Take a quarter of biochem before apps or semester biochem after apps?

[caloc]

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Biochem is filled up at local CSUs and community colleges so my best option is to take Chem 153A through UCLA extension (1 quarter biochem).If I do this, I can't apply to a few schools like Loma Linda or UNLV...

Would I be at a disadvantage if I applied to dental schools in June and took biochem next fall at a semester school? I really don't want to take a semester of biochem online through UNE or something but if that might look better than taking just a quarter of biochem then let me know.

Should I just stick to taking a quarter of biochem? Do you think I can risk taking the L of not applying to a few schools? Or is my best bet of getting into dental school on applying to a lot of schools?

My current stats:
cGPA/ sGPA: 3.5/3.4
UC Berkeley Graduate
No DAT score right now
Lots of extracurriculars and shadowing hours. Can secure positive LORs from 2 science professors/ 1 dentist.
California resident

 

[super frank]

As long as you plan to take biochem next semester, you can still apply to those schools who require it.

 

[DentalAptitude]

First, make sure 1 quarter hour is sufficient, not that the requirement is for an equivalent of a whole semester. Second, its not a "disadvantage" to take biochem after applying UNLESS you know you will put the effort, and have the ability, for a really strong grade. It would demonstrate your capability to handle the tougher sciences. Regardless, you have to update AADSAS with your grades which in all likelihood will happen before you are admitted - and your gpa and application will not slide by with a low score in biochem just because it was "after you applied." Best of luck!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[TLV-TUS]

my two cents.... make sure it's an upper level biochem class and equivalent to at least 3 semester hours that's what most schools who require biochem ask for.
As said here before you can apply with a missing pre-req as long as you plan to take it before matriculating in the program you get accepted to... schools will rescind an acceptance if you do not complete a planned/in progress pre req unless you somehow get a special exemption from admissions/the dean.
I applied with about 3-4 missing pre-reqs, so far wasn't an issue with getting interviews, But I am going to finish them all in a few weeks.
Best of luck.

 

[DSNCSUN]

Why can't you apply to unlv if taking it through extension?

 

[caloc]

Why can't you apply to unlv if taking it through extension?

There's no guarantee that they'll offer the second biochem quarter in the sequence and UNLV requires 1 semester or 2 quarters of biochem