UTSD (Houston) vs Texas Tech (El Paso)

[shouldvebeenamodel]

I was blown away by both UTSD and Texas Tech, and would like students from either schools explain why they chose their school, and whether they would make the same choice with what they know now.

UTSD
Pros:
- established program
- lived in Houston and have some roots there
- "family oriented" and not toxic class culture
- community service opportunities
- has opportunities after graduation
- diversity
- 98% of class passes their boards
Cons:
- located in Houston (weather and traffic sucks)
- COA is more expensive
- htx is oversaturated with dentistry

Texas Tech
Pros:
- seeing patients in D1
- P/F
- Spanish will be integrated (always wanted to learn)
- El Paso is a small town and lacks oral care in general
- more clinical experience
- will be able to make a difference in an underserved region
- cheaper (not by much)
Cons:
- uncertainty with pass rates of boards
- lacks diversity
- new school and trying to establish things as they go

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Boat on the Chesapeake]

How much more expensive is Houston with cost of living factored in? Houston is a significantly more established school, more alumni connections, etc and should be reasonably priced still. Also a city like Houston has more to do if you’re young and/or trying to find a partner.

 

[hopefuldentist0613]

houston traffic isn't that bad and you'll probably be in class when there is a majority of traffic.

 

[macsak]

I was blown away by both UTSD and Texas Tech, and would like students from either schools explain why they chose their school, and whether they would make the same choice with what they know now.

UTSD
Pros:
- established program
- lived in Houston and have some roots there
- "family oriented" and not toxic class culture
- community service opportunities
- has opportunities after graduation
- diversity
- 98% of class passes their boards
Cons:
- located in Houston (weather and traffic sucks)
- COA is more expensive
- htx is oversaturated with dentistry

Texas Tech
Pros:
- seeing patients in D1
- P/F
- Spanish will be integrated (always wanted to learn)
- El Paso is a small town and lacks oral care in general
- more clinical experience
- will be able to make a difference in an underserved region
- cheaper (not by much)
Cons:
- uncertainty with pass rates of boards
- lacks diversity
- new school and trying to establish things as they go

where do you want to practice when you graduate?
which school is closer to friends/family?

 

[shouldvebeenamodel]

How much more expensive is Houston with cost of living factored in? Houston is a significantly more established school, more alumni connections, etc and should be reasonably priced still. Also a city like Houston has more to do if you’re young and/or trying to find a partner.

A couple thousands of dollars because the coa in Houston is higher but they have housing unlike El Paso where I would have to commute. I agree that Houston is an amazing school and the city has so much to offer, which is why I am leaning towards it. My parents think I should go to El Paso because its "quiet and has less distractions".

 

[shouldvebeenamodel]

where do you want to practice when you graduate?
which school is closer to friends/family?

Not sure exactly where I want to practice because Houston is extremely oversaturated, but I don't think I want to practice in El Paso tbh. Family and friends are closer to Houston.

 

[shouldvebeenamodel]

houston traffic isn't that bad and you'll probably be in class when there is a majority of traffic.

Yeah I used to live in Houston for a couple of years. I'm hoping to get a place near the school or get housing so that I wouldn't have to deal with it much.