UCLA pros and cons?????

[ilovegoldens]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Ok guys, I am not the only one having a hard time deciding what school to choose. And I see that I am not the only one who didn't get enough information from UCLA during the interview. That was one of the things that gave me a bad impression of the program.. they didn't bother to stimulate us to go there...

Can any of you share what you know about UCLA?? Maybe a current student could help??

We would like to know the good and bad of the school. So far I just heard rumors that it is short in patients but that it never actually made someone not be able to graduate...

I would like to know the extra curricular opportunities the school offer ( for example: I know UOP offers invisalign.. UTHSCSA offers a chance of learning implants placement...) What does UCLA has that makes it a special program???

 

[Indian84]

Hi ilovegolden,

I have some points to tell you.

First of all, UTHSCSA is the only dental college in City(San Antonio), while in LA there are two dental colleges, UCLA and USC, so there is chances to get low patient pool.

Second is UTHSCSA is cheaper than UCLA in term of Tuition and Boarding.

It (UTHSCSA) has very good program that I heard from my senior who is currently enrolled in this program.

 

[dentally yours]

Ok guys, I am not the only one having a hard time deciding what school to choose. And I see that I am not the only one who didn't get enough information from UCLA during the interview. That was one of the things that gave me a bad impression of the program.. they didn't bother to stimulate us to go there...

Can any of you share what you know about UCLA?? Maybe a current student could help??

We would like to know the good and bad of the school. So far I just heard rumors that it is short in patients but that it never actually made someone not be able to graduate...

I would like to know the extra curricular opportunities the school offer ( for example: I know UOP offers invisalign.. UTHSCSA offers a chance of learning implants placement...) What does UCLA has that makes it a special program???

I think it is pretty straight forward, UTSA is any day better than UCLA,
only best of the best get to UTSA.Program is far more better ,living expenses in Texas would be much less .

 

[MissionISP]

Hi IloveGOLDEN ...

First of all, congratulations 🙂 for making it through so many schools,
I'm a fan of your many posts you posted recently,
Thanks for such efforts and having aptitude of helping others,

Coming to point, I agree with DENTALLY YOURS.
UTHSCSA is anyday anytime BETTER than UCLA.

I had an interview experience at UTHSCSA too, thanks to your STICKY notes that definitely helped me to perform well.

After going through many interviews,
my preference order is:

1) UOP/UMN/UMich/UTHSCSA
2) LLU/TUFTS
3) UCLA/USC
4) UCSF/UPenn
5) BU/UIC

Unfortunately, I have got three acceptances only till now but fortunately UOP is amongst one of them. I haven't heard from UTHSCSA yet but I EQUALLY liked FOUR schools - UOP, UTHSCSA, LLU & TUFTS. If I were in your shoe, I would have definitely preferred UTHSCSA over UCLA. You know yourself why??? Just in a line, QUALITY of education matters the most.

Hope that helps.👍

I think it is pretty straight forward, UTSA is any day better than UCLA,
only best of the best get to UTSA.Program is far more better ,living expenses in Texas would be much less .

 

[slapa]

If you are talking about quality of education I would go to UCLA. None of you guys probably finished advanced standing... From my personal experience, UCLA is a great program, prepares you great for private practice or specialty training. You know what matters at the end... that you have US degree, so any program you go is a good program..

 

[deepshika]

hello,
I heard from one of my seniors that UCLA is also good program.It has good patient pool and we could get good clinical experience.They provide us opportunity for research.Every institution has its own importance. We cannot compare one institution from others by basing on particular aspect. For every thing there would be pros and cons...But I heard that californian schools are far better than other schools...

 

[ilovegoldens]

thanks guys... I am happy with your opinion.
I am having a hard time and each day changing my mind. But both choices are good.

Basically I am not concerned with quality fo education. I have 6 years of experience. I am very comfortable with my skills. That will be more like a refreshing course for me.. So both schools are great in terms of quality

My dilemma is Strong name and good location X cost.

UCLA hands down anyone in America everywhere knows the name. UTHSCSA if not in the south people have no clue.. Even some people in the dental field that are not up to date with education. I do not know how much that cou;d reflect in job opportunities. I heard from 3 dentists in California that If I decide to live in the west coast, UCLA would have great advantage.

