Ask a UoP D1

[RemiLunaDDS]

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I'm a D1 at UoP and can answer any questions if you have any.

 

[deleted487471]

I'm a D1 at UoP and can answer any questions if you have any.

Thanks for doing this. Wondering if you could take a crack at these.

1) Do you feel that the 1 year saved is worth attending probably the 2nd most expensive school (after USC I believe)?

2) Is the program stressful due to being compressed? How early do you guys get into lab.

3) How do you like SF so far, and is it as expensive as everybody says?

 

[RemiLunaDDS]

1) Do you feel that the 1 year saved is worth attending probably the 2nd most expensive school (after USC I believe)?

I think the extra cost up front is definitely worth it for the faster program; plus the Class of '16 will have two years with entirely new facilities. You also have to look at the clinical experience you get at Pacific, with the only residencies being Ortho and OS, students get to do pretty much everything else. With the new school locating in SoMa we'll have more access to a much larger patient pool. Our instructor to student ratio for our pre-clinical lab classes about 1:12. It seems to work pretty well in terms of getting the help you need.

2) Is the program stressful due to being compressed? How early do you guys get into lab.

I don't know anything different, so I can't really compare it to anything else. I like the mix of didactic and lab work; I think I would go crazy if we just worked on didactics for the first year. This quarter we have more lab work as we have Pre-Clinical Operative (prepping teeth for fillings) and Pre-Clinical Fixed Prosthodontics (prepping teeth for crowns). Next year the Reconstructive Dentistry curriculum is becoming integrated into the "Helix Curriculum" so those Pre-Clinical classes are going to work differently.

Sim Lab opens at 6:30am and closes at 9:00 or 9:30pm and on Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm'ish; a few people go to lab before class but many come after classes. I typically go to lab after class and stay until about 6:45pm (class usually ends at 5:00pm), but the time you spend in lab really depends on how fast you are with your daily work and getting ready for practicals.

3) How do you like SF so far, and is it as expensive as everybody says?

San Francisco is nice and there is always something to do. It took my wife and I about 4 months to get used to the weather-- mid to low 60's almost everyday. Housing is expensive, but if you have a roommate it definitely helps. I think you could probably get your housing to about $1200-$1600 a month with a roommate. A lot of my classmates seem to still have money to go out to eat and go out on the weekends though.

 

[Sanducan]

Remi, what about the science classes, do you think that they're manageable or do a lot people struggle to pass classes?

 

[ThatGuyYouAre]

Who do you think would win in a fight between a grilled cheese or a taco?

 

[PointEstimate]

Who do you think would win in a fight between a grilled cheese or a taco?

Depends, are we in America or Mexico because I think home field advantage will be the deciding factor in this one.

 

[RemiLunaDDS]

Remi, what about the science classes, do you think that they're manageable or do a lot people struggle to pass classes?

It really depends on the student, if you did well in Bio you shouldn't really have any hard time with Anatomy. Physio and Bio Chem are a little tougher but you just have to manage your time well so you can have a life, get your lab work done, get some studying done, and get sleep. If you are struggling in a class there are tutors as well as other resources that can be taken advantage of to help pass the class.

We're taking 9 classes this quarter, so time management is key: Integrated Clinical Sciences, Radiology, Human Anatomy, Bio Chem, Physiology, Pre Clinical Operative Dentistry, Dental Anatomy, Pre Clinical Fixed Prosthedontics, and Cariology.

This quarter we've had two Dental Anatomy practicals, three Operative Practicals, and three Fixed practicals. Next quarter we're finishing Operative and in the Spring we'll finish Fixed.

 

[jpark1800]

why would anyone pay $400k for a dental school, when they get a similar education for almost half the cost?

 

[bbjr]

why would anyone pay $400k for a dental school, when they get a similar education for almost half the cost?

If you have the option of going to a state school that offers a reasonable in-state tuition, then you are probably correct, but if you are going out of state the cost is not as bad as it looks. I almost wrote off this school as one of my choices because of the seemingly high cost, but when you look at it realistically, the cost is comparable to the average. Here are the stats from ADA 2010-11 school year:
Mean Total cost for non-resident: $233,808
UoP total cost: $280,553

If you borrowed the maximum in Stafford loans as an undergrad and did not make any payments until completion of a four-year dental school, you would owe ~$55,000 at that time. Graduating a year early (UoP) will save ~$2,000 in interest.

