Boston vs. Nova

[Ryn]

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I apologize for creating another one of these threads, but I am getting conflicting information from different dentists. Which school would you go to and why?

 

[JHova]

Hard choice...but for me I would pick Boston. The way I think about it is, you will never really live in the city of Boston again, it's a once in a lifetime experience and for me that was just too hard to pass up. Once I get married and start working, I'll most probably move to a suburb and Florida has great suburbs so that is an option. Boston and any big city on the northeast coast is just too congested for me to consider as a place I would settle down. Gluck with your decision!

 

[Hordel]

I think it really is up to you and what you are looking for! Does weather play a big part in your decision? If so do you like the cold (sounds crazy but I kinda like the cold) or do you like warmer weather. How about big cities? I haven't been to the Boston school, but I assume it is centered downtown. Nova is a little more of an offshoot of the big city (not that it isn't populated). How about the schools? Which one had facilities and faculty that you think you would want to be around 24/7? It really depends on what you are looking for!! Just pick what feels right to you and don't feel as though if you make the wrong decision you are doomed! By completing a four year at either place you WILL be a dentist and that is what it is all about!! I wish you the best with your decision!

 

[somethinpositiv]

I apologize for creating another one of these threads, but I am getting conflicting information from different dentists. Which school would you go to and why?

I chose Boston, partly because of the city. Warm weather isn't that big of a deal to be. But really, you won't know unless you've gotten invites at both schools and visited and really got a feel for the schools. Usually your instincts will tell you which school is a better fit for you, speculating at this point isn't too useful in my opinion. But yeah, the city of Boston is amazing 🙂

 

[Ryn]

Yeah, I definitely agree that Boston is an amazing city.However, I felt that the faculty at Nova was absolutely amazing and very supportive. I've already invested quite a bit financially at Nova but I am being pressured by my dentist to go to BU. I've heard that the training at BU is superior, but I have no idea why. Does anyone know anything about the curriculum and the difference in writing the NBDE?


Thanks for the input guys!

I chose Boston, partly because of the city. Warm weather isn't that big of a deal to be. But really, you won't know unless you've gotten invites at both schools and visited and really got a feel for the schools. Usually your instincts will tell you which school is a better fit for you, speculating at this point isn't too useful in my opinion. But yeah, the city of Boston is amazing 🙂

 

[adrift1984]

Yeah, I definitely agree that Boston is an amazing city.However, I felt that the faculty at Nova was absolutely amazing and very supportive. I've already invested quite a bit financially at Nova but I am being pressured by my dentist to go to BU. I've heard that the training at BU is superior, but I have no idea why. Does anyone know anything about the curriculum and the difference in writing the NBDE?


Thanks for the input guys!

I can't specify as to the reasons the people you know are telling you this, but I can tell you that my fellow dentist friends and others have told me the same. I will tell you this though.....if you have deposits at both schools I would be ready to make a decision quick since I am sure one or both of the schools will be contacting you soon as you are not supposed to have multiple deposits this late in the game. Good luck making your decision, if you choose Boston I'll see you there.

 

[leeaf]

I would choose boston since nova is fairly new and they are having some kinda chair problems.. 🙂
Hope I see you at boston yey👍

 

[kix08]

I really have to say it that it depends a lot on yourself.

I do not know much about BU, but this is what I can tell you about NOVA.

1. Nova is newer than BU so it has some advantages. The faculty doesn't seem so set in their ways that they do not listen to you. They really take student's concerns seriously, and you feel comfortable addressing your professors. For example, say you get all your syllabi, and you have 3 tests in a week- if you ask them, they will change it for you.

The faculty here are amazing. They really care about the students, and you really get to know them. They are willing to spend time with you to help you understand and learn techniques.

2. Nova is expensive- not sure if you are in state or out of state, but it is a lot to handle. However, there are some things to consider:

The tuition quote does include a $10,000 budget for a top of the line kit which you keep. It is seriously amazing, and you will use many of the pieces when you leave. You rent your supplies from other schools (not sure if this is the case at BU).

Also, things like parking, gym, etc are all included in the price.

3. The quality of life is very good here. This was a big one for me.

The students are happy here. Sometimes they are stressed, and work very hard, but for me, I was struck with the feeling that students like it here. I did not apply to BU, so I don't know how students seemed there.

Also, whenever you get stressed out- which will happen- dental school is hard- you can be at the beach in 10 minutes. It sounds stupid, but it has definitely helped me step back and relax.

You may not realize how much good weather affects your mood, your health, and your motivation, but for me it has huge implications. I get sick less often (yay for vitamin D!), I get out of bed quicker, and I am more ready to learn.

Finally, it is great to get advice from other people in the profession, but unless they are really involved with many dental schools, they probably don't really know. Things today have changed a lot since they were in school, and they will be continually changing when we start practicing.

Remember it is your life. Go where you think you, personally, will be able to learn dentistry the best!

Congrats on your acceptances!