revamping my schools list... need advice!!

[futrdentist]

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I ended up with higher DAT scores than expected, so I'm knocking off some of my back up schools and need to add on a reach school or two. My DAT was 24AA/23PAT and GPA probably around 3.6 or 3.7 by the end of the semester. Currently, I'm applying to GA (my home state), UNC, Tufts or BU (not sure which, input please!), and Columbia, and need to add about 4 schools to that list. I don't like research, cold weather (except for in cities in the northeast in which case I'd deal with it), or competitive atmospheres among students.

What are the general opionions on reach schools and back up schools?

Also what are thoughts on: Penn, VCU, UoP, UKY, Louisville, UCLA, Temple, and Marquette? These were recommended by my dental advisor, but I think he just tells them to everyone.

Finally, I'd be open to any other suggestions! I literally don't know where I want to go to school, and hadn't set my mind on anywhere until I found out how the DAT went. If you suggest a school, please let me know why you like it, or what's good about it. Thanks!!

 

[PDizzle]

Your stats are outstanding and can get you an interview in ANY school in the nation, that is if your app is good in other areas.

As far as being warm, non-competative and a great school, UCLA comes to mind.

Penn is cold as sh#t. Forget Temple with your stats. Keep reading SDN about the other schools.


Good luck, not that you will need it!

 

[hockeydentist]

Your stats are outstanding and can get you an interview in ANY school in the nation, that is if your app is good in other areas.

As far as being warm, non-competative and a great school, UCLA comes to mind.

Penn is cold as sh#t. Forget Temple with your stats. Keep reading SDN about the other schools.


Good luck, not that you will need it!

UOP would be my guess, only 3 years of school.. Cost an arm and leg but your done so much faster than other schools.

 

[wigglytooth]

Penn is cold as sh#t.

Penn's not that cold, c'mon 😛 It's typical northeastern weather. Sure there's a winter, but you'll be inside most of the time anyway. It's all about what you consider cold.

Good luck!

 

[deejay]

Ucla
Ucsf

 

[futrdentist]

So people at UCLA aren't overly focused on research or overly competitive? I just get that vibe since it's med school is uber research oriented and highly competitive. What about Los Angeles, is campus safe and do people live nearby?

Also, I'm not so worried about prestige or anything, I just want good clinical experience and nice people!

 

[coral2005]

Then go to Nova.

 

[La Miraflorina]

Do a search on U Maryland... they have a brand new state-of-the-art building that's probably the most technologically advanced in the nation. It's the oldest dental school and has an excellent reputation (you probably know d schools aren't ranked but if they were, it'd definitely be in the top somewhere.)

The curriculum is strong, both in the sciences and clinical experience.

I could go on and on but check it out for yourself:

http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/

 

[mochafreak]

UCLA, UCSF, UOP, UPenn, and UMD certainly come to mind. But, I think all except for UOP are pretty research-oriented.

Anyhow, I'd add Louisville they have...

state of the art sim labs, a great reputation for clinical education, a fairly laid back atmosphere, pretty good reception to students between admin and faculty, and a kick @ss city with a low cost of living.

I loved the program, city, and faculty and students I interviewed with there. Their interview day is actually fun. You meet the other interviewees (around 8 of them) in the morning. Then you all attend some financial aid talks and talks with the dean, etc. as a group, have a tour and lunch with students and then have interviews in the afternoon. I'm glad I applied there just for my short "vacation" in Louisville.

 

[drhobie7]

So people at UCLA aren't overly focused on research or overly competitive? I just get that vibe since it's med school is uber research oriented and highly competitive. What about Los Angeles, is campus safe and do people live nearby?

Also, I'm not so worried about prestige or anything, I just want good clinical experience and nice people!

