***The Official "Which School Should I Go To?" Thread***

DATBooster | The Ultimate DAT Resource
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Habbas

Habbas

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
258
Reaction score
1
Members do not see this ad.
I thought seeing as acceptances will be coming out in about a day, a percentage of the members here will be getting multiple offers. :luck:

Rather than the slew of "X school vs X school" threads which come up every year around this time I thought it might be good if we could keep it in here, i know if i happened to get lucky i'd have a hard time figuring stuff out.
Good luck all.
 
bump, maybe keep it in here guys?
 
toothbrite said:
Ok! I like this- nobody has responded to my threads.

I got into 6 schools and have narrowed it down to three: Michigan, Marquette, and Detroit Mercy.
Things to note: I am looking for a clinically based program as I am not interested in specializing. I want to go to a school where I know I will succeed as a general dentist. Also, I am a Michigan resident.

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...

Well I'm not too familiar with marquette but as a michigan resident I know that the best clinical school would have to be UDM. I have friends that go there and they tell me that the cases they work on in the clinic are the cases other students are only reading about. Michigan is also a great school but I think is more ideal if you're looking at specializing because of their leadership and research pathways and NIH funding. Michigan may be cheaper than UDM but not by much because you still have to factor in about 50,000 for living expenses for the four years (not sure about you but in my case I'll still be living with my parents if I attend UDM so I wouldn't have to worry about anything). UDM's facilites are a lot nicer and newer which is something you have to consider since you'll be in there all day everyday. Also, from what I saw at both of the interviews, UDM seemed to have much better technology (cerec machines and digital xrays). What I do like about michigan is that they podcast all their lectures which seems helpful for reviewing before a test or if you need to miss class for any reason.
 
Last edited:
haha I have other threads going for this but was wondering if I could get input from other people: Buffalo vs. Stonybrook for the ultimate battle and it's driving me insane

I am also looking for a strong clinical program and might be thinking of specializing as ortho but I would be content being a general dentist. Let me know what you guys think! Thanks in advance!
 
hova137 said:
haha I have other threads going for this but was wondering if I could get input from other people: Buffalo vs. Stonybrook for the ultimate battle and it's driving me insane

I am also looking for a strong clinical program and might be thinking of specializing as ortho but I would be content being a general dentist. Let me know what you guys think! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...



Both are such good schools! you are so lucky. My initial impulse is to tell you to go to buffalo (So that I can take your stony brook seat muwahahah :meanie:). But really these are what I see from both the schools:

Buffalo: Known for their clinicals. Does not teach classes with med students. Slightly larger class size and slightly cheaper than stony brook. Near a city (buffalo) although it is mostly suburban. Really COLD. and too far from NYC to go wild(if your into that).

Stony Brook: Classes with med students (good or bad) Smaller class size. In a suburban area but closer to NYC (2hrs~) if you need a break. Known for its intimate program and great education. Still COLD but less so than buffalo? If it means anything...Stony Brook campus as a whole though..i feel is secluded and very depressing. (I had some friends at SB undergrad transfer because the campus was cliqueish and depressing...NOTE this is undergrad).

Really though..I feel it depends on your non-educational preferences because both schools are great education wise. I.e. do you like Buffalo or Long Island? Do you want to be driving distance to visit NYC or to Canada (my undergrad friends in buffalo drive to Canada to party whule my SB friends go to NYC lol)? Intimate class size (may suffocate you?) or medium class size (some breathing room)? Which one did you feel most comfortable in? I only had an interview at SB so i cannot speak of buffalo but buffalo is highly regarded as a good dental program in NYC and NY in general if that means anything...from my experience working as a dental assistant. ALSO if you look at Stony Brook's matching into specialities most students (at least for the year I saw) went into GPR so take what you want from that also. **Don't know about buffalo's specialty rates but I am sure either will do you good if you decide to do ortho. ALSO thinking from pure speculation Buffalo may be better clinically because it is not as secluded as SB, but I am not sure. OO and SB's food options are horrid!

P.S. withdraw from SB and go to buffalo 😀 and recommend your seat be given to rickblas. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
On my interview for SB, one of the students told me to go to Buffalo lol. I was accepted to both schools, but because I am a researcher at SB, I plan to stay here to continue that. I would argue that SB is definitely more academically challenging, and as Rick said, that could be good or bad. Both will be difficult, and from what I have seen, both clinics are great.
SB is also a VERY small class size, which can also be beneficial as it is so personalized, but can very well be detrimental, as teachers are up your behind. Not to mention that everyone knows everyone's business.

