Maryland (IS) vs. VCU (OOS)

[senaj0495]

School 1: Maryland (IS)
Pros:

• In-state tuition (but I'm not planning on commuting from home)
• Great facilities
• Heavy emphasis on diversity
• Has great histories being the first dental school

Cons:

• Surrounding area
• Maybe it was just for this year, but the interview felt impersonal (lasted for 10 min; student panel was great though)
• See patients starting from the third year

School 2: VCU (OOS)
Pros:

• See patients starting from the first year
• Went to Richmond for undergrad and loved the city
• Great experience at the interview
• New clinic building that will be finished by next year

Cons:

• Richmond isn't that much safer than Baltimore
• Cost of living
• Heavy emphasis on digital dentistry (I also want to have enough practice in traditional techniques)

Summary: I also applied for HPSP through the army, but not betting on getting accepted due to possible disqualifying medical conditions. So, cost is something I can't ignore. But, I also enjoyed my experience in Richmond way more than in Baltimore and have great mentors living in Richmond. I'm also open to specializing (not sure if that is a critical factor in choosing a school because I've heard both sides to this opinion). I also couldn't gauge the class vibe from both schools, but if a current student could provide insights to either school, I would really appreciate it!

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[S_Diamond_DDS]

Maryland

 

[dmahbou]

I also think Maryland. Vcu is way way too expensive if you have instate options.

 

[Ivy.ch]

Maryland

 

[wengerout]

Maryland

 

[deleted984162]

Definitely Maryland. The only good part of VCU is the emphasis on patient care/standardized patients. For education/step prep, VCU isn't great so I wouldn't pay OOS if you have a great IS option as well.