Harvard vs. Columbia - Where should I go?

[ayg103]

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Hello All,

I was hoping I could get your opinion on which is better school to attend: Harvard or Columbia. I have been accepted to both, but I am unsure which one will be better for me. I am interested in pursuing omfs, and I know both schools have their pros and cons. Here are my personal opinions of the schools:

Harvard Pros: small class size, pass/fail, integration with med school classes, great facilities, opportunity to really get to know professors, high specialization rate, and reputation

Harvard Cons: won't touch an instrument until 3rd year, research requirement, boston is not NYC

Columbia Pros: demanding (but worthwhile) curriculum, good clinical, high specialization, location, pass/fail in most classes, no research requirment, reputation

Columbia Cons: some say not as good as harvard, little more expensive, facilities not as good

These are what I have come up with through my visits, research, and speaking to students. I appreciate all advice and information to help me make my decision. I hope current/past students at both of these schools will respond to this post. Thank you ahead of time.

 

[specialK38]

Hello All,

I was hoping I could get your opinion on which is better school to attend: Harvard or Columbia. I have been accepted to both, but I am unsure which one will be better for me. I am interested in pursuing omfs, and I know both schools have their pros and cons. Here are my personal opinions of the schools:

Harvard Pros: small class size, pass/fail, integration with med school classes, great facilities, opportunity to really get to know professors, high specialization rate, and reputation

Harvard Cons: won't touch an instrument until 3rd year, research requirement, boston is not NYC

Columbia Pros: demanding (but worthwhile) curriculum, good clinical, high specialization, location, pass/fail in most classes, no research requirment, reputation

Columbia Cons: some say not as good as harvard, little more expensive, facilities not as good

These are what I have come up with through my visits, research, and speaking to students. I appreciate all advice and information to help me make my decision. I hope current/past students at both of these schools will respond to this post. Thank you ahead of time.

I would say if you are interested in omf and only that, Harvard is the way to go. On top of its great reputation, Harvard provides you with the medical background early enough so that when you are in your omf residency, it will be much easier (b/c you will need the extra time for sleeping!). I wouldnt be concerned about the fact that you won't touch an instrument until 3rd year for a couple of reasons. Firstly, at the end of the day, Harvard does produce dentists, and many practicing dentists have gone through its curriculum and are doing well. Secondly, depending on your omf practice later on, you probably wont be doing most of the basic dental procedures, but more complex procedures taught in residency. Another reason harvard is the way to go is the forced research that residencies will be looking for. Again this is my suggestion only if you are for sure going to do omf and nothing else.


Also, if you feel comfortable answering, what were your stats applying to dental school? DAT? GPA? Extracurriculars?

 

[Profchaos]

Hello All,

I was hoping I could get your opinion on which is better school to attend: Harvard or Columbia. I have been accepted to both, but I am unsure which one will be better for me. I am interested in pursuing omfs, and I know both schools have their pros and cons. Here are my personal opinions of the schools:

Harvard Pros: small class size, pass/fail, integration with med school classes, great facilities, opportunity to really get to know professors, high specialization rate, and reputation

Harvard Cons: won't touch an instrument until 3rd year, research requirement, boston is not NYC

Columbia Pros: demanding (but worthwhile) curriculum, good clinical, high specialization, location, pass/fail in most classes, no research requirment, reputation

Columbia Cons: some say not as good as harvard, little more expensive, facilities not as good

These are what I have come up with through my visits, research, and speaking to students. I appreciate all advice and information to help me make my decision. I hope current/past students at both of these schools will respond to this post. Thank you ahead of time.

Althought I think Columbia's a good school, but if you have the option to go to Harvard, it's a no brainer.
Harvard's name will get you into any specialty you want, right after your dental school. The big H is that powerful.

 

[gryffindor]

I am interested in pursuing omfs....

Harvard.

The class is much smaller and has a very high percent of students matching into specialties they want. If OMFS is really what you want, then it isn't going to matter that you can't cut a crown prep in 5 minutes (in regard to the "Harvard has less clinical experience" comment).

 

[lnn2]

Another vote for Harvard 👍
An OMFS resident at my school was a grad from Hardvard. He seems to like the school and its curriculum, respectful faculty. His class board part 1 average was around 94 😱 Small class size is also an advantage comparing to Columbia.

 

[The Godfather]

Be serious! Look at the admissions stats and the scores that Harvard has on board scores! Try to compare apples with apples.