But... 40k difference in total cost. That reflects in 2500 a month versus 2000 a month in a 10 year loan. That is quite a lot!!!!!

 

[MissionISP]

Hi ilovegolden,

Good equations,
I understand what you mean to say. I have an eight years of experience too in home country. Still, I feel like learning more and more. Experienced dentists in this country often say that US dental schools are great learning experience. It's a way far above and much superior to the standard of schooling and mode of dental practice in my home nation atleast. My senior friends here in US mentioned the same thing.

Also, when you reach maximum height of dental practice at some stage in future, you will be able to recover the money difference of $40,000 within maximum four months (= according to expert, well-established dentist's opinion given to me!!!) So, if you feel UCLA is better place for you, don't think much of expenses, go ahead with UCLA. That's why I said in my opinion about 'quality of education' ...... Anyways, this is my personal opinion and I personally liked UTHSCSA over UCLA!

Wish you good luck with any school you choose!!! You have that priviledge to choose schools 🙂😀🙂 all schools are great and everyone's point of view differs to extent.

All the best!

thanks guys... I am happy with your opinion.
I am having a hard time and each day changing my mind. But both choices are good.

Basically I am not concerned with quality fo education. I have 6 years of experience. I am very comfortable with my skills. That will be more like a refreshing course for me.. So both schools are great in terms of quality

My dilemma is Strong name and good location X cost.

UCLA hands down anyone in America everywhere knows the name. UTHSCSA if not in the south people have no clue.. Even some people in the dental field that are not up to date with education. I do not know how much that cou;d reflect in job opportunities. I heard from 3 dentists in California that If I decide to live in the west coast, UCLA would have great advantage.

But... 40k difference in total cost. That reflects in 2500 a month versus 2000 a month in a 10 year loan. That is quite a lot!!!!!

 

[mikepadira]

My 2 Cents will always be for UCLA. The school has excellent name.. I have talked with lot of students, they were happy. Also one difference I think in Texas you can practice with Certificate exam so you find lot of local clinics making it hard after graduation. Also somehow I see lot of Local clinics in Texas. Some one commenting on Patient Pool, I feel texas has lot of competition. San Antonio is cheap I agree.. My brother Graduated from USC his living expenses were almost same like San Anotnio.. My friend is doing PHD there( SA ). I am not too sure about the research aspect of both the schools. Somehow UCLA name is alot. I dont have specific differences in research area. I dont have too good scores.. I was apprehensive in applying to UCLA and didn't apply. Good Luck.. Please let us know your final decision. I am curious

 

[desertsriit]

Hello friends....it has been a lucky year for me i guess..I just graduated this july ,2009 ..n got acceptances from BU ,UCSF ,UCLA,UIC ..i have made up my mind for UCLA..I so wanted to go there..these posts were really helpful..prospective UCLA class of 2012...please post ur comments..it will be good to know you in advance..
see you all soon ..and goodd luck to all my friends here 🙂
Have a good year

 

[drdds9]

Hello All,

I have been reading the various posts regarding dilemma in choosing a school for finishing the DDS program. I personally do not have that dilemma because I am not invited anywhere till now 🙂. I just want to give you guys my perspective about this whole thing even though obviously I don't have the right to speak as well as you guys do.

There is so much talk on which school is the best. Every information I see here is based purely on anecdotal evidences and absolutely none of it is factual. Anecdotal evidences are at best emotional and comes out great when spoken from a persuasive mouth\mind. Looking at all the schools objectively, till now I don't have any valid metric to measure the schools through the same yardstick. Each school is out here to profit. They all want the best students. Most of the talking points are in my opinion propagated by them. In my humble opinion the differences between various schools are very subtle. None of the differences will make any impact in us becoming good doctors. I mean we will not come out as bad dentists from any of the schools. At the same time even the most invincible UOP cannot make us great doctors in an order of magnitude that is so visibly different from doctors from other schools.

If I were to make a decision, this is how I would make it

1) Which school can get me the dds with the lowest money.

