Tufts University vs. UF

[dentstudent221]

I have made this thread in hopes of reaching out to students who attend both of these universities. I was accepted to Tufts in December and recently taken off the waitlist at UF. I am an in state resident, and I am aware of the monetary difference in attending an in state school. Money aside, I have heard the rigor of UF bears a cutthroat competition at times, and when I interviewed at Tufts, the students seemed pretty happy/family like. I have always wanted to move to a new city and stray away from Florida, but I wanted to hear opinions from outsiders as well as students who attend both Tufts dental and UF dental. The most important factors are: accessibility to jobs, chances of specializing after, clinical hours, and most importantly happiness of the students. Thank you!

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[dentstudent221]

any opinions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[#cariology]

I know next to nothing about either program, but the SDN consensus is to attend your state school if possible.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

If I was in your position I would go UF. The cutthroat environment sucks but it is worth the savings

 

[pinkpup96]

how do you guys know the environment is cutthroat?

 

[Pirateslifeforme]

I think the difference in money owed after you graduate should be a selling factor here, but you need to do whatever makes you happy. With that being said, I would go UF.

 

[predental21250]

Do what makes you the happiest. Everyone is so focused on money on these forums, yet how many dentists do you see out there struggling for survival?

 

[PremedNoob]

Warm weather >

 

[Incis0r]

UF.

 

[rivarat]

UF ranks only by GPA. That means if 10 people have a 4.0, they would all be ranked #1. It is not cutthroat.

Tufts is one of the most expensive schools.

https://forums.studentdoctor.net/th...usly-expensive-dental-schools-thread.1223909/

 

[dentstudent221]

thanks for all your help. I've heard cutthroat from other students that chose other schools over UF. I'm hoping it's just biased, but I cant be so sure. Tufts seemed to bear much more diversity than just florida students, but I guess the money really is the biggest factor, unfortunately

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

how do you guys know the environment is cutthroat?

Nobody does.

And it's a silly thing to make a several hundred thousand dollar decision on, especially when it's hearsay.

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

thanks for all your help. I've heard cutthroat from other students that chose other schools over UF. I'm hoping it's just biased, but I cant be so sure. Tufts seemed to bear much more diversity than just florida students, but I guess the money really is the biggest factor, unfortunately

You heard this information from students that don't even attend the school.

C'mon man.

 

[deleted696582]

Do what makes you the happiest. Everyone is so focused on money on these forums, yet how many dentists do you see out there struggling for survival?

It's not so much that dentists are struggling for survival, it's more so that you won't be living the "dentist" lifestyle that so many pre-dental students think they will. Additionally, most of the dentists we're used to seeing, shadowing, and hearing about went to school at a time where tuition was a fraction of what is it now.

What you're left over with after you pay your student loans every month has to go towards a house, car, and possibly a family. Plus you should be saving for retirement. It all adds up, so if you go to a school that costs 100k more after interest, that's a lot of money you could have invested in the market or a family/house.

 

[deleted696582]

I have made this thread in hopes of reaching out to students who attend both of these universities. I was accepted to Tufts in December and recently taken off the waitlist at UF. I am an in state resident, and I am aware of the monetary difference in attending an in state school. Money aside, I have heard the rigor of UF bears a cutthroat competition at times, and when I interviewed at Tufts, the students seemed pretty happy/family like. I have always wanted to move to a new city and stray away from Florida, but I wanted to hear opinions from outsiders as well as students who attend both Tufts dental and UF dental. The most important factors are: accessibility to jobs, chances of specializing after, clinical hours, and most importantly happiness of the students. Thank you!

I'd say UF. Also, don't worry about specializing when you do decide on a school. You can specialize out of any school as long as you study hard and do extracurriculars.

 

[wengerout]

how do you guys know the environment is cutthroat?

If you interviewed there you can tell.


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[rivarat]

If you interviewed there you can tell.


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Like muggsy said, hearsay from people who don't attend.

I'm sorry you're committed to $200k+ more of debt.

Best of luck.

 

[wengerout]

Like muggsy said, hearsay from people who don't attend.

I'm sorry you're committed to $200k+ more of debt.

Best of luck.

Hearsay =\= firsthand experiences

I have a scholarship but thanks for your concern.

EDIT: I should have clarified, while I know UF doesn't have the best environment, it's not worth 200k IMO. However it is totally up to you OP, you're the one that will be paying back the debt.


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[doktorinprogres]

Edit: @Fets covered more eloquently the point I was going for.

