USC vs Loma Linda vs Midwestern

Master of Sci · Dec 16, 2009

I received acceptances at these three on December 1st and I'm still trying to make my decision (have about 30 more days to decide). I'm working on getting HPSP with the Air Force, but it is very competitive this year. I've heard that USC is the most expensive school in the country, which is definitely a downside if I don't get into the military.

Other than cost, I have a large list of pros and cons about each school, but I'm looking for additional opinions about things such as friendliness of faculty/staff, ease of getting patients (scheduling, availability of chairs), and student satisfaction with the program.

Any opinions are appreciated...

supraeli · Dec 17, 2009

i doubt most people are in the exact same situation as you, so no one is going to be able to contrast the schools as well as you... however, people may offer individual opinions on the schools... since you already have a list of pros and cons, why dont you post that, so people can see your POV more clearly?

Master of Sci · Dec 17, 2009

supraeli said:
i doubt most people are in the exact same situation as you, so no one is going to be able to contrast the schools as well as you... however, people may offer individual opinions on the schools... since you already have a list of pros and cons, why dont you post that, so people can see your POV more clearly?

For the most part, I just want individual info about the schools. Don't want anyone to compare them. Just any pluses or minuses about the school. For example, I've heard rumors that graduation times have been a problem at USC. I called Brian Steele (head of admissions) and asked him about it, and he said a few years ago there was a problem but in the most recent years, graduation rates have been over 90%.

So any information, good or bad, about any of the three schools would be appreciated.

ucla2134 · Dec 17, 2009

Master of Sci said:
I received acceptances at these three on December 1st and I'm still trying to make my decision (have about 30 more days to decide). I'm working on getting HPSP with the Air Force, but it is very competitive this year. I've heard that USC is the most expensive school in the country, which is definitely a downside if I don't get into the military.

Other than cost, I have a large list of pros and cons about each school, but I'm looking for additional opinions about things such as friendliness of faculty/staff, ease of getting patients (scheduling, availability of chairs), and student satisfaction with the program.

Any opinions are appreciated...[/QUOTE

i would pick Loma Linda. It is a really strong program compare to USC and Midwestern.

sfrice80 · Dec 17, 2009

All 3 have very different curriculums. USC is PBL, which definitely isnt for everyone. Midwestern has systems based curriculum and I dont know about loma linda. USC has one of the worst student/faculty ratio. That was told to us during my interview. Also, financially, if you dont get the HPSP, it will be hard to pay back your loans for USC. The financial aid guy during my interview was extremely honest in saying he wasnt really sure how USC grads will pay back loans in less then 25 years where other programs are generally on a 10-15 year repayment plan. Midwestern definitely had a small campus feel, if thats not an issue, then nm. Midwestern is probably the most uninvolved research school that I interviewed at. My interviewer got annoyed when I asked about research opportunities. There are opportunities but not a lot. Thats all I can think about for the 2 that Im familiar with.

tothetop · Dec 17, 2009

Midwestern is probably the most uninvolved research school that I interviewed at. My interviewer got annoyed when I asked about research opportunities.

When I asked about research opportunities, my interviewer said I better go to other schools.

supraeli · Dec 17, 2009

USC is 70K/yr just tuition?!?! HOLY MONEY CAKES! OP: you still have army and navy options if you dont get air force. USC grad rates have gone up dramatically since new dean. the PBL style is being revised thoroughly. you should still get a quality education, and if you practice in socal, people like the name USC.

loma linda has a distinct lifestyle that one must get used to, also has extra religion classes that you have to take on top of normal dental classes, and mandatory church hours... im sure you have heard all this since you interviewed. however, academically, i think it is probably the strongest of the three mentioned...

The Hammer · Dec 17, 2009

tothetop said:
Midwestern is probably the most uninvolved research school that I interviewed at. My interviewer got annoyed when I asked about research opportunities.

When I asked about research opportunities, my interviewer said I better go to other schools.

Are you planning on going into research or practicing clinical dentistry? If you want to go into private practice Midwestern has just hired two of the best private clinicians in the country to be Clinical Care Co-ordinators of their clinic. If you want to learn from dentists who had outstanding private practices then Midwestern is the way to go. If you want to be a researcher then I would go with USC👍

Oracle DMD · Dec 17, 2009

The Hammer said:
Are you planning on going into research or practicing clinical dentistry? If you want to go into private practice Midwestern has just hired two of the best private clinicians in the country to be Clinical Care Co-ordinators of their clinic. If you want to learn from dentists who had outstanding private practices then Midwestern is the way to go. If you want to be a researcher then I would go with USC👍

i'm with the spirit of your post! i would like to know the names of the dentists you're referring to and what they're all about if they've made that kind of impression on you! :laugh:

👍 or i'll just go ask tomorrow. whichever comes first.

TedyBearSuicide · Dec 17, 2009

tothetop said:
Midwestern is probably the most uninvolved research school that I interviewed at. My interviewer got annoyed when I asked about research opportunities.

My interviewer got annoyed and chewed me out and referred the neighboring dental school as better fit for me, when I asked about community service and mentioned that I would like to continue participating in community service while in dental school. Surprisingly they are starting a Midlevel program to provide for the under served communities. Makes me wonder what the real motive of that school really is, or if the interviewer just didn't want me there, probably the later. However, its probably hands down the most high tech and cleanest dental school in the country. Their huge wet lab looked like a five start kitchen with shiny stainless steal counter-tops and all.

