Columbia vs Rutgers

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So I'm deff going to Columbia but I'm curious of people's opinions , I have the intention of specializing , and I loved Columbia more than any school I've interviewed at , but I'm curious whether anyone would choose Rutgers because of price , for me personally, the program of Columbia justifies the extra price, but that's just me


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Hey there! Congrats again. Are you from New Jersey? If you are, then in state tuition will make your first years of practicing a lot less stressful. Columbia is one of the cheaper private schools though. They also have the edge when you consider specializing if that is your goal. Personally I would still choose Rutgers though.
 
Thanks man ! And yeah so I'm not from jersey , but you get in state after the first year anyway lol, but yeah I wanna specialize and Columbia just felt like the right school for me


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I would choose Rutgers because of the price, I don't plan on specializing but if I did I would just work hard and make it.

I'm the kind of guy that would rather have a 10 dollar dinner from Dennys than a 20 dollar dinner from Cheesecake Factory, so if 10 dollars mean that much to me, then the thousands I would save would mean a ton more.
 
Thanks for your input , I just felt at home at Columbia , and no school I've ever interviewed or looked at, for college or dental school has made me feel that way lol


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taking the advice of someone i know who went to columbia for residency (peds) and graduated recently and told me this 2 weeks ago ( i'm paraphrasing): the facilities aren't great, a lot isn't invested back into the school, and they use the columbia name to get them whatever accolades they have.

with that said it's your call. columbia isn't known for producing strong general clinicians. but if you're hell bent on specializing (as everyone is before dental school), then more power to ya. not to say that rutgers doesn't produce specialists as well, of course. you'll probably receive a more well rounded education at rutgers
 
ultimateballer07 said:
Why are you posting this? You were going nuts over columbia and having major OCD on Columbus's thread. Your mind is made up obviously.
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If you read the beginning of my post , I said yes, I made up my mind about Columbia , but I was curious what others thought , not asking where I should go, as I am going to Columbia , I just was interested to know what other people think is all ...


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toothdriller2k17 said:
taking the advice of someone i know who went to columbia for residency (peds) and graduated recently and told me this 2 weeks ago ( i'm paraphrasing): the facilities aren't great, a lot isn't invested back into the school, and they use the columbia name to get them whatever accolades they have.

with that said it's your call. columbia isn't known for producing strong general clinicians. but if you're hell bent on specializing (as everyone is before dental school), then more power to ya. not to say that rutgers doesn't produce specialists as well, of course. you'll probably receive a more well rounded education at rutgers
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input !


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musicplease said:
I would choose Rutgers because of the price, I don't plan on specializing but if I did I would just work hard and make it.

I'm the kind of guy that would rather have a 10 dollar dinner from Dennys than a 20 dollar dinner from Cheesecake Factory, so if 10 dollars mean that much to me, then the thousands I would save would mean a ton more.
Click to expand...

i rather have 5$ burger from McDonald's. you have overpriced dinner.
 
ghost11 said:
So I'm deff going to Columbia but I'm curious of people's opinions , I have the intention of specializing , and I loved Columbia more than any school I've interviewed at , but I'm curious whether anyone would choose Rutgers because of price , for me personally, the program of Columbia justifies the extra price, but that's just me


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Click to expand...
whats the price difference?
 
70-80k will turn into 100k in 4 years in interest. Near 150k when its all said and done with your student loans.

I'd pick Rutgers easily. Price and a huge patient pool. I get the impression that they really work you into the ground, clinically. Didn't some student here get interviewed at Columbia and the person that actually interviewed them said to go else where if they can save the money?

Time and time again people say that columbia residents are lacking. So if you want to pay extra for the name, go ahead. But make sure you actually do the numbers and see the difference in monthly payments. See the difference in monthly accumulated interest. And then understand that if you were going to specialize at Columbia, you would specialize at Rutgers with that effort. Not sure what you fell in love with exactly, nothing really happened on my interview date. UNC on the other hand, I'm sure my drool stains are still there, UCONN too. UB's students and faculty seemed more genuine too, along with NYU and Temple. Rutger students actually seemed the most happiest out of all the schools I interviewed at. We didn't even get to meet D4 students at Columbia, while at Rutgers, they were a whole bunch of them waiting for us first thing in the morning.

I'm really thankful I had the strength to pick my school among others I was fortunate enough to receive acceptances from. I don't take out nearly as much in loans and the interest hasn't collect nearly as much. At the end of the day, you all get the same education and sit down for the same boards. And time flies!
 