 

[onetoothleft]

I would vote Harvard considering what you said you are looking for. The only reservation is if you really want to be in new york city. Or if you have a crush on me and want to go to my school 🙄 . If you are smart enough to get accepted, you are smart enough to be competitive and get that residency. It will be less expensive and you will be even more prepared (didactically speaking).

 

[KMF]

Definitely for OMFS, Harvard is a great way to go! I know a couple people interested in going into that specialty from here and MGH has a great OMFS program. In addition, because you'll be taking your first two years of class at the med school, you'll be ready to take the USMLE right after second year. There are some great hospitals around here, and lots of really good programs. HSDM is hands-down the place to go if oral surgery is your interest. Good luck with your decision!

 

[stomatologist]

Hi there,

Im a third year at Harvard now. After being here for the last three years I would tell you that the program is great. Just be ready for a very hard core program where PBL is a different story. Information is scattered and not too organized. But then again, I would say is much more organized to any other school out there.

This for sure is not college, and it took me a while to get used to that. The first two years of the medical school are very good as well, but then again be very ready for PBL.

Even if you're interested in OMFS, after the second year of medical school you WILL NOT, I repeat, WILL NOT be able to take the USMLEs.

Hope it helps.

 

[nothen2do]

Even if you're interested in OMFS, after the second year of medical school you WILL NOT, I repeat, WILL NOT be able to take the USMLEs.

.

Why not?

 

[captaintripps]

I don't think dental students are allowed to take the USMLE anymore.

 

[lnn2]

Even if you're interested in OMFS, after the second year of medical school you WILL NOT, I repeat, WILL NOT be able to take the USMLEs.

Sorry I didn't catch that! Would you please Repeat that again?!

 

[stomatologist]

Hi there,

Someone mentioned that since at HSDM you spend the first two years in medical school you were allowed to take the USMLE 1. This was in regards to people interested in OMFS.

This is not the case. 1) You can not register for the USMLEs being a dental student. 2) Even if you would there is not time for it.

Hope it helps

 

[msting22]

Hello All,

I was hoping I could get your opinion on which is better school to attend: Harvard or Columbia. I have been accepted to both, but I am unsure which one will be better for me. I am interested in pursuing omfs, and I know both schools have their pros and cons. Here are my personal opinions of the schools:

Harvard Pros: small class size, pass/fail, integration with med school classes, great facilities, opportunity to really get to know professors, high specialization rate, and reputation

Harvard Cons: won't touch an instrument until 3rd year, research requirement, boston is not NYC

Columbia Pros: demanding (but worthwhile) curriculum, good clinical, high specialization, location, pass/fail in most classes, no research requirment, reputation

Columbia Cons: some say not as good as harvard, little more expensive, facilities not as good

These are what I have come up with through my visits, research, and speaking to students. I appreciate all advice and information to help me make my decision. I hope current/past students at both of these schools will respond to this post. Thank you ahead of time.

Harvard Harvard Harvard...The fact that it is less than columbia is a plus of course there is no place like NYC but you will probably get better training in Harvard...

 

[drillerNfiller]

columbia put 9 kids into OS outta this past class. 3 of which are going to Parkland which many consider a top program. I'm not saying I'd definitely goto Columbia over Harvard, but you should be fine getting into OS at either school as long as your boards are competitive

 

[gundam]

columbia put 9 kids into OS outta this past class. 3 of which are going to Parkland which many consider a top program. I'm not saying I'd definitely goto Columbia over Harvard, but you should be fine getting into OS at either school as long as your boards are competitive

Get out! Only 6 OS for Columbia!

 

[Doggie]

I'm a graduating senior at columbia now. Hmmm.....if i was in your situation....I'd probably go to Harvard just for the name.

I dont think the high board score average of Harvard is all that accurate. I believe it's one of those schools that will only allow the students to take part 1 if they pass a minimum score on their class mock exams.

Curriculum-wise, i think both schools are more than adequate.

 

[ajmacgregor]

I dont think the high board score average of Harvard is all that accurate. I believe it's one of those schools that will only allow the students to take part 1 if they pass a minimum score on their class mock exams.

This is ABSOLUTELY not true. There is no "mock" Part I exam given to HSDM students at any point during the first or second year. There is a "mock-NERB" that is administered and passing the mock-NERB is a graduation requirement.

 

[lnn2]

This is ABSOLUTELY untrue. There is no "mock" Part I exam given to HSDM students at any point during the first or second year. There is a "mock-NERB" that is administered and passing the mock-NERB is a graduation requirement.

Oops! Doggie's busted!
To the original OP, there you have it! Doggie is a smart doggie from Columbia. He knows what he's talking about!

