SIU vs UCLA

[Meat Gyver]

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I'm pretty sure this school comparison has never been made (so maybe I'm slightly delusional). I guess what I'm trying to ask is that, is the lower cost of tuition at SIU enough to take away from the reputation of UCLA?

I know many people on this forum would rather go for the cheaper in-state tuition, but would I be limiting my future by not going to UCLA? I know there isn't an official dental school ranking, but I can say with some confidence that UCLA is farther up on the ladder than SIU.

Any input would be appreciated (and it's proven to be useful in the past because you all convinced me to go to my Penn interview - which led to an acceptance, so thanks!)

 

[xatlasb]

What's the price difference?

 

[Meat Gyver]

SIU: ~165k
UCLA: ~ 221k

These costs do not include living and expenses, and I know living in LA is expensive, but I don't mind living far from campus and commuting on bike.

 

[Screwtape]

I think you know what the SDN consensus will be on this question-- the cheapest school. These two schools are insanely different. UCLA is in one of the biggest cities in America and has a great reputation, while SIU is in the middle of no where and is not well known outside of illinois. Either way, UCLA is gonna be hella more expensive due to the difference in living and travel costs. I'd stick with SIU (solid education from what i hear, however is there going to be a problem with their clinic now that illinois cut all dental to medicaid pts.?) over UCLA. It will end up being at least 100k cheaper.

 

[amfassz]

Do you have any interest in specializing? If you do want to I would take a second look at UCLA despite the cost.

 

[Psychohexane13]

SIU: ~165k
UCLA: ~ 221k

These costs do not include living and expenses, and I know living in LA is expensive, but I don't mind living far from campus and commuting on bike.

That's a pretty significant difference. If you don't mind LA life and the more expensive price tag, then UCLA. If not, SIU is the better economic choice for sure.

 

[Meat Gyver]

Do you have any interest in specializing? If you do want to I would take a second look at UCLA despite the cost.

I'm leaning more towards the specialization route right now. I also would like to be involved in academia during the later stages of my professional career, and that makes UCLA much more appealing for me. My mentality is that I don't mind living well below my means for a few years if that means I can have more opportunities in the future (I don't have a wife/children, so I'm willing to make bigger sacrifices).

SIU is cheap, and I see that they produce great clinicians (something UCLA really hasn't been known for), but I feel that the benefits end there.

 

[Sublimazing]

UCLA and do not look back.

 

[sjv]

UCLA and do not look back.

^This.

Specializing, Academia, Research -> UCLA no doubt.

 

[JAWSSS]

UCLA. Best decision of my life.

 

[Gaucho4Life]

UCLA and do not look back.

This

 

[Meat Gyver]

UCLA and do not look back.

UCLA. Best decision of my life.

This

Definitely loving the LA love 👍 Thanks for the responses!

 

[meg278]

Hello,

I'm a prospective dental student very interested in applying to Siue in the near future. I would like to know from anyone who has been accepted, attends the school, or has attended the school in the past what gpa, bcpm (science gpa), and AA DAT score you got into the school with. Also what other perks did you have on your application? Thank you!

- Meg

 

[sgv]

UCLA

 

[Jordan1671]

I think you know what the SDN consensus will be on this question-- the cheapest school. These two schools are insanely different. UCLA is in one of the biggest cities in America and has a great reputation, while SIU is in the middle of no where and is not well known outside of illinois. Either way, UCLA is gonna be hella more expensive due to the difference in living and travel costs. I'd stick with SIU (solid education from what i hear, however is there going to be a problem with their clinic now that illinois cut all dental to medicaid pts.?) over UCLA. It will end up being at least 100k cheaper.

BOOM! http://www.sj-r.com/article/20140616/NEWS/140619564
and that got restored 😀