Pacific vs UPenn (w HPSPs)

[DATtestTho]

Im currently lost at what I should do. I have been accepted to Upenn and UoP, and have a 4 Yr Army HPSP as well as a 3 and 4 Yr Navy HPSP. I dont see any real wrong answers in my scenario, but having choices is leading me to the point of just flipping a coin so Id love some input to add to the pot.

Pacific- Love the school, 3 years, everything brand new, extremely friendly students and humanistic approach, invisalign certification and no residents to jack good cases, expensive but west coast, intimidating curriculum leading to 7am-9pm days.

UPenn- The name, cheaper cost of living, being on a campus with so many brilliant minds (and things like campus pride and sporting events), potential to specialize, less hectic compared so can learn instead of cram (better for boards), will have to work a bit for patients, old facilities (dungeon) but up to date technology/ virtual reality simulators, externships around the country, connections, arguably more enjoyable 4 years

As I'm fortunate enough to have the HPSPs, cost is a minor issue. If I were to go to Pacific, I would need to take out like an extra 800 a month so I can live in a location close to school. If I go to Penn, Id be essentially getting 1100 a month after rent due to it being cheaper, and I can live a block from the school.

When it comes down to it, by year 8
Pacific (3 yrs) + 3 Years Navy (62k x 3)+ 2 years working (100k hopefully)~$360,000 made
UPenn (4 Years with extra $ a month and 20k signing bonus)+ 4 Years Navy or Army (62k)~$280-300k

The logical choice is Pacific for the clinical experience and less time, but my gut is saying UPenn for a more enjoyable time at school and specializing.

Any thoughts???

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[dyesht]

Go with the gut feeling.

 

[BrazilianRider]

I'd go UPenn... with price not an issue, I'd go to that Ivy!

 

[StumpMT]

Flip a coin. You'll have your answer as soon as the coin is in the air.

 

[deleted659902]

Im currently lost at what I should do. I have been accepted to Upenn and UoP, and have a 4 Yr Army HPSP as well as a 3 and 4 Yr Navy HPSP. I dont see any real wrong answers in my scenario, but having choices is leading me to the point of just flipping a coin so Id love some input to add to the pot.

Pacific- Love the school, 3 years, everything brand new, extremely friendly students and humanistic approach, invisalign certification and no residents to jack good cases, expensive but west coast, intimidating curriculum leading to 7am-9pm days.

UPenn- The name, cheaper cost of living, being on a campus with so many brilliant minds (and things like campus pride and sporting events), potential to specialize, less hectic compared so can learn instead of cram (better for boards), will have to work a bit for patients, old facilities (dungeon) but up to date technology/ virtual reality simulators, externships around the country, connections, arguably more enjoyable 4 years

As I'm fortunate enough to have the HPSPs, cost is a minor issue. If I were to go to Pacific, I would need to take out like an extra 800 a month so I can live in a location close to school. If I go to Penn, Id be essentially getting 1100 a month after rent due to it being cheaper, and I can live a block from the school.

When it comes down to it, by year 8
Pacific (3 yrs) + 3 Years Navy (62k x 3)+ 2 years working (100k hopefully)~$360,000 made
UPenn (4 Years with extra $ a month and 20k signing bonus)+ 4 Years Navy or Army (62k)~$280-300k

The logical choice is Pacific for the clinical experience and less time, but my gut is saying UPenn for a more enjoyable time at school and specializing.

Any thoughts???

I just read the title, but this is an easy one: UPenn.

Not many people can say they went to an Ivy League dental school (for free). Not only will it be an ego booster to attend UPenn, but it will also allow you to make some life long connections with people with impressive backgrounds. Who knows what kind of opportunities those connections will provide later?

 

[StumpMT]

^^^ This

 

[jeffity]

I cast my vote for Penn. It's no Yale, but it's still legit.

