Help! Choices UMKC, Houston, Washington

[barelyteething]

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I have an extremely difficult decision to make. I got into multiple schools, which I am grateful for, and have narrowed it down to three. But I have to pay out-of-state tuition for all my schools since my state does not have a dental school (woohoo-- oos life). My top choice was originally Washington, but the cost is so high. No scholarship- nothing.

However, I also got into Houston and UMKC which both offered me instate tuition.
Houston offered me an additional scholarship for 3k and umkc offered me an additional scholarship for 15k. Both of the scholarships can be earned again if I get into the top third of the class each year.

I first chose Houston because of the scholarship, but then UMKC offered me a comparable scholarship. I am still holding out for a scholarship from Washington which is unlikely. I just want to minimize my debt and learn as much as I can. I am planning to specialize, but there will also be a chance I won't.

Can anyone PLEASE help me by telling me the Pros and Cons of the schools, what they would choose, etc. etc. anything will help!

 

[Glowji]

How did your overall experience go with UMKC? They clearly have offered you the most scholarship money.

 

[ThirdMolarz]

UW over Houston? If you don't mind sharing, what factors did you consider outside of cost?

 

[barelyteething]

UW over Houston? If you don't mind sharing, what factors did you consider outside of cost?

The clinical experience, the school environment, as well as the climate.

 

[barelyteething]

How did your overall experience go with UMKC? They clearly have offered you the most scholarship money.

I thought it was great at first, but the more I reflected on it, I didn't know if I wanted to be in that clinic specifically

 

[endorotary]

Houston. UMKC and Washington are going through some things right now that wouldn’t make me totally comfortable.

I know Washington recently had all these budget deficit issues with the dean also resigning so my recommendation would be to choose one of the other schools on your list. I had toured the facilities awhile back at U of W and alot of their equipment/clinic seems really old and outdated, not sure if it has changed in the recent years.

 

[.-.]

Come to UMKC! We'll have tons of fun!

 

[Glowji]

Seems like you already have your mind set on Houston! Go for it.

 

[ChewyDrop]

Houston is a great school. The feeling of being in a family is prominent.

 

[barelyteething]

Houston. UMKC and Washington are going through some things right now that wouldn’t make me totally comfortable.

Yeah, I’ve heard they were going through some transitions from my sister, but I’m not certain what that was. Just unconfirmed rumors.

 

[barelyteething]

I know Washington recently had all these budget deficit issues with the dean also resigning so my recommendation would be to choose one of the other schools on your list. I had toured the facilities awhile back at U of W and alot of their equipment/clinic seems really old and outdated, not sure if it has changed in the recent years.

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought this! For the price, the school is not very new! I’m curious where all their money goes to. I wasn’t wowed by anything when I got there, all I know is they’re a top ranked school

 

[barelyteething]

Seems like you already have your mind set on Houston! Go for it.

I did, but then UMKC offered me this scholarship, which made me really consider them because they obviously want me at their school. Which Washington isn’t really showing me.

 

[barelyteething]

Houston is a great school. The feeling of being in a family is prominent.

That is something I noticed when I was visiting. A strong family sense and that the teachers cared a lot for the students also.

 

[barelyteething]

In regards to the rumors, I’ve heard it’s a lot of administrative issues... I’m currently looking at UMKC and am hesitant due to them. Do you mind me asking what you didn’t like about the clinic?

I LOVED WES. He was amazing and sold the school, honestly. I heard rumors that they were increasing their load/requirements, but students and faculty are afraid the students will not meet the requirements to graduate. I hate that it is a dungeon. The interview was nice because they allowed us to shadow a student working. I didn't get to see much of what they did though, my student was having difficulty with her equipment. The clinic, from what I saw, runs well enough for students to get the experience they need. It just feels very confining to me personally.