However, you must realize that you are in the predent forum, and this is a question better suited for the dental forum. Your absolute best bet is to talk to students from both schools. Most of them will tell you the straight up truth, and that's what you need- not predents who have yet to experience these schools (and could be biased!).

But if you want my input on social life at SB, don't listen to that BS that they give you about being close to the city. I have yet to visit the city and I've been here 4 years. It is not a quick train ride. It is pretty quiet out here, and is dead on the weekends. And honestly, I've been to buffalo, and on some days, I'd argue that SB is just as cold lol.

Talk to dental students!
 
I'm a California resident and am currently debating between UoP, UCSF and NYU.

I think I'm starting to lean towards UoP because it's 3 years, I like the fact that students seem to be really well taken care of and very happy, it's right in Pac Heights=excellent location, and you get great clinical training.

However, UCSF is significantly cheaper and has amazing research opportunities, which would be helpful bc I want to specialize.

And as far as NYU goes, I just think it would be really exciting to move to NYC, I've lived in California my whole life and would like to experience something new. I also loved the NYU facilities but am not wild about the huge class size, I feel it may be easy to get "lost" or just be one of many... Thoughts/Advice?
 
im personally debating between BU vs NYU and ive read over old threads and still cant decide...someone care to help?
 
Habbas said:
im personally debating between BU vs NYU and ive read over old threads and still cant decide...someone care to help?
Click to expand...

Habbas look over this - http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=779689

I think it is a really hard choice picking between BU and NYU. It really comes down to class size. Which one do you prefer? I got the vibe in NYU might be more competitive than BU but that is a personal opinion.

While you are reading over my thread. Please vote and comment.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=779689
 
I can't make up my mind between buffalo vs detroit mercy. I am a michigan resident. Buffalo will be a little cheaper (30-40k cheaper towards the end of the 4 years), and mercy is, 25 minutes from home lol

Both schools have strong didactic and clinical curriculum.... I am leaning towards detroit, but the thought of not going to buffalo bothers me lol
 
dentalWorks said:
I can't make up my mind between buffalo vs detroit mercy. I am a michigan resident. Buffalo will be a little cheaper (30-40k cheaper towards the end of the 4 years), and mercy is, 25 minutes from home lol

Both schools have strong didactic and clinical curriculum.... I am leaning towards detroit, but the thought of not going to buffalo bothers me lol
Click to expand...

You can't go wrong with either one but being close to family is worth much more than 30-40k in 4 years... I think...

Hope you make a good decision! 😀
Posted via Mobile Device
 
So far I am still debating on NYU vs. Maryland. Anyone wanna help me too?!

NYU Pros: In NYC. I will be able to commute from home 30-40mins from my house to the city (my parents are offering me a free 2 bedroom apartment where I could get a roommate if I go to NYU, parents own a multistory home). I want to practice in NY in the future and i can see NYU giving me connections. I won't need to leave my life behind or my friends and will be able to still be in my dance company at least recreationally if I have time (am a dancer). NYU will be cheaper than Maryland for me assuming I fail to get maryland residency as I won't pay for living. Parents want me to go to NYU

NYU cons: I felt at my interview that I could get lost in the huge class size of NYU. Also, I felt that even though the students were happy and people were generally nice that the feel at my interview was so laid back to the extent that "O ya go to NYU if you want we won't care if you withdraw from us we have many more applicants to choose from," and it made their admissions make me feel like it was less selective. My dentist I work for doesn't want me to go to NYU and "thinks I can go somewhere better." Also, at NYU I won't get a change of pace as I went to undergrad in NYC and commuted from home...and I will still be doing the same aka I will never get the college experience or experience anything new (and I really thought dental school was my chance to do this).

Maryland Pros: I liked the school and it seems that it has alot of history. A moderate class size that I think i can deal with. I felt like Maryland had a better reputation than NYU and at my interview they really sold me on the school with the technology and how they made it seem teachers knew their students. Also, at maryland I will finally be able to move out and experience something new which is kind of a big deal for me. Dentist mentor wants me to go to maryland.

