Rutgers (IS) vs. UPenn

[smallpotato10]

School 1: Rutgers (IS)

Pros:

• Close to home (~45 mins-1 hr) and NYC
• Smaller class size (~80 students)
• Pre-established connections with faculty and students
• Less expensive (~$365,000 total CoA)
• Great clinical exposure

Cons:

• Lack of student study spaces and resources
• Facilities not updated
• Fewer students specialize
• Would be commuting or living in Newark, which is not the safest city

School 2: UPenn

Pros:

• Higher specialization rates in OS
• Updated facilities and plenty of study spaces, extra resources, etc.
• Interested in the OS Honors program
• Plenty of unique community outreach programs (dental van, etc.)

Cons:

• More expensive by ~$160,000
• Larger class size (~170 students)
• Unfamiliar with the area of West Philly

Summary: I previously committed to Rutgers, but I was recently accepted to UPenn. I like that Rutgers is in-state, thus cheaper, but I do not feel that the price accurately reflects its facilities. It is still expensive for a state school, and I think that should be reflected in making the environment more conducive to the student experience. On the other hand, while UPenn is more expensive, it was updated ~10 years ago and offers more resources to students, such as access to the main campus and the pre-clinic on the weekends. I have always wanted to pursue OMFS as well, and I heard that more students specialize at UPenn. Therefore, should I prioritize saving $ and attending Rutgers or specialization and attending UPenn? Open to hearing any thoughts and corrections to my pros/cons list. Thank you in advance for your time and advice!!

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[macsak]

School 1: Rutgers (IS)

Pros:

• Close to home (~45 mins-1 hr) and NYC
• Smaller class size (~80 students)
• Pre-established connections with faculty and students
• Less expensive (~$365,000 total CoA)
• Great clinical exposure

Cons:

• Lack of student study spaces and resources
• Facilities not updated
• Fewer students specialize
• Would be commuting or living in Newark, which is not the safest city

School 2: UPenn

Pros:

• Higher specialization rates in OS
• Updated facilities and plenty of study spaces, extra resources, etc.
• Interested in the OS Honors program
• Plenty of unique community outreach programs (dental van, etc.)

Cons:

• More expensive by ~$160,000
• Larger class size (~170 students)
• Unfamiliar with the area of West Philly

Summary: I previously committed to Rutgers, but I was recently accepted to UPenn. I like that Rutgers is in-state, thus cheaper, but I do not feel that the price accurately reflects its facilities. It is still expensive for a state school, and I think that should be reflected in making the environment more conducive to the student experience. On the other hand, while UPenn is more expensive, it was updated ~10 years ago and offers more resources to students, such as access to the main campus and the pre-clinic on the weekends. I have always wanted to pursue OMFS as well, and I heard that more students specialize at UPenn. Therefore, should I prioritize saving $ and attending Rutgers or specialization and attending UPenn? Open to hearing any thoughts and corrections to my pros/cons list. Thank you in advance for your time and advice!!

larger class + ivy = more gunners
you might want to compare the crime rates between newark and philly

if you are able to make OMFS, you should be able to make it from anywhere
pick the cheaper school...

 

[JacquesVallee]

Rutgers