sorry to bring this issue up...

[ISushi]

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I know that all of you are probably tired of the “where should I go thread”. However, I’m just wondering if any of you can offer some advices/opinions about these three schools. I have been accepted to Upenn, UMichigan and VCU, and I’m having a difficult time making decision. I have read previous threads posted by others (i.e. about VCU by sugerNaCl..etc.) I seek good clinical education (maybe research opportunities as well). Location is not that much of a factor for me since I’m out of state. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you so much

 

[SHC1984]

Penn>Michigian>VCU

Go to Penn! 😉

 

[TheWiredNerv]

My recommendation is to go to the cheapest school in the most affordable area that you can see yourself spending the next four years. All dental schools are virtually identical. I feel that what you get out of D school will be on the individual, not the school.

 

[lemoncurry]

not VCU.

 

[teebow]

you need to find out what you are looking for and then ask people who would know like dentists or dental proffessors, specialists etc. (not SDNers who dont konw much more than you do about these schools)
if you want to specialize ,,, research what school has high percentage of specialists, or what school makes it easier to get into a specialty,,like i think sometimes names might help.
similarly for research and clinical experience,, find out what you want to become in the future and what you want to get out of your dental education and then ask those who know which school offers that.... again not SDNers who havnt even started school,,, ask EXPEEEERRRTTSS

finally id like to tell you that you have a wonderful problem ,,,,
goodluck👍

 

[TheWiredNerv]

you need to find out what you are looking for and then ask people who would know like dentists or dental proffessors, specialists etc. (not SDNers who dont konw much more than you do about these schools)
if you want to specialize ,,, research what school has high percentage of specialists, or what school makes it easier to get into a specialty,,like i think sometimes names might help.
similarly for research and clinical experience,, find out what you want to become in the future and what you want to get out of your dental education and then ask those who know which school offers that.... again not SDNers who havnt even started school,,, ask EXPEEEERRRTTSS

finally id like to tell you that you have a wonderful problem ,,,,
goodluck👍

This advice coming from a SDNer.

 

[teebow]

yea man ,, I am humble and know my boundries 😛

 

[Streetwolf]

Penn>Michigian>VCU

Go to Penn! 😉

I can't help but think you say that because Penn is ivy. At least give a reason.

 

[Ething]

Loads of people specialize right out of penn...but i can't tell you if that is the school's doing or the individual student's. When you fill your class with a +21 avg DAT and a 3.75 avg gpa...your avg student will do pretty well in school and on the boards. Whatever the case is, more people definitely specialize coming out of penn than most dental schools. I hear from upperclassmen that our clinic is also pretty good, especially when our clinic is compared to other schools that have a high percentage of students who go off to specialize. There are many research opportunities here.....i know that penn is very big on perio in particular. I don't know much about vcu but i hear great things about michigan. In all, at penn you will get good clinical training if you want to do general dentistry and your chances of specializing will be pretty solid (whether thats bec the school has a name/good training/whatever or bec you are a good student, i dont know...i like to think that it's a combination of the two). I'm only a first year but this is what i hear.

 

[ISushi]

I’ve heard that at Penn, sometimes you need to wait for the chairs. Is that true?
Can anybody give concrete reasons why UMichigan is a good choice, besides saying it is a good school? Do the students come out of dental school feeling prepared? Do the students feel like they get solid pre-clinical training before heading to the clinics as a D3? Thank you.

 

[tamkhan]

I've heard that at Penn, sometimes you need to wait for the chairs. Is that true?
Can anybody give concrete reasons why UMichigan is a good choice, besides saying it is a good school? Do the students come out of dental school feeling prepared? Do the students feel like they get solid pre-clinical training before heading to the clinics as a D3? Thank you.

Michigan has its own strengths, with the biggest being research. No matter what school you go to, you'll get plenty of training. Whether that training turns you into a good clinician is up to you. The best way out of this is to ask current students at the respective schools and get their opinions. I contacted some graduates of the school I am interested in, through facebook.😀 They were all kind enough to give me a list of pros and cons of the schools.
good luck!

Taking into consideration your aspirations (good clinical training, research...), Upenn would be your best option.

 

[bbman4606]

I agree with tamkhan. It sounds like Penn would be your best fit and you will get out of the clinical part what you want. I think it's more up to the person rather than the school as far as clinical education goes. Penn offers great advantages in being an ivy league school and that will help in placement into your desired specialty. Other than that I'd look at price but it looks like thats not an issue for you. So I'd go with Penn but good luck and congrats on your choices!

 

[yorkiepoo]

for me the most important consideration is what the clinics are like and the feel of the school but it comes down to the $$PRICE$$ &**LOCATION** (ie. what the city is like and the location of the school)

that's for me personally

 

[Ething]

Well, if it comes down to price and location, definitely do not choose Penn. I am shelling out close to 80 g's a yr here and west philly aint the prettiest site.