Guys,
I just came back from my regional interview for BU (in Toronto). I just get an excellent vibe from the program. I love the idea of APEX and how I could spend two 12 week terms in my hometown of Toronto. That really really appeals to me. BU seems pretty good clinically and they got excellent reviews when they went up for accredidation again. I really think that I'd be happier at BU than at Penn. I didn't like Philly at all but I fell in love with Boston.
Dr. Stout told me that BU has a massive Sim lab. Are these sim units at the same level of sophistication of the Sim units at Penn that they speak so highly of? Another questions, does BU offer any scholarships? I doubt they do..
Dr. Stout was a really really nice guy. I sat down and he told me that in 4 years of being involved in interviewing and admissions, my essay was the best he's ever read. That's really an honor. He also said that they'd love to have me. He knew that I had a deposit at Penn.
The thing is, I think Penn has a really good program but I actually think BUs program is more my style. It seems more laid back, friendly, high tech, and I'm really impressed by APEX. I also love Boston. I think that I could really excel at BU which would still give me a chance to specialize.
The reasons I would, at this point pick Penn, I think would be wrong. I'd pick it because it has a better reputation, better specialization rate, I already have a deposit down, etc. I know Penn is a good school but I dunno, something about BUs program just speaks to me.
Every single time in my academic career, I've chosen the more "prestigious" road. I picked my undergrad because it was the best, I chose my original major because it was highly competitive and one of the elite programs, etc . I then decided that I picked the major for the wrong reasons and I wasn't all that interested in molecular genetics and all that lab work.
So what should I do? Go down the same path..pick the more prestigious school so i can say I went to an Ivy or do I do what I feel in my heart?
Penn might have a better overall program than BU...it probably provides a lot of great opportunities and opens a lot of doors. But I just feel like I'd be happier in Boston and at BU.
Mind you, I actually haven't seen BU. I'm basing this on what I've seen online, what student have said, and how their program is structured. Maybe I should visit Boston again.
Finally, in all reality, I won't be going to an American school. I'll probably end up at a Canadian one, although Canadian admissions is highly competitive and nothing at all is a sure bet. Should I just stop wasting money (i.e. losing Penn's deposit and putting down 2 grand on BU) and just keep my spot at Penn in my back pocket and focus on Canadian admissions? This is what I think the smart move would be. It's just so hard not to get excited when you hear about all these schools and their programs. After going to BUs interview and learning more about the school, I honestly don't think there are any bad dental schools. You just need to find the school that's good for you. Honestly, I think everyone should forget what other people say and just go where they think will fit them best. So I guess maybe I answered my own question
