Rutgers (OOS) Vs. Buffalo (IS) Vs. LECOM (UPDATED)

[bkthmusic]

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So I was very fortunate to receive 9 acceptances but narrowed down my final options to these three schools. I am leaning towards Rutgers. I am unsure about COA so pls pls clarify the cost differences for me.

1. Rutgers:
Pros

• Very well known and prestigious program
• Amazing clinical
• Great facilities
• Large patient pool
• IS tuition after the first year
• Small class size
• Family lives is NJ
• I will be living with my partner and job wise it’s easier for him
• Won’t have to make a big move (I live in Brooklyn so moving will be a breeze)
• Reasonable cost of living (less expensive than NYC)
• Close to NYC which I am used to
• Loved the atmosphere in the school. Amazing student body and faculty
• Transportation (no need to buy a car early)

Cons

• OOS the first year
• More expensive than Buffalo and LECOM
• The area of the school not the best but I will be living in a nicer area which is still close
• Has all specialties which leaves less complex cases for us
• They seemed a bit too tough but they were still really funny and nice which made me a bit intimidated but at the same time, this is life

2. Buffalo:
Pros

• IS tuition
• Great program
• Great facilities
• Great atmosphere
• Small class size
• Cheapest option
• Low cost of living

Cons

• It’s in Buffalo…not my type of area
• Far from family (7 hr drive)
• Cold climate (I’m tired of sinusitis)
• My partner will have far less job opportunities
• We have to make a big move
• The closest big cities are a couple hours away
• Would have to buy a car
• Has all specialties which leaves less complex cases for us

3. LECOM
Pros

• I think the tuition will be around the same as Rutgers, which is great for an OOS private
• It’s in Florida…I love Florida
• Great facilities
• Great clinical
• Class size is 150
• Great school atmosphere
• No specialties which leaves all the cases for us
• New living experience

Cons

• Newer school
• Less known among future employers
• Will have to relocate for the D4 year
• Not sure if PBL will work out for me
• It’s in Florida…God forbid there may be hurricanes
• The area is kind of in the middle of nowhere and 40 mins from Tampa
• High cost of living
• Mediocre job market for my partner
• We will have to make a big move
• Far from family (3 hr flight)
• No breaks in the curriculum!
• Would have to buy a car
• The weather could get so hot and I have never lived in such climate for a long time

I added whatever I could think of but please comment any additional things that I may have missed. I am planning to work as a general dentist as of now.
I am already expecting “go to the cheapest” comments but pls give me real advice -_-

 

[macsak]

don't pick lecom

speak to current rutgers students regarding their procedure graduation requirement...

So I was very fortunate to receive 8 acceptances but narrowed down my final options to these three schools. I am leaning towards Rutgers. I am unsure about COA so pls pls clarify the cost differences for me.

1. Rutgers:
Pros

• Very well known and prestigious program
• Amazing clinical
• Great facilities
• Large patient pool
• IS tuition after the first year
• Small class size
• Family lives is NJ
• I will be living with my partner and job wise it’s easier for him
• Won’t have to make a big move (I live in Brooklyn so moving will be a breeze)
• Reasonable cost of living (less expensive than NYC)
• Close to NYC which I am used to
• Loved the atmosphere in the school. Amazing student body and faculty
• Transportation (no need to buy a car early)

Cons

• OOS the first year
• More expensive than Buffalo and LECOM
• The area of the school not the best but I will be living in a nicer area which is still close
• Has all specialties which leaves less complex cases for us
• They seemed a bit too tough but they were still really funny and nice which made me a bit intimidated but at the same time, this is life

2. Buffalo:
Pros

• IS tuition
• Great program
• Great facilities
• Great atmosphere
• Small class size
• Cheapest option
• Low cost of living

Cons

• It’s in Buffalo…not my type of area
• Far from family (7 hr drive)
• Cold climate (I’m tired of sinusitis)
• My partner will have far less job opportunities
• We have to make a big move
• The closest big cities are a couple hours away
• Would have to buy a car
• Has all specialties which leaves less complex cases for us

3. LECOM
Pros

• I think the tuition will be around the same as Rutgers, which is great for an OOS private
• It’s in Florida…I love Florida
• Great facilities
• Great clinical
• Class size is 150
• Great school atmosphere
• No specialties which leaves all the cases for us
• New living experience

Cons

• Newer school
• Less known among future employers
• Will have to relocate for the D4 year
• Not sure if PBL will work out for me
• It’s in Florida…God forbid there may be hurricanes
• The area is kind of in the middle of nowhere and 40 mins from Tampa
• High cost of living
• Mediocre job market for my partner
• We will have to make a big move
• Far from family (3 hr flight)
• No breaks in the curriculum!
• Would have to buy a car
• The weather could get so hot and I have never lived in such climate for a long time

I added whatever I could think of but please comment any additional things that I may have missed. I am planning to work as a general dentist as of now.
I am already expecting “go to the cheapest” comments but pls give me real advice -_-

 

[bkthmusic]

don't pick lecom

speak to current rutgers students regarding their procedure graduation requirement...

Yeah I know they are a lot and that can be stressful

 

[bkthmusic]

(UPDATE) Thanks to everyone who commented and voted. I committed to Rutgers cause it’s such an amazing program. If anyone had questions, feel free to reach out.