Decided Students' Comments: Why I Chose [Blank] School of Dentistry... (please post)

[Jack Worthing]

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Hopefully someone can benefit by seeing some of their potential schools up here, espeically if he/she is having trouble choosing among acceptances.

If you've already chosen a school please post. Thanks.

I have put this thread up in the dental students' forum also, under the title "Dental Students' Comments: Why I Chose [Blank] School of Dentistry... (please post)".

 

[Impmail101]

Why I Chose NYU School of Dentistry.................
cuz it's 20 mins from my house

 

[Jack Worthing]

Originally posted by Impmail101
Why I Chose NYU School of Dentistry.................
cuz it's 20 mins from my house

thats a good start

win win for you.. DDS and close to home. congrats!

more comments welcome

 

[predentchick]

I chose UNLV because of the facility and staff. Everything is cutting edge and the staff will do anyting to help us out. Vegas is a great place to live, especially if you have a family. VIVA UNLV!

 

[Barry20]

I chose CU because of the great clinicians they produce, the low cost of tuition, and the fact that Denver is more family oriented than the other places I was accepted to (I'm married with an 18 month old daughter). They also have a brand new facility that will be finished at the end of my first year.

Good thread by the way...

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

I chose Temple because of its clinical reputation, ability to get cheap instate tuition, ability to get a free masters in public health degree, and its central location in Philly, 90 miles from New York City, and 45 mins from Atlantic City.

Also, the staff at Temple were great to me. Especially Brian. Since he is a big hockey fan like myself, we always bicker at each other about the Flyers and the LEafs through emails...so I know my 4 years there will be very admin-friendly.

But It was still tough choosing between a few schools, which I thought were excellent. But the deciding factor was when I went back to visit the area last month. I didnt get to see much of the area when I went to my interview cause I left right away. The area around Temple is garbage, but when I drove and checked out the area 10 mins north of the school in the area where all the students live (Roxborough), it was absolutely gorgeous. Also, I bought a very sweet spacious 1 bedroom condo for only $54,000 in a prime location within Roxborough, and with the $40,000 I save on tuition by getting residency, it was practically a free condo, so that was the last deciding factor for me.

 

[Thaxil]

I choose UDM because I love the weather, so much better then So. Cal.

 

[aphistis]

Originally posted by Thaxil
I choose UDM because I love the weather, so much better then So. Cal.

Is that sarcasm?

 

[RaiderNation]

Originally posted by Thaxil
I choose UDM because I love the weather, so much better then So. Cal.

You gotta be joking.

 

[aileen]

I chose Columbia because it's close to parents' house (it looks like I'm getting free room & food!). I wanted to stay in NYC because it is the only place I've lived in my entire life, and because of my boyfriend. Thank god that I got accepted to both NYC schools otherwise I must've moved to NJ or Connecticut. I chose Columbia over NYU because of the money factor; Columbia is cheaper. Also, the dentists I work with (2 Columbia-educated and 2 NYU-educated) argued as to where I should go, and they decided that I would be better off with Columbia (money, name, etc).

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

I picked NYU because of all the new changes from the efforts of Dean Alfano. It was a hard decision to pick to go here because of the tution, but I was amazed at all the opportunties this school had to offer. Probably the biggest deciding factor was the pateint pool and how diverse it was. It seem liked in the other school's I interviewed, students were doing procedures on patients just to get their requirements(yup, doesn't seem right but a few seniors admitted to doing this), while here they were doing actual treatment plans in the best interest of the pateint. I also like the fact that the school is more clinical then didatic.

NYU has lots of toys to play with like CEREC, CAD/CAM, lasers, invisalign, etc... so I took a big liking to that. And one last thing, I love the business aspect of dentistry and when I interviewed they told me they were going to incorporate more business into our course's and they did! We are going to be tought by some leading dental consultants!

 

[Calculus1]

I chose Baylor because I love Dallas and they just renovated all the sim labs and have all new chairs in the clinic.

 

[init4damoney]

I chose UNLV because I love to gamble. My goal is to take what financial aide I receive, build it up at the blackjack tables, then pay off my loans my senior year. Then I'll buy a practice with the money I have left over.

 

[spooky42]

I chose UNLV because I love to gamble. My goal is to take what financial aide I receive, build it up at the blackjack tables, then pay off my loans my senior year. Then I'll buy a practice with the money I have left over

Sounds like a plan. im heading out to Vegas for a couple of days next week. my friend moved out there from NY last year and loves it. great weather and great time.