Last edited:
rxdmx372 said:
Those were your drool stains at UConn? I was wondering what those were...
Click to expand...

About to finish off my first year of DS, and I still remember how beautiful that school is. UNC was like 5x in shininess and sparkles too.

I had these interviews before Columbia, the quality in appearance of the pre-clinics and even clinics is night and day.
 
Faux said:
70-80k will turn into 100k in 4 years in interest. Near 150k when its all said and done with your student loans.

I'd pick Rutgers easily. Price and a huge patient pool. I get the impression that they really work you into the ground, clinically. Didn't some student here get interviewed at Columbia and the person that actually interviewed them said to go else where if they can save the money?

Time and time again people say that columbia residents are lacking. So if you want to pay extra for the name, go ahead. But make sure you actually do the numbers and see the difference in monthly payments. See the difference in monthly accumulated interest. And then understand that if you were going to specialize at Columbia, you would specialize at Rutgers with that effort. Not sure what you fell in love with exactly, nothing really happened on my interview date. UNC on the other hand, I'm sure my drool stains are still there, UCONN too. UB's students and faculty seemed more genuine too, along with NYU and Temple. Rutger students actually seemed the most happiest out of all the schools I interviewed at. We didn't even get to meet D4 students at Columbia, while at Rutgers, they were a whole bunch of them waiting for us first thing in the morning.

I'm really thankful I had the strength to pick my school among others I was fortunate enough to receive acceptances from. I don't take out nearly as much in loans and the interest hasn't collect nearly as much. At the end of the day, you all get the same education and sit down for the same boards. And time flies!
Click to expand...
I just felt like it was the right school for me , Rutgers had all old labs and equipment in comparison so I really don't know what you're alluding to in talking about how old Columbia's are, I absolutely loved the feel of the people there and I really like that the first 2 years are with med students , as I feel it will be a very interesting and unique experience which doesn't occur at most schools , and yes I plan to specialize , and would prefer to not end up as a gen dentist , so if the name helps me, whether that's absurd or not , so be it , however I'm going there because I felt something on my interview there that I've never felt anywhere else as far as schools are concerned , I felt it could help me truly grow as a person in the type of environment that exists at Columbia , all that being said , these are some of the reasons I personally am going to Columbia , however , I respect your opinion and can deff understand the saving money point... To each their own , thanks for your input 🙂 that's exactly why I started the thread , I was curious what people's opinions were , thought it might be an interesting discussion etc....


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ghost11 said:
I just felt like it was the right school for me , Rutgers had all old labs and equipment in comparison so I really don't know what you're alluding to in talking about how old Columbia's are, I absolutely loved the feel of the people there and I really like that the first 2 years are with med students , as I feel it will be a very interesting and unique experience which doesn't occur at most schools , and yes I plan to specialize , and would prefer to not end up as a gen dentist , so if the name helps me, whether that's absurd or not , so be it , however I'm going there because I felt something on my interview there that I've never felt anywhere else as far as schools are concerned , I felt it could help me truly grow as a person in the type of environment that exists at Columbia , all that being said , these are some of the reasons I personally am going to Columbia , however , I respect your opinion and can deff understand the saving money point... To each their own , thanks for your input 🙂 that's exactly why I started the thread , I was curious what people's opinions were , thought it might be an interesting discussion etc....


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Click to expand...

And thats what the problem was, that the quality in clinics were very similar, despite one college being a private ivy league, and another being a state college. I was looking at the pre-clinics and thought, where is the money going? What I saw at UNC/UCONN was what I expected from Columbia.

You want to do residency, and thats fine, but that residency also costs money, on top of whatever extra you're paying for columbia. All I ask if that you go to an actual accountant and let him do the numbers for you like I did.
 
Faux said:
And thats what the problem was, that the quality in clinics were very similar, despite one college being a private ivy league, and another being a state college. I was looking at the pre-clinics and thought, where is the money going? What I saw at UNC/UCONN was what I expected from Columbia.

You want to do residency, and thats fine, but that residency also costs money, on top of whatever extra you're paying for columbia. All I ask if that you go to an actual accountant and let him do the numbers for you like I did.
Click to expand...
I mean the clinics at Columbia that I saw seemed to be pretty modern and up date , and I actually do have a cousin whose an actuary so I could let him run some numbers , although I've done some rudimentary adding myself , on top of which, for the money , I do plan on declining the health insurance , as I will be covered anyway, so that's 20k plus interest right there , and actually , only certain types of residencies require you to pay , others pay you , for example most peds residencies, alot you a small salary , similar to a med residency , or so I've been told....