Most people at UCLA do research because it's important for specialty applications and about half of us specialize. The people who do research aren't antisocial lab rats. They just put in their time in the lab and go have fun later. There are a few gunners in each class. In general people are chill about classes. BTW, UCLA's med school is very chill, not that it has any bearing on the dental school . From what I've seen, the students are not aggro or competitive. Actually they're pretty fun. They threw a great party a little while ago for us and the law students.

UCLA is in Westwood, which is between Beverly Hills and Brentwood, two of the wealthiest areas in the country. It's safe.

Here are some other schools that come to mind: Arizona (ItsGavinC is always claiming how many procedures they do), UOP (students are very happy), UW (I just remember hearing it's a great school), and...hmmm...that's all I got.

 

[melissamcg]

MCG focuses on clinical...so good for you if you don't like research. My deciding factor between schools was cost. MCG is very affordable compared to other schools, especially those up north. I already have some loans and want to minimize as much as I can, so MCG was the perfect choice for me!!! Good luck!!!

 

[futrdentist]

Do a search on U Maryland... they have a brand new state-of-the-art building that's probably the most technologically advanced in the nation. It's the oldest dental school and has an excellent reputation (you probably know d schools aren't ranked but if they were, it'd definitely be in the top somewhere.)

The curriculum is strong, both in the sciences and clinical experience.

I could go on and on but check it out for yourself:

http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/

How's living in Baltimore? My physics prof went to UMD and wouldn't walk around at night if you paid him, but that was probably a long time ago. How are the students? I found DC to be a very competitive atmosphere, does it extend to Baltimore?

 

[futrdentist]

Most people at UCLA do research because it's important for specialty applications and about half of us specialize. The people who do research aren't antisocial lab rats. They just put in their time in the lab and go have fun later. There are a few gunners in each class. In general people are chill about classes. BTW, UCLA's med school is very chill, not that it has any bearing on the dental school . From what I've seen, the students are not aggro or competitive. Actually they're pretty fun. They threw a great party a little while ago for us and the law students.

UCLA is in Westwood, which is between Beverly Hills and Brentwood, two of the wealthiest areas in the country. It's safe.

Here are some other schools that come to mind: Arizona (ItsGavinC is always claiming how many procedures they do), UOP (students are very happy), UW (I just remember hearing it's a great school), and...hmmm...that's all I got.

So it's necessary to do research in order to specialize? Would I have time to actually enjoy my expensive surroundings as a student at UCLA? It sounds like a great area and a friend said there's an In and Out near campus, but I'm a little hesitant to go anywhere that's so expensive if I'm supposed to be working all the time anyway. I really like the idea of warm weather and friendly students by the way, so I'm strongly considering UCLA. Also, are the med students separate from the dental students in facilities and libraries and other things?

 

[drhobie7]

So it's necessary to do research in order to specialize? Would I have time to actually enjoy my expensive surroundings as a student at UCLA? It sounds like a great area and a friend said there's an In and Out near campus, but I'm a little hesitant to go anywhere that's so expensive if I'm supposed to be working all the time anyway. I really like the idea of warm weather and friendly students by the way, so I'm strongly considering UCLA. Also, are the med students separate from the dental students in facilities and libraries and other things?

If you don't do research that's one significant portion of your application that will be deficient. Get it? It's not critical for all programs, but in general it is important. Many other applicants are doing it so you better do it too or else your application is weaker. Your involvement in research can be extensive or superficial, depending on what you want to get out of it. That means you can determine your amount of free time. Don't worry so much about having free time. It'll be there. If you go to any top dental school you'll probably be studying about the same amount of time. It's not like UCLA's classes are harder than Columbia, UCSF, UPenn, or Harvard. They all require a lot of work to succeed. Lastly, we share the buildings, classrooms, and libraries with the med students. They're super cool people.

 

[sgdorfl90]

UCLA is quite competitive, I go to ucla undergrad and I have couple of friends whose brothers and sisters went to UCLA dental. If you are looking for very cooperative environment and nice people, I would not consider ucla. I am not applying there either, but one thing is girls here are hot and spring just makes things better.