 

[HBomb]

I chose UCSF because 1) I plan to practice in Northern California, 2) my family lives in the Bay Area, and 3) I'll get a good education.

 

[kevinacko]

i chose temple because i'm from philly, penn is too expensive, and i want a good clinical education.

 

[PERFECT3435]

Originally posted by init4damoney
I chose UNLV because I love to gamble. My goal is to take what financial aide I receive, build it up at the blackjack tables, then pay off my loans my senior year. Then I'll buy a practice with the money I have left over.

sounds like you have the best plan off all.



i chose IUSD for many reasons but just to name afew:

-i rather see my 4 yr old daughter grow up there as supposed to the raidernations, inits4damonies, etc etc
-less stressful life than CA
-better cost of living
- liked the school, its reputation, the people, the family atmosphere, and the cur a lot

 

[groundhog]

init4damoney,

As a local, you can do a lot better in the long run if you stay away from blackjack and concentrate on hold em poker.

First learn your odds (complicated but can be done) and play for the long run by betting when the return over risk ratio is greater than one . For example, there is $300.00 total on the table, you have put in $50.00 , have to lay down $50.00 more to call, and the odds on your hand winning are 50%. (300) (.5)/100 = 1.5....Call.

Second, stay away from hold em tournaments...that venue is a whole different ballgame.

Lastly, keep an eye out for special situations like holidays when the tables might be loaded up with drunks.

Good luck

 

[Zurich5]

I chose UIC because:

- It?s in state so it?s cheaper than going to some expensive private school (but not much)
- It?s in Chicago, a sweet city with lots of shiat to do
- It is not rural at all, like SIU, which would have been horrible
- The school really seems to be turning things around with descent labs, and a solid faculty.
- It?s diverse as hell.

Let?s see how excited I am about all of this in three years

 

[sxr71]

^^^ I wish I got into UIC because it would have been my Chicago connection, I wouldn't mind setting up in Chicago. They rejected me outright, I guess applying to November to a state school outside my state wasn't a good idea. Since I will not go to SIU (because I need the city life), I guess UMICH is the best way to get Chicago connections now.

 

[Hercules4255]

I chose Columbia University because I want to specialize. Many doors will be open to me, and I like New York City.

Hercules4255

 

[Jack Worthing]

The gambling plans sound great. What can possibly beat the Las Vegas strip for hedonistic high living? And making money off of it is sure to be a good living if you can get it..

Can someone fill me in on what UDM stands for?

 

[Jack Worthing]

I chose SUNY at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine because it's much closer to home than my second choice (Buffalo), very inexpensive (cheaper than Buffalo by a few thousand dollars each year), and I love the multifaceted curriculum that blends quality basic science classes, behavioral science, and general practice management. The small class size worried me a bit, but I'm sure they're a great bunch and adding all four classes together makes it seem a lot bigger! (120 total).

I also have friends and family in New York City, and I most likely want to end up living and working in the metro area as opposed to Western New York (where Buffalo is) after I get out, so that was a big factor, because at Stony Brook I'll be able to meet practitioners from the area and be in the buzz about local professionals and associations.

As for the surrounding neighborhood (central Long Island), I figured that of my two choices, Buffalo (the school is actually in Amherst, NY) and Stony Brook, either is pretty rural so I may as well still be closer to NYC. And I know there's plenty of fun people to party with at each place; all dental students are probably happy successful people.

In the end, for most of us, whatever school we choose from our top two choices I'm pretty sure it's a win-win situation. It's actually the ideal situation -- much better than having to go to the only school you got into (unless you happen to fit really well with that one).

Good luck to everyone and keep the comments coming. I'm sure the applicants of the 2004-2005 cycle will appreciate this.

 

[JRogoff]

Originally posted by Jack Worthing

Can someone fill me in on what UDM stands for?

University of Detroit Mercy

 

[RaiderNation]

Originally posted by PERFECT3435
sounds like you have the best plan off all.



i chose IUSD for many reasons but just to name afew:

-i rather see my 4 yr old daughter grow up there as supposed to the raidernations, inits4damonies, etc etc
-less stressful life than CA
-better cost of living
- liked the school, its reputation, the people, the family atmosphere, and the cur a lot

First of all it's "as opposed" not "as supposed". Second, am I now a place? You don't want to raise your family in raidernation and init4damonies? And whats so bad about CA? I want to reply, but I need further clarification. Thanks.

 

[gryffindor]

Originally posted by Jack Worthing
As for the surrounding neighborhood (central Long Island), I figured that of my two choices, Buffalo (the school is actually in Amherst, NY) and Stony Brook, either is pretty rural so I may as well still be closer to NYC.