Maryland Cons: If I fail to get maryland residency as it seems it is difficult here when I searched threads on sdn that it will be more expensive for me than NYU commuting, and this is a big concern for me. Also, Baltimore sucks. O and since I want to go back to practice in NY I feel that I may not get connections here than I would at NYU since at my interview I asked where most students practice when they graduate and most said they stay in maryland (prob maryland residents obviously). Also, Baltimore sucks....yes again ...ugh it was blah.

Can anyone share their opinions! thanks!🙂
 
^if i were you, i'd go to NYU, but that's b/c i like commuting from home. for you, i think you should go to maryland, baltimore is a small city and i'm sure you could find a place to live outside the city and still commute w/in a reasonable distance?
 
This thread is indeed a good idea (my initial thread met with very little response). I am a West Virginia resident and as such, WVU is very inexpensive: approximately $150k for the four years, including tuition, all fees and materials, and estimated cost of living. However, I was very impressed with Maryland's state-of-the-art facilities and innovative curriculum; I really felt like they were doing everything possible to ensure their students received the best, most up-to-date education. I would rather go to Maryland...but adding in the cost of being out-of-state, plus living in Baltimore, it would cost me over double the cost ($300k+) of going to WVU.

It's really a tough decision for me. It makes financial sense to stay in-state, but Maryland just seemed on a whole other level than WVU.
 
^Where do you see yourself? I would go take the cheaper alternative in your case...but go with your gut feeling.

Here's my dilemma: school A (has a very high reputation, everyone's telling me to go here for the "name", but also very expensive and students probably very competitive) vs. school B (cheapest option, could graduate with minimal debt, felt really comfortable here, but I felt comfortable at most schools anyway).
 
Michigan vs. Creighton

I was gung ho for Michigan and really loved it when I visited. Everyone seemed happy. I love the big campus feel and the fact that the dental school is in the heart of the campus unlike other schools I've seen. I just worry about clinical experience. The curriculum has been revamped and students now get basic clinical exposure in the first year. I want to ask students if they feel prepared to go into private practice but the fourth years had a much different clinical experience than what is offered now. That is the main thing holding me back from being set for Michigan, along with the $1500 deposit when I have more interviews coming up that I may like more. That's a different story though so I'll ignore that fact.

Creighton has no specialties, students seem to be great clinicians, and everyone I met seemed very happy with the experience. The clinics also were very large but seemed nice and were rather new. However, I don't think I liked Omaha nearly as much as Ann Arbor and the campus wasn't as cool. They also don't have a real sim lab with mannequins and all but I'm not sure that is that important.

Any advice? Anyone who has visited these schools: what were your impression?
 
University of Washington vs. University of Colorado

Please help! AZ/Wiche applicant. I'm totally deadlocked... 😕

Any helpful insights/advantages/disadvantages anyone had on these 2 schools? Thanks!!
 
Both schools have a great atmosphere and seem equally strong clinically. Case has a smaller class size. I have to say the area of Louisville seems better than Cleveland but don't want to judge a school by the area. Students are very happy at Louisville but I have heard mixed reviews about Case from recent threads. I want to specialize and money is not a problem because I am filling out paperwork for the Military. Any input would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
 
I loved both schools, and I'm having a hard time deciding. I'm doing the Navy scholarship so tuition isn't a factor, but cost of living is (though it will not heavily affect my final decision). What are your thoughts? ( Maryland is also kind of in the mix to if you care to comment on that)

Thanks a ton.
 
I CANT DECIDE😕

UF:
pro: in state tuition, close to home
con: seems boring

NYU:
pro: my dream city
con: expensive🙁

UMDNJ:
pro: close to NY, my best friend is going there
con: I dont know if i will like NJ and its far from home.

ANY ADVICE??
 
Michigan or Columbia - :scared:

Michigan: In-state tuition, still a great school, closer to home.. not fantastic for clinical experience (or so i've heard..)

Columbia: My dream school, I really want to specialize so this would set me up really well for that.. the med school curriculum, better clinical experience.. but way more expensive

PM me if you have any insight please!!
 
ah1989 said:
Michigan or Columbia - :scared:

Michigan: In-state tuition, still a great school, closer to home.. not fantastic for clinical experience (or so i've heard..)

Columbia: My dream school, I really want to specialize so this would set me up really well for that.. the med school curriculum, better clinical experience.. but way more expensive

PM me if you have any insight please!!
Click to expand...

Even tho michigan has a "in-state" tuition, its like 40k per year. Not THAT different from columbia's (50k right?).

