The Ask Me Anything About Ucla And Ill Tell You The Truth Thread*

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PFM

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let the insanity begin

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What did you wish you had known before starting dental school?
 
great thread, I need to know everything about UCLA. :laugh:
 
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Do you feel like you're getting a good amount of experience with patients, or do you think that there is a shortage of patients?
 
WOW thanks for doing this!

So can you please tell us what you dislike about ucla d-school the most? Thanks :)
 
I have a question about UCLA, why is it that I have recieved interviews from almost every school i have applied to except for UCLA? that is including a couple ivy leagues. is there still hope? is it still too early in the process? thanks in advance...
 
I have a question about UCLA, why is it that I have recieved interviews from almost every school i have applied to except for UCLA? that is including a couple ivy leagues. is there still hope? is it still too early in the process? thanks in advance...

UCLA starts their interview process later in the year. I think they've interviewed maybe 60 people, so don't give up hope. It's still early for them. Good luck!! :luck:
 
I have a question about UCLA, why is it that I have recieved interviews from almost every school i have applied to except for UCLA? that is including a couple ivy leagues. is there still hope? is it still too early in the process? thanks in advance...

Don't give up hope... I know how you feel. I applied relatively early and was fortunately able to get first-batch interview invites from some schools including ivys. However, I did not get one from ucla until their ~5th round (which took place nearly 2 months after my first interview at penn). Just relax for now--they only filled half of the class on dec 1st. I am sure they will give out a lot more invites after the 15th. Good luck!
 
Threads like this rule.

The deep dark secret of UCLA and someone is going to tell you! NO HOLDS BARRED!!!:eek:
 
Threads like this rule.

The deep dark secret of UCLA and someone is going to tell you! NO HOLDS BARRED!!!:eek:

Except that PFM is some random dude creating a UCLA Q and A thread. He doesn't have any credibility, that he's actually from that school. Notice how he hasn't written anything or answered any question on this forum.
 
Except that PFM is some random dude creating a UCLA Q and A thread. He doesn't have any credibility, that he's actually from that school. Notice how he hasn't written anything or answered any question on this forum.

Exactly the reason for my sarcasm...I guess the internet leaves little to be desired as far as intonation goes...oh well

If you guys want dirt on a specific school than call a real student on the phone, admissions gives them out freely and you can talk to a real student.
 
What did you wish you had known before starting dental school?

1) I wish I had know the amount of work I had to put in. When you come here...be prepared to work. But with that said, the satisfaction you get from actually knowing the material when you start clinic is satisfying.

2) I kind of dont like the way clinic runs, but the are make a lot of improvement so by the time you guys hit clinic it should be good.

3) Parking sucks
 
Do you feel like you're getting a good amount of experience with patients, or do you think that there is a shortage of patients?


Alot of pple ask this. The truth is, we dont get that many patients as other dental schools (but we do get plenty) HOWEVER, the types of patients we do get are quality patients. What I mean by that is your requirements are based on the amount of procedures you do NOT how many patients you have. So really, if you have 2 quality patients, you can get rid of half of your reqs...again, think quality not quantity.

What you get in dental school is a foundation of doing things right. This is the main theme of UCLA clinics, doing things above standard of care. Even if you think youre slow when you graduate, I hear that your first 2-3 mos working will get you to par with other new grads
 
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WOW thanks for doing this!

So can you please tell us what you dislike about ucla d-school the most? Thanks :)

too many classes that repeat the same things, the good thing about this is repetition forces the material to stick to your head.

again parking

and again how clinic is run (too many consults, but this is getting better)
 
I have a question about UCLA, why is it that I have recieved interviews from almost every school i have applied to except for UCLA? that is including a couple ivy leagues. is there still hope? is it still too early in the process? thanks in advance...


ucla starts their interview process later than any other school (i think around mid nov). if you recieved interviews from the ivy leagues then yea you still have a chance. be patient.
 
Except that PFM is some random dude creating a UCLA Q and A thread. He doesn't have any credibility, that he's actually from that school. Notice how he hasn't written anything or answered any question on this forum.

actually i have more credibility than any other pre-dents that are here. and even more credibility than you. just because i dont stay on SDN 24/7 doesnt mean this thread is a prank. ill get to your question when i get to it. so if you dont have anything constructive to say, then get of this thread
 
nate28, im a third year
 
Except that PFM is some random dude creating a UCLA Q and A thread. He doesn't have any credibility, that he's actually from that school. Notice how he hasn't written anything or answered any question on this forum.

yeah I noticed that too when I posted my question. I still chose to ask anyway--it's worth a shot. I wasn't telling myself to believe everything he says until I see what type of response he gives, though. If he posted something extreme or radical then I would start thinking whether i'd buy it. But I think PFM has given some very valuable opinions here :idea: .