 

[BeaverLover]

I'd go to UPenn but its ultimately your own decision

 

[DATtestTho]

To throw in, Im from California. I would have west coast connections with going to Pacific. I would have hurdles to get through to come from UPenn and practice in CA.

Likewise, no one knows where their dentists went to school. And Pacific has a very impressive private practice curriculum while UPenn just has a few extra classes you can take. If I dont make it as a specialist, I dont think Id be as good of a general dentist coming from Upenn (have to refer more things out). Again, military years might help me hone my skills. Lots of variables that I just dont know.

 

[BrazilianRider]

I'm changing my vote to UOP... 3 years of school = 3 years out... total of 6 years, vs. 8 years at UPenn...

 

[Incis0r]

I agree with @BrazilianRider , as always.

BTW, CONGRATS on the scholarships and acceptances, you awesome pre-dent you.

 

[watermelon15]

I still think UPenn...You get much more vs Pacific

 

[pinklax]

First of all, congrats! I don't know much about Pacific but you mentioned having a more enjoyable time at Penn.. not sure I would count on that. They said there are approximately 1-2 exams per week in the first year, and the students seemed pretty burnt out. The lack of patients is also a huge downfall.. just my impression though! Does location matter at all to you/ being that far from home? I believe Navy/Army has all the specialties so I would imagine you shouldn't have a problem matching from either school. Best of luck with your decision!

 

[Screwtape]

I'll throw in a vote for Pacific, I'm actually surprised how many people are voting for penn but it seems to be mostly predents... To me the 3+3 year pay back for 6 years and debt free from pacific is awesome compared to the 4+4 for 8 years at penn. IMO those 2 years make pacific way more desireable, but that's just me. Good luck.

 

[xatlasb]

I'm a Navy HPSP at pacific now and would 100% vote for Pacific. You can't beat 3 years of school with only 3 years active duty payback, it's too good of a steal to let go.

There's a reason we have 11 Navy HPSP first years at Pacific this year.

 

[GD26]

Why do some think penn has a poor patient pool? I thought it was pretty good being in philly...

And for what it's worth, penn is supposedly doing a major renovation starting spring 2015 or so. New library, new preclinic, and new clinic amongst other things. I literally know nothing about pacific or the area you hope to practice, but in the wealthy suburbs of Philly, the penn name goes a long way amongst the local doctors and stuck up community

 

[LaughingGas]

UOP. Time is $$. Also, you can't beat the Cali weather.

 

[ajj70]

Look at it this way, if you put $60,000 into a retirement account at age 28 and do nothing more, assuming an average growth, you will have almost $80,000 MORE in your account vs putting that same $60,000 in at age 30. The sooner you start your practice, the sooner you can retire. Even with the higher cost at Pacific, you do still come out ahead in the long run. One factor that is unknown to us right now, however, are housing costs for the time spent in the Army. Is there a stipend for that or how will that work? If so, how much is that? That stipend could offset a good portion of the cost difference. Another facet to consider is the possibility of staying with the Army long enough to qualify for a pension and then start your own practice. We have several MD friends that have done that and it works out quite well financially.

 

[flossboss24]

Honestly, its going to come down to the school you really like that you will enjoy. Personally, if I was in your circumstance, I would choose Penn. My reasoning is since you are from California, why not try a new experience? Granted, working for the Navy/Army will give you many new experiences, you have the option, go to a new environment, create new experiences.

 

[free99]

I'm with xatlasb, three years of schooling combined with only a three year service commitment would be tough to pass up. If somehow you were absolutely certain you wanted to specialize, then the pendulum might swing towards Penn on account of their largely P/F grading scheme. Either way, neither is a bad choice. Good luck in school and congrats!

 

[plumerias]

I'm from Philly and as much as I love my city, I'd choose UOP in a heartbeat. 6 years vs 8 is pretty significant and both schools are great.

Why do you think you'd have a better time at Penn? It's supposed to snow 3 inches today... just sayin. Haha. If you have any questions about philly feel free to PM me.

Why do some think penn has a poor patient pool? I thought it was pretty good being in philly...