Another consideration,

Tufts has 192 students in a given year vs 93 for UF. Every class of students has the opportunity to change/embody a culture of their own. So if you and 8 friends agree to initiate a change, 10% of your class is making a difference.

 

[Likkriue]

Do what makes you the happiest. Everyone is so focused on money on these forums, yet how many dentists do you see out there struggling for survival?

I see you haven't been to dental town.

 

[Meeza]

I mean every school is going to have competition, and UF is not P/F, which may drive a little extra competition.

But speaking with D1s and D2s at UF makes me feel like there is a really strong sense of comradery at UF, and I'm excited to attend. They said they have pool parties and do plenty of stuff together outside of school, plus there's plenty of mentorship and tutoring, and tons of study groups that go on. I didn't get a sense of cutthroat at all. Like the fact that some of the upper class students went out of their way to call accepted students to see if we had questions or wanted guidance on the decision making process, I just think that's the coolest thing.

If you go to UFCD class of 2021 Facebook, it doesn't hurt to ask the D1s how it is, etc. Tufts was great too, though, and I love their focus on student health and wellness. So either way, you'll be going to a great school!

 

[Incis0r]

They said they have pool parties and do plenty of stuff together outside of school, plus there's plenty of mentorship and tutoring, and tons of study groups that go on.

This sounds awesome.

 

[Meeza]

thanks for all your help. I've heard cutthroat from other students that chose other schools over UF. I'm hoping it's just biased, but I cant be so sure. Tufts seemed to bear much more diversity than just florida students, but I guess the money really is the biggest factor, unfortunately

Coming from a private school rich in diversity did have me concerned I'd be making that sacrifice (like how diverse can a class full of Floridians really be?) but I've been encouraged that there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in, and that there really is a nice mix of different experiences that shaped the selected students. That one is hear-say, I'm mostly being hopeful, but I heard it more than once. Lol.

 

[Meeza]

This sounds awesome.

I think so. I hope class of 2021 lives up to it! Apparently the past couple classes had some people who really loved social planning. Lol.

But I definitely made sure to ask about how they handle us struggling, and they talked about TAs that will help both in coursework and in sim lab! I don't know how they assign you help, but it at least exists. They're pretty proud of their 100% board pass.

 

[dentstudent221]

I think so. I hope class of 2021 lives up to it! Apparently the past couple classes had some people who really loved social planning. Lol.

But I definitely made sure to ask about how they handle us struggling, and they talked about TAs that will help both in coursework and in sim lab! I don't know how they assign you help, but it at least exists. They're pretty proud of their 100% board pass.

yeah uf loved boasting their stats on interview day, and tufts did a more personal approach focused on the students mental health/wellbeing. really torn and don't know what option will be best but i guess more thinking will help

 

[dentstudent221]

https://www.studentloanplanner.com/2017/01/03/cost-estimates-of-dental-school/

scary

 

[FanOfCostco]

if you go to tufts, have a car. work for lyft on off days.

 

[Incis0r]

There are TUSDM students on these forums - seek them out and check with them.

 

[rivarat]

Well that's why tufts didn't feel cutthroat! With 200 classmates, you'll never even know the name of the person doing the cutting.

 

[deleted632307]

I posted this in another thread:

In my opinion, Tufts' reputation of a clinical powerhouse is from decades ago and not representative of the program today. I know quite a few students at Tufts. The now 200+ class sizes (and international students on top of that) at Tufts, combined with the two other dental schools in the Boston area, are leading to some students being unable to graduate on time because of the competition for patients. Some students are having to pay their patients to get the work done and graduate on time.

In fact, a source at Tufts (former D4) told me that about 1/4 of her class did not have any of the Endo you need to graduate and had to stay over the summer, pay extra tuition, and get it done. Others get their requirements done early, yes, but their "bigs" looked out for them and gave them good patient families.

There are TUSDM students on these forums - seek them out and check with them.

Hi Incis0r,

Very helpful info to keep in mind, for those of us who applied there (such as myself).

Off topic, but I think I read your post on another thread saying that you heard some potentially positive things/changes to BU's program, from current students.

Do you mind sharing some of the things you heard via PM? Thanks a lot!!

 

[Incis0r]

Off topic, but I think I read your post on another thread saying that you heard some potentially positive things/changes to BU's program, from current students.

Can't recall much at the moment.

 

[DentalAptitude]

I see you haven't been to dental town.

To be fair, half of the members on there expect dentistry to remain unchanged from its golden age. Debt is manageable with a plan, big or small. Even small debts improperly managed will be a pain.


