UB vs NYU (hear me out)

[asdfray]

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OK guys, I know I'm going to get yelled at for this but.. I would like to know which school you would pick if you were in my situation: UB vs NYU
Obviously many of you will say UB all the way but let me tell you reasons why I'm leaning towards NYU as well.

UB: tuition is 55k with housing and tuition. They have great curriculum, faculty and overall program. Felt like the program was a great fit for me when I interviewed there. However, it's in the middle of nowhere and I was raised in NYC. I dont think I will be very happy for 4 years there.

NYU: Has its flaws (high tuition, large class size) but I live in NYC. I will commute from home if I do go here and would not have to pay for cost of living, food, etc.

Considering the costs, the difference btw UB (housing + tuition) and NYU (tuition) is not that much. (could be wrong, let me know if I am). As a school, UB is a fit for me; but as far as where I see myself in dental school, I can't see myself living anywhere but NYC.

NOTE: Besides a great education, I would like to have a great experience (i.e. well balanced social life) in my 4 years of dental school. Which school will be better for me in the long run? (without the look in tuition). In other words, for me, it's not all about the money.

This is frustrating.. will it be a good idea for me to put an initial deposit for both places and take the next couple of months to decide? Still got 4 schools that didnt get back to me yet and if they do, this decision gets even harder.

 

[qnzbabi91]

The NYU deposit is pretty steep, $1,500. I wouldn't put money down there unless you were 100% certain you want to go there. I am kinda in the same predicament as you, but with Stony Brook vs NYU. Since I got the scholarship to NYU both schools would be the same price and going to NYU would be an easy commute and hence cheaper.

Personally, I know in my heart that I want to go to Stony Brook, but my family/friends keep telling me to stay local. If you are not going to be happy at UB, do not put your money down there. You need to listen to what you desire first and foremost. GL.

 

[Toothshucker]

A lot of people who live with their parents and commute end up moving onto campus. The commute just ends up being a hassle and don't get enough work done during the commute. You should keep that in mind, at least until you've actually commuted for a few months. You'd be surprised how many people quickly decide to move out of their parent's home and move to campus.

 

[Dentalkid434]

OK guys, I know I'm going to get yelled at for this but.. I would like to know which school you would pick if you were in my situation: UB vs NYU
Obviously many of you will say UB all the way but let me tell you reasons why I'm leaning towards NYU as well.

UB: tuition is 55k with housing and tuition. They have great curriculum, faculty and overall program. Felt like the program was a great fit for me when I interviewed there. However, it's in the middle of nowhere and I was raised in NYC. I dont think I will be very happy for 4 years there.

NYU: Has its flaws (high tuition, large class size) but I live in NYC. I will commute from home if I do go here and would not have to pay for cost of living, food, etc.

Considering the costs, the difference btw UB (housing + tuition) and NYU (tuition) is not that much. (could be wrong, let me know if I am). As a school, UB is a fit for me; but as far as where I see myself in dental school, I can't see myself living anywhere but NYC.

NOTE: Besides a great education, I would like to have a great experience (i.e. well balanced social life) in my 4 years of dental school. Which school will be better for me in the long run? (without the look in tuition). In other words, for me, it's not all about the money.

This is frustrating.. will it be a good idea for me to put an initial deposit for both places and take the next couple of months to decide? Still got 4 schools that didnt get back to me yet and if they do, this decision gets even harder.

Congratulations upon your acceptances - I know it must really be a tough decision.

I am a fellow NYC native and completely understand the situation you are in. I know many people at NYU who commute and seem to be doing well with regard to the work load and have a decent social life. Assuming that all costs are equal, I would go with NYU in your position. It seems like that is what you want to do and what will make you happy the next four years.

 

[mdb6476]

I guess compared to NYC, Buffalo may seem like the middle of nowhere buts it's one of the larger cities in the state..it's definitely not farm land (1.2 million people in the city and suburbs, 280,000 just in the city)...did you venture beyond the school? like downtown? Amherst? the harbor... just saying. There is a lot of "nowhere" in NY state but Buffalo isn't one of them. The only negative is some snow, the climate isn't as temperate as NYC, LI.

You should probably go where you will be happy and like your dental program though. But if you decide on Buffalo....I'll see ya there 🙂 I plan on paying 500-600/month for an apartment which gets you something nice there (with a roommate) so it will actually less than the listed budget of 10300 per year.

 

[monkeyteeth]

If you live in NYC then I think the commute wouldn't take long. Obviously, you save money by living with your parents. Personally, I think NYU's tuition is not that expensive ( roughly 200k) compared to buffalo's 160k (without cost of living). So with everything factored in, they both cost roughly the same. I say go where that makes you happy because at least you have choices.

