Starting off on a rough pad

[SW20]

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First post..

Hello everyone, I'm currently a community college student in California and I'm planning out what courses I need to take. I have many prerequisites to fill for math, and I have to finish up my General Education. I was never the brightest person in my classes so I feel like I can use community college as the perfect opportunity to grow as a better student. I have a family friend who has his own private practice and he is continuing with specializing in Orthodontics. He proposed the idea of getting into the same field as him and I've really become inspired. I understand it is a long path and I was just wondering if it would be okay to do Biology at San Diego State? Thanks in advance.

 

[Frederico Albin]

No matter what school you go to youll be fine. Just make sure you don't take all of your pre-reqs at a community college. Some schools don't accept over 60 CC credits and other don't accept CC courses at all.

You have chosen a great career. But make sure you are going into dentistry for the right reasons. Ask yourself if this is really what you want to do. Do you enjoy helping others? Do you like interacting with people?

If you are just starting now... you will spend at least 10 years in school, that's if you are really thinking about specializing in ortho. Ortho is a great specialty, but leave that decision of spending an extra few years of residency for you to decise during dental school.

Good Luck 😛

 

[SanOnofre2002]

A CC is a good place to start if you're unsure of your current study habits. But take it easy your first few semesters schedule wise, so that you can develop study habits without overloading yourself and getting bad grades. Maybe just take one science or math class your first semester and fill the rest with general education and english requirements. The CC route works fine for nearly all dental schools. I only know of 1 school that refuses CC prereq work (Tufts). For all the others, if you can continue to get good grades after you transfer to the univ., the CC factor won't matter. I agree with Frederico, don't do 100% of your prereqs at the CC though. I did about 70% of my prereqs at a CC and it worked fine. Completing your degree at San Diego State is great as well. If you have a good GPA the dental schools will consider you, no matter if your school is a big name UC or not.

 

[SW20]

Are there any methods/tips I can hold onto to help develop these habits? I'm sure it won't just magically appear..

Thanks for the help so far guys, it really means a lot.

 

[ummjoey]

Are there any methods/tips I can hold onto to help develop these habits? I'm sure it won't just magically appear..

Thanks for the help so far guys, it really means a lot.

everyone studies differently. this is something i think you will have to figure out on your own.........

 

[Frederico Albin]

Are there any methods/tips I can hold onto to help develop these habits? I'm sure it won't just magically appear..

Thanks for the help so far guys, it really means a lot.

Like the post above, everyone has their own way of studying... go over the material you don't understand. Make notes and talk to your fellow classmates. If you still don't understand remember that there is always a teacher you can depend on.

 

[SanOnofre2002]

Are there any methods/tips I can hold onto to help develop these habits? I'm sure it won't just magically appear..

Thanks for the help so far guys, it really means a lot.

You've probably been told these tips in your classes before:
1. Read the book before you come to class. The instructor always gives you a syllabus. Use it to read ahead so you aren't clueless during the lecture.
2. Take notes during the lecture and if the instructor talks fast, use a voice recorder.
3. After class, rewrite your notes and carefully listen to the voice recorder if you used one.
4. Read the book again and do every problem the instructor gives you. Work additional problems if necessary. Get a solutions manual for classes like Gchem, Ochem, math, physics.
5. Do some studying everyday. If you fall behind, it's going to be hell catching up.

These tips are pretty obvious, but there's a reason instructors always preach this to you at the beginning of the semester; it works!!

 

[SW20]

When you say dont take all your prereqs at CC, do you mean the classes prior to transferring? Can someone clarify this part for me please?