 

[drhobie7]

UCLA is quite competitive, I go to ucla undergrad and I have couple of friends whose brothers and sisters went to UCLA dental. If you are looking for very cooperative environment and nice people, I would not consider ucla. I am not applying there either, but one thing is girls here are hot and spring just makes things better.

How long ago were they students? The student body changes every year and each class is different. I can tell you as a current student, the student body and school environment does not even slightly resemble what you have been told.

 

[sgdorfl90]

How long ago were they students? The student body changes every year and each class is different. I can tell you as a current student, the student body and school environment does not even slightly resemble what you have been told.

that is true. I was sitting by CS 50, the charles young place and I saw these 2 chicks wearing blue scrubs. So I approached them and told them that I wanted to apply and first they laughed at me. Then their response was "Do you have a 4.0 and saved a town from hunger?" in a very condescending manner. I was so fcuking pissed off, and I pretty much decided I don't wanna go to school with these kind of dinguses. Of course, they were just 2 out of a bunch, but I really think If I am gonna spend 4 years with small group of ppl, i don't wanna deal with these kind of ppl. But you are great, of course.

 

[syn_apse]

great stats futrdentist! you could get in anywhere depending on your non-stat qualities. if GA is your home state, be sure to visit the Medical University of South Carolina. Charleston is gorgeous and right on the beach. MUSC is about to build a new building too! they typically only accept 4-5 out-of-state applicants out of about 600.. but your numbers are solid!

if you have any questions, send me a PM!

 

[drhobie7]

that is true. I was sitting by CS 50, the charles young place and I saw these 2 chicks wearing blue scrubs. So I approached them and told them that I wanted to apply and first they laughed at me. Then their response was "Do you have a 4.0 and saved a town from hunger?" in a very condescending manner. I was so fcuking pissed off, and I pretty much decided I don't wanna go to school with these kind of dinguses. Of course, they were just 2 out of a bunch, but I really think If I am gonna spend 4 years with small group of ppl, i don't wanna deal with these kind of ppl. But you are great, of course.

Sorry to hear you ran into two such unfriendly people. The funny thing is they might have been 1st years sporting the scrubs for no good reason. I will never understand why people wear scrubs when they are not going to be in clinic.

It is ridiculous for anyone to have an ego about dental school. We are just working on teeth afterall. We are not curing herpes labialis, or doing something else that dramatically improves society at large. 😛

Lastly, those two students obviously have no idea what we look for in a student. Unfortunately, there will be kooks at every dental school. We try to weed them out in the interview process but sometimes they fool us.

 

[futrdentist]

If I ended up going to a Cali school but wanted to come back and practice on the East coast, is there any trouble being prepared for state boards out east? I keep hearing about the Cali boards being different, but I thought it was a national standard.

 

[bkwash]

I ended up with higher DAT scores than expected, so I'm knocking off some of my back up schools and need to add on a reach school or two. My DAT was 24AA/23PAT and GPA probably around 3.6 or 3.7 by the end of the semester. Currently, I'm applying to GA (my home state), UNC, Tufts or BU (not sure which, input please!), and Columbia, and need to add about 4 schools to that list. I don't like research, cold weather (except for in cities in the northeast in which case I'd deal with it), or competitive atmospheres among students.

What are the general opionions on reach schools and back up schools?

Also what are thoughts on: Penn, VCU, UoP, UKY, Louisville, UCLA, Temple, and Marquette? These were recommended by my dental advisor, but I think he just tells them to everyone.

Finally, I'd be open to any other suggestions! I literally don't know where I want to go to school, and hadn't set my mind on anywhere until I found out how the DAT went. If you suggest a school, please let me know why you like it, or what's good about it. Thanks!!

Apply to Pass/Fail Schools the only one that i interviewed at was Harvard and the students are REALLY laid back.