 

[503224]

I guess compared to NYC, Buffalo may seem like the middle of nowhere buts it's one of the larger cities in the state..it's definitely not farm land (1.2 million people in the city and suburbs, 280,000 just in the city)...did you venture beyond the school? like downtown? Amherst? the harbor... just saying. There is a lot of "nowhere" in NY state but Buffalo isn't one of them. The only negative is some snow, the climate isn't as temperate as NYC, LI.

I'm going to bet you've never really lived in a big city. I can guess easily that Buffalo will feel like a small town to the OP, if that. New York specifically is an animal all on its own, especially if the OP lives in Manhattan.

 

[KittySquared]

If you are a city person, then your life would absolutely suck if you went to Buffalo. You'll probably be bored out of your mind if you're accustomed to living in NYC. You WILL be there for at least 4 years, so location is actually a huge factor.

 

[Toothshucker]

If you live in NYC then I think the commute wouldn't take long. Obviously, you save money by living with your parents. Personally, I think NYU's tuition is not that expensive ( roughly 200k) compared to buffalo's 160k (without cost of living). So with everything factored in, they both cost roughly the same. I say go where that makes you happy because at least you have choices.

The difference is closer to $90000 than $40000

 

[mdb6476]

I'm going to bet you've never really lived in a big city. I can guess easily that Buffalo will feel like a small town to the OP, if that. New York specifically is an animal all on its own, especially if the OP lives in Manhattan.

Right you are. Iv'e been to NYC a bunch of times, but never lived there. And I agree comparatively Buffalo is a one stop light town compared to NYC. Just saying its not the tiniest place. haha.

If the money is not big then the difference will be irrelevant in the end, if you are happier.

 

[KittySquared]

Right you are. Iv'e been to NYC a bunch of times, but never lived there. And I agree comparatively Buffalo is a one stop light town compared to NYC. Just saying its not the tiniest place. haha.

If the money is not big then the difference will be irrelevant in the end, if you are happier.

It pains me to look at NYU's total cost though. It really does.

 

[PaulC]

Both schools offer great programs. However, if I were in your position I would go to NYU unless you're looking to get out of NYC.

 

[Rad Protector]

I am an NYC native as well and will be attending UB next year. Your social life is what you make of it. Do I think moving to Buffalo after living my whole life here in the city is the most ideal situation? No, but the opportunity to live a life for a couple years in a new environment is what is motivating me. Its a chance to be away from home and start fresh. I have friends that are in the medical school in UB and from what I hear they are having a great time. Working hard of course but at the same time going out and enjoying the time with 25K+ students from UB. You need to of course do what makes you happy but NYC and your family isnt going anywhere. Im looking forward to saving the money from loans later in life, having an awesome apartment to my self and starting my future off the right way.

 

[asdfray]

Which one of these schools are more known? Easier to get into residency programs (Gen. or other, especially those in the NY state area)? Better reputation for cranking out competent clinicians (which of the two schools have stronger clinical program)?

Will the fact that there's 350 DS graduating per year make NYU less valued than say UB which has a smaller class and more selective? (from the eyes of future employers and residency programs?)

 

[crashblades]

Which one of these schools are more known? Easier to get into residency programs (Gen. or other, especially those in the NY state area)? Better reputation for cranking out competent clinicians (which of the two schools have stronger clinical program)?

Will the fact that there's 350 DS graduating per year make NYU less valued than say UB which has a smaller class and more selective? (from the eyes of future employers and residency programs?)

interested in this as well 😎

 

[NDPitch]

I don't think many pre dents can accurately answer this question. There's no way for us to know. Specialty programs and residencies are competitive - that's the bottom line. To me, I think the only time the school comes into play is if its Harvard, Penn, or Columbia. I think most of the other schools are, generally, on equal footing. You're a dentist at every school you go to - but I think the Ivy's give you a slight edge.

That said, people specialize and land residencies coming out of EVERY school, every year. The main thing is doing really well at wherever school you go to, and to make connections and networks with the faculty. Single handedly, this is what probably increases your chances of landing residencies and specialties the most. That's just my opinion, someone else might have a different one.

 

[gryffindor]

If you are borrowing the entire cost of your education, then it is financially stupid to pick anything but UB. Dental school is not fun. There isn't a lot of time for fun either. It's not like undergrad where there was endless amounts of time to go out and "enjoy" the city. What gives you any sense of fun in your life is having some friends in school who are going through the misery with you. Where you hang out with these friends when you do have a break does not make or break a fun experience in dental school.