Master of Sci · Dec 18, 2009

Thanks for the insights. If only I could move Loma Linda into downtown LA. To add another kink into things, I'm married and my wife works in the downtown/hollywood area. The commute between Loma Linda and downtown would suck to endure on a daily basis if I choose that school.

Research is definitely a factor in my decision as well, although it's more of a hobby/interest rather than something I would pursue too much in the future. Loma Linda is probably the strongest and Midwestern research sounds almost nonexistent based on the previous posts.

I guess I still have another ~30 days to decide, which is about how long it will take to hear about the Air Force HPSP...

Oracle DMD · Dec 18, 2009

TedyBearSuicide said:
My interviewer got annoyed and chewed me out and referred the neighboring dental school as better fit for me, when I asked about community service and mentioned that I would like to continue participating in community service while in dental school. Surprisingly they are starting a Midlevel program to provide for the under served communities. Makes me wonder what the real motive of that school really is, or if the interviewer just didn't want me there, probably the later. However, its probably hands down the most high tech and cleanest dental school in the country. Their huge wet lab looked like a five start kitchen with shiny stainless steal counter-tops and all.

chewed you out? :laugh:

probly didn't want you there? being a bit dramatic are we? asdoh is much more into community service, not that other dental school aren't, but they really are. the MLP program isn't starting up quite yet as it has many hurdles to clear first.

to the op, congrats on 3 acceptances!

The Hammer · Dec 18, 2009

Oracle DMD said:
i'm with the spirit of your post! i would like to know the names of the dentists you're referring to and what they're all about if they've made that kind of impression on you! 👍 or i'll just go ask tomorrow. whichever comes first.

Well? Did the Dean spill any names of the new faces you will be seeing next year?

PreDent08 · Dec 19, 2009

The Hammer said:
Well? Did the Dean spill any names of the new faces you will be seeing next year?

I bet they will spill the names on Monday because we're the D1 and D2 are having a dean meeting at the auditorium instead of simlab. Must be really important...

Oracle DMD · Dec 19, 2009

The Hammer said:
Well? Did the Dean spill any names of the new faces you will be seeing next year?

it is not really customary to reveal names of accepted students. the meeting monday is to discuss the vision of our program and some buisnees issues. or at least that is what dr. g suggested it would be about.

xhamburgersamx · Dec 19, 2009

The Hammer said:
Are you planning on going into research or practicing clinical dentistry? If you want to go into private practice Midwestern has just hired two of the best private clinicians in the country to be Clinical Care Co-ordinators of their clinic. If you want to learn from dentists who had outstanding private practices then Midwestern is the way to go. If you want to be a researcher then I would go with USC👍

Just because MWU hired 2 of the best private clinicians based on what survey - doesn't mean you will become the greatest clinician...lol It takes much more than ability to make money in private practice to head or be dean of clinical affairs!!!

Oracle DMD · Dec 19, 2009

xhamburgersamx said:
Just because MWU hired 2 of the best private clinicians based on what survey - doesn't mean you will become the greatest clinician...lol It takes much more than ability to make money in private practice to head or be dean of clinical affairs!!!

like what? the desire to not make as much money? :laugh:

xhamburgersamx · Dec 19, 2009

Oracle DMD said:
like what? the desire to not make as much money?

lol, not everything is money driven, although it is for the most part.

It will be tough running a brand new dental school clinic.. :laugh:

haisha ni narou · Dec 19, 2009

If a research school is what you want, MWU is not the place for you. From what I gather, to be in good standing with CODA the school is required to provide research opportunities for the students. It seems as though right now, that's where we are, there are opportunities, but just kind of enough to pass off the requirement. I do remember in my interview a couple years ago, they mentioned they were planning on doing a combined PhD program in conjunction with ASU in researching dental materials. I'm thankful that there are those out there who love research, I'm just not one of them.

lphiewok · Dec 20, 2009

Master of Sci said:
Thanks for the insights. If only I could move Loma Linda into downtown LA. To add another kink into things, I'm married and my wife works in the downtown/hollywood area. The commute between Loma Linda and downtown would suck to endure on a daily basis if I choose that school.

Research is definitely a factor in my decision as well, although it's more of a hobby/interest rather than something I would pursue too much in the future. Loma Linda is probably the strongest and Midwestern research sounds almost nonexistent based on the previous posts.

I guess I still have another ~30 days to decide, which is about how long it will take to hear about the Air Force HPSP...

OP, are you only going to consider Air Force? I have already submitted Air Force app. last week but it's confirmed that there will be only 5 people nationwide for 4 Year AF HPSP (got it from Board Member in Randolf AF Base SA, where the board will meet to decide for HPSP, during my interview). They had about 80 people for 31 seats for 3 year HPSP which was just decided this past week. So it looks like Air Force is very very competitive for 4 years this year.
After I found out, I just finished my application for Army (plus they offer 20k bonus for 4 year HPSP).
You might want to consider other branches.

For me, if I do not get HPSP this year, I'll take loans for USC and then resubmit for 3 year HPSP next year and apply for Military AEGD once done with school. If you do that, you serve for 4 years (3 year payback + 1 year AEGD) with 1 year of loan, but I think is worth the 1 year loan I would be taking since I would be able to have private practice 1 year sooner

TedyBearSuicide · Dec 22, 2009

Oracle DMD said:
chewed you out? probly didn't want you there? being a bit dramatic are we?

No not dramatic, being realistic.

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