Making a decision solely based on money.....

[litldime]

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thanks litldime.. I think you're dead on

The main reason I started this thread was not really to debate whether I would go to a school that cost 170k more, it was to say I'm disappointed that money is going to end up being the only factor that affects my decision. I'm lucky enough to have loved both BU and UB, so the decision to go to UB is really a win win. It's just disappointing I can't really give BU a fair chance solely because of money.

I understand what you're saying....but if the two schools are that comparable education wise, it might come down money....its unfortunate, i agree, but both schools do graduate very competent dentists....its a tough call....if one produced better dentists than another, then there's a very valid argument.... let us know what you decide...good luck

 

[Jem27]

litldime,

I'm not sure who said that but I doubt anyone thinks dropping that much is justified for the "sake of happiness". As idealistic as I'd like to be, I'm no stranger to the fact that money is a big deal for a lot of people, maybe even the only deal for them. My point about choosing a pricier school is that they may find more satisfaction from the school as a whole. Maybe it's a big deal to go to an Ivy school, something that will fill a void that going to a public school can't, something that would improve their self-esteem. Whatever that reason is, it's their reason. If that's the case, it would be better choice for them and only them.

Look, at most, I'm just trying to play the devil's advocate and inform them of their options. In the end, the choice is their own.

Jem

edit: IMO, sometimes the benefits outweigh the cost and investing in that future is worth it. Sometimes not, like USC. I guess I'm just confidant enough in my own abilities to know whatever I'm investing, I'll see to it that I get it back in returns ... and more.

 

[litldime]

liltdime,

I'm not sure who said that but I doubt anyone thinks dropping that much is justified for the "sake of happiness". As idealistic as I'd like to be, I'm no stranger to the fact that money is a big deal for a lot of people, maybe even the only deal for them. My point about choosing a pricier school is that they may find more satisfaction from the school as a whole. Maybe it's a big deal to go to an Ivy school, something that will fill a void that going to a public school can't, something that would improve their self-esteem. Whatever that reason is, it's their reason. If that's the case, it would be better choice for them and only them.

Look, at most, I'm just trying to play the devil's advocate and inform them of their options. In the end, the choice is their own.

Jem

I totally get what you are saying and am speaking based on my understanding of what i've read throughout this thread...but i'm still of the opinion that satisfaction is obviously subjective especially when we haven't experienced dental school first hand neither do we have a comprehensive outlook on the various schools. Speaking from my situation, i was accepted w/ scholarship to both uop and baylor, enjoyed both schools, and got a great feel from both of them and knew i would be happy at both...however, i chose baylor based on my family's location, the standard of living in texas, and obviously because of the cost...70K vs 250k??..i'm not saying pick a school solely based on cost but after making a comprehensive list and there really is not an outstanding difference b/w two schools, then cost becomes quite important. I would rather save money because once school starts the warm fuzzy feeling of been at one school over another will diminish once the work starts..

Furthermore, i'm doing the exact same thing you're doing by talking about the different options we all have .....at the end, it certainly is their decision and i've wished them luck on it and hope they make a decision that tailors their needs

 

[Jem27]

Oh . . .

in that case 😀

 

[shamrock84]

Right, but calculus88 asked specifically about "big name schools." I was responding to him, not the OP.

I don't have any hate for Ivy league schools, and I don't doubt that they're fine institutions, besides being, in my opinion, overpriced.

I can understand that it might seem like a have a vendetta, but I simply don't. The topic comes up fairly often though and I'm not shy about posting my opinion if it's asked for.

Hmmm, it is not only the Ivy schools that are overpriced. Almost all the private schools cost as much, including UoP. So you guys decided to go to overpriced school or you just think that you are getting better education than anyone else?

 

[UCSF2012]

To the OP, I would never choose BU over UB. The cost difference is just too great, but I think it's important to understand some of the secondary issues you may be facing. Buffalo comes at the expense of social costs: you may not meet as many people and there won't be nearly as many things to do during your breaks. With that said, it'd be in your best interest to prepare how you'd overcome those barriers. Regmata says he knows the better parts of town. He claims to even know what days are good for what. An understanding of what's to come can prepare you for such things as...your dating life for the next 4 years.

 

[Jem27]

Hmmm, it is not only the Ivy schools that are overpriced. Almost all the private schools cost as much, including UoP. So you guys decided to go to overpriced school or you just think that you are getting better education than anyone else?

Overpriced schools, FTW. It's cause I think shelling out more = higher quality like an LV bag vs. Coach. Burberry frames vs. Lenscrafter frames. DUH!

Actually, my mom moved to Cali. It's a pretty big deal for me to be with my family. Plus, I spent the summer in Cali and I loved it there. There's a heck of a lot more you can do as far as outdoorsy stuff. That's another big deal. But mostly family.