This is not because I am frugal and cheap. This is because I feel none of the schools that asks for a lot of money can justify that amount for what they provide. Just take examples of two schools. One with the lowest cost and the other with the highest cost. Just ask yourself if the latter school is giving you in education that much more that the former school does not. I am not convinced that there'll be so much of difference in knowledge imparting between various schools. There will be differences, just like all of us here from various countries have various styles of education. In the end all of us are dentists who can take good care of a patient. None of us are going to be extremely bad or extremely good. We'll be subtly bad and subtly better than each other. That is how I view all the schools. No school can honestly justify their exorbitant fees.

2) School that helps in higher education

For me, medicine is all about being a specialist. Everyday the people are becoming knowledgeable. The difference between the knowledge an average dentist has and what a common man has is shrinking. In order for us to be of any value to common man, we owe it to the profession and to ourselves to pursue higher studies and specialize. That is why I would choose a school that encourages research and super specialization... whatever the field that they might choose. So a school that does not have a masters program will be at the bottom of my list, even if it is the so called heaven of UOP.

3) Some of the people here are getting emotionally attached to schools. Guys please don't. Our interest should be to complete DDS in whichever school gives us an opportunity. Please don't turn down offers and waste a year just so you could go to your dream school. The concept of dream school is just that - a dream. I am not trying to discourage. Just stop romantacising a school. All the schools are more or less equal. I dare the schools to release their performance metrics if at all they have such a thing.

4) Be ready to go anywhere in the US and study. Just be done with it and move on to the next phase in life. Quality will come from within you. Just focus hard on your studies and be open minded in learning techniques. You can learn from anywhere and at anytime of your life.

All the very best!!!

Ok guys, I am not the only one having a hard time deciding what school to choose. And I see that I am not the only one who didn't get enough information from UCLA during the interview. That was one of the things that gave me a bad impression of the program.. they didn't bother to stimulate us to go there...

Can any of you share what you know about UCLA?? Maybe a current student could help??

We would like to know the good and bad of the school. So far I just heard rumors that it is short in patients but that it never actually made someone not be able to graduate...

I would like to know the extra curricular opportunities the school offer ( for example: I know UOP offers invisalign.. UTHSCSA offers a chance of learning implants placement...) What does UCLA has that makes it a special program???

 

[mikepadira]

I completely agree with drdds9 .. Specially "that quality comes with in you". Just want to point out one thing.. All the people who are having the delimma are the fortunate one's who have more then one offers ( not like me atleast ) So they have all the right to romantacize, fulfill fantasies. These are best people with best options. Wish I had same situation. I appreciate and respect your thoughts.

Hello All,

I have been reading the various posts regarding dilemma in choosing a school for finishing the DDS program. I personally do not have that dilemma because I am not invited anywhere till now 🙂. I just want to give you guys my perspective about this whole thing even though obviously I don't have the right to speak as well as you guys do.

There is so much talk on which school is the best. Every information I see here is based purely on anecdotal evidences and absolutely none of it is factual. Anecdotal evidences are at best emotional and comes out great when spoken from a persuasive mouth\mind. Looking at all the schools objectively, till now I don't have any valid metric to measure the schools through the same yardstick. Each school is out here to profit. They all want the best students. Most of the talking points are in my opinion propagated by them. In my humble opinion the differences between various schools are very subtle. None of the differences will make any impact in us becoming good doctors. I mean we will not come out as bad dentists from any of the schools. At the same time even the most invincible UOP cannot make us great doctors in an order of magnitude that is so visibly different from doctors from other schools.

If I were to make a decision, this is how I would make it

1) Which school can get me the dds with the lowest money.

This is not because I am frugal and cheap. This is because I feel none of the schools that asks for a lot of money can justify that amount for what they provide. Just take examples of two schools. One with the lowest cost and the other with the highest cost. Just ask yourself if the latter school is giving you in education that much more that the former school does not. I am not convinced that there'll be so much of difference in knowledge imparting between various schools. There will be differences, just like all of us here from various countries have various styles of education. In the end all of us are dentists who can take good care of a patient. None of us are going to be extremely bad or extremely good. We'll be subtly bad and subtly better than each other. That is how I view all the schools. No school can honestly justify their exorbitant fees.

