Cost isn't really a factor here since USC and NYU are the most expensive schools in the nation, and their total package tuition is comparable to one another. In terms of prestige, both schools are again pretty comparable in both the publics eye, as well as in the dental communities eye. In terms of specializing, neither school really has an edge over the other. So i guess, ultimately it comes down to 3 main differences that you must consider.
1) Location:
This is a big one since you'll be here for the next four years. Since your CA resident and if you decide that you wanna explore the wonders of NY, then go to NYU. USC may be in LA, but its not exactly street friendly at night if you know what i mean. Perhaps another pt is where you want to ultimately practice. If you want to stay CA, going to USC might make that a little more convenient, but this is far into the future and you could always take the WREB in the future if you wish to practice here.
2) PBL vs Traditional Lectures
Personally, i really like PBL. However, I don't believe its an adequate substitute for traditional lecture. USC started with a satellite program of 12 elite highly motivated dental students who rocked their boards and lived happily ever after. Take any 12 elite students and give them the means to do well and they definitely will. Changing the scenario from 12 top students to a 144 mixed-level-of-motivation students and you have counter production (this is just my opinion). PBL is fun, but imagine learning histology, biochemistry and physiology without any lectures or reading assignments. I hardly enjoy 8 hour lectures, but there is no substitute for a strong didactic foundation. Last year when I interviewed there, i spoke to the administration. They said they we're hoping to implement some form of didactic into their program, which i believe would dramatically improve their current program. However, for now they are 100% PBL. Other PBL programs consist of Case and Harvard, but to my knowledge, they have mix programs which consist of lectures and pbl, the perfect combination IMHO.
3) Class Size: Although it might not seem that big of a deal entering into a class of 330 students (since i imagine your undergrad class has thousands), you will soon see shortcomings of being but a face in the crowd. USC class less than half so that might be considered a perk.
Additional reasons:
Pro USC
1) USC has a huge DSD dental frat which throws the sickest parties!
2) Their foot ball team
3) Pretty nice dental facilities
Con USC
1) Unsubstantiated extremely low graduation rate due to high volume of procedure requirements.
2) No real faculty, mostly facilitators.
3) High chances of being mugged.
Pro NYU
1) at the forefront Cosmetic dentistry
2) The night life is hot
3) Sweetest Dental building ever
4) Former dean of UCSF
NYU Con
1) You'l have to take the CA licensure or WREB if you want to come to back CA.
2) 10% attrition rate, for your class size that would be like 30 people.
Alright, time to get back to my final's studying. Hi Amalgam, welcome to UCLA, where the education is pretty much as rough as it gets 😉.
