Some quick questions

[DagS132]

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Hello again, just got some questions that i need opinions on.

I posted here not too long ago about my decision to pursue a career in dentistry. My problem was a low gpa and no shadowing hours. I cannot talk to my counselor till the 2nd of January and i would like some opinions on my situation.
Should i take +14 credit hours per semester no matter what? Next semester i am taking one very tough class which is pchem2 along with biochem, inorganic lab, and linear algebra. Im just worried that if i add one more class i might be a little in over my head..... if i had to add another class it would be modern analytical chemistry. How important is it that i have to take +14 credit hours? Should i just stick with my 12 credit hours if i feel like one more class might be a problem? Sorry if this question sounds stupid, i just am not sure how i should handle this.

 

[Member902507]

Someone told me once when I was just starting my undergrad, "make sure you get good grades, even if it means that you'll have to be in undergrad longer". I only understood that advice after I graduated and spent every summer in summer school. Don't overload your schedule. Make sure you'll do well in the classes you're taking, and do try to fit in some of the shadowing/dental extra-currics into your schedule. If those classes aren't crucial to be completed next semester, and if they're not impacted or w/e, only take the classes that you think you can comfortably handle.

My undergrad schedule is full of varying semesters in terms of how many units I took per semester. Sometimes it depended on the courses I was taking, or my health, but I tried to be reasonable in the sense that I "challenged" myself, but didn't overload myself sooo much that I might have to withdraw or take an incomplete, or worse, fail.

Good luck to you though 🙂

P.S. I had low grades while applying for dental school, and I did get in to a school this cycle for so far, so don't let that hold you back. Apply early, and apply broadly.

 

[DentVols17]

Something that came up in my interviews was strength of schedule. As long as you can demonstrate that you can handle 2-3 science course each semseter (not really including freshman year) you're fine. I wouldn't advise taking summer classes each year, and if you do, do NOT take a tough science class - the director of admissions on the school I'm going to next year specifically commented on this. Dental schools liked to see that I took Organic, Anatomy, and biochem (with labs) during the regular school year along with other classes. Spend your summer taking time off and do your shadowing then. Also, we are all sticklers for GPA and this sucks because our majors are much more time consuming than business/law; don't be ashamed to through a PE class in there to up your hours/grades - I did.