A thank you message, and also, attend ASDOH or USC?

[redhotchiligochu]

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Hey all,

Never would I have thought that I would have to make a decision between these two schools, because I figured I wouldn't get more than 1 acceptance, let alone zero, and having to abandon my dental future for an unsatisfying corporate 9-5 job, after I reserved no second thoughts about leaving my tepid educational career in the dust for something better.

In the past year, I've encountered some haters on SDN, but haters aren't restricted to only online. I've had people in my personal life (family, co-workers, OTHER DENTISTS like wtf?!?) who've questioned my career change, and mocked me, thinking that there is no way in hell I would get accepted, let alone have the capacity to work on people's mouths and deal with their problems.

Negativity aside, I am extremely grateful for the few who have gone out of their way to offer advice and encouragement. Without their help, both on SDN and in real life, I wouldn't be here today, trying to make a decision between 2 dental schools.




I've actually made up my mind (with 80% certainty) where I want to attend. However, I would like some input those who are knowledgeable about either school (likely need D1-D4, maybe alumni) to offer some insight.

My personal opinions on both schools, pros and cons (my pressing concerns are bolded):

ASDOH pros:

1. Superb clinical program
2. More opportunities to serve underserved communities
3. Cheaper cost of living outside of Phoenix, AZ
4. No west-coast liberal/socialist agenda
5. (slightly) cheaper tuition

USC pros:

1. 100+ year history and legacy
2. Everyone knows their name
3. Cali weather
4. Practically unlimited patient pool
5. Have family members from various departments who attended/have attended (including dentistry!)

ASDOH cons:

1. PROGRAM SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? Tried to look for any disadvantages, but kinda like Midwestern Arizona, their motto is "we have no weaknesses"
2. New program
3. I say "got accepted to Arizona," my classmates are like "you mean Midwestern?" lol
4. No school health insurance
5. Boards? Not sure of their pass rate

USC cons:

1. P B L 😕
2. Too expensive to live in LA
3. Suffocating socialist high-tax agenda
4. Almost lost their accreditation 10 years back?
5. Will almost force me to practice in saturated California 😡

So yes, my main concern about ASDOH, is it really sounds too good to be true. Are recent graduates REALLY that prepared, over say, USC or BU or NYU? Are their any "hidden fees" or sketchy stuff at ASDOH that they don't tell you until you fork over the $73k tuition? At least with USC, it's well-known what their issues are... it's kinda like knowing what you're getting.

Anyway, feel free to chime in and VOTE while I cram for my anatomy exam tomorrow. Muscles are tough 🙁

 

[Wiscodent18]

I would lean toward ASDOH purely on the cost side of things... Only reason is I've heard of a decent bit of students freaking out about USC's tuition. I haven't visited USC's campus, but if your looking for a negative personally for me ASDOH (no offense) felt more like a commuter campus(which didn't seem as social, students seem to finish class and immediately leave the campus). Might be something others enjoy or might of just been me but thats the vibe I got. On the other side of things the sim lab and facilities looked to be state of the art and the student showing me around was very nice and stated that he loved the school.

 

[DC206R]

Even though I'm salty that ASDOH rejected me, I'd go there. I think you'll be satisfied with getting a dental education there.

 

[AlecGaro]

I just got my acceptance from USC and am happy to say I will more than likely be attending there. Here are some things I can say based off of your "cons" for them.

USC cons:

1. P B L 😕
2. Too expensive to live in LA
3. Suffocating socialist high-tax agenda
4. Almost lost their accreditation 10 years back?
5. Will almost force me to practice in saturated Calif

1) PBL is absolutely amazing if you have had experience with that type of learning style and perform well with it. I have never been a huge fan of lecture although I have performed fairly well in a lecture-based curriculum. With PBL you learn what you need through reading, handouts, and research and you apply it with your peers immediately in case studies. I personally love this and have had some experience with it during undergrad. Also, nearly every USC student I have talked to has said that it saves them a tremendous amount of time since they are bypassing the lecture portion which takes hours. It allows them to have much more time to study, complete projects, and finish any other responsibility they might have. For some people PBL is great and for others it really might not be the best. You have to decide that.

2) Depending on where you live, yes it can be pricey. I know places near USC where you will be paying anywhere from 700-1200$ a month depending on which utilities are included and how many people are living with you. But again do some research and you can get a good deal. Something to keep in mind is that LA is an extremely fun area, and you will be enjoying that during your breaks and after you finish your work.

