Where to start for pre-reqs?

[metamorphic1]

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Hi everyone,
I plan to apply to dental school and was wondering if someone could give me input on how to proceed with my pre-reqs? I already have a Bachelors (in Economics) but am wondering if it is best to go back to my state school and get a 2nd bachelors in Biology in order to fulfill my pre-reqs for dental school? Or, is it equally as sufficient to simply take the pre-reqs without getting a 2nd bachelors? I have not taken any college science courses so I'm basically starting from scratch. Please let me know what you think, thanks~!

 

[skiphotsauce]

Go to wherever is cheapest, presumably your state school, and just take the classes as a non-degree seeking student. You don't need to get a second bachelor's-- just take the pre-reqs. It's basically an informal post-bac. I did exactly that (I also had a bachelors in economics with no science classes) and it has worked out great.

Make sure you also do some shadowing. And if possible, get involved with research or working in a lab; it isn't necessary but will boost your application.

Good luck!

 

[sketo43]

I agree with skiphotsauce - you don't need a bio degree. You can join a formal post-bac program, or you can take the prereqs a la carte. If possible, try to take the classes at a 4-year university instead of a community college. I'm also a career changer - taking all the prereqs and applying for dental school is a long process, but I think it will be worth it. Good luck!

 

[peerless218]

I agree with skiphotsauce - you don't need a bio degree. You can join a formal post-bac program, or you can take the prereqs a la carte. If possible, try to take the classes at a 4-year university instead of a community college. I'm also a career changer - taking all the prereqs and applying for dental school is a long process, but I think it will be worth it. Good luck!

Major in something you REALLY enjoy and won't take up too much of your time so you can focus on the pre-reqs. I majored in Kienesiology with emphaiss in physical therapy. I actaully enjoyed my education. It was fun learning about muscles and bones and all the injuries that come with it.

 

[PaulieGualtieri]

As far as majoring, do something you enjoy but realize that a biology or chemistry major will add to the competitiveness of your application. Doing well in one of those is more impressive than majoring in something like political science or anthropology. I think bio 1 & 2 first year, chem 1&2 for second year and then o. chem 1&2 third year. That will set you up for summer before your senior year to take your DAT and you will cover your DAT courses. Spread out those classes so you can focus on them. That's my opinion anyways. good luck

 

[metamorphic1]

Thanks for all of your advice. I'm worried about cost. If I go back to get a 2nd bachelors in Biology, for example, would I really have to spend 4 more years to get it done even though I already have a bachelors degree?

 

[anschutz1913]

Thanks for all of your advice. I'm worried about cost. If I go back to get a 2nd bachelors in Biology, for example, would I really have to spend 4 more years to get it done even though I already have a bachelors degree?

well yeah, that's why you should just do the pre-reqs. save time and money😀

 

[sketo43]

I recommend doing the prereqs in 1 - 2 years (you will still have a glide year after this). Don't spend 3 years on prereqs if you already have a bachelors. There are many ways to do this depending on what part of the year you start, but to give you some ideas, here's what I did:

summer 1: chem 1 & 2
fall: bio 1, ochem 1, physics 1
spring: bio 2, ochem 2, physics 2
summer 2: take DAT and apply
glide year: interviews, take biochem and any other random prereqs, and wait

If you really want a bio degree, then do it. But it's not going to improve your chances of admission. You don't need a major, you already did that. My advice is to just take the classes you need.

In deciding where to take your classes, I would go somewhere that's not too expensive but that has rigorous classes that will prepare you for the DAT.

 

[customx]

I have a business degree and will be taking the pre-reqs starting this march. If you want to save time and money, you should just take the pre-reqs as a non-degree seeking student. Here is my schedule

2010
Spring: Chemistry, Biology , Physics
Summer: Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Autumn: Chemistry , Biology , Physiology and Biophysics

2011
Winter: Ochem, Physics , Pre-calculus
Spring: Ochem,, DPHS , Calculus
Summer: Ochem,, Microbiology
Autumn: Biochemistry, Microbiology

2012
Winter: Biochemistry, Introductory Genetics


I plan to take the DAT in August or September of 2011 and apply for 2012.

 

[Kkae]

Hi everyone,
I plan to apply to dental school and was wondering if someone could give me input on how to proceed with my pre-reqs? I already have a Bachelors (in Economics) but am wondering if it is best to go back to my state school and get a 2nd bachelors in Biology in order to fulfill my pre-reqs for dental school? Or, is it equally as sufficient to simply take the pre-reqs without getting a 2nd bachelors? I have not taken any college science courses so I'm basically starting from scratch. Please let me know what you think, thanks~!

U certainly do not need to get a second BS! Dental Schools accept anyone from any major just as long as the pre-reqs for dental school is fulfilled. I have a blog designated to provide information of this sort to pre-dents. Here is the link: http://stu-dentdiaries.blogspot.com/

Hope it helps!

 

[Mschoppers]

Can one get financial aid if youve already used federal aid for an undergrad? Ive got a BS and an MS in Biology, but I have to take some pre reqs (organic, physics, biochem) and Im wondering if the feds give money for that...anyone know?