studying while taking biochem for apps?

[hokie4life]

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I just graduated from undergrad and am applying this cycle for fall of 2008, but I have not taken biochem yet and I noticed I need to for some schools. Are any of you in the same situation and are you studying while you finish such courses too?

I really just want to focus on studying for the DAT and take biochem in the fall or even next spring before starting school next fall hopefully but I am worried that not even completingthe required courses before submitting my application will look so bad and might say that I dont' care enough or I am not interested enough. Is this true and is it worth it to take biochem while studying? Did any of you do this and were you successful?
told you that this is why?

 

[andyjl]

Starting with the 2008 cycle, all schools are going to require 4 quarter units of biochem I. This was an adea mandated thing according to one of the admissions people at Loma LInda University. So on your app, you're going to have to put that you plan on taking biochem I and you will have to take and pass the course to gain acceptance. Either way, whether you get accepted or not, you will have to take it since if you don't get accepted for 2008, i'm sure you will try again for 2009.

 

[uesider]

Huh? Biochem is not required for many schools for 2008 cycle... NYU, BU, UMDNJ, Temple... to name a few. Am I missing something?

 

[Bob Faraples]

I know a guy from my biochem class who did that last year - graduated and then took biochem while studing for the DAT. It was pretty hard on him (as he was also working, etc) because he, like many others, wasn't going to be happy with anything but an A. He didn't necessarily light up the DAT, however, he did (with the biochem "A" bumping his GPA to around a 3.8) get in to his #1 school.

I would imagine that it also depends on the Biochem prof and how hard he is going to work you, as each prof is obviously different. Our biochem class had a similar difficulty to o-chem, but I know that may not be the case in all situations. Regardless, I would definitely make sure that if you are going to take Biochem that you secure an A - 5 hours of non-A can take a hit out of your GPA.

You might consider a late August DAT so that you will be able to focus on your Biochem - many dental schools will let you test out of biochem so it pays to know your stuff.

 

[claugh]

I spoke to an admissions person in one of the schools that require biochem and was told that it's ok to take it in the fall prior to enrollment at the school. I would think the situation is similar at other schools.

 

[hokie4life]

thanks guys! I also emailed and called VCU and they said as long as you get it done before you start school (if you're accepted 🙂 ) than you're fine and you don't have to have it done before you apply. I think I will just focus on the DAT right now because that is overwhelming enough and take biochem second summer session while I finish up apps. From your responses and my research this seems to be the best...thank you for your advice 🙂