Engineering degrees to dental or law school ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential pathways from engineering degrees to dental or law school, exploring the relevance of an engineering background for these fields. Participants share personal experiences and insights regarding the value of engineering education in relation to dental and law school admissions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about remaining in engineering for their entire careers and consider the possibility of transitioning to dental or law school.
  • It is noted that law schools appreciate the analytical skills of engineers, with some arguing that this background can be advantageous, particularly in fields like patent law.
  • Participants mention that dental schools have similarities to medical schools in terms of coursework and that an engineering degree is generally viewed positively, provided other requirements are met.
  • Concerns are raised about whether a civil engineering background may provide a weaker foundation compared to other engineering disciplines for law or dental school, with some suggesting that it depends on the individual.
  • There is a discussion about the perceived rigor of different engineering disciplines, with a suggestion that mechanical or electrical engineering may be viewed as more rigorous than civil engineering in the context of law school.
  • Participants agree that engineering degrees typically involve more quantitative courses than science degrees, which may bolster their standing in admissions processes for dental and law schools.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the advantages of engineering degrees for dental and law school, with some supporting the idea that engineering is beneficial while others question the relevance of specific engineering disciplines. The discussion remains unresolved on certain points, particularly regarding the comparative foundation provided by different engineering fields.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that neither dental nor law school directly builds on any specific undergraduate major, indicating that while certain courses may be beneficial, many majors can succeed in these fields.

a_man
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I want to know if anyone has entered dental or law school aftr their Bachelor degrees of any engineering.

I want to finish my engineering degrees because it is something that I have started but I am not sure if I want to stay in engineering for my entire life. And I think that if I am smart enough to study engineering, I have the intellectual potential to get into dental or law school.

Please let me hear from you.
 
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I have friends in dental and law school now. Law schools, at least, very much like engineers and appreciate the analytical skills. Patent law is one area in which engineers have a very clear advantage. Business schools and many employers outside of engineering also value engineering more highly than any other major.

Pretty much everything you hear about med school applies to dental school. Some of the top dental schools are parts of med schools and med and dental students can take all of the same core courses for two years. Med schools appreciate the engineering degree as long as you meet all of the other requirements. Overall they aren't too picky about major though, so it won't earn you too many points. It certainly will not harm you though.
 
kote said:
I have friends in dental and law school now. Law schools, at least, very much like engineers and appreciate the analytical skills. Patent law is one area in which engineers have a very clear advantage. Business schools and many employers outside of engineering also value engineering more highly than any other major.

Pretty much everything you hear about med school applies to dental school. Some of the top dental schools are parts of med schools and med and dental students can take all of the same core courses for two years. Med schools appreciate the engineering degree as long as you meet all of the other requirements. Overall they aren't too picky about major though, so it won't earn you too many points. It certainly will not harm you though.

But would someone who studied something like civil engineering have a weaker foundation than science students, even the engineering student has taken required courses, or is it really depends on the person ?
 
a_man said:
But would someone who studied something like civil engineering have a weaker foundation than science students, even the engineering student has taken required courses, or is it really depends on the person ?

Civil would be much less relevant to patent law than mechanical or electrical, etc. Honestly other types of engineering are considered more rigorous and analytical if you are considering something outside of civil engineering itself. It's still an accredited engineering degree though (I'm assuming).

Engineering degrees require more quantitative courses than science degrees, so on average engineering is not at all considered weaker. Neither dental or law school build directly on any undergraduate major. Bio and chem and all of that good stuff helps in dental school, but beyond the minimums it isn't all that relevant. Other majors do just fine and are not at a disadvantage.
 
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