Temple (OOS) vs. UF (IS)

[dentdramer]

I was accepted to Temple and UF. Bottom line, I want to go to Temple.
The clinical experience at Temple is something not even comparable to that at UF. I feel as though this this experience is worth it so that once I graduate I am a more confident, well rounded, and efficient dentist.
Although, it is very hard for me to wrap my head around the 120k price difference. I obviously know that is a lot of money, but will it make me a better dentist from the start? Will I have more opportunities is a big city like Philly? I know I will learn the most once I am working and graduate from either school, but I think I will already be that more advanced after Temple.
I also want to make this decision for me, and do what makes me happy. So would anyone agree that happiness is worth the price?
Looking for advice or someone who is a student at Temple to help.

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[Pearl E. White]

You seem to have your mind made up. Others opinions shouldn't change that. It is YOUR decision. Best of luck 🙂

 

[periopocket]

Your crazy temple location blows have fun in north philly bud

 

[Cthuluhoop]

In before Big Hoss comments.

$120,000 is a significant amount of money at a 6% (and rising) interest rate. Especially over the term of your student loans for the 4 years, that is a huge, huge burden. Estimate the COA of both schools, then calculate the interest on that final amount that you must make a payment on 6 months after graduation. You're probably looking at close to $30K a year of just interest on that loan for Temple over UF.

As dentists keep saying here, and have told me multiple times personally. You get out of dental school what you put in regardless of where you go. UF is a very good program. I'm waitlisted at UF, and I would love to tell you to not go so it gives me a better shot of getting off that list, but I'm not going to do that.
After dental school you continue your education by taking many CE courses, so you education doesn't end when you graduate, it's just beginning. From research I've done, you'll have less opportunities in big cities such as Philadelphia as there are many dentists in these major metropolitan areas and as a dentist with no experience you'll be at the bottom of the food chain. So you'll have to move from Philly anyway if you want to start making a dent in those loans as an associate.

 

[ssm38]

Think about it this way, would you rather go to Temple or go to UF and upon graduation, UF gives you a check for $120,000 to do whatever you want with it, tax-free?

 

[mrdeez]

I just typed out this long response about predents of this generation and the future of the profession because of this type of thinking. I deleted it because the lack of awareness just made me sad, honestly.

It’s like if a girl stays with a guy who beats her regularly, all her friends are telling her to leave him, but she just doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.

One hundred and twenty thousand dollars.


It’s 2018.


Just...wow.

 

[dentdramer]

I just typed out this long response about predents of this generation and the future of the profession because of this type of thinking. I deleted it because the lack of awareness just made me sad, honestly.

It’s like if a girl stays with a guy who beats her regularly, all her friends are telling her to leave him, but she just doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.

One hundred and twenty thousand dollars.


It’s 2018.


Just...wow.

I totally agree. I'm not sure where you are in your life, but as a very young student entering the professional career I cannot even fathom any of this amount of money and I feel there are many others in my same situation. That is why I am asking for genuine reasons that make more sense than "don't you know how much money that is?" There is a lot of emotional investment in this also. I am looking for guidance not the obvious that it cost more money.

 

[dentdramer]

In before Big Hoss comments.

$120,000 is a significant amount of money at a 6% (and rising) interest rate. Especially over the term of your student loans for the 4 years, that is a huge, huge burden. Estimate the COA of both schools, then calculate the interest on that final amount that you must make a payment on 6 months after graduation. You're probably looking at close to $30K a year of just interest on that loan for Temple over UF.

As dentists keep saying here, and have told me multiple times personally. You get out of dental school what you put in regardless of where you go. UF is a very good program. I'm waitlisted at UF, and I would love to tell you to not go so it gives me a better shot of getting off that list, but I'm not going to do that.
After dental school you continue your education by taking many CE courses, so you education doesn't end when you graduate, it's just beginning. From research I've done, you'll have less opportunities in big cities such as Philadelphia as there are many dentists in these major metropolitan areas and as a dentist with no experience you'll be at the bottom of the food chain. So you'll have to move from Philly anyway if you want to start making a dent in those loans as an associate.

You make really great points and thank you so much for your reply. Sometimes it's hard to see outside of this "vision" that you have of a school, but at the same time I know I am probably judging too hard off of minor things.Thank you again for your explanation, it really helped clear up some of my concern. Best of luck to you, and I hope you get accepted off the waitlist and I'll see you there!

 

[dentdramer]

You seem to have your mind made up. Others opinions shouldn't change that. It is YOUR decision. Best of luck 🙂

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.. Thank you for the encouragement!

 

[dentdramer]

Think about it this way, would you rather go to Temple or go to UF and upon graduation, UF gives you a check for $120,000 to do whatever you want with it, tax-free?

Haha yes I agree, there are some personal reasons behind this too but I realize the financial circumstance I would put myself in.
I hope this post helps other students as well!

 

[wengerout]

UF.

In some cases I can make an argument to go to the more expensive school (A provocative opinion on this forum).

This case is not one of them.

 

[Cthuluhoop]

Absolutely, I'm a pre-dent as well, so take my advice how you will, and I don't mean for it to seem harsh.
But I just don't want to see all of my fellow dental students struggling for longer than they have to over a decision they make now over a small reason like choosing a school they like more. It will already be hard to pay off $300K+ in student loans as a dentist in todays climate. 4 years of being at a program that you're not a huge fan of is worth the financial gain you receive.

If you think you'll be actually depressed going to school in Gainesville, then that's something different and something you should think about. But if we're talking about education vs. education, then UF is a fantastic school and you'll be clinically fine coming out of it, just put the extra mile in during school to do the best you possibly can.

 

[Life of Pablo]

North Philly is NOT a fun area to live in. In fact, I'm pretty sure most of the dental students don't live in North Philly because it's so bad. They all commute (which stinks). Trust me you'll be happier in Gainesville. Save yourself the 120k and go to UF.

 

[Likkriue]

Interview day does not show all the imperfections a school has over. Until you’ve been to a school for 2+ years you have no idea which school is better clinically. I would run with UF, very reputable program.