Congrats on your choice, JackWorthing, but a clarification of our location needs to be made here. University at Buffalo Dental School is not in Amherst, it is located in Buffalo. The main undergrad (North Campus) sits within the confines of Amherst, but the Dental School (South Campus) is at the edge of where Buffalo begins (and Amherst ends). It sounds minor, but it's actually a big difference b/c you'd be surprised when driving in the winter - one street will be nicely plowed and salted and cleaned b/c it's in Amherst, and then you turn onto the next street which is all slushy and icy b/c it's in Buffalo and they can't afford to plow all the streets as often as Amherst does. If you didn't take a trip down Bailey Avenue when you came to interview, then you didn't get to experience the side of the school that borders Buffalo b/c you would have noticed a HUGE difference compared to the side that borders Amherst.

Buffalo and Amherst aren't exactly rural - Buffalo is definitely a city (not a trendy city, but still city) and Amherst is a typical wealthy suburb. If you want to see rural, you need to drive about 35 minutes from the school to the surrounding counties (where many of your patients may be from) to see actual farms and cows and deer and a true rural setting.

 

[Serge718]

I chose Stony Brook because it is:

1) Strong clinical School
2) Close to Home
3) Cheap
4) Small class size (can be plus or minus depending on classmates)

 

[Jack Worthing]

Awww griffin04,

I'm sorry I didn't put too much thought into those Buffalo comments. Yes I know, Buffalo is a much bigger city than Stony Brook village or Centereach, New York (the towns near Stony Brook). I shouldn't have called Buffalo or Amherst rural.

Please allow me to say it was a tough, tough choice to withdraw my deposit from Buffalo. As I told Buffalo when I withdrew, I really enjoyed the interview experience, loved the students who did the tour and answered our questions, and loved the facilities. The Buffalo student lounge in the Squire basement is top-notch, and I liked the idea of being part of that huge, jostling class I observed doing work in the pre-clinic laboratory in the next room- lots of ppl to get ideas from, hang out with, and learn the nitty-gritty science with. A student there told me enthusiastically about your cafeteria's "chicken philly" and I was hooked.

I walked to my interview from the Travelodge across the street from the South Campus. I must have been on the Buffalo side because the sidewalk was obliterated by snow that was up to my knees. It was a fun challenge walking to campus, like Rocky IV in a full suit (remember Rocky running in the Russian mountains?). I was born in New England so I embrace that kind of thing. I remember I didn't even wear dress shoes (I pulled my dad's pair in the rush to the airport, and his shoes are 2 sizes too small), but the admissions staff were nice enough not to point it out. Thankfully the shoes I did have were black too.

Anyway enough sappiness, good luck with graduation! Congrats on getting so far and I wish you the best of luck in your career.

Thanks for your input on my earlier threads about choosing between Buffalo and Stony Brook.

 

[Woodsy]

I chose Columbia because it's a great school with a great reputation. I love New York city. I just got a good feeling when I went to the school. This would be for personal reasons. More for myself...


HOwever, if U of Toronto comes knocking on my door, I MIGHT (and that is a BIG might) just have to go to U of T since my gf is there, it's way cheaper, it's still a good school and I get a new mercedes. Yet, I still felt uneasy going to that school. But it is close ot home and all my friends as well. This would be for the perks....

 

[Jack Worthing]

IN response to Woodsy:

that's how i felt when i was choosing between Buffalo and Stony Brook. Because I live in NYC, Buffalo was sort of like my "Columbia", and Stony Brook was my "U of Toronto," only in terms of proximity to home and family. My situation was different in a lot of ways though: both of my choices were more equivalent in that they're both equally good state schools. Also, I don't feel uneasy going to Stony Brook at all.

But my situation was similar to yours just because at one school I'd be close to family and friends and at the other I'd be very far away. I chose family in my case. In your case you're not only choosing family/gf proximity but also State vs. Private school. Good luck and congrats; Columbia is supposed to be a fine institution.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

I MIGHT (and that is a BIG might) just have to go to U of T since my gf is there, it's way cheaper, it's still a good school and I get a new mercedes.

Oh great.....we have yet another rich, spoiled conceited brat on the forum

 

[gryffindor]

JackWorthing: Stonybrook is cool too. I've never seen the school, but I've heard good things about them and have met some really fun students from there. Good luck!