 

[tx oms]

Most OMFS didn't go to either one, so save your money and go elsewhere. If you're counting on your dental school's rep to get you a spot in residency think again.

 

[onetoothleft]

Most OMFS didn't go to either one, so save your money and go elsewhere. If you're counting on your dental school's rep to get you a spot in residency think again.

That is like saying that a child has the same potential in a gifted class versus a regular class. Why limit yourself? Go for Harvard!! for all of us that didn't make it in 😀

 

[drillerNfiller]

Get out! Only 6 OS for Columbia!

Sorry , actually 8 not 9 got into os this year

 

[omfsres]

That is like saying that a child has the same potential in a gifted class versus a regular class. Why limit yourself? Go for Harvard!! for all of us that didn't make it in 😀

Or just study hard and save 15 grand a year.

 

[Doggie]

This is ABSOLUTELY not true. There is no "mock" Part I exam given to HSDM students at any point during the first or second year. There is a "mock-NERB" that is administered and passing the mock-NERB is a graduation requirement.

gosh darn it! the rumor isnt true then?!?! 😱

 

[lnn2]

Most OMFS didn't go to either one, so save your money and go elsewhere. If you're counting on your dental school's rep to get you a spot in residency think again.

Most OMFS went to ITT school. 😀

Sorry , actually 8 not 9 got into os this year

8 out of 9? The OP could have been the 9th(the one that didn't get in) at Columbia 😀

 

[stomatologist]

I agree with Tx OMFS.

No matter what school you go to. Its you that will get you into residency. Not the school you go to.

Im still in school and I dont know how the Harvard name will play later on but in my opinion you should go where you will be most happy. That includes family, girlfriend or whatever makes it for you.

Im originally from Florida and to be honest moving to Boston was the toughest thing ever. It took me like two years to be really used to the North East and most days I think about heading down to Florida.

So no matter NOVA or Harvard go where you will be happiest. That will make you go to your full academic potential.

Hope it helps.

 

[delicious]

Im originally from Florida and to be honest moving to Boston was the toughest thing ever. It took me like two years to be really used to the North East and most days I think about heading down to Florida.

Wow, that's really rough stomatologist. I'm sorry to hear that you struggled so much moving to boston and all that. I'm really, really sorry .... that you're such a *****!! Why don't you show some respect for the school that took the chance to select you over hundreds of the best dental applicants. And no, you don't know how the harvard name will play out. So maybe you should shut up, wait till you're a little wiser, and not be such a baby. 🙁

 

[tx oms]

That is like saying that a child has the same potential in a gifted class versus a regular class. Why limit yourself? Go for Harvard!! for all of us that didn't make it in 😀

A smart child has the same potential in any class b/c they will naturally excel. A retarted kid is the one who needs the special classes.

 

[delicious]

A smart child has the same potential in any class b/c they will naturally excel. A retarted kid is the one who needs the special classes.

No tex, a smart kid does not have the same potential in any class!!. 😡 If you're in a class of mediocre students, you may be the top of your class, but you're not gonna be pushed as hard as if you were in a class of elite students. The quality of your peers has an enormous impact on the quality of your education. You're only as good as your competition. Man, I hope you never have children - you'd probably stick them in the dumb stream just so you can say your kids are the best.

Sorry if I was a little rude in my last post, but I still feel strongly about this. Dental school is hard. Period. It's not supposed to be happy time. Nova is a fantastic school, and i would be proud to go there. But you couldn't compare two more opposite schools. Nova - brand new, no research, large class, not strong medically. Harvard - old, big research focus, smallest class, very medical. Feelings are important, but at the end of the day, I thought stomatologist's advice was a little weak.

 

[onetoothleft]

A smart child has the same potential in any class b/c they will naturally excel. A retarted kid is the one who needs the special classes.

No tex, a smart kid does not have the same potential in any class!!. If you're in a class of mediocre students, you may be the top of your class, but you're not gonna be pushed as hard as if you were in a class of elite students. The quality of your peers has an enormous impact on the quality of your education. You're only as good as your competition. Man, I hope you never have children - you'd probably stick them in the dumb stream just so you can say your kids are the best.

I vote for delicious.

What does everyone else think?

 

[drat]

I vote for delicious.

What does everyone else think?

Delicious for Pres and Moderator.

 

[Mr. So-So]

go to columbia..

while boston is a great city to be a young student..
..the ugly chick ratio is just too high.

only miami and san diego can compare to the quality and quantity you'll find living in NYC.

the quality of education is a wash.
stay real.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I'll remind everybody that attacks on other users are against the TOS and won't be tolerated.

