I was wondering if anyone chose to attend NYU over other acceptances. If so, why? What made NYU stand out? Also, for those who are already matriculated, do you feel you made the right choice? Thanks!
Choosing NYU
- Thread starter BBear008
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BBear, you asked this question before - you seem like you want to go to NYU but need some reassurance... It is an expensive school as is every other private school. That said, it is a great school with excellent facilities and renowned faculty. Since I live in MA and don't have any state schools I declined several interviews to other private schools and chose NYU over Tufts for personal reasons. Plus, the schools are basically the same price - yes, living expenses are very similar in Boston/NYC.
Go with where you will be happiest (even if it is more expensive). Maybe I'll see you in NYC.
Best of luck,
Adam
Go with where you will be happiest (even if it is more expensive). Maybe I'll see you in NYC.
Best of luck,
Adam
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well, I am a D1 here at NYU and I have no regrets so far in terms of choosing NYU over other schools. As with any school, there will be pros and cons, but due to it being a very expensive school, people over emphasize the cons, IMO at least.
price and class size are the biggest cons that stand out. Price, there is really not much you can do about it, except military, pray for a scholarship. Like any private school, it is pricey.
As for class size, people feel that they wont get much attention from professors or seats in clinics and preclinics, but this couldnt be further from the truth. As far as classes go, any class that requires detailed instruction (like preclinic lab and anatomy) the faculty student ratio is pretty good (1 row instructor per row for lab (~11 students per row)) and about 20 students per anatomy class with 1-2 instructors. last year alone they hired ~400 new faculty (not replacements). all your other classes are in a giant lecture hall like in college. by your second semester, most people wont show up because everything is recorded on podcasts, so believe me you will have the professors all to yourself if thats what you want. They all have office hours and are very accessible.
To be honest, i have had no trouble getting around the school or finding faculty to help me/ go over exams etc. I havent really heard of any complaints from D3's and D4's about clinics. NYUCD is made up of 2 buildings 11 floors each, so there are plenty of clinics.
Finally, the best part is that you will make so many friends. That is always a good thing in a big city with many things to do. If you can balance work and free time, you will have a blast. I hope that addresses some of your concerns
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Class size sucks. Period.
The elevators are super crowded and basically stop on every floor. First year students are usually at 6th floor for lecture and 11th floor for lab. You can take the stairs, but its hell.
Every week they split us up b/c of class size and place us into different rooms to take a weekly quiz. Annoying.
In second year the AP students come, all 125 of them. Lovely. They then randomly split the lab into 3 groups. So you could end up being split from your friends as you enjoy weird scheduling.
Faculty..Well most are nice and helpful while there are some who just talk on their cell phones and don't teach anything. There were two instances this semester where we did not even have a row instructor!
Some view a large class size as a plus b/c of diversity. But this is not undergrad anymore. For dental school, having a large class size is a negative IMO. Yes, we don't need to have the professors hold our hand but it shouldn't be a struggle to find a seat in lecture, hunt down a row instructor, and be crammed into an elevator like a sardine.
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is the elevator that big of an inconvenience? there are 2 sets in the buildings one is express. sure you wait sometimes, but you do that for all elevators last i checked. I have yet to be late to any meaningful class. Ive lived in this city my whole life. tall crowed buildings, subways at rush hour, over crowded schools etc. thats gonna be part of this city is feeling like a sardine sometimes.
the rest is just being whiney. so you have to take a quiz one week in nagle and the next in saklad, so what? is that really something to complain about? you are gonna be separated from half the class for a good 30 min, so what?
as for the last part about the AP students, well I am not there yet. But some of the D2's and D3's have been telling me of a crazy idea, you ready for it? make friends with other people, including the AP's. dont you have friends in A section and B? im sure you can make some when C section rolls around next semester. but maybe you have your crew all set.
and i am curious now how it is possible that you have to search for a seat when so many people don't show up to class to begin with. picky about seating as well? lets be honest both nagle and saklad have more than enough seats for all the students. finding a seat should not be a problem.
hey its not perfect but the class size does not impede on learning and becoming a competent dentist. you get what you put in. You hate it, I have no major complaints at the moment.
edit:
as for the row instructor there is one notorious for that (ok maybe two that are just useless), but im sure every school has one that sucks. but you know what, there is a row instructor in every row, and TA's floating around. also last i checked there was Dr. Bucklan whom you can always go to.
i guess im having a hard time with that active listening thing ; ).
