So I was very fortunate to receive 8 acceptances but narrowed down my final options to these three schools. I am leaning towards Rutgers. I am unsure about COA so pls pls clarify the cost differences for me.
1. Rutgers:
Pros
- Very well known and prestigious program
- Amazing clinical
- Great facilities
- Large patient pool
- IS tuition after the first year
- Small class size
- Family lives is NJ
- I will be living with my partner and job wise it’s easier for him
- Won’t have to make a big move (I live in Brooklyn so moving will be a breeze)
- Reasonable cost of living (less expensive than NYC)
- Close to NYC which I am used to
- Loved the atmosphere in the school. Amazing student body and faculty
- Transportation (no need to buy a car early)
Cons
- OOS the first year
- More expensive than Buffalo and LECOM
- The area of the school not the best but I will be living in a nicer area which is still close
- Has all specialties which leaves less complex cases for us
- They seemed a bit too tough but they were still really funny and nice which made me a bit intimidated but at the same time, this is life
2. Buffalo:
Pros
- IS tuition
- Great program
- Great facilities
- Great atmosphere
- Small class size
- Cheapest option
- Low cost of living
Cons
- It’s in Buffalo…not my type of area
- Far from family (7 hr drive)
- Cold climate (I’m tired of sinusitis)
- My partner will have far less job opportunities
- We have to make a big move
- The closest big cities are a couple hours away
- Would have to buy a car
- Has all specialties which leaves less complex cases for us
3. LECOM
Pros
- I think the tuition will be around the same as Rutgers, which is great for an OOS private
- It’s in Florida…I love Florida
- Great facilities
- Great clinical
- Class size is 150
- Great school atmosphere
- No specialties which leaves all the cases for us
- New living experience
Cons
- Newer school
- Less known among future employers
- Will have to relocate for the D4 year
- Not sure if PBL will work out for me
- It’s in Florida…God forbid there may be hurricanes
- The area is kind of in the middle of nowhere and 40 mins from Tampa
- High cost of living
- Mediocre job market for my partner
- We will have to make a big move
- Far from family (3 hr flight)
- No breaks in the curriculum!
- Would have to buy a car
- The weather could get so hot and I have never lived in such climate for a long time
I added whatever I could think of but please comment any additional things that I may have missed. I am planning to work as a general dentist as of now.
I am already expecting “go to the cheapest” comments but pls give me real advice -_-