Just from reading your post, I say you have a better attraction towards columbia
 
dentalWorks said:
Even tho michigan has a "in-state" tuition, its like 40k per year. Not THAT different from columbia's (50k right?).

Just from reading your post, I say you have a better attraction towards columbia
Click to expand...

Yeah, when I looked at the estimate for all 4 years (including cost of living), it was like a 70k difference... which is quite a bit, but I think you're right... money aside, i'm way in favor of Columbia. 👍
 
ah1989 said:
Yeah, when I looked at the estimate for all 4 years (including cost of living), it was like a 70k difference... which is quite a bit, but I think you're right... money aside, i'm way in favor of Columbia. 👍
Click to expand...

It sounds to me like you are in love with Columbia as opposed to Michigan. I think while cost is typically a big factor in choosing a school, being happy is most important. If you can see yourself happy at your dream school as opposed to Michigan I would definitely go to Columbia instead. The price as dentalworks eluded to is not as big of a difference... I would look into housing costs to make sure you aren't paying an arm and a leg in Columbia as compared to what you would be paying in Ann Arbor.

They both are excellent schools so I can understand why this is a hard decision for you!
 
I'm trying to decide between NYU and Pitt. They both have personal pros and cons. Wondering what you guys think?

Also I'm on "High Hold" at Nova and want to know if it's worth it to continue to pursue getting in there and how it would play into a decision of NYU vs. Pitt vs. Nova?
 
Hey everyone!

I know UConn and Stony have very similar programs but I was wondering if anyone could give me advice as to what they think the differences or benefits of each one would be. Thank you!
 
Makeyousmile, The area surrounding UF is a college town so I doubt its going to be boring. Plus, if you are not going to use the Military, it seem like a logical choice with around 20-25 thousand in-state tuition. It is also one of the top schools in the nation so you will get a great education.
 
i can't decide between columbia and umdnj

columbia has the name but i heard that doesn't really matter for dental school. in addition, it has a great clinic and small class size but it is super expensive. classes with med students-- good or bad?

umdnj also has a small class size which i like but the facilities are a bit outdated. im from nj so in-state tuition is a bonus.

students from both schools seem to love it so i'm not sure which to pick.
some say columbia is more research based and less clinical whereas umdnj offers great clinical experience.
 
buffalo vs. Stony vs. UMDNJ. Help!!! Best for specializing?
 
rickbhill said:
Rick, where did you hear this? I don't remember hearing otherwise but for some reason I had the impression that some classes were with med students.
Click to expand...

Other rick lol, Ya I guess I was wrong, from UB website...: "Many of these courses are presented only to dental students; some lectures are simultaneously presented to both medical and dental students."

My bad, I remember someone telling me buffalo was not one of the schools that teaches classes with med students while harvard, uconn, SB, etc. are. thanks for the correction👍
 
rickbhill said:
Rick, where did you hear this? I don't remember hearing otherwise but for some reason I had the impression that some classes were with med students.
Click to expand...

I asked them this in my interview. That website is olddd, I believe now, only gross anatomy is taking with med students. HOWEVER you are graded separately and ranked ONLY within your dental class
 
Any thoughts for a NY resident that is deciding between Stony Brook vs Buffalo vs Columbia vs UPenn?
Thanks
 
Hey everyone, I got accepted into Louisville, Indiana, and Michigan and am just going back and forth like crazy on where to go. This is certainly a surprising luxury for me and this whole application process has been a humbling one. But as soon as I think I have knocked one school out of the running I begin to think about its positives!

Louisville = All brand new facilities, Super warm welcome with really down to earth people, as they said,"city feel without the drawbacks," cheap city to live in, warmer weather, would do the army scholarship
However, not considered as well rounded of a dental school by some, does not have PBL which I actually consider to be a plus for a school, not as big as Indy=less things to do although they do have the derby!