If you borrowed for your entire dental school tuition (mean total cost for non-resident) and did not make any payments until completion of a four-year dental school, you would owe ~$277,000 at that time (figured at Stafford loan graduate rate for simplicity). Graduating from UoP, you would owe ~$321,000.

So, UoP will cost ~$42,000 more than the average non-resident dental school. When you factor an additional year of salary from graduating a year early, UoP actually comes out to be cheaper than the average non-resident dental school.

 

[deleted487471]

If you have the option of going to a state school that offers a reasonable in-state tuition, then you are probably correct, but if you are going out of state the cost is not as bad as it looks. I almost wrote off this school as one of my choices because of the seemingly high cost, but when you look at it realistically, the cost is comparable to the average. Here are the stats from ADA 2010-11 school year:
Mean Total cost for non-resident: $233,808
UoP total cost: $280,553

If you borrowed the maximum in Stafford loans as an undergrad and did not make any payments until completion of a four-year dental school, you would owe ~$55,000 at that time. Graduating a year early (UoP) will save ~$2,000 in interest.

If you borrowed for your entire dental school tuition (mean total cost for non-resident) and did not make any payments until completion of a four-year dental school, you would owe ~$277,000 at that time (figured at Stafford loan graduate rate for simplicity). Graduating from UoP, you would owe ~$321,000.

So, UoP will cost ~$42,000 more than the average non-resident dental school. When you factor an additional year of salary from graduating a year early, UoP actually comes out to be cheaper than the average non-resident dental school.

Where is that total cost number from? While you're correct that UoP is not much more costly than attending as an OOS, you're not taking into account living expenses, where a city like SF is much more expensive than most other cities.

The actual total cost of UoP (using 2012-2013 tuition fees and living expense number from ADA book) is 376.8k.

 

[bbjr]

Where is that total cost number from? While you're correct that UoP is not much more costly than attending as an OOS, you're not taking into account living expenses, where a city like SF is much more expensive than most other cities.

The actual total cost of UoP (using 2012-2013 tuition fees and living expense number from ADA book) is 376.8k.

That is very true, in regards to the living expenses. According to the US Census, the 2010 composite index for San Francisco is nearly twice that of a place like Indianapolis or Louisville. Do you happen to know how ADA factors in living expenses? Do they take into account the particular cities composite index when establishing those values? If so, then the above should still hold true, if not, UoP could end up costing much more.

My numbers came from from ADA's 2010-2011 Volume 2 report (http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/survey_ed_vol2.pdf).
*EDIT* Looking again at these figures, this publication does not take into account any living expense, only tuition, fees, instruments, textbooks, and health services. Does the ADA book (2012-2013) give the mean total cost, including living expenses, for non-resident?

 

[bbjr]

Sim Lab opens at 6:30am and closes at 9:00 or 9:30pm and on Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm'ish; a few people go to lab before class but many come after classes. I typically go to lab after class and stay until about 6:45pm (class usually ends at 5:00pm), but the time you spend in lab really depends on how fast you are with your daily work and getting ready for practicals.

Would you mind posting what your typical weekly schedule is for your current classes? I'm interested in what time classes begin and if they run continuously through the day. I see you already posted what time you are usually finished.

San Francisco is nice and there is always something to do. It took my wife and I about 4 months to get used to the weather-- mid to low 60's almost everyday. Housing is expensive, but if you have a roommate it definitely helps. I think you could probably get your housing to about $1200-$1600 a month with a roommate. A lot of my classmates seem to still have money to go out to eat and go out on the weekends though.

You mentioned that you are married, so am I, and we have a couple children. What would we expect to pay for housing for a family of four in a decent area with a good school system for the kids?

 

[jpark1800]

If you have the option of going to a state school that offers a reasonable in-state tuition, then you are probably correct, but if you are going out of state the cost is not as bad as it looks. I almost wrote off this school as one of my choices because of the seemingly high cost, but when you look at it realistically, the cost is comparable to the average. Here are the stats from ADA 2010-11 school year:
Mean Total cost for non-resident: $233,808
UoP total cost: $280,553

If you borrowed the maximum in Stafford loans as an undergrad and did not make any payments until completion of a four-year dental school, you would owe ~$55,000 at that time. Graduating a year early (UoP) will save ~$2,000 in interest.

