Iowa (OOS) vs. Minnesota (IS)

[TheWholeTooth99]

Accepted to both Iowa and Minnesota. IS for Minnesota, OOS for Iowa. Anyone have any insight on which would be best? (I know lower cost at Minnesota, but other than that)

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[SweetTooth13]

Accepted to both Iowa and Minnesota. IS for Minnesota, OOS for Iowa. Anyone have any insight on which would be best? (I know lower cost at Minnesota, but other than that)

I'm in the same boat - Minnesota resident but was also accepted to Iowa. When I interviewed at Iowa everyone seemed happy and welcoming whereas Minnesota was dark (no natural lighting!!) and gave off a weird vibe. That might have just been the way the interview day was structured though (and the fact that the students weren't in school that day). I've also heard some concerning things from dentists I've shadowed that went to UMN. On the other hand, I've heard great things about the school and program, but it's the only school that a dentist has told me not to attend (this dentist did not attend UMN though). I know I would get a great education either place, and dental school won't be easy and joyful all the time no matter where I go.

I'm 99% sure I'll be attending UMN SoD in August. I am extremely excited about it but tend to overthink things! 🙂

There are more things going on in the Twin Cities than in Iowa City if that's important to you! Also, I am going with the idea that if you hope to practice in MN, it would be beneficial to already be established in the state when you graduate.

 

[TheWholeTooth99]

I'm in the same boat - Minnesota resident but was also accepted to Iowa. When I interviewed at Iowa everyone seemed happy and welcoming whereas Minnesota was dark (no natural lighting!!) and gave off a weird vibe. That might have just been the way the interview day was structured though (and the fact that the students weren't in school that day). I've also heard some concerning things from dentists I've shadowed that went to UMN. On the other hand, I've heard great things about the school and program, but it's the only school that a dentist has told me not to attend (this dentist did not attend UMN though). I know I would get a great education either place, and dental school won't be easy and joyful all the time no matter where I go.

I'm 99% sure I'll be attending UMN SoD in August. I am extremely excited about it but tend to overthink things! 🙂

There are more things going on in the Twin Cities than in Iowa City if that's important to you! Also, I am going with the idea that if you hope to practice in MN, it would be beneficial to already be established in the state when you graduate.

Yeah, I felt similarly. Got a great vibe from the people and overall environment at Iowa. Not so much at Minnesota. I feel like I would enjoy Iowa more, but the cost is a pretty big factor. I don't know what to do!

 

[Firik]

I agree with the Minnesota "friendly" vibe during the interview! Can you share the details why you felt that way, please?

I can give you big difference between cities: MN is very diverse, whereas Iowa not at all. MN is the urban city, not so much for Iowa. MN housing/living more expensive compare to Iowa.

 

[TheWholeTooth99]

I'm familiar with both schools. I'm from around UMN and went to school at Iowa for undergrad. I'm more wondering about dental school environment/opportunities after graduation/reputation/relevant dental experiences at each school/how each school prepares you/etc. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[glehmann]

You've gotta look at the amount of clinical experience you'd get at Iowa vs. UMN, They get into the clinic their D1 year at Iowa and starting doing operative immediately D2 year. Also look at their "superblock" in D3 year. The stack of clinical experience is not even close by the time D4 year is up. If you're obsessed with hand skills, it might be worth looking harder at Iowa.

 

[teethforthought]

I am also a Minnesota resident accepted to both Minnesota and Iowa. I did my undergrad in Iowa and have been able to get a feel for Iowa's dental school through peers that go there now. They have more clinical experience that starts earlier on compared to Minnesota. The oos tuition is pricey but might be worth it for the extra clinical skills. I don't know that much about Minnesota other than what they told us at the interview and wish I could have gotten a better feel for it.

If anyone could speak for Minnesota and their experience or someone's they know it would be greatly appreciated. I am so torn!

 

[glehmann]

I am also a Minnesota resident accepted to both Minnesota and Iowa. I did my undergrad in Iowa and have been able to get a feel for Iowa's dental school through peers that go there now. They have more clinical experience that starts earlier on compared to Minnesota. The oos tuition is pricey but might be worth it for the extra clinical skills. I don't know that much about Minnesota other than what they told us at the interview and wish I could have gotten a better feel for it.

If anyone could speak for Minnesota and their experience or someone's they know it would be greatly appreciated. I am so torn!

I think you should weigh the 80K difference with the difference you see in education, and then add a little bit of weight to what place sounds more fun and exciting to add to your life. Also where you want to practice.