2) School that helps in higher education

For me, medicine is all about being a specialist. Everyday the people are becoming knowledgeable. The difference between the knowledge an average dentist has and what a common man has is shrinking. In order for us to be of any value to common man, we owe it to the profession and to ourselves to pursue higher studies and specialize. That is why I would choose a school that encourages research and super specialization... whatever the field that they might choose. So a school that does not have a masters program will be at the bottom of my list, even if it is the so called heaven of UOP.

3) Some of the people here are getting emotionally attached to schools. Guys please don't. Our interest should be to complete DDS in whichever school gives us an opportunity. Please don't turn down offers and waste a year just so you could go to your dream school. The concept of dream school is just that - a dream. I am not trying to discourage. Just stop romantacising a school. All the schools are more or less equal. I dare the schools to release their performance metrics if at all they have such a thing.

4) Be ready to go anywhere in the US and study. Just be done with it and move on to the next phase in life. Quality will come from within you. Just focus hard on your studies and be open minded in learning techniques. You can learn from anywhere and at anytime of your life.

All the very best!!!

 

[BombayBDS]

I agree too..

Hello All,

I have been reading the various posts regarding dilemma in choosing a school for finishing the DDS program. I personally do not have that dilemma because I am not invited anywhere till now 🙂. I just want to give you guys my perspective about this whole thing even though obviously I don't have the right to speak as well as you guys do.

There is so much talk on which school is the best. Every information I see here is based purely on anecdotal evidences and absolutely none of it is factual. Anecdotal evidences are at best emotional and comes out great when spoken from a persuasive mouth\mind. Looking at all the schools objectively, till now I don't have any valid metric to measure the schools through the same yardstick. Each school is out here to profit. They all want the best students. Most of the talking points are in my opinion propagated by them. In my humble opinion the differences between various schools are very subtle. None of the differences will make any impact in us becoming good doctors. I mean we will not come out as bad dentists from any of the schools. At the same time even the most invincible UOP cannot make us great doctors in an order of magnitude that is so visibly different from doctors from other schools.

If I were to make a decision, this is how I would make it

1) Which school can get me the dds with the lowest money.

This is not because I am frugal and cheap. This is because I feel none of the schools that asks for a lot of money can justify that amount for what they provide. Just take examples of two schools. One with the lowest cost and the other with the highest cost. Just ask yourself if the latter school is giving you in education that much more that the former school does not. I am not convinced that there'll be so much of difference in knowledge imparting between various schools. There will be differences, just like all of us here from various countries have various styles of education. In the end all of us are dentists who can take good care of a patient. None of us are going to be extremely bad or extremely good. We'll be subtly bad and subtly better than each other. That is how I view all the schools. No school can honestly justify their exorbitant fees.

2) School that helps in higher education

For me, medicine is all about being a specialist. Everyday the people are becoming knowledgeable. The difference between the knowledge an average dentist has and what a common man has is shrinking. In order for us to be of any value to common man, we owe it to the profession and to ourselves to pursue higher studies and specialize. That is why I would choose a school that encourages research and super specialization... whatever the field that they might choose. So a school that does not have a masters program will be at the bottom of my list, even if it is the so called heaven of UOP.

3) Some of the people here are getting emotionally attached to schools. Guys please don't. Our interest should be to complete DDS in whichever school gives us an opportunity. Please don't turn down offers and waste a year just so you could go to your dream school. The concept of dream school is just that - a dream. I am not trying to discourage. Just stop romantacising a school. All the schools are more or less equal. I dare the schools to release their performance metrics if at all they have such a thing.

4) Be ready to go anywhere in the US and study. Just be done with it and move on to the next phase in life. Quality will come from within you. Just focus hard on your studies and be open minded in learning techniques. You can learn from anywhere and at anytime of your life.

All the very best!!!

 

[deepshika]

Hi ILOVEGOLDENS,
UCLA is the best program ,if u want to stay in west coast and for better future.dont think about money...after completing ur graduation ,u can earn it in no time.Plan carefully,before u join.I dont say,texas school is not good,but comparitively ucla is the best.

good luck

thanks guys... I am happy with your opinion.
I am having a hard time and each day changing my mind. But both choices are good.

