Temple vs Tufts vs Pitt HELP!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

anhaka

Full Member
10+ Year Member
5+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
Hi guys,

I really need your help. I need to decide among these three d schools I've been accepted to really soon. I know each school has its pros and cons (I've written them out), but I still can't decide 🙁 Which one would you choose and why?
Thanks so much in advance!:luck:
 
Hi guys,

I really need your help. I need to decide among these three d schools I've been accepted to really soon. I know each school has its pros and cons (I've written them out), but I still can't decide 🙁 Which one would you choose and why?
Thanks so much in advance!:luck:


Go to Pitt! Tufts is too expensive and Temple doesn't have the facilities/training. Add the cleanliness and safe environment and I would tip the scales towards the Panthers.
 
Go to Pitt! Tufts is too expensive and Temple doesn't have the facilities/training. Add the cleanliness and safe environment and I would tip the scales towards the Panthers.

I'm confused, I thought Temple was known for their great clinical training?
 
I'm confused, I thought Temple was known for their great clinical training?


They are. I have seen Temple's labs and chairs, and I believe slot of their stuff is newly renovated. They offer a great patient base/load as well. But Pitt (IMO) trumps them on both accounts. Their Simlab is RIDICULOUS - plus all of the specialties occupy their own wing. Temples building reminded of a warehouse at the end of an 80s action film where the bad guys are holding their operations lol. Equipment matters.
 
They are. I have seen Temple's labs and chairs, and I believe slot of their stuff is newly renovated. They offer a great patient base/load as well. But Pitt (IMO) trumps them on both accounts. Their Simlab is RIDICULOUS - plus all of the specialties occupy their own wing. Temples building reminded of a warehouse at the end of an 80s action film where the bad guys are holding their operations lol. Equipment matters.

So "RIDICULOUS" sim lab = an edge to be a good dentist? doubtful.
Sure equipment matters, but your not getting different equipment at any of the the 3 schools mentioned, prob goes for most of the d schools in the US.
Unless you mean the exterior of the d school building matters, then I'd say you are wrong again except for those days when you're practicing dentistry outside.
 
Are you a PA resident? Is money a deal breaker/maker?

I'm not a PA resident 🙁 so the money difference among the 3 schools is about $11K (Tufts being the highest $54K and Pitt being the lowest $43K): all in all, money is not that big of a deal...
 
To the OP, don't get your answers by asking people on SDN. I visited Temple and Pitt and got different impressions then the guy who talks about the 80's warehouse--he also is going to Pitt and got rejected by Temple according to the predents. Just beware of where the information is coming from.

You should make the decision based on where you liked it the best, based on your experiences. Pitt, Temple, and Tufts are all great so you will be fine.
 
To the OP, don't get your answers by asking people on SDN. I visited Temple and Pitt and got different impressions then the guy who talks about the 80's warehouse--he also is going to Pitt and got rejected by Temple according to the predents. Just beware of where the information is coming from.

You should make the decision based on where you liked it the best, based on your experiences. Pitt, Temple, and Tufts are all great so you will be fine.

If you're implying that I have a grudge against Temple, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, they are the primary reason I got into DS in the first place. The OP wants help in order to make a decision. Telling him/her that "all schools are great" doesn't help in that regard AT ALL. IMO means in my opinion. My word isn't the Gospel. If you think that SDN isn't a decent place to receive advice, why are you giving it on the website as well? The OP will make the best decision for them, regardless if I think the 48 HRS sequel was filmed at Temple or not. Cheers.
 
If you're implying that I have a grudge against Temple, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, they are the primary reason I got into DS in the first place. The OP wants help in order to make a decision. Telling him/her that "all schools are great" doesn't help in that regard AT ALL. IMO means in my opinion. My word isn't the Gospel. If you think that SDN isn't a decent place to receive advice, why are you giving it on the website as well? The OP will make the best decision for them, regardless if I think the 48 HRS sequel was filmed at Temple or not. Cheers.

woah

I'm not saying advice is bad, I'm saying listening to poster's opinions, like yours, about schools and using that as a way to make a decision is bad.

Especially when everyone has their own biased opinions on each school-- that's what a decision is, it's biased.

Saying all the schools are great was a way to compliment the poster on their fortunate position.
 
I say Tufts hands down, especially if the little extra money is no problem. I got into both so i have no bias. Temple is great but i liked Tufts more!
 
Temple. I still remember leaving my interview at 2:30 pm and seeing the waiting area packed with patients. Never saw this at any of the other schools I interviewed at. Their patient population allows you to experience unique cases which are usually reserved for residents at other programs.

Yes the neighborhood is sketch, but you aren't required to live there. Instate tuition after one year at $36k, yet another plus. Also don't fall for the "Temple only produces GPs, not really good for specializing"...line. "1992corolla" on this forum matched to an OMFS program, and a couple of 4th years I met were accepted to perio and ortho programs. Specializing is indeed possible, it is dependent on the work you put in.

I'm sure it is apparent that it was quite difficult for me to decline my Temple acceptance.....I really do like their program quite a bit.
 
Yes the neighborhood is sketch, but you aren't required to live there. Instate tuition after one year at $36k, yet another plus. .

Are you sure about being able to switch to in-state tuition after one year (this is good news!)? Did Brian say that? Because I called Temple a few days ago to ask about this and they said that once you enter as out-of-state, you can't change to in-state...
 
Are you sure about being able to switch to in-state tuition after one year (this is good news!)? Did Brian say that? Because I called Temple a few days ago to ask about this and they said that once you enter as out-of-state, you can't change to in-state...

Check your acceptance email. There is a link directing you to the appeal process and the necessary steps to declare residency.
 
Are you sure about being able to switch to in-state tuition after one year (this is good news!)? Did Brian say that? Because I called Temple a few days ago to ask about this and they said that once you enter as out-of-state, you can't change to in-state...



Brian did say u can do it, BUT he also said its extremely difficult to get the In state residency approved and very few people actually were able to do it.
 
I'd highly recommend talking to people, especially dentists you might know about it. School choice is really difficult, especially because there really are no bad choices in a dental school. As far as Pitt, I must admit that I'm partial, and I'm sure you can find plenty of things about it and all of the other schools on SDN (if you're interested, search for a post by me called "Columbia vs. Pitt"). I'd suggest giving Dr. Etzel, the dean of student services at Pitt a call and talking to him about it. He's a great guy, and he'll be very honest - let him know what schools you're thinking about and why, and he'll give you a fair shake from Pitt's standpoint, and answer any questions you might have very honestly. I know talking to him really helped me making my decision last year.

As I've seen in my year so far at Pitt, there's pros and cons to everything, but just remember that any decision you make will still be a good one, and that in all honesty, you're in a very good place having been accepted to multiple dental schools. Also, I'd highly suggest going with your gut, I know it would have saved me a lot of headache, haha.

Good luck, and if you end up going with Pitt, I'll see you at Orientation in June!
 
thanks everyone for your input 🙂
 
Top