University?

[Hockey101]

So I'm in my last year of high school and considering going to university next year. I haven't really talked to many people about it so I figured some people on CP could help me out.
Just so you know, I'm thinking about going into the science faculty at the U of C for 2 year of pre-professional classes, then apply to a dentistry school.
How good do my marks have to be? So far my only completed grade 12 class was Bio 30 AP and I had an 88 in the class but after the diploma i finished with an 81. Would it be worth while to re-write the diploma or is that a good enough mark? What other things should I do to get accepted? Can I use an AP mark on the application?
Thanks for the help!

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

>So I'm in my last year of high school and considering going to university next year.<

Good choice :-)

Seriously though, the latest recession in the US has shown that the unemployment percentage for university graduates is significantly lower than high school graduates.

I would recommend applying for early admission simply because it will make life easier when trying to get into courses. I've found below the link for competitive admission, which suggests you'll need a 79-80% average for guaranteed admission to the Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences program:

http://www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/co..._admission_avg

Your Bio grade of 81 is fine and will work for you, especially if you believe you'll be able to easily maintain a similar line in your other classes. For example, if Bio is your weakest class and you think the others (Math, Physics, English) will be equal or higher, then I don't see any reason to obsess and retake the final for Bio. But if you'd like a bit of a cushion because you feel that Bio is your strongest class, then retaking it isn't a bad option. It clearly depends on your level of confidence with respect to the remaining classes.

Remember that when you're applying for admission to the U of C, it is a pretty cut and dried situation of whether your grades pass the threshold. So I would focus on those grades rather than trying to add extra-curriculars in an attempt to bolster your application.

As for getting into Dentistry or another program after entering U of C, you really just need to make sure your University grades are as high as possible. This is Capt. Obvious advice, but in my experience on our Medical school admissions committee, your undergrad grades will be front and center. And just to be clear, your high school grades won't factor into your application to apply for Dentistry, Med, or whatever. So don't freak out about your high school marks other than making sure that they get you into the UofC in the first place.

[IgnitedSoul]

Props for starting to look into this already!
(Honestly, I'm just in my first year of Uni and I procrastinated as much as humanly possible last year.)

Absolutely, you can use AP marks to apply! I also won't repeat what Flames Fan, Ph.D. has said, but will also just add this link (http://www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/alberta_nwt_nunavut) which outlines minimum requirements, as opposed to the competitive admission criteria. Not that you should lower your standards.

Also, just as a bit of a side-note (at least last year), there was a bit of controversy with the markings of the English diploma. People who got mid-90s in class and on the multiple choice portion of the diploma simultaneously received 60s on the written. Obviously that wasn't the case for everyone and it's all subjective, but it doesn't hurt to warn you about, just because many finished with a lower grade in English than they were hoping for/expecting. As can be expected, it brought down their overall averages slightly, but... just work hard and you should be fine!

[Hockey101]

Thanks so much for the info! Also about the AP mark I got a 4 in bio and a 3 in French so is that worth anything?

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

I'm not familiar with dentistry per se, but if it's anything like law or medicine, the odds of getting in without your degree are extremely low. I don't know the overall exact numbers, but I suspect it's in the low single digits. I have personally never met anyone who didn't need a degree prior to admission.

I would think that you would need a 4.0 GPA and the most glowing recommendations that anyone could get.

Again, I'm not sure if it's the same with dentistry, but I know that's the case for both law and medicine.

Best of luck with starting University!

[IgnitedSoul]

As far as AP marks are concerned, looks like the 4 counts, but the 3 won't get you any advanced credit.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/ad...cement_credits

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Originally Posted by IgnitedSoul

As far as AP marks are concerned, looks like the 4 counts, but the 3 won't get you any advanced credit.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/ad...cement_credits

In general I would advise against using advanced credit, provided it is optional.

I took IB classes throughout high school and decided to use them to opt out of taking Chem 201/203. At the time it sounded like a cool idea, but the one major pitfall is that this removes a high grade from your transcript. So if you can ace a class and get an A/A- then that helps boost your GPA whereas the credit (like the goggles) do nothing.