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Wow ChoDog... do you really think that's an accurate description of our school? Few people seem to take advantage of it, but remember that Jane Rosenthal's door is always open if you need help coping... (I sincerely mean that, I'm not trying to be flip).
For what it's worth, I feel Musl gave a pretty accurate description of NYUCD. While there are some in our class who share Cho's frustrations, the vast majority of my classmates feel similar to Musl. Your experience really is what you make of it, as it would be at any other school.
For what it's worth, I feel Musl gave a pretty accurate description of NYUCD. While there are some in our class who share Cho's frustrations, the vast majority of my classmates feel similar to Musl. Your experience really is what you make of it, as it would be at any other school.
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it sounds like u dun like NYU. Why did u choose this school? or this was the only school that accepted u?? if it is, then stop complaining and accepting that u r in NYUCD
I see no problem at all with the elevator and the row instructors. I don't understand why people always complaint that the row instructors do not teach them. wake up! we r in grad schools, and we all know how to handle that, rite? ask around, ask ur friends, ask other instructors, Dr. Bucklan, Dr. Martin, etc...I'm sure that they r more than happy to help you. U struggle to find a seat in lecture...hahah...it is hilarious. Maybe, u always come to class late, and not being happy because u can't sit next to ur gang?? poor u...baby.
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i think we should apply some feedback so Cho can realize his whiney behavior and hopefully improve himself. remember we must be repsectful and non judgemental.....
im just trying to apply all that Hittleman stuff. I feel totally screwed.
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Ha. Why can't people in grad school type out full words - reading this crap reminds me of 5th grade AIM chats...
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No school is perfect and I have the right to express how I feel about it.
Remember what Hittelman said? If someone says that they are mad, then they are mad. You have to acknowledge their feelings..haha..If its sounds whiny and such, that wasn't my intention.
I said class size sucks and I gave specific illustrations on why.
I have friends in both groups but their some ppl who you are closer then with others. It does suck being separated from them.
And come on, the elevators are crowded except for the odd hours. And let me tell you, I'm not the only who feel that the row instructors don't teach that well. There are a bunch of us. For instance for complex restorations, Bucklan just told us to do it on X and Y teeth. Thats it. I ask my row instructor how to do it, he/she replies: make it look like your prep models 😕 Do you know how many times I see them on their cell phones?
Anyways, these are my observations and feelings. I don't dislike the school. I love the ppl, most professors, and the facilities. But class size sucks!
Remember what Hittelman said? If someone says that they are mad, then they are mad. You have to acknowledge their feelings..haha..If its sounds whiny and such, that wasn't my intention.
I said class size sucks and I gave specific illustrations on why.
I have friends in both groups but their some ppl who you are closer then with others. It does suck being separated from them.
And come on, the elevators are crowded except for the odd hours. And let me tell you, I'm not the only who feel that the row instructors don't teach that well. There are a bunch of us. For instance for complex restorations, Bucklan just told us to do it on X and Y teeth. Thats it. I ask my row instructor how to do it, he/she replies: make it look like your prep models 😕 Do you know how many times I see them on their cell phones?
Anyways, these are my observations and feelings. I don't dislike the school. I love the ppl, most professors, and the facilities. But class size sucks!
I don't know how anyone can say that he/she can't find a seat in Nagle. Last time I checked in our cardiovascular lecture on Friday, more than 60% of the seats were empty. As for elevators, I use them during odd hours but if I'm in a rush I just take the stairs and let the patients take those elevators. As for the row instructors I've encountered two bad ones (just couldn't get much feedback from them) but for the most part the row instructors have taught me invaluable information (I've learned a great deal from my row instructor on complex restorations this Friday) and please take advantage of the TAs. Also the row instructors rotate every 2 weeks just to be fair to everyone else. Also, as MUSL mentioned Dr. Bucklan is always open for feedbacks and help. NYUCD is a huge school but it is what you make of it. I am sorry that you don't really like the large class size but I have really enjoyed making so many great friends here. Also because they break us up into sections, I feel that our class size isn't an issue for me. Compared to the opportunities that are open to us I don't think class size matters at all. And that's how I feel.
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I'm a D2 and I like it here. Just like anywhere and everywhere there are good teachers and there are bad teachers. If you're having a problem with a particular instructor then go to someone else -- an option I think many take for granted. Could you imagine going to a smaller school like UConn or Stony? 30 students per class? Do you think you'd have as many options for constructive instructor feedback as we have here? I seriously doubt it...