 

[PIZZAM]

Sorry , actually 8 not 9 got into os this year

Hey drillerNfiller,
8 got in out of how many???

 

[The Godfather]

drat, I fully agree! 😀

delicious' posts may appear crass, but I'm usually impressed with his ability to identify the important issues, and provide advice. And he's pretty good at putting deserving people in their place. 🙂 Kudos Delicious on all your fine work!! You are an asset to SDN. 👍

I hope that this is some sort of poorly executed sarcasm.

 

[drillerNfiller]

Hey drillerNfiller,
8 got in out of how many???

12

 

[AUG2UAG]

Hello All,

I was hoping I could get your opinion on which is better school to attend: Harvard or Columbia. I have been accepted to both, but I am unsure which one will be better for me. I am interested in pursuing omfs, and I know both schools have their pros and cons. Here are my personal opinions of the schools:

Harvard Pros: small class size, pass/fail, integration with med school classes, great facilities, opportunity to really get to know professors, high specialization rate, and reputation

Harvard Cons: won't touch an instrument until 3rd year, research requirement, boston is not NYC

Columbia Pros: demanding (but worthwhile) curriculum, good clinical, high specialization, location, pass/fail in most classes, no research requirment, reputation

Columbia Cons: some say not as good as harvard, little more expensive, facilities not as good

These are what I have come up with through my visits, research, and speaking to students. I appreciate all advice and information to help me make my decision. I hope current/past students at both of these schools will respond to this post. Thank you ahead of time.

Hi ayg,
I think I interviewed with you at Columbia... I was the one who volunteered to demonstrate on the 'Sim' machine with that hot (Russian) operative instructor.

How was your interview at Harvard? The cons I experienced during our interview were the facilities and overall lack of structure [they kind of just dropped us off into a room with 100 other students (while they were taking a test) and just 'let us be' for one hour or so-- I didn't appreciate that]. Besides this, I distinctly remember that a CU student told me the top 20% of students pass with Honors and that if you try for it, that it's no sweat to get Honors, thus, helping with your goals to specialize. I honestly think that CU would be more fun and more relaxing than what I imagine Harvard to be... I mean come on! How cool is Manhattan??

In my opinion, you should send in both deposits and maybe revisit the schools and while you're there check out the proximal neighborhoods and count on other factors such as grocery store locations, housing, your happiness and comfort, etc etc into account. Anyways, you'll be set regardless of which you choose and good luck at either one!

 

[gundam]

I'm pretty sure this guy's already had his choice in mind, but he just want people to reassure him.
H is big.
You don't know how big it is.
I mean, come on, you go anywhere in the world everybody knows about H.
C?
naww.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I would advise you to PM mithridates, she's a student at HSDM.

Mithridates has already posted on this thread...

but so has stomatologist. He's a D3 at Harvard, but few cared to here his opinion.

 

[drat]

Mithridates has already posted on this thread...

but so has stomatologist. He's a D3 at Harvard, but few cared to here his opinion.

stomatologist's post didn't shed any light about Harvard and its curriculum. his post focused on his dislike for boston; boston is definitely not Florida, although last weekend it got pretty darn close...but, anyway, it doesn't matter -- a decision has been made...the OP has selected Columbia because she/he wants to be at the same school as Paolorossifan.

 

[gundam]

stomatologist's post didn't shed any light about Harvard and its curriculum. his post focused on his dislike for boston; boston is definitely not Florida, although last weekend it got pretty darn close...but, anyway, it doesn't matter -- a decision has been made...the OP has selected Columbia because she/he wants to be at the same school as Paolorossifan.

Congrats on the decision!
This is totally gay

 

[stomatologist]

Lol.

On my initial post I did comment a little bit about the program and also mentioned that at this point I wasnt sure if it could have any impact on my patients. I said that no matter where you go, should you put yourself into the books, clinic and do research and you'll be in good shape for residency (should that be your choice).

I also mentioned that the program is GREAT, just that is a little difficult getting use to the PBL system. Now had I had to do it all over again, I absolutely would come to HSDM, even dealing with Boston.

I got slammed after my post talking about having a hard time adjusting to Boston (which I decide not to reply because of obvious reasons) I tell you guys, that for sure it wasnt only me, at least on my class, that did. C'om I'm from Miami and life in Boston is a different story. I would say that most people on my class, like the school very much but dont like the NE and are ready to head back home once school is over.

I guess so far I've been pretty accurate on what I have mentioned.

If you guys have other questions, ask and I'll answer. Im not the only one here from HSDM so other people can also talk about it.

