Harvard, just go for the name?

[eun2408]

Hi all

Well I wanted to ask 'is harvard really just the name?'
Will it be a mistake and a waste of money?
I know everything about the research and late clinic exposure stuff but will it make such a huge difference?
I saw the clinics and I admit it is not so great and really small but just thought it is like that because they have such a small class..

Am I missing something important? Is harvard dental so different than harvard law or medicine?

Thank you for your help in advance.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Mo007]

If you want to do research, then its probably one of the best, if not THE best. However, if you just want to persue general practise, then its no so much different than the other schools.

Harvard focuses mainly on the advances in Dental Medicine. So, basically, a lot of reading. Harvard colleges are all considered ivy-league institutions. But as a dentist, that will not matter, unless research is what you wish to do.

I know a lot of kids who went there just for the name, or their parents were educated in Harvard.

All dental schools can provide best education for you to be a dentist, Harvard or No Harvard!🙂

 

[h213]

Depends.. what are your other choices? how much cheaper is your state school?

 

[vishal_k32801]

I am from Washington and UW is 125,000 Vs. Harvard 250,000.
I am interested in Research but is it worth 125,000 more?
I do not know. I am admitted to Harvard but have an interview
with UW in January. I am sure after interview, I will still be
confused. UW is also very difficult to get in. UW admits 55 out of
700 applications Vs. Harvard admits 35 out of 700.

 

[DrRob]

I heard UW is one of the best schools in the US. If your goal is to be a good dentist and make good money - then you can go to any dental school.

 

[Rezdawg]

If I had the choice of Harvard or anything else, I would take Harvard, regardless of what I want to do when I get out of dental school.

Thats just my 2 cents.

 

[DcS]

I would ask: why would a person go to Harvard for DDS "for the name"?

To specialize? I'm sure going to harvard may increase your chances of admission to a specialty program, but if you are smart enough to get into their program you will do well enough to specialize at any school you choose.

For patients? Bad reason. Patients almost never choose a dentist on what school they went to. They hardly ever ask.

Research? There are plenty of great research schools out there, although Harvard is the best but for that price difference?

I personally feel that it is a waste of money unless money isn't a factor for you. Especially since the people I do know who went there were very far behind clinically.


Good luck in whatever you choose

🙂

 

[pdepapas]

Is it really a waste of money though?

Although Harvard is a private school, it is relatively cheaper than other private schools such as Boston, Tufts, and NYU. The estimated expense for the first year is around $50K and throughout the other years less than $60K. I believe that other schools cost more than this. When I looked at my state school, UCLA, the difference was $50K for all 4 years...well minus some state funding and grants.

 

[Rezdawg]

Originally posted by DcS
I would ask: why would a person go to Harvard for DDS "for the name"?

Actually, Harvard grants the DMD, which allows you to perform surgical procedures.

 

[aphistis]

Originally posted by Rezdawg
Actually, Harvard grants the DMD, which allows you to perform surgical procedures.

Rezdawg, I really hope you're being sarcastic. You've been around here way too long to still think there's any difference at all between the DDS and DMD degrees.

 

[RaiderNation]

yeah rez....c'mon...even if you were serious, please say you were kidding...for your own sake.

 

[Rezdawg]

Guys, I was dead serious. 😉

But I was telling the truth that Harvard grants the DMD.

And the DMD does allow you to perform surgical procedures.

 

[pdepapas]

eun2408,

Do you plan on attending Harvard?

Anyone here been accepted and plan on going to Harvard for the coming year?

 

[joooj86]

Originally posted by vishal_k32801
UW is also very difficult to get in. UW admits 55 out of
700 applications Vs. Harvard admits 35 out of 700.

700 applicants???? Harvard and UW? does that sound even close?

 

[mzalendo]

To put in the simplest terms you'll love it here, my first year has been fantastic.

mzalendo

 

[vishal_k32801]

Originally posted by joooj86
700 applicants???? Harvard and UW? does that sound even close?

Please check Harvard and UW stats at:

http://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/asp-html/faq.html

http://www.dental.washington.edu/education/ddsadmissions/stats.htm

 

[joooj86]

That's interesting!

 

[rwbpj]

For me it would come down to the money. Do you want to be paying $2000 or $4000 a month after you gratuate. As for specializing, I believe that you can do that out of any school if you work hard enough. Dosent UW have a good if not great research program?

UW, thats what I would do.

 

[KMF]

delete

 

[ecdoesit]

I thought UCLA has a P/F system.
How do they rank their class at ucla?
And why did you say it is not as stiff in Harvard?

Thanks for sharing your info.

 

[KMF]

delete

 

[ecdoesit]

Thanks, KMF,
But how likely will a UCLA graduating dentist be accepted to other schools' speciality programs? I guess then, the chance is pretty much depends on the Board. And the disadvantage is less chance to network if we decide to go to another school. Though I am sure that both places will give us a great place to learn.

Do you plan to do research at either place?