UAB or Case Western?

[Case2015]

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Hey everyone!

Yes, I realize that my name is ironically Case2015, but I was recently accepted to UAB as well. I was wondering what everyone thought would be the better choice, because these were my top two schools to begin with. I'm OOS for UAB, so tuition is about the same for both.

It really worries me about the curriculum and clinic problems of UAB in that other post. I haven't really heard anything negative about Case's clinic and people not being able to finish on time--is this true? The weather at UAB is much nicer than Cleveland, obviously. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[whodat4life]

Check to see if you can establish residency in Alabama after one year of being there. Some schools will let you be a resident after one year...hope this helps.

 

[Case2015]

Thanks whodat4life, that was one of my questions, too. But I asked the admissions office and Alabama changed the laws recently to where it's very difficult to establish residency unless you marry someone from Alabama, work/live on a military base in the state, work full time in the state, etc. None of those apply to me, and they basically told me I'd have to pay OOS all four years. 🙁

 

[whodat4life]

Ahhh...I see. Yeah I applied to UMC (in MS, my home state) and my wife is from AZ and I've been living with her while waiting on the admissions decision there. They declined me because my stepfather accidentally told a dentist that worked at UMC that I was "living" in AZ. The reason they do that is because people were going for the cheap route (a southern d school) and leaving to go to where the most money was. I actually got very angry at the dentist for going back to the adcoms and telling them I was LIVING elsewhere. I've lived in MS my entire life.

But, back to your situation...I would just go wherever you think you'll be happiest. I just love the south so I'd probably pick it lol. If the cost is the same, go wherever you feel you'll be more prepared coming out of school and happier for what could possibly be the most challenging four years of your life. That's most definitely an interesting decision! Good luck, and for others try to make up your mind pretty quick. Someone is probably sitting there dying to wait on their decision. Best wishes and congrats for getting in at two schools!!!

 

[Case2015]

Oh, wow, that's such a shame!! Yeah, I understand why southern schools are cracking down on people jumping ship once they get their degree, but that's crazy that one bit of info trickled back to adcoms. Where are you ultimately going for school?

Thank you!! It was a pleasant surprise. I love the south, too! To be honest, I ultimately want to practice in the south. This situation is like comparing apples to bananas lol, because they are two very different schools.

I literally just found out 🙂, and I am very aware that I need to make up my mind quickly (I don't want to belabor this any longer than I have to). I'm just worried about the clinic problems at UAB with people having a difficult time finishing requirements...I am not informed about whether this is also true for Case. I definitely want a great clinical experience.

 

[whodat4life]

I'm actually going to Loma Linda, and that's one of their best assets (clinicals). I can definitely see why you want a great experience, I don't really believe that about UAB. I talked to Jennifer (the Perio resident I mentioned) and she told me that they have a great program....she actually wished she had done her dental school there. Who told you that about their clinicals being weak?

Oh I wasn't meaning to be rude by saying you should try to make your decision ASAP, I read back through my post and it sounded different from what I intended. I just know that it sucks to be waiting for one school so long. I'm sure you're leaning one way or the other. If you sit down and calculate it all up...add in cost of living as well. And YES, being a bachelor does get old fast haha. I actually just got married about a year ago and I don't know how I could make it through all of this by myself. She is always very supportive and we have rough moments, but nothing too bad. I think we're both a little hard-headed, but oh well we can't all be perfect 🙂 Which way are you leaning on your decision?

 

[Mike10]

I just went to the Spring preview day for UAB on Friday. I really enjoyed the faculty and all the students that I met. I asked a current dental student about the problems that were cited in that article and he said that It hadnt really affected him. The school changed its curriculum program about 3 years ago so the faculty has had time to adjust, however the seniors that are now graduating are the last of the bunch on the "old style". So, my understanding was that I should not worry about it because most likely everything will be running smoothly by the time that I reach that point. Good luck in your decision

 

[eleminopee]

You will get all the clinical experience you need at case. Everybody wants you to graduate and will do everything they can to help you do that, as long as you let them know if/when you are struggling to finish requirements.

You won't regret choosing case.

Oh, wow, that's such a shame!! Yeah, I understand why southern schools are cracking down on people jumping ship once they get their degree, but that's crazy that one bit of info trickled back to adcoms. Where are you ultimately going for school?

Thank you!! It was a pleasant surprise. I love the south, too! To be honest, I ultimately want to practice in the south. This situation is like comparing apples to bananas lol, because they are two very different schools.

I literally just found out 🙂, and I am very aware that I need to make up my mind quickly (I don't want to belabor this any longer than I have to). I'm just worried about the clinic problems at UAB with people having a difficult time finishing requirements...I am not informed about whether this is also true for Case. I definitely want a great clinical experience.

 

[Case2015]

Sorry for the delayed reply!! I've had a bunch of projects and papers due the last couple of weeks. First of all, I wanted to say thank you to whodat4life, Mike10, and eleminopee for giving me feedback, input, and advice on my thread. I greatly appreciate it and took it into account. I have decided to stay with Case for dental school because of the great clinical experience (eleminopee- glad to hear you had a good experience at Case), preparation for running a practice, and faculty support. It was a difficult decision, but I'm just not sure if UAB will get their act together in the next year or so, because there is still a lot of work to be done on the curriculum, faculty morale, and preparation for the CITA.