3) Yeah it sucks.

4) I haven't heard about this but I know they are doing very well now. World-renowned program, countless connections during and after dental school, one of the best clinically-focused programs, many opportunities to volunteer in the community, 99% boards passing rate and a very stunning simlab and overall clinic.

5) Why did you come to this conclusion? You could practice wherever you want. You will be taking the WREB but that has a certification that encompasses nearly all of the west coast states. Also, from what I have heard, the WREB is supposedely one of the most difficult and comprehensive clinical exams compared to other clinical exams in other parts of the country. So if you are preparing for that you will most likely do well in the others as well.

I hope this helps!

 

[OrphanageCaretaker]

I just got my acceptance from USC and am happy to say I will more than likely be attending there. Here are some things I can say based off of your "cons" for them.



1) PBL is absolutely amazing if you have had experience with that type of learning style and perform well with it. I have never been a huge fan of lecture although I have performed fairly well in a lecture-based curriculum. With PBL you learn what you need through reading, handouts, and research and you apply it with your peers immediately in case studies. I personally love this and have had some experience with it during undergrad. Also, nearly every USC student I have talked to has said that it saves them a tremendous amount of time since they are bypassing the lecture portion which takes hours. It allows them to have much more time to study, complete projects, and finish any other responsibility they might have. For some people PBL is great and for others it really might not be the best. You have to decide that.

2) Depending on where you live, yes it can be pricey. I know places near USC where you will be paying anywhere from 700-1200$ a month depending on which utilities are included and how many people are living with you. But again do some research and you can get a good deal. Something to keep in mind is that LA is an extremely fun area, and you will be enjoying that during your breaks and after you finish your work.

3) Yeah it sucks.

4) I haven't heard about this but I know they are doing very well now. World-renowned program, countless connections during and after dental school, one of the best clinically-focused programs, many opportunities to volunteer in the community, 99% boards passing rate and a very stunning simlab and overall clinic.

5) Why did you come to this conclusion? You could practice wherever you want. You will be taking the WREB but that has a certification that encompasses nearly all of the west coast states. Also, from what I have heard, the WREB is supposedely one of the most difficult and comprehensive clinical exams compared to other clinical exams in other parts of the country. So if you are preparing for that you will most likely do well in the others as well.

I hope this helps!

Congrats on your acceptance!

 

[AlecGaro]

Congrats on your acceptance!

Thank you!

 

[redhotchiligochu]

Wow, thanks for your insight! BTW, I actually do live in LA atm and have done so for the past 8-9 years. There's the comfort of "being at home at home," living 10 min from the beach and I forgot to mention, AWESOME nightlife in Santa Monica and DTLA, it's just that my breaking point is the really high tuition and (I'm surprised SOMEONE agreed with me regarding high taxes!) unilateral leftist-ness of California that's persuading me to leave. I totally love the whole Trojan family aspect (I have 4 family members who are from USC) and the colorful history of USC that's persuading me to send that deposit $$$. Looks like I'll have to do some more thinking.

BTW congrats on your acceptance!

Waiting to see if anyone else has good/bad opinions regarding ASDOH... maybe the D1-D4 there sign a non-disclosure agreeing not to talk negatively about the school? lol idk

I just got my acceptance from USC and am happy to say I will more than likely be attending there. Here are some things I can say based off of your "cons" for them.



1) PBL is absolutely amazing if you have had experience with that type of learning style and perform well with it. I have never been a huge fan of lecture although I have performed fairly well in a lecture-based curriculum. With PBL you learn what you need through reading, handouts, and research and you apply it with your peers immediately in case studies. I personally love this and have had some experience with it during undergrad. Also, nearly every USC student I have talked to has said that it saves them a tremendous amount of time since they are bypassing the lecture portion which takes hours. It allows them to have much more time to study, complete projects, and finish any other responsibility they might have. For some people PBL is great and for others it really might not be the best. You have to decide that.

2) Depending on where you live, yes it can be pricey. I know places near USC where you will be paying anywhere from 700-1200$ a month depending on which utilities are included and how many people are living with you. But again do some research and you can get a good deal. Something to keep in mind is that LA is an extremely fun area, and you will be enjoying that during your breaks and after you finish your work.

3) Yeah it sucks.

4) I haven't heard about this but I know they are doing very well now. World-renowned program, countless connections during and after dental school, one of the best clinically-focused programs, many opportunities to volunteer in the community, 99% boards passing rate and a very stunning simlab and overall clinic.