Hope it helps.

 

[drat]

Lol.

On my initial post I did comment a little bit about the program and also mentioned that at this point I wasnt sure if it could have any impact on my patients.

Yup, my bad...I joined this thread half-way through (when it turned violent!) and missed your earlier posts. I was wrong. 😳 EEK! I hope we can still be friends.

 

[jk5177]

Harvard or Columbia? I say go to UCLA.
LOL.

 

[tx oms]

In my senior year at San Antonio, 2/2 got into OMFS. That's 100%. Screw Harvard. If you want to excel, push yourself, and learn you will. Period. Real leaders and dedicated people don't need extrisic stimuli, such as peer pressure, to excel. I think omfsres would agree, you've got it our you don't. You either live at 211 degrees balls to the wall or you have to be prodded by those who do. I made up my mind to be an oral surgeon in college and I did it. I did even though my class rank and GPA weren't "high enough". 211 degrees and commited all the way.

Harvard dental reminds me of the movie "Rushmore" where the dingus tells the kid, "These are OR scrubs," and the kid is like, "Oh, are they?!". "I went to Harvard." "Oh, did you?"

 

[gryffindor]

In my senior year at San Antonio, 2/2 got into OMFS. That's 100%. Screw Harvard. If you want to excel, push yourself, and learn you will. Period. Real leaders and dedicated people don't need extrisic stimuli, such as peer pressure, to excel. I think omfsres would agree, you've got it our you don't. You either live at 211 degrees balls to the wall or you have to be prodded by those who do. I made up my mind to be an oral surgeon in college and I did it. I did even though my class rank and GPA weren't "high enough". 211 degrees and commited all the way.

Harvard dental reminds me of the movie "Rushmore" where the dingus tells the kid, "These are OR scrubs," and the kid is like, "Oh, are they?!". "I went to Harvard." "Oh, did you?"

I like this post.

 

[SuperTrooper]

Harvard dental reminds me of the movie "Rushmore" where the dingus tells the kid, "These are OR scrubs," and the kid is like, "Oh, are they?!". "I went to Harvard." "Oh, did you?"

I like that movie! 😀

 

[SuperTrooper]

I like this post.

You like this post?! 😕

Correct me if i'm wrong, but in another thread gavin said you had great board scores, high class rank, and GPR experience - yet you didn't get into ortho after two tries. Is it because you weren't committed? Or because you didn' "push yourself?" Probably not. Getting into ortho or oral surgery is competetive and admissions are unpredictable. So, why not go to harvard and have a leg up before they even open your file?

tx_oms. Are you gassy tonight?! Because you seem pretty angry in this thread, and the cosmetic thread i started. To address your point: dental school isn't where you go to start your way on becoming a national politician or other great leader. It's about getting a dental degree, and about jumping through hoops to get into specialty programs that are oh so competetive.

I would bathe myself in liquid fudge, and walk into a fat-person convention to get into harvard. 😀

 

[realysa]

the fact we're attending ivy league dental schools, education schools, social work schools, nursing schools, public health schools, pt and ot schools, or journalism schools doesn't make us the cream of the crop! it's just that we could afford it or just addicted to brand names. all of those types of schools mentioned above are not particularly competitive to get into. so just remember that the next time you try to impress someone with "i go to harvard (long pause) dental school and i am getting a D.(muffled) M.D."

p.s.

note to self, take your own adivice!

 

[SuperTrooper]

the fact we're attending ivy league dental schools, education schools, social work schools, nursing schools, public health schools, pt and ot schools, or journalism schools doesn't make us the cream of the crop! it's just that we could afford it or just addicted to brand names. all of those types of schools mentioned above are not particularly competitive to get into. so just remember that the next time you try to impress someone with "i go to harvard (long pause) dental school and i am getting a D.(muffled) M.D."

p.s.

note to self, take your own adivice!

This person forgot to mention he/she goes to Columbia. So he's correct about it not being difficult to get into columbia. I had crap GPA, ok DAT (~AA20), and not much extracurrics and I got into columbia. I applied to Harvard as a joke, and didn't even get a courtesy rejection letter. What this person said does not apply to harvard. Harvard's the exception to the rule here. What, like 900 apply, and only 50 get offered a spot? Um, sounds competetive to me poncho!! Those that do get accepted are the cream of the applicant pool no doubt. And if I went to harvard for dental school - I would be all over that with no muffling of any letters. Hmm.. and i believe harvard doesn't have any of journalism, social work, nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy schools. Harvard doesn't waste it's time with those professions. Columbia on the other hand.....