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[Likkriue]

To be fair, half of the members on there expect dentistry to remain unchanged from its golden age. Debt is manageable with a plan, big or small. Even small debts improperly managed will be a pain.


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He said he hasn't seen any struggling dentists. Just letting him know plenty of dentists fail. Dental clinics failing and closing down (leaving the owner with massive debt) is a very common sight in the accounting firm my girlfriend works at.

 

[DentalAptitude]

He said he hasn't seen any struggling dentists. Just letting him know plenty of dentists fail. Dental clinics failing and closing down (leaving the owner with massive debt) is a very common sight in the accounting firm my girlfriend works at.

Due to improper planning, yes . Dentistry is actually one of the safest "investments" on the market, one of the lowest default rates in the country out of any industry. Also much higher profit margins and free cash flow. Look up some figures on IBIS World, it's a great macroeconomic resource that puts our industry into perspective and will alleviate worries. Default is a natural part of any industry, so I'm not surprised to hear about that story. Still, in light of other industries we are "gold." It explains the influx of dentists, dental business support services, and corporate dentistry. Although I have a slightly more pessimistic outlook on the very far future (10+ years) that is probably more in line with your thinking, and other dentists. I'm still having no cause for concern though, even in light of my anticipation of increased competitiveness.

Edit: and by investment I mean your personal leverage: debt. Even these increasingly ridiculous school expenses still have huge return on investment. Not only financially but in terms of human capital. I just like to always voice a more positive opinion about the outlook on our field, because it is one I hold! Although I 100% agree with you that exactly what you stated is a reality for a minority of practitioners.


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[Meeza]

yeah uf loved boasting their stats on interview day, and tufts did a more personal approach focused on the students mental health/wellbeing. really torn and don't know what option will be best but i guess more thinking will help

Well you'll find support no matter where you go, and Tufts I believe also does plenty well on their boards and has a wonderful reputation. I fully understand why you're torn; for me, it came down to cost and accessibility to family.

 

[GioBQ]

I think you should do pros and cons because at the end of the day, it is you who will be paying school and living the dream of becoming a dentist. With either school you will be a dentist. So good luck deciding..

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I know BU has an amazing tuition-free scholarship offered by the school in exchange for service in a health professional shortage area in MA.

I also have heard that the student body is generally relaxed...these are people who are chill and work hard.

I've heard mixed opinions on some of the faculty, but that's to be found anywhere.

They have a nice 10-week externship program at community health centers, etc.

Can't recall anything else at the moment, though.

I received about a 45% scholarship from BU and although the school was nice, I felt it wasn't right for me. I also wasn't a fan of the mandatory summer externships. Students have said its a waste of summertime since you only really can just suction or do shadowing-style volunteer.

Also I asked my interviewer if getting patients was a problem due to 2 other schools in the vicinity and he said it was a non-issue. If Tufts (the more accessible school by the sounds of it to the patient population) is having issues, I am not sure if BU is as stellar with patients as they made it look.

Maybe giving up the scholarship was a bad idea, but I knew I wouldn't be happy there. I hope whoever it gets allocated to is happy though at such a nice school

 

[Incis0r]

I received about a 45% scholarship from BU and although the school was nice, I felt it wasn't right for me. I also wasn't a fan of the mandatory summer externships. Students have said its a waste of summertime since you only really can just suction or do shadowing-style volunteer.

Congrats on that scholarship!

 

[Alpha Centauri]

My bad, I should have clarified; you are probably talking about the APEX program, right?

I'm talking about the mandatory 10-week externships that D4s go on; where you actually extract teeth, do fillings, etc in a real-world setting. I've heard you can even spend all 10-weeks abroad for this.

Congrats on that scholarship!

Thanks! Yes the apex program I wasn't crazy about. I really enjoyed the community service externship you mentioned though. Definitely cool stuff

 

[Student Loan Planner]

I've helped a lot of dentists from Tufts with their student loans, and the balances are horrific. Go to UF. You'll come out owing between $300,000 to $400,000 vs the $500,000-$600,000 you'd owe at Tufts

 

[LaughingGas]

yeah uf loved boasting their stats on interview day, and tufts did a more personal approach focused on the students mental health/wellbeing. really torn and don't know what option will be best but i guess more thinking will help

If you care about student mental health/wellbeing to a point that there is a mandatory class to learn how mind affects body at 5pm, go ahead. I rather rest and have peace of mind than attend a mandatory class like that after long day in school. and about students being competitive at school X, this changes year after year.