Stony Brook or UMDNJ

[bfp]

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Hi,

As I have been reading these forums, I noticed other students who got into both Stony Brook and UMDNJ (CONGRATS!!!!). Money needs to be in by the end of the month, so decisions need to be made.

Is anyone out there leaning one way or another? If so, why? I am so torn between these two schools.

Thank you so much for your help. Congrats, again, to all.

 

[Tzips]

Hi,

As I have been reading these forums, I noticed other students who got into both Stony Brook and UMDNJ (CONGRATS!!!!). Money needs to be in by the end of the month, so decisions need to be made.

Is anyone out there leaning one way or another? If so, why? I am so torn between these two schools.

Thank you so much for your help. Congrats, again, to all.

My problem exactly, assuming i get into UMDNJ - my interview's on 12/17. i plan on definately sending in a deposit to SB - it's only $100, which really isn't that much. how much is the deposit for UMDNJ?

For me, the question really boils down to location - would you rather go school in a slum that's just over the bridge from the city or in a forest that's 60 miles from anything? tough questions, these, especially as i was so impressed by SB at the interview and tuition there is less. 😕

i'd really be interested in what other people say, though.

 

[bfp]

My problem exactly, assuming i get into UMDNJ - my interview's on 12/17. i plan on definately sending in a deposit to SB - it's only $100, which really isn't that much. how much is the deposit for UMDNJ?

For me, the question really boils down to location - would you rather go school in a slum that's just over the bridge from the city or in a forest that's 60 miles from anything? tough questions, these, especially as i was so impressed by SB at the interview and tuition there is less. 😕

i'd really be interested in what other people say, though.

Hi,

My acceptance letter for SB said the deposit was $350. That's strange. Location is also part of my decision, but so is the class size. I really like the idea that SB has only 40 people in it. But that could be a negative, too.

The deposit for UMDNJ is $1000. Is there a penalty for sending more than 1 deposit (obviously other than losing it...?)

I didn't expect to get into both schools...this decision is a tough one.

 

[Tzips]

Hi,

My acceptance letter for SB said the deposit was $350. That's strange. Location is also part of my decision, but so is the class size. I really like the idea that SB has only 40 people in it. But that could be a negative, too.

The deposit for UMDNJ is $1000. Is there a penalty for sending more than 1 deposit (obviously other than losing it...?)

I didn't expect to get into both schools...this decision is a tough one.

just checked my letter - my bad. you are rigt - it's $350 - still not so bad 😀.

and the class size is a sticky issue - in HS my class size was 24 (i went to a really teeny school) and while it was wonderful for class unity, it had some drawbacks (the faculty made a lot of assumptions about "the class as a whole" - we were so small they kinda lumped us all together, while other grades had more distinctive subgroups). and the d-4 students told us by the interview that you really have to show up to all the dental classes, because it's immediatly apparent if you're not there. but overall, i think the class size (i thought it was 38?) is a +.

 

[bfp]

just checked my letter - my bad. you are rigt - it's $350 - still not so bad 😀.

and the class size is a sticky issue - in HS my class size was 24 (i went to a really teeny school) and while it was wonderful for class unity, it had some drawbacks (the faculty made a lot of assumptions about "the class as a whole" - we were so small they kinda lumped us all together, while other grades had more distinctive subgroups). and the d-4 students told us by the interview that you really have to show up to all the dental classes, because it's immediatly apparent if you're not there. but overall, i think the class size (i thought it was 38?) is a +.

You're right. The class size is 38 or 39. I forgot when the class size is that small one more really does make a difference. Do you know how many acceptances were sent out by SB? It seems like a great deal, considering this is the first round.

So the decision for you is purely location, then, right?

 

[Dr.Bear]

Hello All!

There are pluses and minuses to both schools. One big minus about stony brook is taking classes with the medical students. These classes focus on the medical aspect, where as UMDNJ students take classes serparately.

BPF-I haven't seen many acceptances to SB... have you? Only a few on here.
I am still waiting.. when did you hear?

As far as location is concerned, you are right...Jersey is really close to the city and if you love NYC, it's a no-brainer, whereas Stony Brook is located in a lovely community. So if you are a surbanite, also a no-brainer. Stony Brook's class size fluctuates from 36-40.