Michigan = "Unofficial" Top Ten Dental School, prestigious tradition, Big Ten college town Ann Arbor, closest to my hometown although I am oos, has Every specialty, would do the army scholarship
However, Cold with lots of snow, Expensive as can be=monthly army stipend doesn't go as far, dare I say a mildly elitist attitude? that may be harsh but they do have a way about them, not as clinic oriented

Indiana = Great tradition as being one of the best dental schools, PBL, still close to home although I've never lived in Indy, explained to me as one of the most well rounded dental schools in the country by multiple people, would Not do the army scholarship
However, Old facilities, 2007 cheating scandal, and I would still be in Indiana


What do you guys think??? haha Obviously I won't be deciding where I go solely on this feedback but there is no way it can hurt!
 
meendabean said:
Michigan vs. Creighton

I was gung ho for Michigan and really loved it when I visited. Everyone seemed happy. I love the big campus feel and the fact that the dental school is in the heart of the campus unlike other schools I've seen. I just worry about clinical experience. The curriculum has been revamped and students now get basic clinical exposure in the first year. I want to ask students if they feel prepared to go into private practice but the fourth years had a much different clinical experience than what is offered now. That is the main thing holding me back from being set for Michigan, along with the $1500 deposit when I have more interviews coming up that I may like more. That's a different story though so I'll ignore that fact.

Creighton has no specialties, students seem to be great clinicians, and everyone I met seemed very happy with the experience. The clinics also were very large but seemed nice and were rather new. However, I don't think I liked Omaha nearly as much as Ann Arbor and the campus wasn't as cool. They also don't have a real sim lab with mannequins and all but I'm not sure that is that important.

Any advice? Anyone who has visited these schools: what were your impression?
Click to expand...

Repost. Help please!
 
I am trying to decide between Baylor and San Antonio. Both are great schools. Baylor has a good reputation and great faculty and San Antonio has been the best dental school in the nation at one time, and big on research. I want to specialize after doing DDS and that is one thing that I want to keep in mind when I choose a dental. Please if someone can shed some light on pros and cons of these two schools, will really appreciate. Also, Houston's is going to have a brand new building when I will be in D2. I have also received acceptance from there. Should I also keep that into consideration?
 
I am deciding between Columbia and Penn. I am doing Army HPSP so cost is not an issue. Any input would be great. I am having so much trouble deciding.
 
Hey guys, I'm having trouble deciding between Columbia and Maryland (out of state). While I absolutely loved Columbia when I interviewed, I am a bit nervous about their reputation for having weak clinical skills. Any input??
 
smalg said:
Hey guys, I'm having trouble deciding between Columbia and Maryland (out of state). While I absolutely loved Columbia when I interviewed, I am a bit nervous about their reputation for having weak clinical skills. Any input??
Click to expand...

Hey man, these too are giving me some troubles as well, in addition to Pitt. I am in the same boat in the fact that, I loved Columbia but wondered if I would be prepared to practice when I leave. I've been doing some reading here on SDN, and I guess the Columbia has addressed this problem and over the past couple years has made some significant changes to their pre-clinical/clinical curriculum. Hopefully a student can comment further, and attest to these changes. But because of reputation/location/facilities I've narrowed my choices down to Pitt and Columbia. Hope this helps.
 
I'm choosing between Columbia and Maryland too, except I am instate at Maryland, so that saves me 25k a year on tuition alone. My original plan was Maryland all along, but Columbia really won me over. I guess the question is should I follow my heart or my brain?
 
Any insights please? Columbia vs Buffalo vs Upenn? any useful information would be helpful too 🙂
I am a NY resident
 
ToothBlaster said:
Any insights please? Columbia vs Buffalo vs Upenn? any useful information would be helpful too 🙂
I am a NY resident
Click to expand...

Just go to Buffalo already! Half the cost of either of the other schools. You're very lucky to be in this position...take your opportunity for instate tuition (others would die to have...) and run!
 
rickblas said:
Just go to Buffalo already! Half the cost of either of the other schools. You're very lucky to be in this position...take your opportunity for instate tuition (others would die to have...) and run!
Click to expand...


I just don't understand why so many students turn down in state tuition to go to columbia or upenn. why do they do it, if the smart thing to do is to go with cheaper tuition? i know a lot of people who turned down stony brook and buffalo for nyu and columbia. are they wrong?
 
case vs nyu!!! can somebody please help!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

heartdental
  • Poll Poll
Should I go to my interview?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Chicago_predental
C
Ryxndek
  • Sticky
Official 2025-2026 School Interview Invites Tracker
Replies
1
Views
81K
Camdogfall
C
K
Mom lives one place. Dad lives in another. Which should I choose before applying to dental school?
Replies
1
Views
800
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
R
are my stats competitive enough or should I go for masters?
Replies
17
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
Dental_Dude120
Should I wait for official DAT scores?
Replies
1
Views
880
macsak
M
Top