5) Why did you come to this conclusion? You could practice wherever you want. You will be taking the WREB but that has a certification that encompasses nearly all of the west coast states. Also, from what I have heard, the WREB is supposedely one of the most difficult and comprehensive clinical exams compared to other clinical exams in other parts of the country. So if you are preparing for that you will most likely do well in the others as well.

I hope this helps!

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Hey all,

Never would I have thought that I would have to make a decision between these two schools, because I figured I wouldn't get more than 1 acceptance, let alone zero, and having to abandon my dental future for an unsatisfying corporate 9-5 job, after I reserved no second thoughts about leaving my tepid educational career in the dust for something better.

Congratulations on your acceptances, but this was confusing. You figured you wouldn't get more than 1 acceptance let alone zero? I think you have it backwards. also, you're abandoning your dental future for a 9-5 corporate job? You're leaving your educational career?

So confused! Anyway, I would pick ASDOH unless you really love California and PBL.

 

[8_man]

Congratulations on your acceptances, but this was confusing. You figured you wouldn't get more than 1 acceptance let alone zero? I think you have it backwards. also, you're abandoning your dental future for a 9-5 corporate job? You're leaving your educational career?

So confused! Anyway, I would pick ASDOH unless you really love California and PBL.

I think he meant that if he didn't get in this cycle, he would have given up on dentistry and he would have settled for a good ol' office job.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

I think he meant that if he didn't get in this cycle, he would have given up on dentistry and he would have settled for a good ol' office job.

I get it. He just had everything backwards lol it bugged me out because I thought I was having a reading comprehension issue hahahahahhaha

 

[redhotchiligochu]

Congratulations on your acceptances, but this was confusing. You figured you wouldn't get more than 1 acceptance let alone zero? I think you have it backwards. also, you're abandoning your dental future for a 9-5 corporate job? You're leaving your educational career?

So confused! Anyway, I would pick ASDOH unless you really love California and PBL.

lol yes, I kinda wrote it backwards--8man= 30 RC 😀

 

[hye340]

Go to ASDOH just cause my sister graduated from USC dental school in 2008 and she tells me if she could do it again she would of picked a cheaper school

 

[distressstudent]

ASDOH isn't even that cheaper than USC.

Both will cost you around 500k by the time you graduate.

USC cons:

1. P B L 😕
2. Too expensive to live in LA
3. Suffocating socialist high-tax agenda
4. Almost lost their accreditation 10 years back?
5. Will almost force me to practice in saturated California 😡

no. 3 - what?
no. 5 - uh no...

 

[hye340]

ASDOH isn't even that cheaper than USC.

Both will cost you around 500k by the time you graduate.


no. 3 - what?
no. 5 - uh no...

I went to USC for my undergraduate,it's very expensive to live in LA.I spent about 34k/year just on rent for a small apartment in a bad area.The cost of living in Arizona is much cheaper

 

[acesofseven]

I went to USC for my undergraduate,it's very expensive to live in LA.I spent about 34k/year just on rent for a small apartment in a bad area.The cost of living in Arizona is much cheaper

Okay... what? 34k/yr is just ridiculous. Did you mean for all 4 years?

 

[hye340]

Okay... what? 34k/yr is just ridiculous. Did you mean for all 4 years?

Sorry it's about 30k,rents about 2,450/month multiply that by 12 it's approximately 30k.The last two years it was being a financial burden so I lived with my uncle 35minutes away.the apartment was in downtown LA

 

[AlecGaro]

ASDOH isn't even that cheaper than USC.

Both will cost you around 500k by the time you graduate.


no. 3 - what?
no. 5 - uh no...

I went to USC for my undergraduate,it's very expensive to live in LA.I spent about 34k/year just on rent for a small apartment in a bad area.The cost of living in Arizona is much cheaper

Okay... what? 34k/yr is just ridiculous. Did you mean for all 4 years?

I just did a little bit of research on ASDOH's tuition and cost of attendance. According to their released data you will be paying around 455K total for everything including living. At USC you are paying 469K total for everything including living. I am sure both schools have tuition increases and hidden fees, but for this conversation, I think those are relatively negligible.