Thanks PFM :).
 
While I know that as dentists we are going to be taught to read carefully and not believe everything we hear and read just because someone said so, there is, and has been, a surprisingly low level of trust on this forum. At times, I'm a little disappointed at the level of cynicism that pervades SDN and i guess it is a part of our culture today too, but just seems like nowadays we approach everything with a sense that people are really just trying to screw us...kinda sad isn't it?
 
UCLA is on my list (applying for 2008), since it is a WICHE school and California sounds great to a Midwesterner. However, I'm wondering how my wife and I could possibly afford to live in LA. Is there any student and/or married student housing? Otherwise, what is the rent like off-campus? Do you like living there?
 
UCLA is on my list (applying for 2008), since it is a WICHE school and California sounds great to a Midwesterner. However, I'm wondering how my wife and I could possibly afford to live in LA. Is there any student and/or married student housing? Otherwise, what is the rent like off-campus? Do you like living there?

Great question. One of the best things about UCLA is the married student housing. It is pretty nice (gated, garages, pool, barbeques/grills, etc.), and easily the best deal in LA. Apartments across the street (not student housing) go for double what you pay for UCLA housing.
 
UCLA is on my list (applying for 2008), since it is a WICHE school and California sounds great to a Midwesterner. However, I'm wondering how my wife and I could possibly afford to live in LA. Is there any student and/or married student housing? Otherwise, what is the rent like off-campus? Do you like living there?

Youre right the living expense here in LA (especially west LA) is ridiculous. However in your case, there is marriage housing which is almost half of other appartments around the area. For example, my 2 bdrm appt cost 2100/mo but the married housing I think goes for 1100-1200 (2 bdrm, complete with utilities, cable, internet, etc; this may go up a little when you get here though). So its definitely a good deal. My friend and I were even joking that we should get married just for the purposes of getting into marriage housing hah. Hope that helps
 
While I know that as dentists we are going to be taught to read carefully and not believe everything we hear and read just because someone said so, there is, and has been, a surprisingly low level of trust on this forum. At times, I'm a little disappointed at the level of cynicism that pervades SDN and i guess it is a part of our culture today too, but just seems like nowadays we approach everything with a sense that people are really just trying to screw us...kinda sad isn't it?

let me assure everybody that whatever i tell you is from my veiw point only and I am answering as truthfully as i can. So if you still have doubts of what I say, I suggest you also talk to other UCLA students (specially the upperclassmen, no offense to the 1st and 2nd years but I think you have yet to know all of the ins and outs of both class and clinic---you'll get there soon). I assure you that if the information about UCLA made by other SDNers is wrong, Ill say its wrong. the purpose of this thread was just to inform the incomming class what to expect to make any transitions go smoother.
 
It's amazing. When I was a 3rd year I had no idea how much the clinic had changed for the better while I was in my 2nd year. It's changed even more in the past year (my 3rd to 4th years). If the current 3rd years were taken out of the today's clinic and put into the clinic 2 years prior they would freak out. The changes have been profound and resulted in dramatic improvements. I've been to at least a dozen other dental schools during my oral surgery interviews and I'm so stoked I came to UCLA. We have it really good. No dental school clinic will run like a private practice. They won't just give you the patients and let you step on the pedal. There has to be oversight. Fortunately, UCLA has streamlined this pretty damn well.
 
I agree...and I think clinic is even going to get better from this point on. One of the big changes is the home cubes idea. I think a lot more dentistry is being done compared to the old system (according to the group directors). so really, the issue of UCLA grads not having enough experience is false.

drhobie7, perhaps you should address some of the issues that are asked by the predents base on the experience of a soon to be new grad, i really think it would help them compare view points
 
While I know that as dentists we are going to be taught to read carefully and not believe everything we hear and read just because someone said so, there is, and has been, a surprisingly low level of trust on this forum. At times, I'm a little disappointed at the level of cynicism that pervades SDN and i guess it is a part of our culture today too, but just seems like nowadays we approach everything with a sense that people are really just trying to screw us...kinda sad isn't it?

However sad it may be, cynicism breeds critical thinking and the tendacy to rely on facts and evidence over second-hand information. These are invaluable traits for dentistry and every other profession, and should be almost required when on the internet. ;)
 
However sad it may be, cynicism breeds critical thinking and the tendacy to rely on facts and evidence over second-hand information. These are invaluable traits for dentistry and every other profession, and should be almost required when on the internet. ;)

What on earth are you ranting about? Pr0n is the only requirement of the Intertron Networking System Solution.
 
PFM & Dr H,

I will be attending UCLA in the fall and have never taken an anatomy course. I was curious to know how difficult the anatomy courses at UCLA SOD are, and since I plan on doing some studying before school, should I plan on focusing my attention on the head and neck?