 

[drhobie7]

If I ended up going to a Cali school but wanted to come back and practice on the East coast, is there any trouble being prepared for state boards out east? I keep hearing about the Cali boards being different, but I thought it was a national standard.

It will always be harder if you have to find patients outside of your dental school patient pool. So, yeah it's going to be tougher if you have to go back east and find patients to take the boards on versus using the ones you already have in dental school.

 

[dentaldamit]

If I ended up going to a Cali school but wanted to come back and practice on the East coast, is there any trouble being prepared for state boards out east? I keep hearing about the Cali boards being different, but I thought it was a national standard.

yo future: NERB (the northeast regional board) is easier than the cali boards from what i hear. don't worry about them till your a D4. Cali boards you have to do a 3/4 crown which dentists don't really do much anymore and NERB you don't, for instance.

as far as schools, i can say think about ucla, ucsf, uop, and usc on the west coast. ucla and ucsf cause of the name and damn good weather and uop b/c it's 3 years. if you have a science degree with some courses in physio, anatomy, etc.... then the pbl at usc is sweet. classes are chill, the people are cool, it's small classes, so you get to know people well and you only go to school three days a week. but if you're like an english major, a more structured program is prob better. if you're budgeting, go to state schools, tho. you don't wanna break the bank for four years either.

east coast schools: forget nyu. no offensive but everybody says it's cut throat cuz they release like 30 students after the first year and it's everybody's 'safety' school. before nyu ppl freak, i go to bu and it's everybody's second 'saftey' school. i would absolutely avoid BU. admin ppl suck here. the apex prog is very overrated and an absolute waste of time. tufts i hear to good and if you want to specialize, harvard would be where i'd go. ppl say that harvard grads have crappy clinic skills and hands, but it's ... harvard... everybody goes gah gah over that s***.

temple has crappy clinic with old ass chairs.

if i had your scores i think:
ucsf, ucla, harvard, penn as the top
uconn, tufts, usc, uop as the middle tier
forget BU. beleive me it's not worth going to the interview you'll waste a day.

 

[futrdentist]

Apply to Pass/Fail Schools the only one that i interviewed at was Harvard and the students are REALLY laid back.

What are the other pass/fail schools? The only other one I know is UCSF. Thanks!

 

[maxwell3000]

columbia

 

[PDizzle]

What are the other pass/fail schools? The only other one I know is UCSF. Thanks!

UCLA is also pass/fail

 

[bkwash]

Make sure when you go to interviews to ask detailed questions about the grading system, some schools that are "pass/fail" are H/P/F which is essentially a grading system since everyone wants the "H" and then the competition comes into play. Also some schools record your grades so getting a low "P" may not be good when it comes time to get a dean letter.

 

[devin_62]

UCLA, UCSF, UOP, UPenn, and UMD certainly come to mind. But, I think all except for UOP are pretty research-oriented.

Anyhow, I'd add Louisville they have...

state of the art sim labs, a great reputation for clinical education, a fairly laid back atmosphere, pretty good reception to students between admin and faculty, and a kick @ss city with a low cost of living.

I loved the program, city, and faculty and students I interviewed with there. Their interview day is actually fun. You meet the other interviewees (around 8 of them) in the morning. Then you all attend some financial aid talks and talks with the dean, etc. as a group, have a tour and lunch with students and then have interviews in the afternoon. I'm glad I applied there just for my short "vacation" in Louisville.

Louisville dental students also have been in the Top-10 nationwide on the Step-2 board exam each of the last 5 years. That's definitely a telling stat of the education level that is provided at ULSD.

 

[drhobie7]

Louisville dental students also have been in the Top-10 nationwide on the Step-2 board exam each of the last 5 years. That's definitely a telling stat of the education level that is provided at ULSD.

Interestingly NBDE-II doesn't tell you much at all, seeing as most people only study to pass it. It usually has no bearing on residency applications because you take it after you apply. All you have to do is pass. There is no incentive to score high.