 

[DMD_hopeful]

Same situation here.. Totally torn between the two schools. SB as far as I hear is a great school. Also, I know lots of people at UMDNJ and they all say good things about it.. What to do??

Location-wise for me is a no brainer.. SB all the way. Newark isn't the nicest place in the world to spend any portion of ones' time.

Cost wise for me is about the same for both schools, so that's not a help in deciding.

I need to go and visit SB again to see if it's right for me.. I already know tons about NJ and really have no issues with it except for the DVD books thing..

I hate decisions like this...

Good luck to everyone..

 

[Tzips]

Hello All!

There are pluses and minuses to both schools. One big minus about stony brook is taking classes with the medical students. These classes focus on the medical aspect, where as UMDNJ students take classes serparately.

and here i was thinking that taking classes with the med school is a plus, because it means you don't have to show up every day...

and bfp - yeah, for me it's pretty much the location thing, as i'm ok with class size either way. my only q is, do the good qualities that SB has and UMDNJ doens't outweigh the drawbacks of the location? still not sure.

 

[bfp]

and here i was thinking that taking classes with the med school is a plus, because it means you don't have to show up every day...

and bfp - yeah, for me it's pretty much the location thing, as i'm ok with class size either way. my only q is, do the good qualities that SB has and UMDNJ doens't outweigh the drawbacks of the location? still not sure.

About showing up to class everyday...from what UMDNJ students say, its not necessary there, either. As with SB, there is a scribe service. And though I don't love the idea of DVD books, etc. from what I gathered, most of the tests come from professor notes, not the DVDs, anyway.

Dr. Bear, I haven't heard of a ton of acceptances from SB, but I expected only 5 each "acceptance cycle" and I already know of 7.(including SDNers) I guess it just seems like many considering they accept applications through Feb.

As for the location, I know Newark isn't a lovely area by any means, but doesn't that just mean more of a patient base (and more diverse as well?). It's not like we'd be living there... I would love to hear more feedback. Knowing I'm not the only one having trouble with this is making me feel so much better.

 

[DMD_hopeful]

As far as saftey is concerned, you'll most liikely be fine going to school in Newark -- as long as you keep your wits about you. There have been incidences, but hardly enough to be concerned with.

Where to live.. Plenty of decent towns surrounding the area with housing that isnt all that expensive.

I don't know about anybody elses experience but when I was at SB the clinics were quite busy.. Though it seems they get more diabled people and peds cases.

UMDNJ also has a scribe service. Couple of the students complained about the DVD system..

As fas as goign to classes at SB -- when I asked the students they said that everyone did't always show up.. The classes for years 1 and 2 are going to be large being you are with the med school. Will they really notice your not there?

UMDNJ has an awesome new building (still in the process of moving the d-school in it). Much newer than anything SB has. Though SB seemed pretty high tech from what i remember.

The food situation at SB really sucks.. UMDNJ isnt much better but at least you have the University hospital cafeteria.

Anyone want to add anything??

 

[bfp]

As far as saftey is concerned, you'll most liikely be fine going to school in Newark -- as long as you keep your wits about you. There have been incidences, but hardly enough to be concerned with.

Where to live.. Plenty of decent towns surrounding the area with housing that isnt all that expensive.

I don't know about anybody elses experience but when I was at SB the clinics were quite busy.. Though it seems they get more diabled people and peds cases.

UMDNJ also has a scribe service. Couple of the students complained about the DVD system..

As fas as goign to classes at SB -- when I asked the students they said that everyone did't always show up.. The classes for years 1 and 2 are going to be large being you are with the med school. Will they really notice your not there?

UMDNJ has an awesome new building (still in the process of moving the d-school in it). Much newer than anything SB has. Though SB seemed pretty high tech from what i remember.

The food situation at SB really sucks.. UMDNJ isnt much better but at least you have the University hospital cafeteria.

Anyone want to add anything??

DMD Hopeful,
You seem as confused/torn as I am. When does you deposit(s) have to be in? Will you be sending in more than one?