Originally posted by avingupta
Oh great.....we have yet another rich, spoiled conceited brat on the forum

The forums are for all dental and pre-dental students - from the ones who live 100% on loans to the ones who have everything paid for and everyone in between. avingupta, get over yourself.

 

[Woodsy]

hey Avin, you're joking around right? I wouldn't be surprised if Avin is the most spoiled and most richest one here.

Just so you know, I've paid for my undergrad myself through working summer jobs and working part time in undergrad. I'm ta'ing right now as we speak to pay for rent.

The car is just a gift because of the 180,000 i'll be saving if I choose U of T. What's 50,000 out of 180,000?

Jack thanks for the advice dude. I appreciate it.

Griffin, thanks for the support man.

 

[Bickle]

Originally posted by Woodsy



HOwever, if U of Toronto comes knocking on my door, I MIGHT (and that is a BIG might) just have to go to U of T since my gf is there,

This reminds me of a De Niro quote from the movie Heat:

" A guy told me one time, "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." Now, if you're on me and you gotta move when I move, how do you expect to keep a... a marriage? "

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

hey Avin, you're joking around right? I wouldn't be surprised if Avin is the most spoiled and most richest one here.

Just so you know, I've paid for my undergrad myself through working summer jobs and working part time in undergrad. I'm ta'ing right now as we speak to pay for rent.

The car is just a gift because of the 180,000 i'll be saving if I choose U of T. What's 50,000 out of 180,000?

actually I wasnt joking. heck, I would have worked through undergrad and paid for rent if I knew I would be getting a Mercedes when I graduate.....am I supposed to congratulate you because you paid for your tuition??....you get no praise from me.

And who cares if you save that much money.....do you deserve a Mercedes? No one in their early 20s should be owning a Mercedes....Im saving a ton of money by going to Temple instead of the other private schools I got into.....Im not running to the Mercedes dealership.....ill probably get some crappy $8000 Kia or something....

The point is to SAVE money......not save money and then blow it, so you can try and impress people. And I know, just from your posts that you are all about impressing people.

The forums are for all dental and pre-dental students - from the ones who live 100% on loans to the ones who have everything paid for and everyone in between. avingupta, get over yourself.

hey griffin...I never said that woodsy doesnt belong here because he is a spoiled conceited little brat.....Sure we can already decipher the type of person he is because he has explicity stated that he wants Columbia cause of its Ivy League name and now he brags about getting a Mercedes. The dude is all about labels, yet he deserves to be here like anyone else, unfortunately. We've seen people like Woodsy on this forum before, so its no suprise that his type exists. Why dont you stop putting words in my mouth griffin.

 

[gryffindor]

Originally posted by avingupta
Why dont you stop putting words in my mouth griffin.

Just to be clear, it was not my intent to be putting words in your mouth.

And I'm not going to have another online debate with you about whose life is better (or meaningful/moral/fulfilling or whatever word you would use here) - the 23 year old who has traipsed around the world or the one who drives the Mercedes. I'm not sure how you've already decided Woodsy is all about the labels from a bunch of anonymous posts, but whatever. I'm gonna save my breath to type some useful posts for the readers of pre-dental/dental SDN.

JackW has a good thread going, I'm not in the mood to ruin it.

 

[Woodsy]

so avin, what's wrong with people like me? What's wrong with wanting to impress if you are doing what it is you like to? Is that not what we should work towards? I am not looking for your congrats, nor anything, I am just calling it like it is, because I am offended by what you had said. Hey I've had ot work through it, and it wasn't easy. To have my efforts insulted like that really pisses me off. You know this getting a new car thing I didn't know I was getting. What's wrong with getting a gift from the family? I didn't ask for it, but since they put it on the table I ain't gonna back down from the offer. Who in the right mind, given a chance to get a new car for free would not want to take it?


Now having said that, you know what I'm gonna do. I'm just gonna shrug my shoulders and say well, life is like that. You come out of nowhere, insult me..fine, I explain myself and you try to dish it to me again. Dude aren't you trying to do the same thing as me in a way? You're trying to undermine me to make yourself look good. Hey buddy, I'm sorry you get the impression that I'm trying to impress people but even then, just because you and I have different view points in life doesn't mean that one is better than the other. I mean you're the one who talks about how you studied abroad for a year and talk about how you are so good at interviews...who is trying to impress again? You are doing the same thing buddy, may be in a different way still same ****.

