Wow, I'm pretty surprised this thread is still going, definitely took a turn for the worst. I will never understand the students who bash other students and schools to get over their own inferiority complex. Good thing there are more students like Gavin, Rezdawg, fruity trident etc. who respond with useful and positive information as oppose to the garbage that Gundam spits out.
I have been honored to have the opportunity to ask this very question as a pre-dental student (Tufts vs. Columbia vs. UCSF vs. USC and why) to the greatest names in this profession. I have talked one on one about it to Dr. Dugoni (Dean of all Deans-Pacific), the CDA president (Dr. Webb), former ADA president (Dr. Sekiguchi), Dr. Slavkin (Dean of USC), Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Alexander (UCSF), Dr. DeRossi (UPENN), Dr. Chapman and Mark Gonthier (Tufts), Dr. McManus (Columbia), Dr. Tansey and Dr. Lugo (Dean of Temple), Dr. Bibbs (UCLA), Dr. Buchanan (Dean Buffalo), Dr. Yarborough (Pacific) etc., etc.. I have researched these schools as much as you possibly can and after talking about it to all these knowledgeable figures it is clear that it is really which school/city that you feel will fit you best. Everyone had their own different answers and perspectives. Money wasn't an issue and I strongly entertain the idea of specializing (I know it is difficult to say now, but have had tons of exposure so far), and I have always said that dental school will give me the opportunity to check out the East Coast (I have always wanted to live in NYC), SO I CHOSE COLUMBIA. I know I will have the best experience there and the most fun. I also don't frown upon the GPR and AEGD factor because after talking to Dr. Dugoni and Dr. Webb (CDA president) it will be mandatory to do a post graduate residency if you want to practice in the State of California (as it will be in NY). I know that columbia isn't the strongest clinical school, but will give me a great opportunity to specialize with the experience of a lifetime (no one can argue the point that there is no city like NYC). This is the Best Decision for Me and obviously not for everyone.
I truly believe that Tufts and UCSF are arguably the best all around schools in the country, believe me it was a tough decision. I also do believe for what I have seen and talked to (Couldn't believe it but Dean Tansey at Temple called me and we talked for about thirty minutes over the phone a month ago), the best clinical school in the Country is Temple. There is no reason to BASH other schools and get into the childish, "My school is better than yours debate." All the schools are good and anyone will get out what they put in. This is the competitive attitude that most students wanted to get away from as an undergraduate. These forums are to answer each other's questions and to help each other out. Most of the responses to this thread were a waste of each other's times. It is clear who will be playing the "cut throat" game to further their own status next year. I'm glad you didn't choose Columbia Gundam, your childish attitude would not make it. To put so much time into putting other students down on this forum, shows the pathetic person you are. The amount of time you spend on SDN putting others down shows the type of life (or lack there of) you are living Also your whole "I chose Tufts because my dentist graduated from Tufts and he is rich and I want to be rich to so I chose tufts as well" argument is purely comical. It sounds like something my seven year old cousin would say. There are many people from every dental school who have tremendous success, don't go to Tufts becasue your dentist told you to do so, son. If you want to listen to everyone else, become a dental assistant. With all your posts it is amazing to me that you are old enough to be in College. Lets take this one for instance.
Are you kidding me "you probably are a loser anyways," that is elementary school man. This threat that you are making here I will take seriously. I have two very close buddy's (like brothers) from San Diego who will be in your class next year at Tufts and one who is currently a first year at Tufts. If you spit any more threats like this out, hiding behind your computer, I will make sure you will not make it through orientation week. They will make your life at Tufts a living Hell. I will also be visitng them on Labor Day weekend, I'll make sure it is done Son. I am not playing around with you, I am not a 20 year old computer geek who throws out threats because you don't think you can be tracked down. Do not respond to this with a remark to look tough in front of the SDN community, this is no joke. If you change your anti-social attitude, I will have my buddy's help you find a date for your lonely nights in Boston (instead of your inevitable weekend nights with your computer).
Quietguy, I don't know why you had to lower yourself and jump on his senseless bandwagon. I got into many shcools including yours with a 3.2, that defense doesn't hold up. I partied my butt off the first 2 years and achieved a whopping 2.5. I then aced the classes (mostly science) my last two years. Even though your stats are off, numbers don't mean everything. I have had real dental exposure and made a difference as a pre-dental student that most of the professionals have told me is unheard of. Don't bash a school because they look at a student's overall package as oppose to a number (that is one thing I admired about UCSF). Quietguy, You have good grades to get over your lack of personality (your name definitely fits). Sounds like you need to have a 4.0 because you haven't learned how to interact with people yet. Hopefully it will happen in time. I stayed at the Psi Omega Fraternity house at UCSF a couple times, they were definitely some cool dudes. Maybe they can help you out at UCSF with your Problem
Bottom Line all the dental schools are great and have there own strengths. We are collectively entering a profession to make a difference and achieve success, Let SDN serve its purpose. I chose Columbia, thanks for the USEFUL information. This thread is DONE
