Switching Major to Biology

[Sweet_Tooth]

Just to introduce myself, I'm a freshman, currently in my second semester of undergrad. Today I met with the pre-health advisor at my school.

I'm currently a psychology major. I am really interested in the field and enjoy it greatly and after taking an intro psych course last semester I was totally hooked, looking forward to taking more psych courses throughout my undergrad career. Unfortunately I was unable to fit any psych classes into my schedule this semester but was looking forward to taking them in the summer maybe and later on.

You can imagine how taken aback I was when she told me that, as a pre-dental student, the psychology major was not a good idea and that I should switch my major to biology. I of course had always heard, from this forum and elsewhere, that what you major in doesn't matter, as long as you take all the pre requisite courses required. And that's exactly what I was planning on doing and that is what I have been doing so far. I'm a resident of Michigan so my top choices for dental school would be, of course, University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy and she told me that UDM doesn't accept non-science majors (which I was skeptical about because I clearly remember reading else wise on the FAQ's on their website but I didn't say anything cause I thought that of course she would know better than me, this being her profession). She also said that I wouldn't be able to graduate on time with the psychology major.

So the thing is, I wouldn't say I hate biology, but I am not extremely passionate about it either. It is also important to note that I am yet to take a college-level biology course: the last biology class I took was in freshman year of high school (excluding the environmental science elective I took during senior year). Right now I'm fulfilling the gen chem requirements and was planning on taking my first bio class this summer, or if that doesn't work out, during the fall '15 semester. I am hesitant to switch my major without having a feel for the subject itself (at least at a college level). Also nowadays it feels like literally EVERYONE is a bio major and I don't want to jump on the bandwagon (I know, I know, that isn't a convincing reason at all). I also know that biology majors are pretty much useless unless you attend some professional school--right out of undergrad, you can do little to nothing with a biology degree.

But anyways, I could use your advice. Is what she told me true? Is it really in my interest, as a student seeking acceptance into dental school, to switch to being a biology major? If it will significantly increase my chances of acceptance and make dental school easier for me I am all for it. I just found her advice to be contradictory to what I've heard from others. All input will be greatly appreciated! Sorry for the essay of a post I love writing about my life way too much.....

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[deleted659902]

Just to introduce myself, I'm a freshman, currently in my second semester of undergrad. Today I met with the pre-health advisor at my school.

I'm currently a psychology major. I am really interested in the field and enjoy it greatly and after taking an intro psych course last semester I was totally hooked, looking forward to taking more psych courses throughout my undergrad career. Unfortunately I was unable to fit any psych classes into my schedule this semester but was looking forward to taking them in the summer maybe and later on.

You can imagine how taken aback I was when she told me that, as a pre-dental student, the psychology major was not a good idea and that I should switch my major to biology. I of course had always heard, from this forum and elsewhere, that what you major in doesn't matter, as long as you take all the pre requisite courses required. And that's exactly what I was planning on doing and that is what I have been doing so far. I'm a resident of Michigan so my top choices for dental school would be, of course, University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy and she told me that UDM doesn't accept non-science majors (which I was skeptical about because I clearly remember reading else wise on the FAQ's on their website but I didn't say anything cause I thought that of course she would know better than me, this being her profession). She also said that I wouldn't be able to graduate on time with the psychology major.

So the thing is, I wouldn't say I hate biology, but I am not extremely passionate about it either. It is also important to note that I am yet to take a college-level biology course: the last biology class I took was in freshman year of high school (excluding the environmental science elective I took during senior year). Right now I'm fulfilling the gen chem requirements and was planning on taking my first bio class this summer, or if that doesn't work out, during the fall '15 semester. I am hesitant to switch my major without having a feel for the subject itself (at least at a college level). Also nowadays it feels like literally EVERYONE is a bio major and I don't want to jump on the bandwagon (I know, I know, that isn't a convincing reason at all). I also know that biology majors are pretty much useless unless you attend some professional school--right out of undergrad, you can do little to nothing with a biology degree.

But anyways, I could use your advice. Is what she told me true? Is it really in my interest, as a student seeking acceptance into dental school, to switch to being a biology major? If it will significantly increase my chances of acceptance and make dental school easier for me I am all for it. I just found her advice to be contradictory to what I've heard from others. All input will be greatly appreciated! Sorry for the essay of a post I love writing about my life way too much.....

