So I've heard "it doesn't matter where you go to college" in terms of med school

[Eisley]

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But does this apply to dental school? Sorry if it's a stupid question since they're both health related professions, but I'm just wondering. I'm a senior in HS this year, graduating in May.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I mean undergrad.

 

[huskerdye]

School choice will have very little, if any, effect on applying to dental school..


What matters is GPA, DAT (I believe it's called?? not sure), extracurriculars, interview (etc..) Go to wherever you feel your going to perform the best.

 

[Eisley]

Thanks. That helps a lot, since I've been in a sticky situation weighing undergrad options considering a well known name vs. a school where I feel comfortable.

 

[huskerdye]

Thanks. That helps a lot, since I've been in a sticky situation weighing undergrad options considering a well known name vs. a school where I feel comfortable.

Yeah I know what you've gone through and actually posted a thread on here awhile back.. I'm going into medicine, but yeah.. go on college visits and find where your most comfortable.. You want to go somewhere where you feel your going to do a outstanding job because as with all health professions the schooling is competitive..

Make sure you ask a lot of questions and find the place thats right for you!

Just curious, where are you from, and what schools are you considering??

Good luck!

 

[MilkmanAl]

From what I hear, dental school isn't very concerned with your undergrad institution, like huskerdye said.

 

[Eisley]

I'm from Northern California, I go to a small competitive Catholic high school.

I applied to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Diego, USC, Santa Clara, USF, and UC Santa Cruz.

UCLA and Berkeley are my reaches, USF and UCSC are safeties, and the rest are matches.

I wanted to go to UC Berkeley at first, but after talking to a few people I know who go/have gone there, I kinda want to go to Davis now because of the relaxed atmosphere and the good bio program.

Also, it's only about a half hour from my mom's dental office, and hopefully I can work there or at least observe.

 

[huskerdye]

All of which are nice schools.. you don't need to worry about any of those causing any problems when applying to dental school..

I guess what you need to think about is whether your willing to go across the country or if you want to stay around where you live..

I'd say pick one of the reaches and work for it, but make sure you have somewhere you know you'll get into, but will still enjoy as a backup plan..

UCLA is a hell of a school..

 

[Eisley]

My issue is mainly between Davis and USF though. I love San Francisco, and I visited the school and everything is great except I kinda have qualms about going to my safety after getting into my matches. Davis on the other hand has a good bio program but is in a small college town and seems a bit boring.

UCLA is definitely a reach 🙂 I just applied there for kicks

 

[WatchMeRise]

sorry, I know im just jumping in here... but what do you guys know about UC Riverside? So far I've only heard negative comments. I have an acceptance from UCR. would going there hinder my chances of getting into medical school because it's not a school with high renown?

 

[Eisley]

Well from what I've read from this topic and all over the forums, it shouldn't matter that much. Keep in mind I'm speaking based on what I've gathered on these forums alone.

Most of the posts I saw were saying prioritize price and location over things like prestige.
I was raised thinking that the higher the average HS GPA/SAT/ACT of admitted freshmen, the more successful the graduates. People on this site are changing that.

 

[WatchMeRise]

Yes I definitely agree with you.
I am learning to love everyone in this community. 🙂

 

[Maygyver]

Hey man, I am sort of a pre-dental, pre-medical conglomerate. UCSF is known as a very good dental school, but I have heard that there are beginning to be funding problems. As far as undergraduate schools mattering, I think they only really matter if you want to go to dental school at the same school as undergraduate. I believe it is slighly easier to get into your undergrad university. Honestly though, all your reaches and safety school are very good choices and I would pick base on which you would rather go to and not worry at all about chances of dental school admissions. I have heard UCLA is a really nice area and their hospital is pretty nice, so I am sure their dental school should be pretty good too.

So yeah, in short, any of your schools are good choices. If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me because I've been looking into dental school so I know quite a bit about it.

 

[huskerdye]

Hahaha ohh wow.. I thought you we're considering USF as in University of Southern Florida.. wow, yeah I thought you were considering moving all the way across the country..

Just go with wherever you feel right, like I said none of them will affect your chances for dental school.