you're not planning on applying to 44 + 9 schools. I'd narrow down your school list using IS/OOS preferences. Once you've done that, check to see how many are remaining and if any of them require micro. If any of them do and you truly think you will be competitive applicant for that school (obviously hard to say without a DAT score), then take micro.
Yeah I've been spending a lot of time making spreadsheets detailing all the information that will affect my decisions on which schools I'll apply to, haha just taking a while.
 
Yeah I've been spending a lot of time making spreadsheets detailing all the information that will affect my decisions on which schools I'll apply to, haha just taking a while.
Perfectly acceptable. I wish I had been more thorough. I missed applying to several schools that I think I would have had a good chance at because I didn't spend as much time on my school list. Best of luck 🙂
 
Perfectly acceptable. I wish I had been more thorough. I missed applying to several schools that I think I would have had a good chance at because I didn't spend as much time on my school list. Best of luck 🙂

What are some of those schools?
 
I say there's no need to take micro just so you can apply to more schools. I never took micro and didn't find that to be a big barrier at all in choosing which schools I was able to apply for. Psychology, on the other hand, might be more useful since a lot of schools do require that prereq. Of course, if you love the subject of microbiology, go ahead and take it! But if your sole purpose for taking it is just to apply to more schools, I don't think it's worth the time/effort. Enjoy your last semester of college!
 
I say there's no need to take micro just so you can apply to more schools. I never took micro and didn't find that to be a big barrier at all in choosing which schools I was able to apply for. Psychology, on the other hand, might be more useful since a lot of schools do require that prereq. Of course, if you love the subject of microbiology, go ahead and take it! But if your sole purpose for taking it is just to apply to more schools, I don't think it's worth the time/effort. Enjoy your last semester of college!
Yeah I've taken psych and i'm a math/stats major so all those that require those classes are out of the way too. I definitely don't really want to take micro since this is my last semester and was hoping to have a relatively relaxed time since my previous one was brutal.

The only ones I would consider applying to if I took micro would be Colorado (just because I love the state and it's beautiful out there), new england, michigan, and kentucky. All of which are out of state for me. So I'm not sure how realistic or practical it would be for me to apply there. So many factors...
 
Yeah I've taken psych and i'm a math/stats major so all those that require those classes are out of the way too. I definitely don't really want to take micro since this is my last semester and was hoping to have a relatively relaxed time since my previous one was brutal.

The only ones I would consider applying to if I took micro would be Colorado (just because I love the state and it's beautiful out there), new england, michigan, and kentucky. All of which are out of state for me. So I'm not sure how realistic or practical it would be for me to apply there. So many factors...

This document (section 2N) posted by doctoothache should help. Also the ADEA has an "Official Guide to Dental Schools 2015-2016". They both have stats that can tell you whether a school is OOS friendly or not, and stats on average GPA and DAT for the entering class. With this info you should be able to choose your schools wisely 🙂

Edit: This one too. Sorry for the bombardment of info, haha
 
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This document (section 2N) posted by doctoothache should help. Also the ADEA has an "Official Guide to Dental Schools 2015-2016". They both have stats that can tell you whether a school is OOS friendly or not, and stats on average GPA and DAT for the entering class. With this info you should be able to choose your schools wisely 🙂

Edit: This one too. Sorry for the bombardment of info, haha
Haha don't apologize! Any information is much appreciated. I've actually already purchased that guide and have been making a spreadsheet of my own from it. It's just a long process figuring everything out
 
You'll want to take Micro (assuming you're still in school), it'll help you a lot in your first year and for your NBDE Part 1.
 
Haha don't apologize! Any information is much appreciated. I've actually already purchased that guide and have been making a spreadsheet of my own from it. It's just a long process figuring everything out

You'll be really prepared! I honestly wish I had spent more time choosing my schools wisely, especially since I don't have the money to apply broadly. Good luck!
 
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