Oh right, and UOP is 3 years and the most impressive school I set foot in. And did I mention, for the hot guys? No? Okay, yeah, the guys there are hot. 😍

 

[UCSF2012]

Hmmm, it is not only the Ivy schools that are overpriced. Almost all the private schools cost as much, including UoP. So you guys decided to go to overpriced school or you just think that you are getting better education than anyone else?

People don't flock to expensive schools. They flock to schools with a high turnout of specialists. Whether or not/the extent to which the schools themselves play a role in the students' success is questionable and is open to interpretation. However, it still remains that this is predominantly their reasoning.

 

[shamrock84]

Overpriced schools, FTW. It's cause I think shelling out more = higher quality like an LV bag vs. Coach. Burberry frames vs. Lenscrafter frames. DUH!

Actually, my mom moved to Cali. It's a pretty big deal for me to be with my family. Plus, I spent the summer in Cali and I loved it there. There's a heck of a lot more you can do as far as outdoorsy stuff. That's another big deal. But mostly family.

Oh right, and UOP is 3 years and the most impressive school I set foot in. And did I mention, for the hot guys? No? Okay, yeah, the guys there are hot. 😍

exactly! there are other factors than money. and not everyone picks Ivy schools for their name and boost of their self-esteem. They are other good things about these schools.
also i was just confused because people who say choose the cheapest school and Ivy schools are overpriced, are people who actually go to UoP which is a pricey school too.

 

[armorshell]

also i was just confused because people who say choose the cheapest school and Ivy schools are overpriced, are people who actually go to UoP which is a pricey school too.

Yes, and for those people (IE me) UoP *is* the cheapest school we got in to. 👍

 

[armorshell]

People don't flock to expensive schools. They flock to schools with a high turnout of specialists. Whether or not/the extent to which the schools themselves play a role in the students' success is questionable and is open to interpretation. However, it still remains that this is predominantly their reasoning.

I support this statement.

 

[shamrock84]

Yes, and for those people (IE me) UoP *is* the cheapest school we got in to. 👍

didnt you get into Nova too?

 

[JMJRDH1]

I can easily see that paiding 100K or more for a bigger name is crazy, but I am just talking about 30K...so it's a really hard decision for me....I haven't paid any deposit yet... I will have to think about this some more....

For a net difference of $30K, I would say go to the school that you want to. $30K is a lot, but it is not so much that I would say you are making a bad financial choice.

 

[SHC1984]

Thanks! Columbia it is! 😀😀😀😀
I was already pretty much set on Columbia over the other schools I was accepted to (NYU and Nova). But I just wanted to see people's opinons of $$$...to me $$$ is important but if it's only 50K or less to go to the better school then I think its worth it!👍 Life is too short to worry about a few thousand dollars...

For a net difference of $30K, I would say go to the school that you want to. $30K is a lot, but it is not so much that I would say you are making a bad financial choice.

 

[gryffindor]

I understand what you're saying....but if the two schools are that comparable education wise, it might come down money....its unfortunate, i agree, but both schools do graduate very competent dentists....its a tough call....if one produced better dentists than another, then there's a very valid argument.... let us know what you decide...good luck

I hate to say this on a board full of pre-dents, but based on having attended UB and speaking to BU grads about their clinical experiences, one school does offer a much better clinical education. Both schools can still graduate competent dentists. But it greatly helps your clinical education if you don't have to line up and fight for chairs with your classmates + a large class of international dentists. It also helps your clinical proficiency if you are required to do a lot of clinical procedures prior to graduation. Danny, don't regret your choice for choosing UB over BU due to cost because when you get to Buffalo you will meet many others in your class who did the same thing. You will also meet plenty of graduates who will tell you that going to UB was a great decision clinically and financially.

UCSF2012, most people went home during their breaks at UB. Only the locals like myself stuck around. It is a socially dead city compared to other larger cities in the US with better economies, however, there are plenty of people to be met if that's what your intention is. Many of my female classmates graduated with a DDS in their right hand and a rock on their left. They had met guys either in dental/med school or made an effort to meet guys on their own. It wasn't the best social scene personally, but in retrospect, I was way too busy trying to stay at the top of the class to devote adequate time to making a relationship work.

 

[Danny0230]

I hate to say this on a board full of pre-dents, but based on having attended UB and speaking to BU grads about their clinical experiences, one school does offer a much better clinical education. Both schools can still graduate competent dentists. But it greatly helps your clinical education if you don't have to line up and fight for chairs with your classmates + a large class of international dentists. It also helps your clinical proficiency if you are required to do a lot of clinical procedures prior to graduation. Danny, don't regret your choice for choosing UB over BU due to cost because when you get to Buffalo you will meet many others in your class who did the same thing. You will also meet plenty of graduates who will tell you that going to UB was a great decision clinically and financially.

