What should I take this summer?

[Kef318]

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I'm a second semester freshman at Pitt. I began college as a nursing student and realized that it wasn't for me. Now that I've switched to biology and want to attend dental school, I'm a semester behind in my pre-req. Since I don't want to push it with 18 credits each semester in order to catch up, I was thinking of taking bio 2 and chem 2 this summer at Pitt. Aside from the expense, is there any reason I should not do this?

I know that I should apply to dental schools between junior and senior year. Generally speaking, what classes should I have completed prior to my senior year?

Thanks...you are all so helpful!

 

[youknowthedrill]

The Dental Admissions Test covers general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, math, reading comprehension, and it also has a perceptual ability section. Since you have to take the DAT before you apply, you should complete 2 semesters of: general biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry plus as many upper level biology classes as possible. In addition, you will need to complete 2 semesters of physics before you can start dental school, but it is not tested on the DAT. Some dental schools also require or strongly suggest that you take other classes such as microbiology or biochemistry but they can be taken you senior year.

 

[Brostie]

Also you should take Genetics/Anatomy&physiology

But to answer your question...No I dont think there is anything wrong with your plan. If you are not too concerned with the expense, do what you can to space out your sciences so that you are not taking to many at the same time. If you load up with to many sciences in a semester you are less likely to do well (obviously).

also you stated "I'm a semester behind in my pre-req."
Dont look at it as being behind, this should not give you any stress (besides the added expense)
If your goal is to get into dental school and extra year in school will not mean much financial as compared to the expense of dental school.
Also, schools are not going to look down on the fact that you took extra time to graduate. Infact, schools will respect the fact that you switched majors and decided that nursing wasnt for you (included this in your personal statments when it comes time).

Long story short, dont stress, your not "behind" , keep your science GPA over a 3.4 do well on the DAT and your Golden.