And if I had a pile of resumes on my desk to weed through for hiring a dentist, I would look at all the Buffalo ones first. Not only because I went there, but also because when there are 350 students graduating each year, there are too many coming out who don't know squat.

There are a lot of NYC transplants that go to school in Buffalo and move home after graduation. The ones that I went to school with used to say they liked that Buffalo had less distractions than NYC and this made it easier to be a student and concentrate on school.

What is your estimated monthly loan payment when you get out at each school? Because if you're talking $2k vs $3k a month for 30 years, well, that extra $1k/month you spent on $16 martinis and $28 cab rides to have "fun" really starts to make you wish that your younger self hadn't chosen the more expensive school when you are 10 years+ out trying to repay it.

 

[hockeyguy77]

Go where you will be most happy, 4 years is a long time, and it makes things easier if you are in a city or school which you prefer instead of wondering what if.

 

[wo5678]

I know someone who goes to med school at SUNY downstate (brooklyn), her parents live in brooklyn, but she ended up getting her own place near campus. In terms of work load wise, med school and dental school is comparable, some even say dental have more work because we have classes and labs the first two years. So from her experience, I would not commute personally. What if you have to stay at the library or at the labs late to finish things up? Dental school is another animal compare to undergrad. At UMDNJ's interview, they say the workload is dental school is equal to a 35-40 credit semester in undergrad. Also, the Dean at NYU's interview told me that there are people who were straight A students in undergrad and get's D's in dental school. Many people did not anticipate how difficult dental school is. As my friend said, "They will push you until you crack. "

The worse case scenerio is that you decide to go to NYU and commute, then decided that the commute is just not worth and you got your own place. Now you are stuck paying NYC rent.

Just my two cents.

 

[wo5678]

NOTE: Besides a great education, I would like to have a great experience (i.e. well balanced social life) in my 4 years of dental school. Which school will be better for me in the long run? (without the look in tuition). In other words, for me, it's not all about the money.

Your only social life will be studying with your classmates. My dentist said that in dental school, every week will be final's week.

 

[shulk]

Go to Buffalo. It is not 'the middle of nowhere'. If you can't have fun there then you aren't doing it right. Your future self will thank you for all of that money saved and the maturity you displayed in making your decision!

 

[wo5678]

The NYU deposit is pretty steep, $1,500. I wouldn't put money down there unless you were 100% certain you want to go there. I am kinda in the same predicament as you, but with Stony Brook vs NYU. Since I got the scholarship to NYU both schools would be the same price and going to NYU would be an easy commute and hence cheaper.

Personally, I know in my heart that I want to go to Stony Brook, but my family/friends keep telling me to stay local. If you are not going to be happy at UB, do not put your money down there. You need to listen to what you desire first and foremost. GL.

I wonder if NYU gives you "just enough" scholarships so it is comparable to states school to even the playing ground.

 

[gryffindor]

Which one of these schools are more known? Easier to get into residency programs (Gen. or other, especially those in the NY state area)? Better reputation for cranking out competent clinicians (which of the two schools have stronger clinical program)?

Will the fact that there's 350 DS graduating per year make NYU less valued than say UB which has a smaller class and more selective? (from the eyes of future employers and residency programs?)

I wrote the below answer in this in the nearly exact same thread in the Dental Residency section.

Despite what a few yuppies might think, NYU is not a brand name. I practice right in the middle of NYU, Columbia, and UMDNJ graduates. No one ever cares where I went to dental school (Buffalo). I have all of my diplomas and a big picture of each school right next to the diploma hanging in my waiting room and no one ever asks. Some do ask about where I went to Ortho residency, but only because the business card holder on my desk says the name of the school on it. For some reason they miss all the gigantic diploma frames in the waiting room but notice that little business card holder. But they don't come into the office because of any particular school I attended. They come because of referral, insurance, convenience, or a web search.

 

[dans105]

Go where you will be most happy, 4 years is a long time, and it makes things easier if you are in a city or school which you prefer instead of wondering what if.

I disagree. Do what will make you happier in the long run. 4 years is not a very long time at all in the grand scheme of your life. It could be the difference in paying $3000 or $5000 a month for 10 years. That $2000 a month could be a house, it could be several nice vacations, it could be buying a practice sooner, or building up some savings and good start on a retirement fund. Maybe NYU is still the answer, but try to think long term.

 

[Silent Cool]

OK guys, I know I'm going to get yelled at for this but.. I would like to know which school you would pick if you were in my situation: UB vs NYU
Obviously many of you will say UB all the way but let me tell you reasons why I'm leaning towards NYU as well.