Yeah, she's right. You should major in bio since it will expose you to many basic science courses you will encounter in dschool and will show adcoms that you can handle upper level science courses, especially in bio. One caveat is that your GPA might go down when you major in bio as opposed to pysch, in which case you don't really belong to dschool.

So in summary,

Doing well as a bio major > doing well as a non-science major > not doing well as a bio major > etc

 

[mrdocta]

Your advisor couldn't be more wrong. I was mislead the same way freshman year. My advisor told me I HAD to pick bio, chemistry, or exercise sports science to get into dental school, so I chose chemistry. Hated organic and got the heck out of that department. Two years later I learned I could major in whatever and just needed to have my pre-reqs completed in order to apply. Ended up choosing business management and got into dental school this year. Major in psychology if that's what interests you. Don't pick something you dont enjoy. Just know that bio classes will make up the majority of dental school.

 

[Predent3520]

I've always been told dental schools want to see you take the hardest courses at your school and ace the crap out of them. This means the biochemistries/A & P/organic chemistry you would encounter as a science major.

I had a minor in psychology, just because I like the subject, I don't think it had any impact (good nor bad) on my acceptance. My major was biochem.

 

[Sweet_Tooth]

I've always been told dental schools want to see you take the hardest courses at your school and ace the crap out of them. This means the biochemistries/A & P/organic chemistry you would encounter as a science major.

I had a minor in psychology, just because I like the subject, I don't think it had any impact (good nor bad) on my acceptance. My major was biochem.

Yeah she also advised me to minor in psychology instead of major in it.

 

[ICUrunning]

Just to introduce myself, I'm a freshman, currently in my second semester of undergrad. Today I met with the pre-health advisor at my school.

I'm currently a psychology major. I am really interested in the field and enjoy it greatly and after taking an intro psych course last semester I was totally hooked, looking forward to taking more psych courses throughout my undergrad career. Unfortunately I was unable to fit any psych classes into my schedule this semester but was looking forward to taking them in the summer maybe and later on.

You can imagine how taken aback I was when she told me that, as a pre-dental student, the psychology major was not a good idea and that I should switch my major to biology. I of course had always heard, from this forum and elsewhere, that what you major in doesn't matter, as long as you take all the pre requisite courses required. And that's exactly what I was planning on doing and that is what I have been doing so far. I'm a resident of Michigan so my top choices for dental school would be, of course, University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy and she told me that UDM doesn't accept non-science majors (which I was skeptical about because I clearly remember reading else wise on the FAQ's on their website but I didn't say anything cause I thought that of course she would know better than me, this being her profession). She also said that I wouldn't be able to graduate on time with the psychology major.

So the thing is, I wouldn't say I hate biology, but I am not extremely passionate about it either. It is also important to note that I am yet to take a college-level biology course: the last biology class I took was in freshman year of high school (excluding the environmental science elective I took during senior year). Right now I'm fulfilling the gen chem requirements and was planning on taking my first bio class this summer, or if that doesn't work out, during the fall '15 semester. I am hesitant to switch my major without having a feel for the subject itself (at least at a college level). Also nowadays it feels like literally EVERYONE is a bio major and I don't want to jump on the bandwagon (I know, I know, that isn't a convincing reason at all). I also know that biology majors are pretty much useless unless you attend some professional school--right out of undergrad, you can do little to nothing with a biology degree.

But anyways, I could use your advice. Is what she told me true? Is it really in my interest, as a student seeking acceptance into dental school, to switch to being a biology major? If it will significantly increase my chances of acceptance and make dental school easier for me I am all for it. I just found her advice to be contradictory to what I've heard from others. All input will be greatly appreciated! Sorry for the essay of a post I love writing about my life way too much.....

You can major in anything you want. Many students elect to major in biology because the courses in the major fulfills pretty much all the prerequisites for health professional schools including dentistry.

You advisor is wrong on UDM requiring you to be a science major. You can see here:
http://dental.udmercy.edu/admission/application/index.htm

It's fine that you are not too passionate about biology but be aware that many schools require and would like to see pre-dental students study a rigorous biology-laden curriculum. Going to psych, a softer science, taking the minimum pre-reqs, and not liking biology may not bode you well considering that the didactic years of dental school focus heavily on biology and may not prepare you as well.

Plenty of time ahead to formulate a gameplan. Keep your grades as high as you can. You can always switch to a different major later (depends on your school).