And here's the best thing about NYU... if you don't like something then you have channels for making complaints. Having problems with a row instructor? Tell Bucklan. Or your curriculum reps, pres, or Jane, or Dean Palatta. Not only are there plenty of people to hear your complaints but something is usually done about it! I've never seen a school so willing to work with its students and so receptive to criticism. However, if you'd prefer to sit around and complain unconstructively because you like to complain... that's fine too. There are enough students here that people can easily avoid you...
And here's the best thing about NYU... if you don't like something then you have channels for making complaints. Having problems with a row instructor? Tell Bucklan. Or your curriculum reps, pres, or Jane, or Dean Palatta. Not only are there plenty of people to hear your complaints but something is usually done about it! I've never seen a school so willing to work with its students and so receptive to criticism. However, if you'd prefer to sit around and complain unconstructively because you like to complain... that's fine too. There are enough students here that people can easily avoid you...
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Sorry for offering my opinion. Some people like the large class size, but get this..Not everybody does. Every thing else about the school I enjoy.
I picked NYU over UPenn and Stony Brook 4 years ago. I initially found this decision very hard to make, but over the years the significance of where or how dental school is has faded from consciousness. No DDS student (short of very few transfers) has a legitimate basis of comparison as no one attends 2 different schools, and while to Pre-Dents the school is THE BIG THING it is in the end nothing but the initial introduction to the actual Profession of Dentistry.
You can make all sort of analytical comparisons between schools, but in the end the dental school experience has a lot of things in common: I dare say most dental students have had the following: classes both interesting and asinine, instructors that are beacons of inspiration, egotistical instructors that are bastards, instructors of the elder dentizen's brigade who should have retired decades ago. In the grand scheme of things we all dealt with bureaucracy, we all stressed out over requirements and our patients, we all had great times with colleagues and made some life-long friendships, as well as wondering how the hell some of our colleagues have made it... or who's going to commit future medicaid fraud....
Go with the school you want to go to, and know that wherever decision you make, it very quickly fades into irrelevance.
I wrote in an earlier posting a 4 year retrospective review of my NYU experience if you want to look it up..... and also, to any incoming students, anyone need an awesome apartment across the street from the school?? I'm moving out.. 🙂
You can make all sort of analytical comparisons between schools, but in the end the dental school experience has a lot of things in common: I dare say most dental students have had the following: classes both interesting and asinine, instructors that are beacons of inspiration, egotistical instructors that are bastards, instructors of the elder dentizen's brigade who should have retired decades ago. In the grand scheme of things we all dealt with bureaucracy, we all stressed out over requirements and our patients, we all had great times with colleagues and made some life-long friendships, as well as wondering how the hell some of our colleagues have made it... or who's going to commit future medicaid fraud....
Go with the school you want to go to, and know that wherever decision you make, it very quickly fades into irrelevance.
I wrote in an earlier posting a 4 year retrospective review of my NYU experience if you want to look it up..... and also, to any incoming students, anyone need an awesome apartment across the street from the school?? I'm moving out.. 🙂
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has been one of my top choice schools, and this one based on my own imagination and rumors (reputation) heard from others previously has been now confirmed after the real experience at the school during my interview.
1. Reputation (Alumni, etc)
2. NYC
3. Facility
4. Curriculum
#1 & #2 criterions have been essential to me.
Fortunately, #3 & #4 at NYUCD are also the best to me.
No reason to hesitate to attend there.
On the other hand, I didn't know that their class size is like 200 at all. However, I think it's not worth mentioning this fact any more. It's rather great opportunity for me to meet a lot of people and do a couple of group activities both on campus and off campus. Hence 4YRs at NYUCD sounds exciting!!
1. Reputation (Alumni, etc)
2. NYC
3. Facility
4. Curriculum
#1 & #2 criterions have been essential to me.
Fortunately, #3 & #4 at NYUCD are also the best to me.
No reason to hesitate to attend there.
On the other hand, I didn't know that their class size is like 200 at all. However, I think it's not worth mentioning this fact any more. It's rather great opportunity for me to meet a lot of people and do a couple of group activities both on campus and off campus. Hence 4YRs at NYUCD sounds exciting!!
I had a total of 8 interviews, and as soon as I got accepted to NYU, I turned down all my others offers.
NYU is a GREAT school. The only downside is the tuition, but you get to live in the centre of the world: Manhattan in NYC. For me, I take this as a once in a lifetime opportunity
NYU was my #1 choice because:
1) Manhattan in NYC as previously mentioned
2) world-wide reputation
3) great facilities/curriculum
4) meet ALL kinds of people, great connections
5) almost all students I talked to were happy there
I read the rumours about NYU as a pre-dent too, but most of them are false. NYU is an awesome school. I have absolutely no regrets in choosing NYU.
