Perspectives on UW and UConn

[reallybroydude]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I wasn't able to find another thread that compares these two schools, so I decided to make one. I would like to avoid placing multiple deposits in the interest of providing the schools a timely response, for the fortunate applicant who is offered a spot at one of these programs, and for my peace of mind.

UW:
I've been a WA resident my whole life. There's a reason for that. Sure, I've traveled, but I can't get enough of the Pacific Northwest! My family and friends also largely reside here. I became a proud uncle 15 months ago and I would like to continue to have an active presence in the kid's life. Is that a good enough reason to choose a professional school? Maybe, maybe not. Following school my intent is to set up shop in WA, and I would likely make friends in school that are also likely to intend to reside in the area.

There were a few aspects of the interview that left me bothered. I would prefer not to go into detail. I recognize that those details are not indicative of the whole, but they play a role in influencing my perspective. Others on this forum have noted the curriculum change for the incoming class as a con for the school. However I have faith that the faculty know a lot more about dentistry than I do, and that I would have the resources to pursue whatever it is I want, with either school.

I like how the dental school (speaking about the Seattle program specifically here) is part of the main campus. This is largely for social reasons. For example, on a Friday evening after classes are done I can quickly ride my bike across campus and catch a music concert, art opening, guest lecturer, whatever.

UConn:
I enjoyed my time here during the interview. It was one of those moments, when you throw up your arms in triumph as you stand on top of a deserted parking garage. Seriously though, throughout the admissions process, UConn was prompt, organized, and professional. I loved conversing with my interviewers. That the building is nicknamed the Death Star is a plus. Rebel scum! The P/F system also seems to reduce the incentive for students to not help one another. Regarding the medical school curriculum, does anyone think there is an opportunity cost? Both schools have small classes, but UConn's health science center is relatively isolated. Does anyone feel that interactions between and among students, faculty, and staff could get too personal?

I feel that attending UConn would be more challenging culturally, and that this is a good thing. I took a couple of days after my interview to drive around New England and enjoyed it. Aside from my interview, I've only been to the east coast one time. Given that I intend to work in WA following school, this would be an opportunity to experience an area of the United States that I would not otherwise likely get to, and it would not necessarily cost me more to do so.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you and happy holidaze!

 

[CraigHack]

Well, you sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders, so I think you're already well on your way to making a good decision (and either way it'll be a win as I see it). In your situation, I would stay in Washington because of 1. Familial ties and 2. Access to the alumni network and region you plan on ultimately practicing. I think it may provide some small advantage to your long term goals to be able to hop onto the highway and scope out some towns that you think you'd like to practice in. I could be wrong, and I lack the personal experience to vouch for this notion. And of course, having the opportunity to spend time with family when you choose is a nice benefit to have, especially when times get tough.

People do like to say that places such as UConn set up students for specialization because of the P/F system, so there's that to consider.

 

[reallybroydude]

Thank you for the response. Any other thoughts?

 

[y3nd0]

Sent a PM.

 

[Faux]

Uconn is really liked by dental town I noticed. And I agree with everything you said about the school, as well as the medical school curriculum.

What is the tuition difference? You're a UW resident, will you be staying home?

 

[Kittenz]

I recently chose UConn over the ivy's I was accepted to because it follows a curriculum similar to 2 of the 3 without the extra 100k+ of debt plus interest. I also chose UConn over my state school UF because the price was so similar, I wasn't fond of the curriculum at UF, and I wanted a change of scenery that was also not as drastic as hopping aboard NYC. I loved the New England atmosphere and opportunity for outdoorsy kinds of things. Plus, I had a really fun time at my interview, which I cannot say about all of the other schools I interviewed at.

To specifically respond to some of your concerns and how I feel about them in regards to UConn:

Like I said about the curriculum at UConn, it's VERY similar to the ones at Harvard and Columbia, which I especially liked since I'm considering OMFS. If you are not considering specializing, the extra Med School knowledge may be at the cost of other material that you find more important. I would hate to attend UConn if I thought most of what I was being taught was all unnecessary for the first 2 years.

I enjoy the isolation at UConn because I love having my own space and seeing the scenery. I can see this being a problem if you would like to spend a couple weekends out at, let's say, the club scene.

The small class size at UConn isn't necessarily too small since the bulk of your first 2 years are spent with Med Students, but I do get where you're coming from. I believe many lectures are optional too, which is either a good thing or bad depending on how you plan to socialize. It seemed like the Assistant Dean knew everyone informally. I find this as a positive trait to my interests because I hope to get letters of recommendation from faculty for residency applications.

Best of luck! I had a tough time with my decisions too.

 

[reallybroydude]

Uconn is really liked by dental town I noticed. And I agree with everything you said about the school, as well as the medical school curriculum.

What is the tuition difference? You're a UW resident, will you be staying home?

The tuition difference is fairly marginal with the edge given to UConn. I'm estimating cost of attendance minus living expenses to be $160,000 and $184,000 for UConn and UW, respectively. This is not including tuition increases for next year however, and given current trends, UW's tuition is likely to increase more. I have to give mad props to UConn for making it affordable for OOS students. They're likely to draw some strong applicants based on that fact alone.

I reside in the eastern part of the state, so it would be like a moving from the farm to the big city sort of a story.

 

[reallybroydude]

Thank you for the responses everyone! It's been a big help in making a decision. While I am open to the various contexts of dentistry, currently I am interested in being a general practitioner in a small town in eastern WA. I think based on that, it would be prudent for me to attend UW.

I am a fan of UConn's curriculum style, but it may not be the best match for me given my current career aspirations in dentistry. Both schools have small class sizes, and I think that will be more for the benefit than the detriment. I attended a regional state university that also happens to be situated in a relatively small town. Relationships certainly get personal, but I think in the end this makes for a better learning and working environment.

 

[Bereno]

Like I said on Facebook, you will do well regardless! 🙂