Thanks.
 
PFM & Dr H,

I will be attending UCLA in the fall and have never taken an anatomy course. I was curious to know how difficult the anatomy courses at UCLA SOD are, and since I plan on doing some studying before school, should I plan on focusing my attention on the head and neck?

Thanks.

Here's my advice: Don't study before starting dental school. I was a philosophy major and got honors in anatomy (and other classes I never had a glimpse of in college). The summer before dental school is your last time to take a long vacation. Take out a huge loan and go to Europe. Here's the problem with studying before the class begins: you don't know what you're supposed to learn or what is important. Anatomy is more than simply knowing what a structure is. Anatomy is about 'relationships'. You'll hear that throughout the class. Anatomy was my favorite class. I wish it had been a year instead of a quarter. You know, my least favorite classes weren't the hardest ones (like anatomy, biochem, histo, path, pharm). My least favorites were the lame and boring classes that don't seem to relate to dentistry at all. That is one bad thing about UCLA. There are classes that you have to take that appear to have no bearing on clinical practice.

There you go. Don't study before starting dental school.
 
Here's my advice: Don't study before starting dental school. I was a philosophy major and got honors in anatomy (and other classes I never had a glimpse of in college). The summer before dental school is your last time to take a long vacation. Take out a huge loan and go to Europe. Here's the problem with studying before the class begins: you don't know what you're supposed to learn or what is important. Anatomy is more than simply knowing what a structure is. Anatomy is about 'relationships'. You'll hear that throughout the class. Anatomy was my favorite class. I wish it had been a year instead of a quarter. You know, my least favorite classes weren't the hardest ones (like anatomy, biochem, histo, path, pharm). My least favorites were the lame and boring classes that don't seem to relate to dentistry at all. That is one bad thing about UCLA. There are classes that you have to take that appear to have no bearing on clinical practice.

There you go. Don't study before starting dental school.

Great advice. Maybe I will go to Hawaii then...:)
 
Awesome. Thanks for the advice Dr H. I took your advice before you even gave it...I'm leaving the wife at home and going to Indonesia for the month of August to surf and enjoy my last few days of freedom. Tickets are booked and my head is already there.
 
PFM & Dr H,

I will be attending UCLA in the fall and have never taken an anatomy course. I was curious to know how difficult the anatomy courses at UCLA SOD are, and since I plan on doing some studying before school, should I plan on focusing my attention on the head and neck?

Thanks.

i didnt know any anatomy before coming to dental school and i did great. it was actually one of the more fun classes in dental school because the course is not just didactic, you get to dissect a cadaver as well...so its very hands on (but dont get me wrong it is still a challenging class). pace yourself, dont get yourself worked up on thing or else you'll burn out easily
 
pace yourself, dont get yourself worked up on thing or else you'll burn out easily

Excellent advice. If you start freaking out and studying before you even start dental school you'll be miserable. Unless of course you don't have a life. :(

Glad to hear you soon-to-be 1st years aren't freaking out yet. That comes around 2nd year. :)

I took out an $8,000 Stafford loan 5 months before starting dental school and went to Europe for the entire summer (3 months). Some would call that irresponsible. For the rest of my life, that $8,000 will never be as valuable as it was then.
 
Excellent advice. If you start freaking out and studying before you even start dental school you'll be miserable. Unless of course you don't have a life. :(

Glad to hear you soon-to-be 1st years aren't freaking out yet. That comes around 2nd year. :)

I took out an $8,000 Stafford loan 5 months before starting dental school and went to Europe for the entire summer (3 months). Some would call that irresponsible. For the rest of my life, that $8,000 will never be as valuable as it was then.

Hm...interesting. Me and my gf are going to try to get into an anatomy course tomorrow. i figured i had 9 month...and thats a little to much time to relax so it would be good mental stimulation as well as preparation. it cant hurt to take it ahead of time now does it?

PS: Im not freaking out :cool:
 
Hm...interesting. Me and my gf are going to try to get into an anatomy course tomorrow. i figured i had 9 month...and thats a little to much time to relax so it would be good mental stimulation as well as preparation. it cant hurt to take it ahead of time now does it?

PS: Im not freaking out :cool:

It won't hurt. I just figured people might have stuff they'd rather be doing instead.
 
1) I wish I had know the amount of work I had to put in. When you come here...be prepared to work. But with that said, the satisfaction you get from actually knowing the material when you start clinic is satisfying.

2) I kind of dont like the way clinic runs, but the are make a lot of improvement so by the time you guys hit clinic it should be good.

3) Parking sucks

Can you give specific examples of the amount of work required in dental school and the amount free time you can expect?
 
Can you give specific examples of the amount of work required in dental school and the amount free time you can expect?