NYU is a GREAT school. The only downside is the tuition, but you get to live in the centre of the world: Manhattan in NYC. For me, I take this as a once in a lifetime opportunity
NYU was my #1 choice because:
1) Manhattan in NYC as previously mentioned
2) world-wide reputation
3) great facilities/curriculum
4) meet ALL kinds of people, great connections
5) almost all students I talked to were happy there
I read the rumours about NYU as a pre-dent too, but most of them are false. NYU is an awesome school. I have absolutely no regrets in choosing NYU.
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The elevators are always conjested except on Saturday night, which let's face it isn't really when you're in such a hurry. It is a real annoying problem.
The school is twice the size of any other large dental school. There are many things that are wonderful about NYU and many ways to make it feel more intimate, but potential students should realize that dealing with a large volume of people is inherent in the NYUCD experience. Some students new to a large city may be charmed by that as a part of the entire big city experience. It's on an urban campus, on a warm day you can't go sit in the grass for lunch, on the other hand you can go spend Sunday in Central Park. It's just something to factor in.
The school is twice the size of any other large dental school. There are many things that are wonderful about NYU and many ways to make it feel more intimate, but potential students should realize that dealing with a large volume of people is inherent in the NYUCD experience. Some students new to a large city may be charmed by that as a part of the entire big city experience. It's on an urban campus, on a warm day you can't go sit in the grass for lunch, on the other hand you can go spend Sunday in Central Park. It's just something to factor in.
I heard from a student that in pre-clinic they just show you a procedure and that's that. Is there any truth to that? How are the clinics in third and fourth year? Are faculty easily accessible for help in the clinic? Lastly, do you feel that the clinics are overcrowded?
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Is that not enough? would you like them to do it for you? 😕
what are you looking for them to do?
This is the nature of dentistry. you have to do things on your own. There will be a lot of new products and procedures you will have to master and learn once you graduate dental school. There will be nobody to hold your hand.
After the first week or two, there really are no demonstrations, unless it is something totally new. Everything you learn in operative after the first 2 weeks is just a modification of the stuff you learn in the first 2 weeks of lab.
it is not rocket science. the most difficult part is developing the hand skills, especially while using the mirror, learning how to comfortably operate the hand piece and how to position the mannequin best for your comfort. this is all stuff you will find out on your own, you cant really be taught these things. It is different for everyone. I feel these were the trickiest things to master, so far.
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Musl hit is right on the nose. They show how to do a procedure, but everyone at this level is capable or taking it from there. You don't need them to hold your hand through every step. There are plenty of instructors to help you in pre-clinic if you need help. In the end, dentistry is all about the end product, it doesn't really matter how you get there. A 6'4" person will use different finger rests than a 5'1" person and may hold the handpiece differently. On a class V prep (looks like a smile on the front of a tooth) some people may start in the middle and then curve up to the left and then to the right. Others may start on one side and just make a smile shape in a single motion. Who's to say which way is better or correct? In the end, if the prep has the correct dimensions, it's a good prep, regardless of how you got there. They show you what you need to do, it's up to you to get it done. Now, obviously you can get one of the faculty to give you advice along the way or even hold your hand through every step if you need it, but you'll find that you receive adequate instruction. For procedures that need to be done in a specific order (such as composite restorations), they will show you step by step how to do it. As far as 3rd and 4th year clinics, I've walked through quite a few times and it doesn't seem as though it's overcrowded with dental students. There is always a huge crowd of patients though... that doesn't suck! Hopefully you can get a 3rd or 4th year to help answer that question.
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His classes are very interesting (no other class holds my attention like his do). There are some funny points, but I think it's more interesting than it is funny. He's a very engaging lecturer. The other lecturer that I found very engaging was Dr. Baker, an anatomy professor. He knew everybody's name by the end of the first week (scares you a bit when a prof says hi to you by name in the hallway when you haven't ever spoken with him, but he's a really good guy). He had some idea of who was living with who... not sure if this happened to everyone in class, but when I'd casually say "my roommate," he'd respond with "Oh, do you mean ______, ______ or _______. Ridiculous... Unfortunately, I've heard he is leaving... I hope it's just a rumor but I'm not counting on it. Back to Hittleman... he is a psychologist and his classes are all about how to interact with patients in different situations. Some people struggle with his class, but the most important thing to do is to get yourself into his mindset. Rather than trying to memorize everything on his slides, start to think like he thinks and you should do great.
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