Basically I am not concerned with quality fo education. I have 6 years of experience. I am very comfortable with my skills. That will be more like a refreshing course for me.. So both schools are great in terms of quality

My dilemma is Strong name and good location X cost.

UCLA hands down anyone in America everywhere knows the name. UTHSCSA if not in the south people have no clue.. Even some people in the dental field that are not up to date with education. I do not know how much that cou;d reflect in job opportunities. I heard from 3 dentists in California that If I decide to live in the west coast, UCLA would have great advantage.

But... 40k difference in total cost. That reflects in 2500 a month versus 2000 a month in a 10 year loan. That is quite a lot!!!!!

 

[MissionISP]

If you guys feel that one school is better than the other one, then one should not think much about money thing. I liked your explanation, Deepshika.

I personally have been to both schools, I liked UTHSCSA along with UOP very much. The environment there is so positive and it gave me positive impression overall, full marks to the program! maybe that lacked from various aspects at UCLA on first impression. But yes, UCLA is good program too.

Hi ILOVEGOLDENS,
UCLA is the best program ,if u want to stay in west coast and for better future.dont think about money...after completing ur graduation ,u can earn it in no time.Plan carefully,before u join.I dont say,texas school is not good,but comparitively ucla is the best.

good luck

 

[MissionISP]

Hi Desertsriit,
Simply awesome!!!
Congratulations for getting admission into multiple schools 🙂
It's been a lucky year of course but more important than that is your energy level, I guess that worked more as it's truly an achievment getting admission into four schools on first round itself and that too being a fresh graduate, that is something I could not do during last year application cycle in spite of having eight years of dental experience in my pocket. So I heartly appreciate it. Hats off!! Congratulations once again! 👍

Hello friends....it has been a lucky year for me i guess..I just graduated this july ,2009 ..n got acceptances from BU ,UCSF ,UCLA,UIC ..i have made up my mind for UCLA..I so wanted to go there..these posts were really helpful..prospective UCLA class of 2012...please post ur comments..it will be good to know you in advance..
see you all soon ..and goodd luck to all my friends here 🙂
Have a good year

 

[ilovegoldens]

This is a great discussion!!!!!
I did hear from several dentists here in California that having a diploma from UCLA would help me getting jobs in the west coast and anywhere else. Texas could be a bit of a problem in the west coast...

UCLA's name is definetely more powerful. Yeah for the patients it might not matter. They usually don't ask. But to work as an associate it might have an influence.. Don't know.

I had a GREAT experience at UTHSCSA during interview. So I feel I know a lot more from UT than from UCLA. UT offers opportunities such as learning some implants. I don't know extras from UCLA..

Well.. I also love the fact I can rent a great apartment just for me in San antonio since it is so cheap 🙂


Again, thanks guys for your opinion. If you know more about UCLA let me know... opportunities and stuff. I know it is pass and fail system. What can one do to stand out and later have an advantage to show on resume?

 

[ilovegoldens]

Ok....
I gotta say this post gave UCLA a HUGE advantage.
I hate stressful enviroment.
I did hear rumors about that at UTHSCSA

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=632022&highlight=Antone

During my interview the students kind of gave that idea.....

 

[MissionISP]

This is something very strange about UTHSCSA school, I had a pleasing experience and did not hear such rumors there. Where did you find this thread from btw?

Anyways, after superficially going through the link you just posted now, I got scared too. No offence but Hope, there's no 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' there. Let me read it in detail but don't feel like voting for this school now.

Ok....
I gotta say this post gave UCLA a HUGE advantage.
I hate stressful enviroment.
I did hear rumors about that at UTHSCSA

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=632022&highlight=Antone

During my interview the students kind of gave that idea.....

 

[ilovegoldens]

This is something very strange about UTHSCSA school, I had a pleasing experience and did not hear such rumors there. Where did you find this thread from btw?

Anyways, after superficially going through the link you just posted now, I got scared too. No offence but Hope, there's no 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' there. Let me read it in detail but don't feel like voting for this school now.