If you borrowed for your entire dental school tuition (mean total cost for non-resident) and did not make any payments until completion of a four-year dental school, you would owe ~$277,000 at that time (figured at Stafford loan graduate rate for simplicity). Graduating from UoP, you would owe ~$321,000.

So, UoP will cost ~$42,000 more than the average non-resident dental school. When you factor an additional year of salary from graduating a year early, UoP actually comes out to be cheaper than the average non-resident dental school.

I went to the UOP official website, and it puts the cost of attendance (fees, tuition, and books and supplies) at $321,275.

If you save on books and supplies you might save about $10k at the most, which would bring it down to $310k.

Then you put in living expenses. Wow. Ya I guess if you have no instate schools that are resonable, then its good. But even the most expensive public schools for instate are much less expensive. I will say that UOP is better than at least NYU and USC in terms of cost.

 

[gethscout]

I'm a D1 at UoP and can answer any questions if you have any.

A poster on here mentioned there was a sexual assault of a female student and the school covered it up. Was it true?

 

[dudeitsme]

i have an interview at the school in the first week of february 2013

i was wondering what the chances of me getting in were or if i would be interviewing for an alternate spot? it's my top school and any tips on the interviewing process would be great

also, do many of the students live close to campus? or a few blocks away? i know the pricing in SF can be super steep 😱

 

[dichloromethane]

Class of 2016 finishing dental school in 2 years.

Did nobody else catch that? When did this happen?

 

[sundaequeen]

Class of 2016 finishing dental school in 2 years.

Did nobody else catch that? When did this happen?

No, he said that the class of 2016 will spend 2 years in the new building.

 

[RemiLunaDDS]

Would you mind posting what your typical weekly schedule is for your current classes? I'm interested in what time classes begin and if they run continuously through the day. I see you already posted what time you are usually finished.

Here is our schedule for this week:

Monday:
8:00 - 9:00 Exam block
9:00 - 1:00 Integrated Clinical Sciences
2:00 - 4:00 Integrated Clinical Sciences
4:00 - 5:00 Radiology

Tuesday:
8:00 - 11:00 Dental Anatomy
12:00 - 1:00 Integrated Medical Sciences
2:00 - 4:00 Integrated Medical Sciences

Wednesday
8:00 - 5:00 Fixed Prosthedontics

Thursday
8:00 - 12:00 Operative Dentistry
12:00 - 1:00 Cariology
2:00 - 5:00 Operative Dentistry

Friday
8:00 - 4:00 Integrated Medical Sciences

Integrated Medical Sciences: includes Anatomy, Anatomy Lab, Case Based Discussions, BioChem, and Physiology.

You mentioned that you are married, so am I, and we have a couple children. What would we expect to pay for housing for a family of four in a decent area with a good school system for the kids?

Many of the students with families live in the Presidio. I think the students out there pay about $2100 - $2400 for a three bedroom apartment. I am not sure about the school systems though. Other families live outside of the City where it is cheaper but you will of course have a longer commute.

 

[RemiLunaDDS]

A poster on here mentioned there was a sexual assault of a female student and the school covered it up. Was it true?

I did see a post about that before we started school this past summer. I am not sure if is true or not.

 

[bbjr]

Many of the students with families live in the Presidio. I think the students out there pay about $2100 - $2400 for a three bedroom apartment. I am not sure about the school systems though. Other families live outside of the City where it is cheaper but you will of course have a longer commute.

Thanks for posting the schedule.

The Presidio looks like a very nice area. The apartments look nice and the park seems like a blessing to have so close to the school and in the city.

 

[dudeitsme]

i have an interview at the school in the first week of february 2013

i was wondering what the chances of me getting in were or if i would be interviewing for an alternate spot? it's my top school and any tips on the interviewing process would be great

also, do many of the students live close to campus? or a few blocks away? i know the pricing in SF can be super steep

anybody? 🙁

 

[LogOff]

Thanks for doing this. I wish more students would answer questions, there's a lot of misinformation out there.