Obviously there is a pain associated with taking the class and going to the labs. However, if the plan is to apply to another faculty / program after two years, you'll be happy you had those two A/A- grades in Chem (or whatever).

This matters less when you're applying for programs after completing undergrad as more emphasis is placed on your senior courses of the last two years.

Final point: I did have a few friends who got into medical school after their second year of undergrad, along with some who got in after third year. If you're grades are excellent, anything is possible. I would presume this applies to dentistry as well.

[wooohooo]

So you want to enter into the wonderful world of Dentistry eh? Let me tell you, it's not gonna be easy.

If you can use AP credits, I would think for sure use them. I believe they count as an A- for university level credits. Use them if you can, it's really worth it. Unless you are super super smart and know you can get an A/A+ then don't risk it. Plus if your goal is to get in after 2 years, you will for sure need to take higher level courses to get in.

I got in and received acceptance to Dentistry after my fourth year but decided to reject it and take a whole new career path. But I'll try to give you some tips I've learnt on the process.

I had a few good friends (not Dentists) who got in after 2nd year and knew a few people on the admissions committee at U of A. So if you need more information let me know and I'll ask them for you.

You will need to basically take all the prerequisites so that means 2x physics, bio, chemistry, biochemistry, math etc. Your first two years will be a living hell as physics, bio, chemistry all have labs. Essentially you won't have a life. Getting into a graduate program is not easy. The hardest thing to do is maintain exceptional marks. Now I'm not talking about a 3.5, that won't get you anywhere these days. You will need at least a 3.8+. On top of that you have to write your Dental Aptitude Test. There's the canadian DAT and American DAT. The Canadian one has different sections (minus organic chemistry) but you have carving. You should start working/studying your DATs pretty soon. US DAT has no carving but has organic and math or something like that. To apply to Canadian schools I think you have to write the canadian dat, and not american. But for American, you can use both (but exceptions to some schools).

My marks were only in the 3.6 range but my carving I hit a perfect 30. So either you need phenomenal marks and a decently good DAT or Okay (3.5+) and a exceptional DAT. But different schools weigh it differently so might want to look into that. If I remember, UA is more GPA whereas UBC and Waterloo are more DAT.

Next you will want to have some extracurricular activities, and lab/work experience. I worked at a Dental clinic and did laboratory work. If you are granted an interview, they will most likely ask you about what you did. This is pretty important so start asking Dentists now. Also get in shadowing hours if you can. It's not looked as much in Canada but if you apply to the states, it's about a minimum of 40+ hrs.

You will also need a Letter of intent explaining why you want to do Dentistry, what made you interested. I heard this can be almost as important as your marks.

Get to know your professors very well and get a solid recommendation written up. A mediocre one won't do you much good so start talking to them and tell them you want a letter early.

If you can achieve a 3.8+ (which is ridiculously hard) and a solid DAT mark, and do all what I said above, you will surely be granted an interview. Getting into Dentistry is as competitive as Medicine now so don't think it's very easy. 10+ years ago you only really needed a 3.3 or so but times have changed. Even pharmacy you need like a 3.5.

In the interview, it'll be pretty daunting so prepare prepare prepare. Very intimidating depending on the style... MMI etc.

Well good luck, and if you have further questions let me know!

[albertGQ]

After reading this thread, I feel like a failure with my BA. Lol.

[DrJ]

TIP! Don't use your AP credits if you can afford to pay for your classes. If you use your AP credits, you DON'T get an A-/A/A+, you get credit for the course and no mark attached to it.

Take the classes that you already learned and if you are applying for a competitive program such as dentistry, you will need a high GPA and every little 3.7/3.9/4.0 will help.

Good luck!

Final thought! Don't pressure to get in after 2 years. IMO, that is very tough and life's a journey! Take your time and enjoy the process.

[calgaryfan1001]

Originally Posted by Flames Fan, Ph.D.

