Case vs. Michigan

[boboli_chef]

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I know, it's yet another comparison thread, but due to the large numbers of SDN members accepted into both places, I think many will benefit from this.
Here's what I observed from visits:

CASE
- DentSims
- own operatories during 3rd, 4th years
- smaller class
- I'm unsure about living in Cleveland for four years
- I never found out much about curriculum, but it sounds like skipping classes was not a big deal, so take that for what it's worth

MICHIGAN
- Ann Arbor is a nice college town (albeit a little small to hold a dental school of UM's size)
- Facilities weren't quite as nice as Case's, but there are upgrades being made, including simulators for next year
- Sounds like there is a heavier academic emphasis
(- personal note, I have a family member that works in a non-dental related field at the UM Hospital that has lived in the area awhile. For me, that might be a significant, yet easily-overlooked factor)

Overall, I still feel like I don't know enough to make an informed decision. I'm not a resident of MI, so no tuition break there. Can anyone provide their thoughts, or more information on either school? BTW, I'm looking at general practice, returning to WA state after dental school. Thanks! 🙂

 

[arns51]

Do you have any specific questions? I went to Case undergrad and have lived in cleveland the last 5 years. And I am very ready to leave the area, despite having had a great time over the past 5 years. Also I have some friends in dental school at Case, so let me know if you have any questions.

 

[larryt]

arns51,

Where did you live ? Any good apartment around the school ? I mean apartment, not dorm. What is your mode of transportation ? Any paid parking space available for student ? I would have to drive my car around there.

 

[boboli_chef]

Check your PM box, arns51.

 

[arns51]

Larry, I lived in Cleveland Heights (tons of students live all over Cle Hts.) once I moved off campus. The most popular places to live are Cleveland Heights and Little Italy. You can walk to the school from basically anywhere in Little Italy and from some apartments in Cleveland Heights. Other than that you need a car to get to school.

Parking...luckily I have always been able to park at my fraternity house. From what I have heard people say though, is that parking is very expensive (around 400$ a semester, not 100% sure about that number but I think its close) and there isnt very much parking that is close to the school.

Boboli, got to get back to work, ill check my PM in a bit.

 

[Baby Kuma]

Hey Arns, Are apartments in Cleveland Heights expensive? And do you know if some come fully furnished? My only problem I had with my visit to Cleveland was the question of mobility. I don't know how easy it is to get around without a car to get to/from school and go do errands (like buy groceries). I know that's a really minor issue, but still...

 

[Brand]

Michigan has everything any other school has. With the opportunity to specialize and do research it gains an edge. Also, the faculty are experts in their fields.

 

[MarkFitzsimmons]

I'm a case undergrad and love the school. If you have any specific questions email me.

FYI, I pay around $140 a semester for parking.

 

[larryt]

Originally posted by MarkFitzsimmons
I'm a case undergrad and love the school. If you have any specific questions email me.

FYI, I pay around $140 a semester for parking.

Not bad at all for Cleveland. I'm currently pay 80/month for parking at work in Houston. Where is the parking lot at ? I went there and didn't see many around. Is it easy to get the parking permit ?

I found some very good apt in suburban cleveland, but 15 min drive away from Case.

 

[arns51]

Originally posted by Baby Kuma
Hey Arns, Are apartments in Cleveland Heights expensive? And do you know if some come fully furnished? My only problem I had with my visit to Cleveland was the question of mobility. I don't know how easy it is to get around without a car to get to/from school and go do errands (like buy groceries). I know that's a really minor issue, but still...

Basically, the closer you are to campus the more expensive it is going to be, but this is true with any college campus. I would say that apartments in Cle Hts. are about average or maybe below average expense if you compare them to other big cities. I think it is very possible to find singles in the 4-500$ range (or possibly cheaper). I have lived in a 4 bedroom and a 6 bedroom house in Cle Hts and both the rent was $1250. As far as fully furnished, I have only lived in houses so Im not really sure.

 

[arns51]

Originally posted by MarkFitzsimmons
I'm a case undergrad and love the school. If you have any specific questions email me.

FYI, I pay around $140 a semester for parking.

Ok, that is much cheaper than what I have heard. I work at Case and my coworkers pay anything from 40-70$ a month for parking(and they still have a pretty long walk to get to work), so maybe you get a nice discount as a student.

 

[boboli_chef]

Brand, or any other U of MI people, are the clinics busy enough in Ann Arbor considering the relatively small size of the city? The area was quite nice, but I don't want to have to be handing out flyers begging for patients in years 3 and 4....

 

[Brand]

You see 2 patients a day. That may not be as good as some schools, but Michigan has other opportunities. If your patients don't show for some reason, you have the option to go to the grad clinic and work/assist. The grad clinics at Michigan are a great resource.

 

[MarkFitzsimmons]

The lot where I park is maybe 300 feet from my building. Which sounds far, but out of all the dorms freshman are allowed to live in, mine is furthest from this lot. This is the only lot freshman can park in.

I don't know how useful this information is as it relates to undergrads and not dental students.