I really want to go to UOP (accepted dec 3 ). But the cost is giving me night sweats. I'm currently applying for HPSP but it's not looking great because of the 3 year thing. If I don't get HPSP my only choice is 100% loans or wait a year and try for HPSP again. I haven't gotten into any other school yet.

Are you relying solely on loans or are you getting outside help?
How many people do you know ( current students or graduates) who are taking 100% loans? Do they seem confident about paying it off? Are they relying on IBR or public service forgiveness?

Thanks a lot. The program seems great and I'm really excited to start if I can get the money figured out. A complicating factor is my wife is due with our first in late July. So she probably won't be working, adds to the $ issue, and then there is the stress of a newborn during the first quarter. But I'm not overly concerned, it'll work out somehow.

 

[lnngu]

i was wondering what the chances of me getting in were or if i would be interviewing for an alternate spot? it's my top school and any tips on the interviewing process would be great

also, do many of the students live close to campus? or a few blocks away? i know the pricing in SF can be super steep

anybody? 🙁

It changes from year to year, but the year I was accepted, we didn't start interviewing for the waitlist until mid-february. The interview process is informal and relaxed. Nothing to be worried about.

Most people live close to the school. It will be expensive. You should expect that your sense of what is pricey and what isn't will change once you move into the city. Nothing to do about it except suck it up.

Thanks for doing this. I wish more students would answer questions, there's a lot of misinformation out there.

I really want to go to UOP (accepted dec 3 ). But the cost is giving me night sweats. I'm currently applying for HPSP but it's not looking great because of the 3 year thing. If I don't get HPSP my only choice is 100% loans or wait a year and try for HPSP again. I haven't gotten into any other school yet.

Are you relying solely on loans or are you getting outside help?
How many people do you know ( current students or graduates) who are taking 100% loans? Do they seem confident about paying it off? Are they relying on IBR or public service forgiveness?

Thanks a lot. The program seems great and I'm really excited to start if I can get the money figured out. A complicating factor is my wife is due with our first in late July. So she probably won't be working, adds to the $ issue, and then there is the stress of a newborn during the first quarter. But I'm not overly concerned, it'll work out somehow.

I can't speak for the rest of the student body, but I imagine that a fair amount are borrowing at 100%. Since you've had your interview, already, I imagine you got the presentation from Marcos showing a very low default rate on our loans? I would be fairly confident that you will be able to pay off your debt, post graduation. I would also be fairly confident that it will be a painful process. That said, if you're a california resident, and crunch out the numbers, you will notice that the difference between 3 years of UoP and 4 years of a state school is not as big as one would expect, especially considering one extra year of income.

 

[RemiLunaDDS]

Thanks for doing this. I wish more students would answer questions, there's a lot of misinformation out there.

I really want to go to UOP (accepted dec 3 ). But the cost is giving me night sweats. I'm currently applying for HPSP but it's not looking great because of the 3 year thing. If I don't get HPSP my only choice is 100% loans or wait a year and try for HPSP again. I haven't gotten into any other school yet.

Are you relying solely on loans or are you getting outside help?
How many people do you know ( current students or graduates) who are taking 100% loans? Do they seem confident about paying it off? Are they relying on IBR or public service forgiveness?

Thanks a lot. The program seems great and I'm really excited to start if I can get the money figured out. A complicating factor is my wife is due with our first in late July. So she probably won't be working, adds to the $ issue, and then there is the stress of a newborn during the first quarter. But I'm not overly concerned, it'll work out somehow.

I live over a mile from school and just take the bus. It'r pretty convenient and if you live a little further away you might be able to save a little on rent.

I'm taking out 100% in loans too. I'm not too worried about paying it off. I know I just have to work my butt off after school.

 

[503224]

Realistically speaking, how hard is it to be at the top of your class?

 

[lnngu]

Realistically speaking, how hard is it to be at the top of your class?

Hard enough that 90% of the class can't manage it

 

[503224]

Hard enough that 90% of the class can't manage it

Well obviously, but is that mainly because there isn't enough time or because a lot of people go into UoP wanting to be general practitioners so they're not looking to necessarily be at the top of the class? The latter is what I was told by a friend whose sister graduated from UoP, don't know how true it is.