I had an AMAZING experience there.
But... I met Dr Bonemkamp who is supposed to be one of the best..
The two I interviewed with were very nice and friendly. However I did hear the questions:

- how do you consider your profissionalism?
-How does it feel, being a dentist, and now having to accept other professionals orders without questioning??

hmmm...

Im scared hahahaha

 

[kupra]

Hi ilovegoldens... I know this is not right thread for my question but I have same dilemma as u had I think.....I got acceptance from UOP and UCSF....now I’m really confused which school to join....I don't have much clinical experience in my home country...for clinical UOP is better than UCSF.......but on other side UCSF has such a big name.. mission ISP has many convincing point to join UOP and I agree .....UCSF is also one of the best

 

[MissionISP]

I have sent you PM, hope it helps. Go ahead with what your heart feels best for you. 🙂 👍

Hi ilovegoldens... I know this is not right thread for my question but I have same dilemma as u had I think.....I got acceptance from UOP and UCSF....now I'm really confused which school to join....I don't have much clinical experience in my home country...for clinical UOP is better than UCSF.......but on other side UCSF has such a big name.. mission ISP has many convincing point to join UOP and I agree .....UCSF is also one of the best

 

[desertsriit]

Thank you for the encouragement MISSION ISP.... all these posts have been so handy in making a wise decision..one should just follow ones heart and go to a place or school they feel is most conducive to work.I know onne thing for sure that the moment i entered the westwood,UCLA area ..i fell in love with the place and people right away,this is very conducive to productive work.... I once again thank you all for sparing some time out and guiding people like us,who are yet to gain experiences..UCLA's curriculum is strenuous no doubt.but i guess hassle's worth the tassle
Once again a very enterprising year to all my friends on SDN...do well ..and keep us all posted

 

[MissionISP]

You're welcome anytime. I liked your thoughts - especially, when you said, one should just FOLLOW ONES HEART and go to a place or school they feel is most conductive to work!!! 👍

Congratulations once again!🙂

Thank you for the encouragement MISSION ISP.... all these posts have been so handy in making a wise decision..one should just follow ones heart and go to a place or school they feel is most conducive to work.I know onne thing for sure that the moment i entered the westwood,UCLA area ..i fell in love with the place and people right away,this is very conducive to productive work.... I once again thank you all for sparing some time out and guiding people like us,who are yet to gain experiences..UCLA's curriculum is strenuous no doubt.but i guess hassle's worth the tassle
Once again a very enterprising year to all my friends on SDN...do well ..and keep us all posted

 

[ilovegoldens]

I think you have two amazing choices. I would personally pick UCSF.
But you have to right pros and cons for you 🙂

I made my mind: UCLA it is!

Hi ilovegoldens... I know this is not right thread for my question but I have same dilemma as u had I think.....I got acceptance from UOP and UCSF....now I’m really confused which school to join....I don't have much clinical experience in my home country...for clinical UOP is better than UCSF.......but on other side UCSF has such a big name.. mission ISP has many convincing point to join UOP and I agree .....UCSF is also one of the best

 

[den]

Congratulations ilovegoldens on all the success as well as a well thought decision.

would anyone be able to give me insights on this selection: ucla or upenn or uthscsa ?

 

[dentist34]

hi den,
Congratulations on ur acceptance at upenn, ucla and uthscsa...can u please tell me on wat date did u interview in uthscsa...thank you

 

[ilovegoldens]

hi den,
Congratulations on ur acceptance at upenn, ucla and uthscsa...can u please tell me on wat date did u interview in uthscsa...thank you

I interviewed on oct 29th and 30th got accepted on the 2nd

 

[ilovegoldens]

Congratulations ilovegoldens on all the success as well as a well thought decision.

would anyone be able to give me insights on this selection: ucla or upenn or uthscsa ?

I got into UOP not Upenn. Unfortunately I have no idea about the schools on the east coast. I am a west coast person and that is why I ended up choosing UCLA. Plus.. those rumors about the military instructors at UTHSCSA scared me, I hate stressful enviroment.

from all my research these are the pros and cons I found for UT and UCLA:

UT:
pros: excelent program and school, one of the cheapest tuition, they give A LOT of extra curricular opportunities ( involving implantsfor example), they have amazing graduate programs ( you would already be making contacts with faculty), high acceptance rate in graduate programs, good clinical exposure, the software they use seem very good, very very cheap living cost ( you will be able to live in a very nice pace by yourself).

cons: they divide in 8 groups creating 8 mini dental schools. You get a bad instructor ( like the famous mean one who likes to fail students) and you are stuck with him for 2 years, Texas is way too hot. Some people, especially here on the west coast have a certain prejudice againts Texas. I heard from more than one dentist. So depending on where you wanna work after this might have an influence ( " might").