UB: tuition is 55k with housing and tuition. They have great curriculum, faculty and overall program. Felt like the program was a great fit for me when I interviewed there. However, it's in the middle of nowhere and I was raised in NYC. I dont think I will be very happy for 4 years there.

NYU: Has its flaws (high tuition, large class size) but I live in NYC. I will commute from home if I do go here and would not have to pay for cost of living, food, etc.

Considering the costs, the difference btw UB (housing + tuition) and NYU (tuition) is not that much. (could be wrong, let me know if I am). As a school, UB is a fit for me; but as far as where I see myself in dental school, I can't see myself living anywhere but NYC.

NOTE: Besides a great education, I would like to have a great experience (i.e. well balanced social life) in my 4 years of dental school. Which school will be better for me in the long run? (without the look in tuition). In other words, for me, it's not all about the money.

This is frustrating.. will it be a good idea for me to put an initial deposit for both places and take the next couple of months to decide? Still got 4 schools that didnt get back to me yet and if they do, this decision gets even harder.

Are you serious? Go to UB. It's an excellent school and it's cheap. Problem solved. No joke. Don't even think about it.

 

[enjoycold]

Are you serious? Go to UB. It's an excellent school and it's cheap. Problem solved. No joke. Don't even think about it.

lol what do you mean dont even think about it. learn how to respect other schools too. both nyu and ub are excellent schools. nyu doesn't deserve to be looked down by a person like u.
and if he commutes from nyc, nyu might be cheaper for him.

 

[bdental2013]

Did you end up putting both deposits down? I think you'd be happier at nyu based on what you've said and bottom line is you need to be happy.

 

[asdfray]

I spent alot of thing around this debate and went back to hospital where I volunteered at for advice from the chief residents (and one who interview/hire the GPs), residents, specialists, and assistants. Their feedback:

GO TO THE CHEAPEST SCHOOL. 4 year does fly by really fast and the school you choose does not matter b/c you really learn about 20-30% of dentistry in ds school. The rest will be learned outside in residencies or working. End of the day, it doesn't matter what school you go to b/c all schools really teach you the same thing. DEBT is the only thing that is real at the end and many of the GPs are swamped in debt right now. Whatever SCHOOL also does not also will help you in getting into specialties (expect little preference go to ivy, but not much). Things that help you get you to be a resident/specialize is your grades, and what you do AFTER getting into dental school - not what school you go to.

I'm still debating but I'm leaning towards buffalo just b/c its going to be a new experience for me since I spent my life in NYC and I will be back eventually. I even went to a commuter college in NYC so yeah, I'm thinking this experience of going away will make me grow some as a person. ALSO, b/c the tuition at UB isn't too much, my parents can lend me a private loan for a year or two so I can same myself some money and NOT pay for those damn accumulated interest at the end.

 

[Silent Cool]

I spent alot of thing around this debate and went back to hospital where I volunteered at for advice from the chief residents (and one who interview/hire the GPs), residents, specialists, and assistants. Their feedback:

GO TO THE CHEAPEST SCHOOL. 4 year does fly by really fast and the school you choose does not matter b/c you really learn about 20-30% of dentistry in ds school. The rest will be learned outside in residencies or working. End of the day, it doesn't matter what school you go to b/c all schools really teach you the same thing. DEBT is the only thing that is real at the end and many of the GPs are swamped in debt right now. Whatever SCHOOL also does not also will help you in getting into specialties (expect little preference go to ivy, but not much). Things that help you get you to be a resident/specialize is your grades, and what you do AFTER getting into dental school - not what school you go to.

I'm still debating but I'm leaning towards buffalo just b/c its going to be a new experience for me since I spent my life in NYC and I will be back eventually. I even went to a commuter college in NYC so yeah, I'm thinking this experience of going away will make me grow some as a person. ALSO, b/c the tuition at UB isn't too much, my parents can lend me a private loan for a year or two so I can same myself some money and NOT pay for those damn accumulated interest at the end.

OP,

Not only is UB cheaper, but it is also a better school. I have heard nothing but good things about UB's clinical training. NYU, on the other hand, is a cattle call. If you take out loans for the whole thing, you will be ~500K in debt. Just to live in NYC? NYC isn't going anywhere. Go to UB and don't look back.

 

[Faux]

Seems like a good amount of people might be having the same choice on Dec 1st. I personally choose Buffalo. Great faculty here and small class size. Everyone here is really supportive. I even live across the street from the school, something I wouldn't have been able to afford with NYU. I still go back once a month too, back to NYC to see friends and family. I was home sick for a week, but then you adjust and plus the work comes anyway. Time goes by incredibly fast.