Now honestly if I got accepted to both I would consider a lot of things but I do know USC is one of the most well-known institutions in the dental field, is known for its' countless connections in the field for jobs/residencies/research, has a huge impact on community outreach in the entire Los Angeles community and surrounding communities, is a fantastic program based on students and alumni, and it is located in Southern California (who doesn't like that? lol). For ASDOH I have heard they have a great program and the students are also very happy. But also it is a relatively new school, since they have roughly 10 years of graduating classes. Other than that I really don't know much about the school to be honest with you. It is just something to think about. Either way, they are both great programs. Personally, I don't know if I would be able to live in Arizona for 4 years after being a SoCal native my entire life. If it was my choice I would pay the extra 14K and go to USC.

I hope that helped!

 

[acesofseven]

Sorry it's about 30k,rents about 2,450/month multiply that by 12 it's approximately 30k.The last two years it was being a financial burden so I lived with my uncle 35minutes away.the apartment was in downtown LA

Jesus, I didn't spend anywhere near as much as you and I lived in Westwood!

 

[AlecGaro]

Jesus, I didn't spend anywhere near as much as you and I lived in Westwood!

2450 a month is crazy. I know people at UCLA paying about 1200 for a one bedroom apartment with utilities included. At USC the very nice affiliated apartments run about 1000-1500$ a month with utilities.

 

[petitedent]

Hello potential future classmate @redhotchiligochu ! 🙂

After seeing your username come up again and again on the feeds I follow, I couldn't help but notice that we're stats twins down to the T (GPA, DAT, state, mailout, everything else).

Recently, I got accepted to ASDOH and I loved their program! I'm placing my deposit down for ASDOH this Monday but I just recently got invited to interview at USC today. Since I live in OC, I might as well attend the interview. I'm not sure if we shared the same conflicting thoughts but in the beginning of this application cycle, my priority at the time was to 1.) get into ANY school and 2.) try to stay in California. However, after visiting and interviewing at ASDOH, I came across a change of heart and enjoyed the campus very much. If USC grants me an acceptance, I'll be in the same dilemma as you've been in recently. If not, then my dilemma is solved and I'm your guaranteed classmate (YAY).

Also, thank you to all who have posted on this thread as well! It's been helping me pick at what I really want for myself for the next 4 years.

 

[redhotchiligochu]

Hello potential future classmate @redhotchiligochu ! 🙂

After seeing your username come up again and again on the feeds I follow, I couldn't help but notice that we're stats twins down to the T (GPA, DAT, state, mailout, everything else).

Recently, I got accepted to ASDOH and I loved their program! I'm placing my deposit down for ASDOH this Monday but I just recently got invited to interview at USC today. Since I live in OC, I might as well attend the interview. I'm not sure if we shared the same conflicting thoughts but in the beginning of this application cycle, my priority at the time was to 1.) get into ANY school and 2.) try to stay in California. However, after visiting and interviewing at ASDOH, I came across a change of heart and enjoyed the campus very much. If USC grants me an acceptance, I'll be in the same dilemma as you've been in recently. If not, then my dilemma is solved and I'm your guaranteed classmate (YAY).

Also, thank you to all who have posted on this thread as well! It's been helping me pick at what I really want for myself for the next 4 years.

Hey! That's quite interesting, but confirms the belief that I had, regarding California residents with low-ish GPA and high DAT mailing out in June. BTW if we had below 20 AA, we'd have close to ZERO chance of being accepted... and I know personally know of Cali applicants with 3.1 oGPA 19 AA non-URM not hearing back at all.

I talked to an acquaintance who's currently a D1 at USC, and she apparently had similar stats as us, along with being a Cali resident and guess what? She got accepted to both ASDOH and USC lol.

Your point #1 I agree, BUT point #2 I disagree. My decision was based on getting out of California if given the chance, given the political climate and mismanagement of our tax dollars (e.g. Oroville Dam which I grew up pretty damn close to, no pun intended) I no longer want to call California my home. Tuition is actually pretty close (ASDOH is still cheaper by $5-10k), given that USC D4 only do 2 trimesters, and I did the math, and total loans for tuition and fees at 7.3% interest for both schools come out to be $430,000±10k, assuming $2-3k tuition increase annually and accounting for accrued interest starting as a D1.

My only suspicion about ASDOH is how good their program REALLY is, as opposed to what the student ambassadors and the deans have said during campus tours/interview (e.g. don't worry about loans, we do 3673463830 extractions, etc). "If it sounds too good to be true, then it's too good to be true." But I figured, why not take a shot, living outside of California for once and make myself useful in Arizona and see for myself if ASDOH will help me become a great clinician, assuming I put in the work of course.