And for what it's worth, penn is supposedly doing a major renovation starting spring 2015 or so. New library, new preclinic, and new clinic amongst other things. I literally know nothing about pacific or the area you hope to practice, but in the wealthy suburbs of Philly, the penn name goes a long way amongst the local doctors and stuck up community

I think cause Temple is known to be the more clinical school in the city and Penn is more didactic and research concentrated. I don't think I'd consider them having a poor patient pool though.. And you're right about Penn and the snobby suburbs.

 

[DATtestTho]

Thanks for all the input guys. Im still pretty torn, I have till next week or so to make a decision. Im trying to justify 6 years vs 8 years to myself. While I dont feel the need to rush through D school, Im hoping I dont regret that statement come year 3 when my Pacific buddies are graduating...

 

[herkulis]

If you won't specialize, I would choose Pacific. If you plan to specialize, I would compare the specialization/matching rates of the graduation classes between 2 schools, and probably choose Penn if the difference is significant in the specialty you are aiming for (otherwise, still Pacific). Since HPSP takes care of school's costs, I would examine the time basis and not necessarily the $ basis, unless you have already decided to be a GP. Basically you have 2 yrs of free time vs an Ivy name. Those 2 yrs of free time can be translated into $ working as a GP or letting you specialize sooner. Besides giving increased chance of specialization, an Ivy name also helps if you like working in academics.

 

[tbiv21]

I would chose Pacific because of the years as well. Even if you wanted to specialize you could do a 1 year aegd or gpr to boost your credentials to get more experience and still be a year ahead. If you wanted to just be a GP then you could start a practice two years sooner. Also I just prefer the west coast.

 

[DentalDoge]

Really depends on how much you want to specialize.

If you do, UPenn.
If not, UoP.

ezpz

 

[LFA20]

Penn because..

1) less stressful (4 vs 3 years) 3) ; one year of graduating early is not worth the stress in my opinion
2) better name (nice to look back after graduation)


congrats. Consider yourself very fortunate to be in this position...

 

[hongbinbaneben]

Congrats man. I would choose Upenn for sure.

 

[sskater]

JOIN ME AT PACIFIC!!!!

Use those extra years out of dental school to specialize or work earlier!

 

[Bis-GMA111]

if you take the HPSP, you're probably gonna have a tougher time specializing right off the bat. yeah they take fresh grads, but they also take senior officers into consideration as well. i feel like specializing is more in your control if you choose the civilian route after Penn. if you go pacific---forget about specializing..the odds aren't in your favor.

Im currently lost at what I should do. I have been accepted to Upenn and UoP, and have a 4 Yr Army HPSP as well as a 3 and 4 Yr Navy HPSP. I dont see any real wrong answers in my scenario, but having choices is leading me to the point of just flipping a coin so Id love some input to add to the pot.

Pacific- Love the school, 3 years, everything brand new, extremely friendly students and humanistic approach, invisalign certification and no residents to jack good cases, expensive but west coast, intimidating curriculum leading to 7am-9pm days.

UPenn- The name, cheaper cost of living, being on a campus with so many brilliant minds (and things like campus pride and sporting events), potential to specialize, less hectic compared so can learn instead of cram (better for boards), will have to work a bit for patients, old facilities (dungeon) but up to date technology/ virtual reality simulators, externships around the country, connections, arguably more enjoyable 4 years

As I'm fortunate enough to have the HPSPs, cost is a minor issue. If I were to go to Pacific, I would need to take out like an extra 800 a month so I can live in a location close to school. If I go to Penn, Id be essentially getting 1100 a month after rent due to it being cheaper, and I can live a block from the school.

When it comes down to it, by year 8
Pacific (3 yrs) + 3 Years Navy (62k x 3)+ 2 years working (100k hopefully)~$360,000 made
UPenn (4 Years with extra $ a month and 20k signing bonus)+ 4 Years Navy or Army (62k)~$280-300k

The logical choice is Pacific for the clinical experience and less time, but my gut is saying UPenn for a more enjoyable time at school and specializing.

