Should I...

[qwertyuiop]

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Hi all. I am unsure as to what to do and need some advice. Should I take Biochemistry this Spring? I have applied to the 2006 admission cycle a little late -have not heard anything yet. After applying I learned that Maryalnd now requires Biochemistry as a prereq. (This was not mentioned in the 2005-06 Official Guide to Dental Schools.) It is a new requirement for this year. Taking the class will set me back $2500.

A bigger question I have is - will taking the course give me a huge advantage in dental school? Any advice from current dental students or applicants would be appreciated.

 

[hockeydentist]

Hi all. I am unsure as to what to do and need some advice. Should I take Biochemistry this Spring? I have applied to the 2006 admission cycle a little late -have not heard anything yet. After applying I learned that Maryalnd now requires Biochemistry as a prereq. (This was not mentioned in the 2005-06 Official Guide to Dental Schools.) It is a new requirement for this year. Taking the class will set me back $2500.

A bigger question I have is - will taking the course give me a huge advantage in dental school? Any advice from current dental students or applicants would be appreciated.

I've heard different view points on this.
1. Taking undergrad biochemistry is helpfull, to some extent. Generally on the lines of stuff looks familiar, etcc....

2. Biochemistry is useless, and your not going to retain any information anyways. Students who didn't have biochem do just as well as someone who has.

3. Some schools require Biochem, so you might as well take it if you want to be accepted to that school.

HD

 

[rectalt]

I think that adding it to your transcript could help. I think that some schools look at the amount of higher level science courses you have taken (above the prerequisites). And if it is a requirement of you top choices you should definately do it. Just do well in it if you take it. As long as you do well in it it's not going to hurt.

 

[virginiabeach]

I am taking biochem right now and I've got to say that it isn't helping me out much. Might just be my teacher but the only reason i took it was b/c Dr. Healy from VCU told me that it would be helpful and also because Maryland and Louisville now requires it. And it turns out i did get accepted. It's definitely a class that you will be taking again at most, if not all, dental schools so it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the material. Also, i believe most dental schools really dwell on metabolism and aerobic respiration and that is something my biochem class doesn't cover until the second semester. So basically I am wasting my time and money in the class, however, it is adding to my credentials on my application. So, if you have the option, you might want to take instead of an easy class like art history just to improve your overall application. You never know what might just give you the extra advantage over the other applicants you are competing against.