Tufts and UCLA

[Sauce]

So I was for sure going to Tufts until I recently heard from UCLA. Now I have a choice to make.

Those who know enough about each school to have an opinion I would appreciate it. (I imagine somethinpositiv will be weighing in on this one 🙂 )

Some things that make the decision difficult:

At this point I really want to specialize in oral surgery. Which school will help me attain this goal the best? (yeah I know that I am not in dental school yet but I am pretty sure about this)

I am from California and would like to be closer to family and friends however when I interviewed in Boston I really liked the city a lot and could see it being a lot of fun.

I feel like perhaps since I got in on December 1st at tufts, was offered a merit scholarship etc. I have more potential to stand out at Tufts whereas at UCLA I just came off the waitlist and perhaps will be more average? (I don't know that this is true just a worry. I did very well in undergrad and had multiple acceptances to good schools on December 1st I just feel like the level of competition rises with dental school)

I kinda liked certain aspects of private school in undergrad and wonder what it will be like in a public school setting such as UCLA.

Reputation?

Other things?

Thanks for your help guys. I realize there is a significant difference in price between the schools but I am prepared to deal with cost issues to get the best education and give myself the best shot at surgery.

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[Quattro DMD]

So I was for sure going to Tufts until I recently heard from UCLA. Now I have a choice to make.

Those who know enough about each school to have an opinion I would appreciate it. (I imagine somethinpositiv will be weighing in on this one 🙂 )

Some things that make the decision difficult:

At this point I really want to specialize in oral surgery. Which school will help me attain this goal the best? (yeah I know that I am not in dental school yet but I am pretty sure about this)

I am from California and would like to be closer to family and friends however when I interviewed in Boston I really liked the city a lot and could see it being a lot of fun.

I feel like perhaps since I got in on December 1st at tufts, was offered a merit scholarship etc. I have more potential to stand out at Tufts whereas at UCLA I just came off the waitlist and perhaps will be more average? (I don't know that this is true just a worry. I did very well in undergrad and had multiple acceptances to good schools on December 1st I just feel like the level of competition rises with dental school)

I kinda liked certain aspects of private school in undergrad and wonder what it will be like in a public school setting such as UCLA.

Reputation?

Other things?

Thanks for your help guys. I realize there is a significant difference in price between the schools but I am prepared to deal with cost issues to get the best education and give myself the best shot at surgery.

UCLA is a great school. And you get to pay in-state tuition...that's a no brainer. Plus the class size is smaller, might make for more individualized attention from professors. Plus they have a good reputation. In regards to specializing, you can can go to any school and still specialize, that's dependent on you, not the school.

 

[pinetar321]

I personally know someone at my Tufts interview from Cali who turned down offers to Columbia and UCLA to come to Tufts. Its a fantastic school in a great area. Lots of patients and a pretty good reputation. As far as specializing, from what I've heard (I dont pretend to be an expert) you're gonna have to do a ton of work and study hard at whatever school you go to before you can get a specialty spot. PS I'm going to Tufts next year.

 

[sketo43]

Hey Sauce,

Of the schools I got into, Tufts and UCLA were the 2 that I liked the best. I am from Boston, and ultimately I chose UCLA because I wanted to try living somewhere new for a few years, I like the smaller class size, I like the P/F grading system, it's less expensive, and I like the idea of surrounding myself with other students with really high DAT scores and GPA. I thought that both schools had a friendly atmosphere. It seems like Tufts doesn't get much love on SDN, but it has a great reputation in Massachusetts, and patients travel from all over to go to their clinic.

As for which school will better help you get into an oral surgery residency, I can't say. I hope to see you at UCLA in the fall, but I know that you will get a great education at either school.

 

[somethinpositiv]

Those who know enough about each school to have an opinion I would appreciate it. (I imagine somethinpositiv will be weighing in on this one 🙂 )

haha 😉

I am from Boston, and ultimately I chose UCLA because I wanted to try living somewhere new for a few years, I like the smaller class size, I like the P/F grading system, it's less expensive, and I like the idea of surrounding myself with other students with really high DAT scores and GPA. I thought that both schools had a friendly atmosphere.

All good reasons to go with UCLA. Tufts is great but I'd choose UCLA, hands down.

 

[HupHolland]

I'm a fan of the east coast, but I don't think you can compete with in-state tuition at UCLA vs. private tuition at tufts. Also, although I don't agree with your overwhelming certainty to persue OMFS before stepping foot into dental school, UCLA is P/F which is a huge + for those that want to go into competitive specialty programs.

Hup

 

[sfoksn]

I don't understand why you are even thinking about Tufts when you have UCLA. I think 99.999% of the people would definitely choose Tufts. Tufts has nothing advantageous compared to UCLA.

So many people specialize in UCLA, I don't think you even need to be on top of your class to do that.

Choose UCLA 🙂

 

[HupHolland]

I don't understand why you are even thinking about Tufts when you have UCLA. I think 99.999% of the people would definitely choose Tufts. Tufts has nothing advantageous compared to UCLA.