Any thoughts???

 

[DATtestTho]

Now tell me if this is just silly, but check this out. I made the Pacific FB group Dec 1st. Since then accepted students have been joining. There is like 1 D student from Pacific in there answering questions once in a while. UPenn had its students make the group before Dec 1st. Since then there have been like 30 of them answering like every possible question anyone can think of asking. Kind of gives some insight to the classes overall helpfulness to us fresh fish... But hey I could be going crazy.

 

[sskater]

Now tell me if this is just silly, but check this out. I made the Pacific FB group Dec 1st. Since then accepted students have been joining. There is like 1 D student from Pacific in there answering questions once in a while. UPenn had its students make the group before Dec 1st. Since then there have been like 30 of them answering like every possible question anyone can think of asking. Kind of gives some insight to the classes overall helpfulness to us fresh fish... But hey I could be going crazy.

I'm part of the UOP FB group too but I don't think there's a huge influx of questions going in it but there are current students in the group who have reached out to us if we had any questions and I have friends in there who have been extremely resourceful!

I think now you might be overthinking it

 

[DATtestTho]

Not the same though. They are posting places for us to live, bios about themselves, compiling lists of students who were torn between whatever schools and why they chose Penn, posting sample schedules, etc...Super Super helpful

 

[Incis0r]

Now tell me if this is just silly, but check this out. I made the Pacific FB group Dec 1st. Since then accepted students have been joining. There is like 1 D student from Pacific in there answering questions once in a while. UPenn had its students make the group before Dec 1st. Since then there have been like 30 of them answering like every possible question anyone can think of asking. Kind of gives some insight to the classes overall helpfulness to us fresh fish... But hey I could be going crazy.

Not even in Dental School and already researching the student body? You better have IRB approval .

 

[DATtestTho]

Hey @Incis0r , I have to see these people for the next 3/4 years. Id prefer being part of a fun class that is helpful, and knows how to study hard/play hard. I want to not have to think of dental stuff 24/7. Just noting my observations of what the students are doing for us.

 

[xatlasb]

It sounds like you have your mind set on Penn, so go there and have a great time

 

[Incis0r]

Hey @Incis0r , I have to see these people for the next 3/4 years. Id prefer being part of a fun class that is helpful, and knows how to study hard/play hard. I want to not have to think of dental stuff 24/7. Just noting my observations of what the students are doing for us.

Haha I hear you. I wish I were going to dental school with you- you seem like an amazing person.

It sounds like you have your mind set on Penn, so go there and have a great time

That's what it's all about, man. Life's too short to make compromises.

 

[kerfufle]

I don't understand you east coast peeps obsession with Ivy League schools, UoP is a no brainier in my opinion. This isn't medical school your patients won't care, but if you're dead set on specializing then UPenn is probably a better choice, but of course that could change at any time.

Now tell me if this is just silly, but check this out. I made the Pacific FB group Dec 1st. Since then accepted students have been joining. There is like 1 D student from Pacific in there answering questions once in a while. UPenn had its students make the group before Dec 1st. Since then there have been like 30 of them answering like every possible question anyone can think of asking. Kind of gives some insight to the classes overall helpfulness to us fresh fish... But hey I could be going crazy.

To this point I spent the day at UoP after my interview with my cousin who is currently a D1 there. You will not find a more unified student body, everyone studies together and works together really well. I was there most of the night while they studied and it made me really excited to attend. I ended up changing plans due to some unforeseen circumstances but I wouldn't want you to make a decision based on the facebook thing because they were the most united student body I saw at any interview, but they are definitely very busy.

 

[cl4]

Not the same though. They are posting places for us to live, bios about themselves, compiling lists of students who were torn between whatever schools and why they chose Penn, posting sample schedules, etc...Super Super helpful

I'm glad you find it helpful! Let us know if you have more questions =)