 

[lnngu]

Well obviously, but is that mainly because there isn't enough time or because a lot of people go into UoP wanting to be general practitioners so they're not looking to necessarily be at the top of the class? The latter is what I was told by a friend whose sister graduated from UoP, don't know how true it is.

First of all, this whole notion that you can't specialize out of UoP is incorrect. By and large, those of us who want to specialize manage to do so.

That said, the answer to your question is the same as it is at any other school, albeit exacerbated because of the rigors of the 3 years program:

_Dental school is hard. It's a heavier didactic load than anything you've had before, combined with graduate level art/arts and craft classes. It's an adjustment for a lot of people. especially those of us to came from families who stress academics over personal development. I personally have never have had to work so much, just to get by, and am in awe of those for whom it comes easier. The difference between a B and an A requires an absurd number of working hours. When you're already exhausted and sleep deprived...

_You're surrounded by geniuses. As a predent, you're used to being amongst the most accomplished of your peers. You can probably expect to be humbled, because you'll run into truly amazing people. Climbing to the top of that bunch is exponentially harder, but if one really has the drive and the ability, why not?

Touching on what your friend said:
I would say that most predents do not know as much about the profession as they'd like to think (how could they?) Most start, believing that DS is just a short stop before a OMFS or ortho residency. I'd bet every penny I don't have to fork over for rent (not many) that the most over-asked questions during interviews are: "what's your specialty rate" and "what kind of research opportunity will I have?" At least, that's what I asked at every interview.
Eventually, as one is exposed to more of the field, one realizes that generalist dentistry is pretty cool. You get to do anything you want, which is a very different paradigm from that affecting medical generalists. For me, at least, that has decreased the allure of specialties, and the need for a high class rank.

 

[sundaequeen]

Thanks RemiLunaDDS and Inngu for answering our questions!

I was wondering, in your experiences so far and from what your friends think, what are some of the things that you aren't so happy with at UoP. I know each school has its own strengths and weaknesses, I just want to know what you believe are some areas that you think UoP can improve on.

Also, for some reason I have a hard time reconciling the fact that it's a rigorous 3-year program with non-P/F grading and the laid back, non-competitive atmosphere I always hear about. Can you guys comment on that? Thanks!!

 

[503224]

First of all, this whole notion that you can't specialize out of UoP is incorrect. By and large, those of us who want to specialize manage to do so.

That said, the answer to your question is the same as it is at any other school, albeit exacerbated because of the rigors of the 3 years program:

_Dental school is hard. It's a heavier didactic load than anything you've had before, combined with graduate level art/arts and craft classes. It's an adjustment for a lot of people. especially those of us to came from families who stress academics over personal development. I personally have never have had to work so much, just to get by, and am in awe of those for whom it comes easier. The difference between a B and an A requires an absurd number of working hours. When you're already exhausted and sleep deprived...

_You're surrounded by geniuses. As a predent, you're used to being amongst the most accomplished of your peers. You can probably expect to be humbled, because you'll run into truly amazing people. Climbing to the top of that bunch is exponentially harder, but if one really has the drive and the ability, why not?

Thanks, that's really great info! I guess it's something like the following James M. Barrie quote: "Dreams do come true, if we only wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it."

I guess the reason I asked is because I know dental school will be one of the hardest things I will accomplish in my life, and probably the hardest thing I will have accomplished by the time I graduate (I'll be 29 or 30, depending on when I get in, and probably will not be married, definitely will not have kids at that point...so I think that's fair to say). I'm certainly not expecting it to be a cake walk.

I guess the reason I was wondering was because I know those geniuses exist. They are lucky in that their. No matter how much I wish I were one of those people, I am not, and I have to put a bunch of effort into my classes to do well. I guess that's why I'm asking how realistic it would be for a person like me. It's not something that's going to make or break my decision to apply to UoP or attend UoP if I am accepted. It's just something I was wondering.

Also, what are UoP's standards for passing and remaining in good standing. I have a sibling who is a second year in dental school right now, and at his/her school it seems that the average GPA someone needs to maintain is a B-. My sibling got put on academic probation for having a lower (but not failing) GPA first semester of first year (btw, this is a person who went into dental school thinking they will just be a general dentist and do enough to pass despite being quite intelligent and capable of doing well). Does that exist at UoP?