 

[ixyz]

Dude I'm a Psychology Major and got accepted to Columbia. Your major does not at all matter. You may want to take higher level bio/chem classes in addition to it to make your app look better. I took biochem 1 and am taking biochem 2 right now. But I got accepted before I even took those.

Guidance counselors are there to motivate you to do the best you can, even if it means scaring you. Take their advice with a grain of salt.

 

[ICUrunning]

Yeah she also advised me to minor in psychology instead of major in it.

If you are a really good student and can plan everything out, you could potentially double major or get dual degrees. That'll show your advisor.

 

[Sweet_Tooth]

If you are a really good student and can plan everything out, you could potentially double major or get dual degrees. That'll show your advisor.

Haha yes that'll definitely show her but wouldn't take a longer time to graduate? I don't want to spend forever in undergrad (especially considering the four years of dental school that follow it). I'll add it to my list of possible options lol.

 

[BabyShades]

If there is something I learned from my undergraduate, I would say that the advisors are not the best people to go to. I would definitely ask the admission committees at the dental schools that interest you. In addition to that, SDN is a really great backbone in terms of knowing what exactly to do.

I am a biology major and I regret it because there isn't much to do. I could have done business and have taken several biology classes. Even if you do graduate late, that is better than not having a job during your gap year.

If I was in your shoes, I would major in psychology and take most of the recommended courses at the same time (e.g cell, molecular, anatomy, developmental, neuro, micro, biochem). If you can prove to them that you can do well on some of these classes, then they will not under estimate your degree. If they even ask anything about your major, you can really tell them that this can be useful with patient interaction. Every patient have a different personality and psychology can help us know how to approach each situation. Good luck!

 

[ajj70]

Haha yes that'll definitely show her but wouldn't take a longer time to graduate? I don't want to spend forever in undergrad (especially considering the four years of dental school that follow it). I'll add it to my list of possible options lol.

Maybe that is why she is suggesting the bio major. You are already having difficulty getting into needed classes and trying to get into upper level bio classes as a psych major might prove to be even more difficulty at your school? There are only so many seats for the classes and if you, as a psych major, try to enroll, you may be turned away because the seats are needed for the bio/chem majors. Just depends on your school. I have one friend who has had to change her major 4 times because she can't get into classes. She is already a year behind because of that and if she doesn't get into classes next fall, will end up going a 6th year.

I would also suggest that if you are going to major in biology, it's probably better for job prospects if you don't get into dental school for whatever reason to do a biochem major or a double major in biology and chemistry. A straight bio major is pretty limiting.

 

[ICUrunning]

Haha yes that'll definitely show her but wouldn't take a longer time to graduate? I don't want to spend forever in undergrad (especially considering the four years of dental school that follow it). I'll add it to my list of possible options lol.

If you plan meticulously, some courses can overlap between the two majors depending on your school, and you are intelligent enough, I do not see why not. It can be done in 4 years, I know from experience.

But for now, just see how you fare in those lower level bio courses. Many people from my alma mater dropped their pre-health aspirations after gen chem or freshmen bio. Even more did after ochem. You have quite some time to see what you really want to major in and what you want to do with your life.

Who knows, you might decide to become a psychologist one day or go into something else completely.

 

[rev_rend]

I'm sure you're familiar with the quotation "Those who can't do, teach." Well, my addendum is "Those who can't teach, advise."

Honestly, the worst advice I hear about anything comes from advisers. Major in whatever you want, do well, and kick ass in your pre-requisites.

For what it's worth, I'm a political science major with a MA in International Studies (Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia). At one school, both interviewers found it refreshing.

 

[superluminal]

Major in whatever you want, but be sure to get As in your pre-dental prereqs as well as a high GPA especially if your selected major is non-science. In addition, I would also recommend taking some upper-level biology courses past the required prereqs so that you can have a good handle on hard sciences before dental school.

 

[DentistryInMyFuture]

Just to introduce myself, I'm a freshman, currently in my second semester of undergrad. Today I met with the pre-health advisor at my school.

I'm currently a psychology major. I am really interested in the field and enjoy it greatly and after taking an intro psych course last semester I was totally hooked, looking forward to taking more psych courses throughout my undergrad career. Unfortunately I was unable to fit any psych classes into my schedule this semester but was looking forward to taking them in the summer maybe and later on.

