Taking as many upper science classes as possible?

[briansle]

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Hi,I have a question whether it is a good idea to take lots of upper div sciences classes even though i might only end up with a B in them. Will schools understand that my lower GPA is due to taking harder science classes? For example i just finished biochem, mobio, and o-chem and got B's in all of them. 🙁 Is it a good idea to take genetics, anatomy, microbio, and physio next year? I really enjoy science classes but can't seem to get an A.
Or should i take easier non-science related classes to boost my GPA?

 

[wimmcs]

I'm actually planning on doing just that. I'm not afraid of getting B's... as I think adcoms want to see you taking risks and taking hard science courses prior to entering their school. I'm done with most of my pre-reqs... next semester I'm taking Biochem, Microbio and Cell Bio. In researching lots of dental school's websites I found the classes that they "desire" and that's why I picked what I will be taking. Don't be afraid to take risks as you will be better prepared when you enter dental school with having some of that knowledge under your belt. Good luck!

 

[ecdoesit]

I think you should find out why you "cant seem to get an A." You should come up with a study plan to boost ur grade. Change your studying habit, maybe. Is your grade due to taking too much workload? Adcom wants to see a person who knows his/her limit and avoid overload. Sticking with science wont be that bad. Dental sch is nothing but science courses. With the additional sci courses, you will be less overwhelmed in dental sch.

 

[natush]

Hi,I have a question whether it is a good idea to take lots of upper div sciences classes even though i might only end up with a B in them. Will schools understand that my lower GPA is due to taking harder science classes? For example i just finished biochem, mobio, and o-chem and got B's in all of them. 🙁 Is it a good idea to take genetics, anatomy, microbio, and physio next year? I really enjoy science classes but can't seem to get an A.
Or should i take easier non-science related classes to boost my GPA?

I think it is very important to take many science classes per term, but getting Bs could significantly damage your GPA. I think that you should shoot for at least B+ or A-. My experience was different. I started very slow( taking only one or two general classes the first year in college) and (of course) getting As, my second year I was taking 9-10 credits. Well, it was not really my choice(because of family problems), but the third year I took three science classes per term(org. chem., anatomy and physics). All of them were with labs. It was hard but by this time I was so used to getting As and I've got good studying habits taking only few classes a term. So, by the time applying to dental school, I had a very good GPA(3.95), and at the same time I had one and a half years of being full time and taking hard science classes. So, maybe it is a good idea to start slowly.
Good luck. 🙂

 

[SloppyJoe]

When taking upper division classes, take the Big 5

Anatomy
Physiology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Histology


other than that, you don't really have to worry about.

 

[HBomb]

I think you should find out why you "cant seem to get an A." You should come up with a study plan to boost ur grade. Change your studying habit, maybe. Is your grade due to taking too much workload? Adcom wants to see a person who knows his/her limit and avoid overload. Sticking with science wont be that bad. Dental sch is nothing but science courses. With the additional sci courses, you will be less overwhelmed in dental sch.

I'm with Eric on this one. You need to find ways to get A's in all your classes including core science classes. Really think critically about why you aren't pulling the A. If you get B's, you can get A's...you'll have to work harder to get them, but you can.

On a side note, IMO, GPA is more important to adcoms than difficulty of coursework. Again, that's just what I think.

 

[ecdoesit]

Somewhat it is sad that GPA is such an important factor, DAT as well. This may not be the perfect system to estimate someone's potential, but if someone has done extremely well in undergradate, he/she is more likely to bring along that studying skill to get through graduate school. It wont be easy for anyone of us. Just remember your effort is rewarding at the end. There is no right or wrong approach to ur situation, as long as you think thru, have a plan, and enjoy what u r doing.

If you have additional questions, feel free to reply here or pm me.

p.s.
Maybe forming a study group with motivated people will be helpful.

 

[briansle]

Thanks for the solid advice Ecdoesit, I'm just going to stick with what I enjoy, which are upper division biology classes.

I guess I'll just do my best and whatever happens - happens.
Live life with No regrets

 

[LibertyB]

GPA is more important that coursework. Think about it, schools look at two things before putting you into the preliminary yes, no and maybe piles: your GPA and your DAT scores.

Deep down we like to think that schools give every applicant a fair and honest chance, but with the increasing number of applicants, it is unrealistic to think that every app package is viewed with the same scrutiny.

That's my $.02... 😳

LibertyB

 

[Thaxil]

Keep up your GPA. It is a good idea to take as many sci classes as possible, but do not sacrifice your GPA. Maybe you could take only two hard sci courses with a non-sci. I am with LibertyB, school look primarily at GPA and DAT; all other stuff is most likely not looked at before a decision is made on your application.

 

[briansle]

Is what Thaxil said really true? I mean lets say I have a 3.0 but I've taken microbio, anatomy, biochem, physio, and gentics. And the other applicant is an english major who has a 3.3 but has only taken the basic requirements. Does that eng major actually have a better chance of gettin into dental school than me, considering all other things(DAT.. etc) are equal?
That's really seems cheap to me, I mean I basically took the hard road and he took the easy one. Yet he's the one that is rewarded in the end.