Touching on what your friend said:
I would say that most predents do not know as much about the profession as they'd like to think (how could they?) Most start, believing that DS is just a short stop before a OMFS or ortho residency. I'd bet every penny I don't have to fork over for rent (not many) that the most over-asked questions during interviews are: "what's your specialty rate" and "what kind of research opportunity will I have?" At least, that's what I asked at every interview.
Eventually, as one is exposed to more of the field, one realizes that generalist dentistry is pretty cool. You get to do anything you want, which is a very different paradigm from that affecting medical generalists. For me, at least, that has decreased the allure of specialties, and the need for a high class rank.

I mean, I don't know about anyone else who is a pre-dent, but I always fully admit that there's no way for me to know whether or not I'll want to specialize until I get to dental school, and even at that point I probably won't know until somewhere into my clinical years. Having said that, yes I would like to look into it, because I would like to keep the option open, since I am one of those who is unsure about whether she wants to become a specialist. I'm certainly not one of those who is going into this saying "I really want to specialize" but at the same time I'm not one of those going into this saying "I don't want to specialize." I guess what I'm saying is "It's possible that I may want to specialize so I might as well get informed about what it takes to do so."

Partly because I don't know, I would like to go into this making a big effort to be at the top of my class so that I could have a choice to decide later. It's much easier to decide not to become a specialist when you have good grades than to decide to become a specialist when you have bad grades.

 

[503224]

Thanks RemiLunaDDS and Inngu for answering our questions!

I was wondering, in your experiences so far and from what your friends think, what are some of the things that you aren't so happy with at UoP. I know each school has its own strengths and weaknesses, I just want to know what you believe are some areas that you think UoP can improve on.

Also, for some reason I have a hard time reconciling the fact that it's a rigorous 3-year program with non-P/F grading and the laid back, non-competitive atmosphere I always hear about. Can you guys comment on that? Thanks!!

Great questions! 👍

Yes, thanks RemiLunaDDS and lnngu for putting up with our questions! 😉

 

[lnngu]

Thanks RemiLunaDDS and Inngu for answering our questions!
I was wondering, in your experiences so far and from what your friends think, what are some of the things that you aren't so happy with at UoP. I know each school has its own strengths and weaknesses, I just want to know what you believe are some areas that you think UoP can improve on.
Also, for some reason I have a hard time reconciling the fact that it's a rigorous 3-year program with non-P/F grading and the laid back, non-competitive atmosphere I always hear about. Can you guys comment on that? Thanks!!

That's a bit of a loaded question. There are no perfect situations, and regardless of what you do, the grass will seem greener somewhere else. Moreover, while you're going through the process, you are kind of forced to have a microscopic view on things, so any criticism I might have would have to be myopic in nature. A graduate who's been in the field for a while would have a better opinion of UoP's weaknesses.
I can tell you this: everything I've heard from grads, or people in the business, like headhunters, indicate that we're an elite program that train you very well for your career. Every time I've compared notes with friends who are at other programs, I've come away with the same impression.
As for the student body: our adcoms are very good about finding students who fit the school's humanistic philosophy. I believe this is why we offer so few interviews, and admit almost all of them. Of course, it's an imperfect science, so they'll miss with an oddball here and there, but for the most part, they have a high batting average. So yes, we get along. I honestly like most of my classmates, and respect almost all of them. I don't now that I'd call it "non-competitive': it's not in the nature of overachievers and workaholics to be non-competitive, but it's a clean and friendly competition, for the most part. We do also try to help each other out whenever we can.

Thanks, that's really great info! I guess it's something like the following James M. Barrie quote: "Dreams do come true, if we only wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it."

I guess the reason I asked is because I know dental school will be one of the hardest things I will accomplish in my life, and probably the hardest thing I will have accomplished by the time I graduate (I'll be 29 or 30, depending on when I get in, and probably will not be married, definitely will not have kids at that point...so I think that's fair to say). I'm certainly not expecting it to be a cake walk.

I guess the reason I was wondering was because I know those geniuses exist. They are lucky in that their. No matter how much I wish I were one of those people, I am not, and I have to put a bunch of effort into my classes to do well. I guess that's why I'm asking how realistic it would be for a person like me. It's not something that's going to make or break my decision to apply to UoP or attend UoP if I am accepted. It's just something I was wondering.

