Is it better to specialize in something like biochem or genetics and molecular biology in 2nd year or just life sciences II? I want to apply to med or dental school. Should i set my first year courses so I can pick either of them, just in case? Thanks

Originally Posted by sniper96

Is it better to specialize in something like biochem or genetics and molecular biology in 2nd year or just life sciences II? I want to apply to med or dental school. Should i set my first year courses so I can pick either of them, just in case? Thanks

There is not one program that is universally "better". There are pros and cons of each. That's a decision you need to make on your own. It's also not a decision you should make before even starting university.

I would think that it is prudent to keep as many doors open as possible, but I know not everyone agrees with that.

You don’t even need to major in science to apply to med school, but having a science background will obviously help you out. At the end of the day one of the most important things is having a high GPA so a general program like life sic might help you there. It really depends on where you are comfortable, you might do better grades-wise in a specialization whereas others will struggle going that route.
I think you should just take courses that interest you as well as ones that will, as starfish said, keep the most doors open for you. Many second-year science programs have overlapping pre-reqs so you have that in your favour.

Originally Posted by sniper96

Is it better to specialize in something like biochem or genetics and molecular biology in 2nd year or just life sciences II? I want to apply to med or dental school. Should i set my first year courses so I can pick either of them, just in case? Thanks

Med school is not a guarantee. Pick a specialization!