I've already put down my deposit for ASDOH, and I just emailed USC declining my acceptance. My family members, classmates, friends, and coworkers who aren't familiar with USC School of Dentistry's rocky history were really puzzled that I'd turn down a name-brand school, but to me, it boiled down to (perceived) clinical experience and location.

Lastly, I hope your USC interview went well! To be in this dilemma ain't fun, but it's also flattering to know that more than 1 dental school wants you! 😎

PM me if you have any questions. If you choose to go to ASDOH, well, hello future classmate!

 

[Auntymarkovnikov]

I am 100% with you on that. I did notice ASDOH students were considerably older, with a good number of them (I'd eyeball 30-50%) being married and having kids... in fact on my interview day, I saw a toddler running down the hall and couldn't help but smile (IS HE IN DENTAL SCHOOL ALREADY? lol). I'm actually a nontrad myself, so the whole "commuter" thing doesn't bother me.

SDN-ers, any other input/advice/opinion regarding either school?

Really digging the fact that I see several votes already, yay!

What was your AA?

 

[Alpha Centauri]

ASDOH. Im not going anywhere near LA, let alone living there until I establish myself financially. There's no way I can deal with their communist laws/agenda, the type of people living in LA, and PBL. Congrats on your acceptances

 

[Illstartmydiet2maro]

Hey all,

Never would I have thought that I would have to make a decision between these two schools, because I figured I wouldn't get more than 1 acceptance, let alone zero, and having to abandon my dental future for an unsatisfying corporate 9-5 job, after I reserved no second thoughts about leaving my tepid educational career in the dust for something better.

In the past year, I've encountered some haters on SDN, but haters aren't restricted to only online. I've had people in my personal life (family, co-workers, OTHER DENTISTS like wtf?!?) who've questioned my career change, and mocked me, thinking that there is no way in hell I would get accepted, let alone have the capacity to work on people's mouths and deal with their problems.

Negativity aside, I am extremely grateful for the few who have gone out of their way to offer advice and encouragement. Without their help, both on SDN and in real life, I wouldn't be here today, trying to make a decision between 2 dental schools.




I've actually made up my mind (with 80% certainty) where I want to attend. However, I would like some input those who are knowledgeable about either school (likely need D1-D4, maybe alumni) to offer some insight.

My personal opinions on both schools, pros and cons (my pressing concerns are bolded):

ASDOH pros:

1. Superb clinical program
2. More opportunities to serve underserved communities
3. Cheaper cost of living outside of Phoenix, AZ
4. No west-coast liberal/socialist agenda
5. (slightly) cheaper tuition

USC pros:

1. 100+ year history and legacy
2. Everyone knows their name
3. Cali weather
4. Practically unlimited patient pool
5. Have family members from various departments who attended/have attended (including dentistry!)

ASDOH cons:

1. PROGRAM SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? Tried to look for any disadvantages, but kinda like Midwestern Arizona, their motto is "we have no weaknesses"
2. New program
3. I say "got accepted to Arizona," my classmates are like "you mean Midwestern?" lol
4. No school health insurance
5. Boards? Not sure of their pass rate

USC cons:

1. P B L 😕
2. Too expensive to live in LA
3. Suffocating socialist high-tax agenda
4. Almost lost their accreditation 10 years back?
5. Will almost force me to practice in saturated California 😡

So yes, my main concern about ASDOH, is it really sounds too good to be true. Are recent graduates REALLY that prepared, over say, USC or BU or NYU? Are their any "hidden fees" or sketchy stuff at ASDOH that they don't tell you until you fork over the $73k tuition? At least with USC, it's well-known what their issues are... it's kinda like knowing what you're getting.

Anyway, feel free to chime in and VOTE while I cram for my anatomy exam tomorrow. Muscles are tough 🙁

Any way u can share us ur stats if u don't mind?

 

[redhotchiligochu]

Plot twist on a necrobumped thread:













I won't be attending either USC or ASDOH. I received an acceptance from Minnesota approx 2 months ago so I will be attending there!

 

[mariobrosdoctor]

Plot twist on a necrobumped thread:
I won't be attending either USC or ASDOH. I received an acceptance from Minnesota approx 2 months ago so I will be attending there!

Congrats! Any tips for those loooong essays?

 

[Auntymarkovnikov]

It'll be a lot different lol. Buy some ColdPruf tops and bottoms. And buying a down parka is worth every penny. Best investment I ever made

Not gonna lie.. it looks pretty badass when you see people walk around with their USC dental school scrubs