Am I supposed to say, you know what I noticed? In your posts you have to prove yourself because you feel insecure with yourself and that's why you like to pick on people and say they are wrong if a person's response does not suit your palate,... for example, people like Woodsy deserve to be here, unfortunately. What are you trying to prove that you are better than me because you don't apparently fall for label? That's bull**** buddy. You live in North America. I believe that peopel have the right to live their life in the way they see fit as long as they aren't doing any harm to society. Should they be persecuted for that? No. May be you should be more tolerant of people before you start judging.

I'm disappointed in you. Get over yourself.

 

[Bickle]

Woodsy,

Dont worry about what Gupta has to say. From time to time, it seems like he's missing a chromosome or 2.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

so avin, what's wrong with people like me? What's wrong with wanting to impress if you are doing what it is you like to?

I think its sad, thats all. You thing by having these fancy objects you will impress people?? Pretty shallow if you ask me. Its pretty obvious you care about labels.....you've admitted you want Columbia for its name.....you want a Mercedes....you probably only get name brand clothing....does all this stuff make you feel superior to others.......Are you some sort of elitist that thinks you are better than others? Im sure Im not the only one that gets sick over people like you. Who likes a show-off?

In another thread, your elitist ways come out in full force:

BUT if you're one of those teenage parents, the truth is, you ****ed up already! Unless you were raped, you did it to yourself and it is your own damned fault. I ain't gonna take pity on ya. Call me mean or cruel but you should have thought about that when you decided to **** without a condom.

Hi Im Woodsy....you're pregnant? Fuk you...you deserve nothing.....its your fault, goto hell. You dont deserve to live or have any more opportunities...youve had your chance and you ruined it.....sorry.....Ive worked hard my whole life and I got an Ivy League degree and a luxury car and you dont because you fuked up.....Im better than you. I'm Woodsy.

Do you look down on poor people as well? Do you go up to their faces and say....if you went to unversity instead of being lazy, you wouldnt be poor.....look at me....I have an Ivy League degree and a luxury car.....because I worked hard......Im not poor. I have no pity for you....go live in your garbage shack....Im better than you. I'm Woodsy.

So yes.....I have a problem when people want to impress others.

 

[Woodsy]

you're funny

you remind of me of that simpson's cahracter that died...Frank Grimes.


Ok enough of this.


Back to Jack's original thread....

Why did you folks choose to go to the school you chose.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Why would I be Frank Grimes? He worked hard, and didnt have a life......I dont work hard at all and have a life....

 

[Woodsy]

Originally posted by avingupta
Why would I be Frank Grimes? He worked hard, and didnt have a life......I dont work hard at all and have a life....

that part when he got all mad at Homer and was like, i'm not a safe person, it's ok coz I'm homer simpson....

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

oh yah.....good point......

and for the record, Im not mad.....just disgusted.....

 

[hockeydentist]

Are you Asian, I know that is too general of a term, so maybe Viet, or korean. Are you?

You remind me of friend of mine. your references to the simpson, the whole mercedes deal right on with my friend. We were just talking about what mercedes he is getting. I thought at first it was my friend posting, but it wasn't. He is asian, not bashing asian people on here, just thought it was my friend posting, I thought I would uncover his identity.

 

[Woodsy]

Originally posted by hockeydentist
Are you Asian, I know that is too general of a term, so maybe Viet, or korean. Are you?

You remind me of friend of mine. your references to the simpson, the whole mercedes deal right on with my friend. We were just talking about what mercedes he is getting. I thought at first it was my friend posting, but it wasn't. He is asian, not bashing asian people on here, just thought it was my friend posting, I thought I would uncover his identity.

I am NOT vietnamese don't ever call me vietnamese or assume that I am.


I am offended that you would bring Asians into the equations. Don't get me started. Believe me.


Does it matter what race I am? What if I was a black guy? What if I was spanish? What if I was French Canadian?

 

[SillyRabbit]

I chose Columbia because i like living in nyc...and nyu was too expensive and impersonal although i would totally go there if i hadn't gotten into columbia. The interview day at columbia was great and everyone was really friendly....just seems challenging and worthwhile.

 

[spooky42]

Woodsy,

congrats on the new car, have fun picking it out.

 

[hockeydentist]

Just thought you were my friend, I was trying to see if I could uncover him on this website. I was'nt implying anything about asians or blacks or french canadians for that matter. come down homer!

 

[RaiderNation]

Since when is race a thing to be so embarrassed about?

 

[Woodsy]

Originally posted by hockeydentist
Just thought you were my friend, I was trying to see if I could uncover him on this website. I was'nt implying anything about asians or blacks or french canadians for that matter. come down homer!

I'm not your friend in that sense don't worry.