There are probably lots of "#1" reasons for someone to choose a school but one of my top criteria would be to attend a school that will prepare me for what I want to do after dental school... ie specialize~
My #1 criterion is how I think I'd fit in with the whole environment. All schools will make you a dentist, but 4 years is a long time! So attitude of students, facilities, how easy they make it to be in class, and preclin, and clin....
That's probably a big reason that has lots of others within it, but I don't care 😉
You win. If you dont mesh well with the environment, you will hate life. Dental school is brutal as it is, so make sure to fit in with the students, the school, location, etc...