Where were you undergrad?

 

[bfp]

DMD Hopeful,
You seem as confused/torn as I am. When does you deposit(s) have to be in? Will you be sending in more than one?

Where were you undergrad?

One more thought regarding patients and experience: I don't think the amount of patients at SB or UMDNJ will be an issue. None of the students at either school had anything but good things to say about patient volume. From what I heard from dentists and graduates was that UMDNJ offers more experience b/c of case diversity. Anyone else hear anything?

 

[Tzips]

One more thought regarding patients and experience: I don't think the amount of patients at SB or UMDNJ will be an issue. None of the students at either school had anything but good things to say about patient volume. From what I heard from dentists and graduates was that UMDNJ offers more experience b/c of case diversity. Anyone else hear anything?

i've also heard nothing but good, but that the schools do have different patient populations - SB doesn't have that many medicaid patients (though they assured us that they had enough for us to be comfortable with what medicaid does/doesn't cover), while UMDNJ has significantly more - but's that's to be expected from the demographics of their respective areas.

in terms of location - i was complaining that SB is in an annoying location, not UMDNJ. yeah, neighborhood's nicer - trees rather than slums - but the travel to anything else is really inconvenient. UMDNJ, OTOH, while being in a bad neighborhood, is right over the bridge from manhattan, plus there are a lot of nice communities around it, plus it's right by the airport. all pluses, in my opinion.

 

[bfp]

i've also heard nothing but good, but that the schools do have different patient populations - SB doesn't have that many medicaid patients (though they assured us that they had enough for us to be comfortable with what medicaid does/doesn't cover), while UMDNJ has significantly more - but's that's to be expected from the demographics of their respective areas.

in terms of location - i was complaining that SB is in an annoying location, not UMDNJ. yeah, neighborhood's nicer - trees rather than slums - but the travel to anything else is really inconvenient. UMDNJ, OTOH, while being in a bad neighborhood, is right over the bridge from manhattan, plus there are a lot of nice communities around it, plus it's right by the airport. all pluses, in my opinion.

Is anyone familiar with the types of cases at either school? I wonder if there is a higher likelyhood of cosmetic cases at SB b/c of patient demographics?

 

[jayhov]

Anyone here anything about UMDNJ being political? I am trying to decide between Buffalo and UMDNJ. Does anyone stay on UMDNJ campus after 5 o'clock? I need a library to study!! I can never get any work done at home, this is one reason I am strongly considering Buffalo. I know in Buffalo they keep the labs open so you can study late into night. But I am not sure about UMDNJ! The new facility at UMDNJ is amazing, but I really need a good environment to study. Anyone is a similar situation or anything like this? I'm just confused... 😕

 

[Johnson22]

How so political?

 

[DMD_hopeful]

Anyone here anything about UMDNJ being political? I am trying to decide between Buffalo and UMDNJ. Does anyone stay on UMDNJ campus after 5 o'clock? I need a library to study!! I can never get any work done at home, this is one reason I am strongly considering Buffalo. I know in Buffalo they keep the labs open so you can study late into night. But I am not sure about UMDNJ! The new facility at UMDNJ is amazing, but I really need a good environment to study. Anyone is a similar situation or anything like this? I'm just confused... 😕

I've heard mixed things about the political issue.. So I'm not sure

I heard from the students that you have 24 access to the building (labs, Clinical labs, etc.) I'm pretty sure the library isnt open 24hrs.

 

[bfp]

I've heard mixed things about the political issue.. So I'm not sure

I heard from the students that you have 24 access to the building (labs, Clinical labs, etc.) I'm pretty sure the library isnt open 24hrs.

Political in what way? Competitive?

 

[Dr.Bear]

I too have heard that UMDNJ's labs are open 24 for students to use. I am not 100% about it, but I think I have heard that. I am an SB graduate (undergrad) and I know that the Health Science Library is open Mon-Thurs 8am-1230am Friday 8am-9pm Saturday 10am-7pm Sunday 1pm-1230am.
I believe the main library has approximately the same hours. So, studying shouldn't be a problem at either school...for those of you still waiting for acceptances from some schools... good luck