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Faux said:
Time and time again people say that columbia residents are lacking. So if you want to pay extra for the name, go ahead. But make sure you actually do the numbers and see the difference in monthly payments. See the difference in monthly accumulated interest. And then understand that if you were going to specialize at Columbia, you would specialize at Rutgers with that effort.
Click to expand...

You would have much stiffer competition, imo.
 
Faux said:
And thats what the problem was, that the quality in clinics were very similar, despite one college being a private ivy league, and another being a state college. I was looking at the pre-clinics and thought, where is the money going? What I saw at UNC/UCONN was what I expected from Columbia.

You want to do residency, and thats fine, but that residency also costs money, on top of whatever extra you're paying for columbia. All I ask if that you go to an actual accountant and let him do the numbers for you like I did.
Click to expand...

I dont think you need to pay for an accountant to do the number for you. simply google "mortgage repayment calculator"
and change the interest to the student loan interest, and change the length of repayment, and wola, you get yourself an online accountant.
 
Faux said:
70-80k will turn into 100k in 4 years in interest. Near 150k when its all said and done with your student loans.

I'd pick Rutgers easily. Price and a huge patient pool. I get the impression that they really work you into the ground, clinically. Didn't some student here get interviewed at Columbia and the person that actually interviewed them said to go else where if they can save the money?

Time and time again people say that columbia residents are lacking. So if you want to pay extra for the name, go ahead. But make sure you actually do the numbers and see the difference in monthly payments. See the difference in monthly accumulated interest. And then understand that if you were going to specialize at Columbia, you would specialize at Rutgers with that effort. Not sure what you fell in love with exactly, nothing really happened on my interview date. UNC on the other hand, I'm sure my drool stains are still there, UCONN too. UB's students and faculty seemed more genuine too, along with NYU and Temple. Rutger students actually seemed the most happiest out of all the schools I interviewed at. We didn't even get to meet D4 students at Columbia, while at Rutgers, they were a whole bunch of them waiting for us first thing in the morning.

I'm really thankful I had the strength to pick my school among others I was fortunate enough to receive acceptances from. I don't take out nearly as much in loans and the interest hasn't collect nearly as much. At the end of the day, you all get the same education and sit down for the same boards. And time flies!
Click to expand...


what dental school do you go to?
 
OP started thread to justify his choice. What were you expecting OP? You wanted people to fawn over Columbia? The response from sdn about private and public tuition is ALWAYS the same.


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pikachurro said:
OP started thread to justify his choice. What were you expecting OP? You wanted people to fawn over Columbia? The response from sdn about private and public tuition is ALWAYS the same.


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Click to expand...

#teamFeralis14AA15TS#
 
pikachurro said:
OP started thread to justify his choice. What were you expecting OP? You wanted people to fawn over Columbia? The response from sdn about private and public tuition is ALWAYS the same.


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Click to expand...
I just wanted to know people's opinions that's all, I'm sorry if I bothered or annoyed anyone [emoji85], I explicitly stated that I would be attending Columbia and my choice was made when I created the thread lol, I guess people don't read the whole first post [emoji23], can't wait to be classmates by the way !


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Dude, don't listen to anyone. Columbia all the way. Specialization rates + P/F curriculum makes it a no brainer.
 
zammyd said:
Dude, don't listen to anyone. Columbia all the way. Specialization rates + P/F curriculum makes it a no brainer.
Click to expand...
Thanks , I mean personally I make my decisions based on me , so it doesn't matter what other people would say, it's just interesting to hear what others think , but I couldn't agree with you more , those are just more reasons added to the ones I listed earlier as to why I feel Columbia is an amazing choice for me , I honestly feel truly blessed to be going there , but I wouldn't knock anywhere that anyone else goes or wants to , to each their own 🙂


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I only wish you you would mention actual things that interest you about the program itself. You keep ranting about "the feel, the air, the environment, peoples' looks, the walls, the floors, etc." and have barely said anything about things the school has to offer. If you like the med curriculum, then it's for you. if you like research, then it's for you. Living in NYC appeals to you? Ok. Also, the class is ranked into thirds so be sure to work hard if you want to specialize. And close to half the class last year went into GPR/AEGD/private practice- just something to be aware of.
 