So many people specialize in UCLA, I don't think you even need to be on top of your class to do that.

Choose UCLA 🙂

LIES. Boston > LA.

Also, you provided no useful information other than many people specialize in UCLA. And that wasn't even that useful.

Hup

 

[Daurang]

UCLA for sure. Better weather, better reputation, cheaper tuition, better food, cheaper food, better entertainment, close to your family.

 

[DrReo]

UCLA for sure. Better weather, better reputation, cheaper tuition, better food, cheaper food, better entertainment, close to your family.

x2

+1 since UCLA is P/F 😀 since you're thinking OMFS

 

[cuneatus2]

So I was for sure going to Tufts until I recently heard from UCLA. Now I have a choice to make.

Those who know enough about each school to have an opinion I would appreciate it. (I imagine somethinpositiv will be weighing in on this one 🙂 )

Some things that make the decision difficult:

At this point I really want to specialize in oral surgery. Which school will help me attain this goal the best? (yeah I know that I am not in dental school yet but I am pretty sure about this)

I am from California and would like to be closer to family and friends however when I interviewed in Boston I really liked the city a lot and could see it being a lot of fun.

I feel like perhaps since I got in on December 1st at tufts, was offered a merit scholarship etc. I have more potential to stand out at Tufts whereas at UCLA I just came off the waitlist and perhaps will be more average? (I don't know that this is true just a worry. I did very well in undergrad and had multiple acceptances to good schools on December 1st I just feel like the level of competition rises with dental school)

I kinda liked certain aspects of private school in undergrad and wonder what it will be like in a public school setting such as UCLA.

Reputation?

Other things?

Thanks for your help guys. I realize there is a significant difference in price between the schools but I am prepared to deal with cost issues to get the best education and give myself the best shot at surgery.

This should be a no-brainer. UCLA.

 

[eternalxdemon]

UCLA for sure. Better weather, better reputation, cheaper tuition, better food, cheaper food, better entertainment, close to your family.

x100

you're going to want to be close to ur family ESPECIALLY first year. 🙂 n dude... c'mon in-state tuition? i hope you make the most logical choice. 🙂 and plus u can't beat diddy riese's ice cream sandwiches for $1.50.

 

[Daurang]

x100
plus u can't beat diddy riese's ice cream sandwiches for $1.50.

I miss those $1 carne asada tacos and $1.25 baja-style fish tacos. Nothing remotely as good here in boston for 3X the price. Tufts is right across Chinatown but nothing remotely as cheap.

 

[Pedosmakebank]

Nice weather and hot babes? That should narrow it down for you...

 

[browncrack]

You need to rethink this whole situation. Cancel Turfts and UCLA then apply for Podiatry somewhere exotic.

 

[brizlekizle]

I'm reviving this thread because I'm in the exact same dilemma right now...it's Tufts vs. UCLA for me as well. I'm a Southern CA resident so UCLA is definitely cheaper, closer to family, probably has the bigger name/reputation, and probably opens more doors for specializing (which I'm very interested in). However, I really loved Tufts when I visited. The program seems very well rounded, the facilities are brand new with the latest technology (which UCLA lacks), and it seems like it will provide better clinical opportunities than UCLA (where I've heard there are patient pool problems). Plus Boston/East Coast would be an exciting new experience (I loved the city when I was there), and I don't mind the cold weather. Excluding cost, I feel like Tufts might be a place that suits me better and where I could be happier. But both are great schools, so I'm really torn. How big of a factor should cost be in my decision? Advice please?

Also, if current Tufts or UCLA dental students could comment on your overall impressions of your school experiences (ie, what you liked and didn't like, and if you'd choose to go there again), that would be very much appreciated!

Really, any help from anyone would be great! I have to make my decision within the next 15 days or less. Thanks guys! 🙂

 

[Daurang]

I'm reviving this thread because I'm in the exact same dilemma right now...it's Tufts vs. UCLA for me as well.

Both are great schools in exciting cities. Save your money and go to UCLA. Use that saving for a Ferrari to go cruising along PCH in that balmy weather. Or use the saving for a hundred trips to Boston in the summer if you like it so much, with enough money leftover for another hundred trips to Cancun, Hawaii, Asia, Europe, etc. Better yet, buy one of the millions of foreclosured properties in Cali for to rent out and you're way ahead of everyone else on your goal toward financial independence.

 

[Charmm]

UCLA is a stronger program, I def pick UCLA over Tufts.
I think their biomaterials courses are packed with research applicaions. My friend who is a D1 there complains a bit about competition but I dont think there is a dental school with no competition. The budget cuts may cause a rapid increase in tuition but since you are comparing with tufts, you will end up saving a bit regardless. Also, one important factor is that you will be practicing in CAL. For some, this is a good thing, but I want to go to a less crowded state were I can expand my practice and make the most out of my skills. Good luck👍