UCSF2012, most people went home during their breaks at UB. Only the locals like myself stuck around. It is a socially dead city compared to other larger cities in the US with better economies, however, there are plenty of people to be met if that's what your intention is. Many of my female classmates graduated with a DDS in their right hand and a rock on their left. They had met guys either in dental/med school or made an effort to meet guys on their own. It wasn't the best social scene personally, but in retrospect, I was way too busy trying to stay at the top of the class to devote adequate time to making a relationship work.

Thanks for the input. I'm sure I'll be extremely happy with my decision to go to UB, which I'm pretty close to making official. The clinical aspect is HUGE postive in my decision making, and that combined with finances and other postives are making UB look like a great choice. I just cant believe I'm leaving my Redsox behind.....

 

[armorshell]

didnt you get into Nova too?

Yep, and it was more expensive than UoP.

 

[SHC1984]

Are you serious? did you not read the other threads on here? 170K is a lot to pay extra for two schools that are almost identical...but I guess not everyone is broke...🙄

Thanks for the input. I'm sure I'll be extremely happy with my decision to go to UB, which I'm pretty close to making official. The clinical aspect is HUGE postive in my decision making, and that combined with finances and other postives are making UB look like a great choice. I just cant believe I'm leaving my Redsox behind.....

 

[Danny0230]

Are you serious? did you not read the other threads on here? 170K is a lot to pay extra for two schools that are almost identical...but I guess not everyone is broke...🙄

what are you talking about, did you even read what I wrote

 

[rollypolly]

Are you serious? did you not read the other threads on here? 170K is a lot to pay extra for two schools that are almost identical...but I guess not everyone is broke...🙄

UB = Buffalo
BU = Boston


I believe he is going to Buffalo unless I totally missed something.

 

[SHC1984]

OH my fault! sorry....I am not good with abbreviations....Good choice! congrats! 😀

what are you talking about, did you even read what I wrote

 

[prez_al]

Yep, and it was more expensive than UoP.

Makes sense, considering the $$$ you make in the first year of practice offsets whatever the tuition is and then some.

 

[armorshell]

Makes sense, considering the $$$ you make in the first year of practice offsets whatever the tuition is and then some.

That doesn't even include any sort of value from the extra year besides the year of of interest. I couldn't come up with a decent value to assign for it when I did the calculations, but it's probably worth a few thousand.

Also, I thought you were going to Michigan? Did you get into one of the canuckistan schools?

 

[prez_al]

That doesn't even include any sort of value from the extra year besides the year of of interest. I couldn't come up with a decent value to assign for it when I did the calculations, but it's probably worth a few thousand.

Also, I thought you were going to Michigan? Did you get into one of the canuckistan schools?

Yup, somehow got into a Canadian school and the tuition difference was too great to ignore... Its okay though, Michigan laid a big egg this year in football unfortunately.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Danny, you'll be overwhelmed by both redsox and patriot fans in New York!

 

[tamkhan]

after reading almost every post on this thread, I have a few questions (probably not related to the original post):

1) Is the clinical experience of BU THAT bad? How does it compare to the clinical experience at NYU?

2) If your parents fund your education, is NYU a better choice or BU? (My single parent isn't funding my education, for the record🙂) But, I just want to know which school is better if money/loan/repayments are thrown out of the whole equation.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

after reading almost every post on this thread, I have a few questions (probably not related to the original post):

1) Is the clinical experience of BU THAT bad? How does it compare to the clinical experience at NYU?

2) If your parents fund your education, is NYU a better choice or BU? (My single parent isn't funding my education, for the record🙂) But, I just want to know which school is better if money/loan/repayments are thrown out of the whole equation.

I never found that hypothetical question applicable except in day dreams.

 

[tamkhan]

I never found that hypothetical question applicable except in day dreams.

i can't even dream of that. I already have an undergrad loan on my head which I need to pay off🙂

 

[SHC1984]

BU is definetly better...the class size at NYU is just toooooooooo big! 👎

after reading almost every post on this thread, I have a few questions (probably not related to the original post):

1) Is the clinical experience of BU THAT bad? How does it compare to the clinical experience at NYU?

2) If your parents fund your education, is NYU a better choice or BU? (My single parent isn't funding my education, for the record🙂) But, I just want to know which school is better if money/loan/repayments are thrown out of the whole equation.

 

[Bicuspid Bonita]

I was VERY impressed with NYU and it's latest technology, but i think it definitely has a bad rep for large classes. I think if you are a person who went to undergrad in a huge university (50k students here), you should adjust pretty well. If it wasn't for the money, i'd go there instead of BU cuz it seemed that they have a HUGE patient pool. And the student guide said that they were implementing a computer system in patients and all needed procedures would be listed and you would just sign up. I can't really remember the details but i thought it was pretty cool. 🙂

 

[litldime]

I was VERY impressed with NYU, minus the price tag, but i think it definitely has a bad rep for large classes. I think if you are a person who went to undergrad in a huge university (50k students here), you should adjust pretty well.

true, my intro to chem class had like 500 ppl in it but my professor was great about getting ppl to stfu...plus a lot of ppl didn't come to class....