Unless you have rich parents that are paying for your tuition I'd choose Rutgers. The price difference is pretty significant between the two.
 
ultimateballer07 said:
I only wish you you would mention actual things that interest you about the program itself. You keep ranting about "the feel, the air, the environment, peoples' looks, the walls, the floors, etc." and have barely said anything about things the school has to offer. If you like the med curriculum, then it's for you. if you like research, then it's for you. Living in NYC appeals to you? Ok. Also, the class is ranked into thirds so be sure to work hard if you want to specialize. And close to half the class last year went into GPR/AEGD/private practice- just something to be aware of.
Click to expand...
I mentioned many things besides the feel of the place , here they are again , along with some new ones , 1 the med curriculum , 2 specialization rate , 3pass fail honors , 4the clinics , 5the people there ,6 the wide array of patients varying in condition from old to very young , 7 the ability to be involved in literally any type of shadowing from day one , 8 the fact that Columbia is already planning how to prepare us for the adat which you take after graduating in order to place for specializing , it's a new exam which will be out by the time we graduate , most schools haven't even mentioned it, my Columbia interview was the first time I heard about it, and that type of plan ahead mentality , and sharp focus , is what draws me to this program, they're already figuring a plan of attack when most places haven't even heard of the obstacle which will be coming at us....


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JLT223 said:
Leave the guy alone. Who cares?
Click to expand...
Lol he keeps commenting back, and it's fine , I don't mind, I started this thread to hear people's opinions , regardless of my decision being made , I welcome anyone to offer their thoughts 🙂 but thanks , and congrats on upenn !!!!


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If someone pay your tuition, Columbia; otherwise, Rutgers. I pay tuition by myself, I select Rutgers without a hesitation.

Too much debt is not a bad thing, it is a hell. Especially after your graduation, you still need lots money to open practice.
 
zammyd said:
Dude, don't listen to anyone. Columbia all the way. Specialization rates + P/F curriculum makes it a no brainer.
Click to expand...
While P/F does seem awesome and I won't argue with that, I feel like the specialization rate is due in part to the fact that a higher portion of people who want to specialize decide to attend Columbia and that it's not necessarily that Columbia will prepare you better to specialize than a school like Rutgers. For example, I don't want to specialize, so I didn't even apply to schools like Columbia. Not worth the money to me and I don't care about prestige. I'm not sure the specialization rates of either school, but I'm sure Rutgers is great and could definitely allow you to specialize if you put in the same hard work. I just really dislike when people use specialization rates as a pro like that for a school.
Since the title of the thread asked, I'd honestly probably pick neither school. Not my favorite locations lol
 
hellofuturedentists said:
While P/F does seem awesome and I won't argue with that, I feel like the specialization rate is due in part to the fact that a higher portion of people who want to specialize decide to attend Columbia and that it's not necessarily that Columbia will prepare you better to specialize than a school like Rutgers. For example, I don't want to specialize, so I didn't even apply to schools like Columbia. Not worth the money to me and I don't care about prestige. I'm not sure the specialization rates of either school, but I'm sure Rutgers is great and could definitely allow you to specialize if you put in the same hard work. I just really dislike when people use specialization rates as a pro like that for a school.
Since the title of the thread asked, I'd honestly probably pick neither school. Not my favorite locations lol
Click to expand...
Thanks for your input ! 🙂


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Confused321 said:
do you want to work in the US?

why would you go to Colombia if you got accepted at Rutgers, Rutgers is a very prestigious university and its in the US, you should go there.
Click to expand...
Columbia university not country lol , not really sure if you're being sarcastic or not ... Hard to tell over the computer and what not


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Confused321 said:
do you want to work in the US?

why would you go to Colombia if you got accepted at Rutgers, Rutgers is a very prestigious university and its in the US, you should go there.
Click to expand...
LMFAO terrible trolling, it's Columbia*
 
i see, okay so if Colombia is also a college in the US and you liked it better like you say go there 🙂
 
ghost11 said:
Lol he keeps commenting back, and it's fine , I don't mind, I started this thread to hear people's opinions , regardless of my decision being made , I welcome anyone to offer their thoughts 🙂 but thanks , and congrats on upenn !!!!


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Click to expand...
did you officially drop Rutgers already???
 
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