You'll have to work harder than a bunch of smart, talented workaholics. Whether or not you can is up to you.

Also, what are UoP's standards for passing and remaining in good standing. I have a sibling who is a second year in dental school right now, and at his/her school it seems that the average GPA someone needs to maintain is a B-. My sibling got put on academic probation for having a lower (but not failing) GPA first semester of first year (btw, this is a person who went into dental school thinking they will just be a general dentist and do enough to pass despite being quite intelligent and capable of doing well). Does that exist at UoP?

That exists or should exist at any school. At the end of the day, you're being prepared to take care of patients, so there is a minimum standard you have to meet. The general rule here is "C=DDS"

I mean, I don't know about anyone else who is a pre-dent, but I always fully admit that there's no way for me to know whether or not I'll want to specialize until I get to dental school, and even at that point I probably won't know until somewhere into my clinical years. Having said that, yes I would like to look into it, because I would like to keep the option open, since I am one of those who is unsure about whether she wants to become a specialist. I'm certainly not one of those who is going into this saying "I really want to specialize" but at the same time I'm not one of those going into this saying "I don't want to specialize." I guess what I'm saying is "It's possible that I may want to specialize so I might as well get informed about what it takes to do so."

Partly because I don't know, I would like to go into this making a big effort to be at the top of my class so that I could have a choice to decide later. It's much easier to decide not to become a specialist when you have good grades than to decide to become a specialist when you have bad grades.

As far as I'm concerned, that's a great way to do it.

 

[sundaequeen]

Reviving this sort of old thread...

I'm trying to decide between UoP and UCSF right now, and I would love it if someone could address some of my concerns with UoP. Cost is one of them, and the other one I guess is the fact that I feel like UoP would be a very stressful program. Letter grades and the condensed length of the program with 8-5 or later days and no long breaks seems like it would be a pretty busy 3 years. Don't get me wrong, I know that dental school will be hard work no matter where I go, but I was wondering how current students feel about the intensity and stress level of the program. Do you guys have time to relax, go out, have fun, and/or spent time with friends/family/loved ones? I went to a very high-stress undergrad school and I really don't want to repeat that again. I keep hearing how happy everyone is at UoP but I still don't see how that's possible and how people don't just burn out. Anyways, let me know your thoughts, and once again I really appreciate the input!

 

[503224]

How is living in SF? I've heard it's cold in the Spring from a family friend, but I always thought it should be warm. Maybe this person is biased because they used to live in LA. 😕

Also is the UoP curriculum more focused on condensing the first two basic sciences years into one and then having two clinical years or how does that go?

 

[peerless218]

To answer the specializing rate question:
I am a 3rd year. As of now, my classmates who have been wanting to specialize have all gotten in during 1st wave of match(Ortho, proth.etc). Those of us who applied to other post grad program or residency have all gotten interviews somewhere and are waiting for the result for the 2nd deadline of match. Even if you want to specialize and you're grade isn't there. You can always do a GPR, perform well, and apply after that. And you do NOT need to be top of your class to get into ortho or OS. I have classmates who are even in the top 20% of the class getting quite a handful of interviews to OS programs.

As the top of the class question. If you have a STRONG science foundation coming in from college. You have a much much better chance of doing well. Also, if you have amazing reading speed, good memory to retrain most of the stuff you studied through out the quarter, and you're organized with your lifestyle. You for sure will be able to make it top of your class. You really need that extra time to work on your hand skill. That is what really separates the top 10% from rest of the class, the pre-clinical lab classes.

 

[BACOMS]

Do you have any classmates that commute into the city? How do they manage the parking situation around UOP? Are there any relative close places that you can park at (free) and walk/bike to the campus? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[lnngu]

Some of our schoolmates do commute. For now, the logistics of it can be daunting. Things will change dramatically with the new school, however, which is right next to the BART lines. It should make things simpler for commuting.

 

[cmF]

Any way for an aspiring dental student to get involved with UOP? I'm in the area and have attended Pacific Pride Day and stuff but it would be great if predents could join SCOPE events and things like that too.

 

[518590]

do many students think about specializing in UoP?

 

[tjung789]

How much does it cost to have your own room in a 2 bedroom or having your own studio? Can you find anything less than $1200?