This is extremely variable by person. You are in class 35 hrs a week 1st and 2nd years. You need to study as much as it takes to pass the classes. This might take some people a weekend before exams, while others may need to invest 3 hours each night. I was in the middle: a few hours of studying per week combined with hardcore cramming before the exams.
 
Can you give specific examples of the amount of work required in dental school and the amount free time you can expect?

i spread my studying throughout the quarter. what i found in college was stress didnt agree with me. so i try to know the material so that come exam week, all i need to do is go through it 1-2 more times and im good. but yea...there are a variety of ways to study and really you have to find whats best for you.
 
Hi I have 2 other questions:

So the grading system is P/NP. However I was reading the annual report and they still give honors (Cum Laude, etc.) to some students. I was wondering how it works, because in undergrad the honors are given based on GPA. So what is the P/NP grading system really like? is there still class ranking and stuff? Are students generally willing to help each other, or it is very competitive?

Also, are you able to find time to enjoy life while class is 8-5 everyday and the breaks are all short? I heard that students who want to do research and/or to get to know specialists have to use the evenings/weekends/breaks. I wonder if UCLA students have time to even sleep :confused: .

Thanks in advance :) .
 
Hi I have 2 other questions:

So the grading system is P/NP. However I was reading the annual report and they still give honors (Cum Laude, etc.) to some students. I was wondering how it works, because in undergrad the honors are given based on GPA. So what is the P/NP grading system really like? is there still class ranking and stuff? Are students generally willing to help each other, or it is very competitive?

Also, are you able to find time to enjoy life while class is 8-5 everyday and the breaks are all short? I heard that students who want to do research and/or to get to know specialists have to use the evenings/weekends/breaks. I wonder if UCLA students have time to even sleep :confused: .

Thanks in advance :) .

I believe honors are given to student with the most EPRs (exceptional reports) which are awarded to the highest 5-10% of the class per course. However, EPRs pretty much do not mean anything if you wanted to specialize (unless you want to apply to a UCLA specialty). The only letters schools will see are Ps (passes) or MPs(marginal passes). NPs (not passes) are given to low ballers or low outliers. At this event you retake the test or class and when you pass your grade turns to MP no matter how high you score on the retakes.

So pretty much the UCLA grading system is an A-F with different names. But, no one will ever see anything other than a P or MP

Grim as it may seem, you do have plenty of time outside of school to do other extra curricular activities or just veg out. Its all about time management. I get about 6 or so hours of sleep a night but some of my classmates get the full 8. So it varies from student to student. And if you think you dont have time, consider that some of my classmate have babies that were born during dental school. Now if they can handle the burdens of school and a newborn, then you can certainly handle the burdens of just school
 
What has been THE hardest class for you? And what have you enjoyed the most while in dental school?
 
I believe honors are given to student with the most EPRs (exceptional reports) which are awarded to the highest 5-10% of the class per course. However, EPRs pretty much do not mean anything if you wanted to specialize (unless you want to apply to a UCLA specialty). The only letters schools will see are Ps (passes) or MPs(marginal passes). NPs (not passes) are given to low ballers or low outliers. At this event you retake the test or class and when you pass your grade turns to MP no matter how high you score on the retakes.

So pretty much the UCLA grading system is an A-F with different names. But, no one will ever see anything other than a P or MP

Grim as it may seem, you do have plenty of time outside of school to do other extra curricular activities or just veg out. Its all about time management. I get about 6 or so hours of sleep a night but some of my classmates get the full 8. So it varies from student to student. And if you think you dont have time, consider that some of my classmate have babies that were born during dental school. Now if they can handle the burdens of school and a newborn, then you can certainly handle the burdens of just school

yep
 
How many out-of-state classmates do you have (other than from the West Coast states)? Are my chances slim-to-none of getting in from an east coast state even though I have a strong application? Is there housing for married students at UCLA?
 
What has been THE hardest class for you? And what have you enjoyed the most while in dental school?

Hardest: Complete dentures. It's legendary.
Enjoyment: Exchange trip to Japan.
 
How many out-of-state classmates do you have (other than from the West Coast states)? Are my chances slim-to-none of getting in from an east coast state even though I have a strong application? Is there housing for married students at UCLA?

Yes there is married student housing. I don't know how many are out of state, but what do you have to lose by applying? A $60-100 application fee?
 
Hardest: Complete dentures. It's legendary.
Enjoyment: Exchange trip to Japan.

I forgot about that!!! What do you have to do to get into the exchange program?

Also, I know there's a dentist in the area that does only dentures. I'm not interested in dentures, but should I see if I can shadow him for a while just so I have some exposure?
 
I feel like I'm going to a psychic. :eek:
 
are any out-of-state students able to get residency after a year or so?
 
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