You can imagine how taken aback I was when she told me that, as a pre-dental student, the psychology major was not a good idea and that I should switch my major to biology. I of course had always heard, from this forum and elsewhere, that what you major in doesn't matter, as long as you take all the pre requisite courses required. And that's exactly what I was planning on doing and that is what I have been doing so far. I'm a resident of Michigan so my top choices for dental school would be, of course, University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy and she told me that UDM doesn't accept non-science majors (which I was skeptical about because I clearly remember reading else wise on the FAQ's on their website but I didn't say anything cause I thought that of course she would know better than me, this being her profession). She also said that I wouldn't be able to graduate on time with the psychology major.

So the thing is, I wouldn't say I hate biology, but I am not extremely passionate about it either. It is also important to note that I am yet to take a college-level biology course: the last biology class I took was in freshman year of high school (excluding the environmental science elective I took during senior year). Right now I'm fulfilling the gen chem requirements and was planning on taking my first bio class this summer, or if that doesn't work out, during the fall '15 semester. I am hesitant to switch my major without having a feel for the subject itself (at least at a college level). Also nowadays it feels like literally EVERYONE is a bio major and I don't want to jump on the bandwagon (I know, I know, that isn't a convincing reason at all). I also know that biology majors are pretty much useless unless you attend some professional school--right out of undergrad, you can do little to nothing with a biology degree.

But anyways, I could use your advice. Is what she told me true? Is it really in my interest, as a student seeking acceptance into dental school, to switch to being a biology major? If it will significantly increase my chances of acceptance and make dental school easier for me I am all for it. I just found her advice to be contradictory to what I've heard from others. All input will be greatly appreciated! Sorry for the essay of a post I love writing about my life way too much.....

I am actually coming up on graduating in June with a Biopsychology degree and I gotta say I think its a great degree. I started off in Biology and ended up switching to Biopsychology and have a pretty solid science background (Biochemistry, Biology (including histology, 2 A&Ps, Micro Bio 1&2), Gen Chems, and Organic Chems. Now I am finishing up my psychology classes (Doctor Patient Interaction being one of them) and learning about the mind and I love it. I say do what you love, if you have to take a few extra sciences to do a heavy science psychology degree it is worth it doing something you love. Your love for psychology might be something the ADCOMs actually like if you have a strong science background.

One of the reasons why I switched from Biology to Biopsychology was because nowadays it seems like all the premeds are doing Biology. I am going to a small school, so I decided to switch to a more unique degree that would still fit the requirements. Make sure you get involved at your school (leadership positions in clubs are valuable) and good luck to you!

 

[DentalDoge]

TL;DR

Major in what you like, something you can and would like to talk at length about, take pre reqs, get high GPA.

Am I missing anything fellas?

 

[SXCoronado]

.

 

[Sweet_Tooth]

"After one intro psych course I was hooked.."

"You can imagine how taken aback I was.."

Bro we're all kids stop writing like its a scholarship essay

But that's how I write 😢

 

[Sweet_Tooth]

I am actually coming up on graduating in June with a Biopsychology degree and I gotta say I think its a great degree. I started off in Biology and ended up switching to Biopsychology and have a pretty solid science background (Biochemistry, Biology (including histology, 2 A&Ps, Micro Bio 1&2), Gen Chems, and Organic Chems. Now I am finishing up my psychology classes (Doctor Patient Interaction being one of them) and learning about the mind and I love it. I say do what you love, if you have to take a few extra sciences to do a heavy science psychology degree it is worth it doing something you love. Your love for psychology might be something the ADCOMs actually like if you have a strong science background.

One of the reasons why I switched from Biology to Biopsychology was because nowadays it seems like all the premeds are doing Biology. I am going to a small school, so I decided to switch to a more unique degree that would still fit the requirements. Make sure you get involved at your school (leadership positions in clubs are valuable) and good luck to you!

Aw man, I wish my school offered a biopsychology degree, that sounds awesome! Yeah I feel the same way about biology it seems like every pre-health kid is doing a bio major, which kis kinda annoying.

And yes I am trying to get as involved as possible, I am currently treasurer of an organization and a member in a few others. Thanks for the pointers!

 

[WutzUpDoc]

Stay in Psych! If it is what you truly enjoy, you will thrive and get great grades. Advisors are very misleading--no, it matters very minimally what your major is as long as you have taken the appropriate prereqs.

You'd hate yourself for switching to bio because NO it won't significantly increase your chances compared to if you majored in Psych.