Final point: I did have a few friends who got into medical school after their second year of undergrad, along with some who got in after third year. If you're grades are excellent, anything is possible. I would presume this applies to dentistry as well.

I'm in my second year at the U of C looking into medicine, and after reading this part of your post had a couple of questions I hope you won't mind answering.
What kind of extracurricular activity did your friends have that got in before finishing their degrees? Was it a large amount or just little things here and there?

[Jesse834]

Originally Posted by fotze

WTF is AP?

Seems the marks have gone up since I went. It was like 65% for most things in the mid 90's

I believe it is Advanced Placement Program.

[Hockey101]

Originally Posted by fotze

WTF is AP?

Seems the marks have gone up since I went. It was like 65% for most things in the mid 90's

AP stands for Advanced Placement. It's just a course you can take in high school and they teach you advancent stuff.

[DrJ]

Originally Posted by calgaryfan1001

I'm in my second year at the U of C looking into medicine, and after reading this part of your post had a couple of questions I hope you won't mind answering.
What kind of extracurricular activity did your friends have that got in before finishing their degrees? Was it a large amount or just little things here and there?

Do the extracurriculars that you are passionate about. Too many people think they need to put in 500 hours at the hospital but you should do what you are interested in. Hopefully you are interested in health care if you want to be a doctor so yes, you may naturally gravitate to volunteering at a health-care related location but don't feel obligated and make sure you have a life!

I did a ton of random stuff, played sports, joined a varsity team and enjoyed myself. In the end, your MCAT and GPA are the largest determinants to get an interview but you need to have a well-balanced application and IMO the best way to do this is to have a well-balanced life.

There is a session on the 29th in Craigie Hall C 119 starting at 6:30. There will be lots of med students there to answer questions!

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Originally Posted by calgaryfan1001

I'm in my second year at the U of C looking into medicine, and after reading this part of your post had a couple of questions I hope you won't mind answering.
What kind of extracurricular activity did your friends have that got in before finishing their degrees? Was it a large amount or just little things here and there?

I think there are two common extra-curriculars amongst them all:

1) Working in a lab during the summers.

2) Volunteering at the hospital.


When I'm looking at med school applications, pretty much all the applicants have some form of 1 and 2 in their application. Note that these are exclusively people who have completed 4 year undergrad... i've never come across an applicant in the US who is trying to enter early. Every spring I get plenty of undergrad students who apply to work in the lab... they're basically trying to get a recommendation letter and the "worked at lab X" into their application :-)

[Jesse834]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

After reading this thread, I feel like a failure with my BA. Lol.

To make you feel any better I only have a high school diploma.

[NuclearFart]

I know more people who got into dentistry without a degree than medicine.

Definitely agree with the posters who said not to cash in your AP credits. Retake those courses to ace them and stack your CV. Because you should already know most of those courses, this will free up your time (despite an apparent "full course load") for for the more challenging courses, studying for your DAT, carving soapstone, and doing extra-curricular CV stacking things like volunteering/feeding toothless bums etc.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by fotze

WTF is AP?

Seems the marks have gone up since I went. It was like 65% for most things in the mid 90's

When I applied to UofC in 2004, I think the cut off was about 68% for computer science. I was well over that mark, but as a mature student they only looked at 4 or so courses.

[JD]

Originally Posted by fotze

WTF is AP?

Seems the marks have gone up since I went. It was like 65% for most things in the mid 90's

I'm pretty sure the minimum average was 73% back in 1994. Maybe that was just for early acceptance.

I skipped out on some first-year physics back then because I got AP credit. Looking back on it, I think I would have been better off taking the university course anyway. The high school AP program might not be teaching every concept nor will they use calculus to derive some of the concepts. These are important things to learn! But of course that was 15 years ago and might have changed!

[IgnitedSoul]

To be fair, I'm taking a physics class right now in which I've already learned everything being taught. Sure, it's easier the second time around, but I'm bored out of my mind. Could just be me, but I'd almost prefer taking a more difficult course, instead of just getting the easy credits/grade.