Deciding between UOP 3+3 and public uni?? Need help with this tough choice. :/

[Cay9]

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My issue is as described in the title: I have to choose between UOP's 3+3 program or going to my local college. Going to UOP is basically option one, but the obvious con is that it's extremely expensive. Option two is going to my local university. Because of dual enrollment, I will finish high school this year with two years (including gen chem, calc, and some biology) completely finished and I'll be able to afford going there for the rest of the time without a problem.

Is the 3+3 really that good? What kind of program would I be giving up if I refuse it? And, heck, is there a way that I can more eloquently refuse it besides simply not responding in time with a deposit? Thanks for any help/advice that you guys can offer.

(I did see the earlier thread about the UOP pre-dent program, but my situation's a little more unique and I wanted to avoid hijacking a thread.)

 

[Maygyver]

Hey, welcome to the forums. I can't really give you super good advice since I was never in your situation. But, as someone who is going to be going to dental school next year, it will be expensive no matter where you go, (I'm not sure of the cost of UoP undergrad though). UoP is a great dental program. Even though it might be more expensive to go this route, you will be in school for 2 less years than the traditional route, so keep that in mind when calculating the costs. (Or 1 if you went to UoP dental school anyway after a 4 year university).

As far as being eloquent in refusing, just be honest with them. If you think going to a 4 year university will perhaps make you a more well-rounded person, then say that. I think as long as you write anything that isn't completely arrogant or rude, it will go over fine.

Good luck with the decision. This probably isn't all that helpful, but I think a lot of the situation is up to you and what you want to get out of university.

 

[DrDDSman]

My issue is as described in the title: I have to choose between UOP's 3+3 program or going to my local college. Going to UOP is basically option one, but the obvious con is that it's extremely expensive. Option two is going to my local university. Because of dual enrollment, I will finish high school this year with two years (including gen chem, calc, and some biology) completely finished and I'll be able to afford going there for the rest of the time without a problem.

Is the 3+3 really that good? What kind of program would I be giving up if I refuse it? And, heck, is there a way that I can more eloquently refuse it besides simply not responding in time with a deposit? Thanks for any help/advice that you guys can offer.

(I did see the earlier thread about the UOP pre-dent program, but my situation's a little more unique and I wanted to avoid hijacking a thread.)

The best bet is to take your spot at UOP. You'll be 24 when you finish dental school and will have many years to pay down that large debt. You will also be able to enjoy a majority of your 20s instead of being almost miserable studying until late 20s. The cost of education keeps rising every year and you are losing two years of earning potential, in which you will be able to pay back the difference in educational cost.

UOP is regarded as a very good program and students there seem to be happy in general. I would suggest you form your own opinion on this by perusing the forum and contacting former and current students with questions you might have.

As for your advanced standing status, you may want to check with other dental schools because they usually want to see pre-reqs completed at 4 year universities. Some schools (Tufts comes to mind) give you a hard time with AP credit.

I imagine it will be a little more stressful than a traditional 8 year route, but I think it is well worth it. At least with this option you will not have the stress (financially or academically) to apply to dental schools and do well on the DAT.

In hindsight, if I was in your position, I would take the 3+3 option. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Cay9]

As for your advanced standing status, you may want to check with other dental schools because they usually want to see pre-reqs completed at 4 year universities. Some schools (Tufts comes to mind) give you a hard time with AP credit.

Sorry, I guess that I wasn't that clear about those credits...they're all from classes at a 4-year college. The public university that I mentioned would be that same school. At the end of this year, I'll have approximately 85 quarter credits left of a BS in biology.

Thanks for the thoughts from you both, this will certainly take some time to figure out. About the refusal, (if it must come to that...) how would you even go about that? Send a letter to the admissions office?

 

[two thirty]

I say go to a public university.

Look, you're 17 or 18, and you may very well be a dentist someday. However, go to college and explore your options before you make a lifelong commitment. Heck, I wanted to be a pharmacist when I entered college and was considering applying to some 2+4 programs that would have had me in and out in 6 years. However, I'm very glad I went in open minded and found out that a different career was right for me.

You honestly don't want to rush your undergrad, just go and a have a good time and stay on top of your work.