UCLA:

pros:good program, poweful name recognized everywhere in America ( might make easier to get jobs and trust from patients), high acceptance rate in graduate programs, California is a fun place to be, Difference in cost to UT isnt so big...

cons: heard rumors about students having a hard time getting patients ( however never heard of anyone not graduating because of that, in fact I heard about the school even helping a patient pay the treatment so that a student could get the minimum requirement), Los Angeles is an expensive place to live and there is a lot of traffic if you consider commutting.

So it obviously depends on your personal preferences..Where you want to practice and live, not only during the 2 years but after. Some of these details might not be so important, for example, some people say that a famous school name doesnt influence that much. For me i think it does. I not only like to be proud of what school I went to ( I went to one of the best schools in south America) but also I look very young and had many patients asking me where I went to school. After saying I went to such a respected school that helped me gain their trust...

so evaluate each of the factors. try to learn pros and cons of UPenn. One thing I heard is that on the East Coast they prefer you to have GPR/AEGD when you apply for jobs as associate. Not sure if it is true. so again, where do you wanna live after?? If east coast would you consider taking AEGD? If west Coast then UCLA would have an advantage I guess...

 

[MissionISP]

Sorry but I don't agree here,

Even in East coast, you don't need AEGD/GPR to apply for jobs as an associate. Please, confirm any issue before you write anything as it may be misleading. I have got friends at BU, two of them (a married couple), completed DMD(international program) last year, took licensure exam and immediately got their job. Even this year, during interviews, I got to know the same thing from ASP (2nd year) student who toured me BU school and mentioned that BU has very good passing rate for NREB licensure exam. Honestly, Boston is amongst the best cities and north-east coast is amongst the highest dental job opportunities' places in the US. Search yourselves on google and also ask current students/ already graduated students from specific schools, they'll agree with what I say.

I had good experience and postive impression with both schools - Upenn and BU. Because I am from west coast and have a family here - my personal preference is Ca state, I don't want to go to East coast or else UPenn is the great program, BU is good one too but with less patient pool and 9 month preclinical program - so, less clinical opportunities. So, I didn't put both schools in my preference list.

Also, you need AEGD/GPR ::: one year completion only to get straight licensure in the State of New York, in this case with GPR/AEGD, you won't need to take any licensure exam to practice in NY.

so evaluate each of the factors. try to learn pros and cons of UPenn. One thing I heard is that on the East Coast they prefer you to have GPR/AEGD when you apply for jobs as associate. Not sure if it is true. so again, where do you wanna live after?? If east coast would you consider taking AEGD? If west Coast then UCLA would have an advantage I guess...

 

[MissionISP]

Hi Den,

If you prefer East coast - go for UPenn (more clinical exposure!!)
If you prefer West coast - go for UCLA (relatively less clinical exposure!!)

Amongst, choices you have, I rate all three schools (UCLA, UPENN, UTHSCSA) equally great!!!

Congratulations ilovegoldens on all the success as well as a well thought decision.

would anyone be able to give me insights on this selection: ucla or upenn or uthscsa ?

 

[MissionISP]

Few useful links:

(1) http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/licensure/licensure_state_requirements_intl.pdf

(2) http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/careers/infopaks/advanced.pdf


[Just thought, it would help everyone! - not so relevant to ongoing discussion!!!]🙂

 

[ilovegoldens]

Sorry but I don't agree here,

Even in East coast, you don't need AEGD/GPR to apply for jobs as an associate. Please, confirm any issue before you write anything as it may be misleading.

MissionISP:
I did say I AM NOT SURE. Maybe you missed that part of my post.


Den
Nile, a senior in this forum has a great experience coming from UOP and getting a job at CT state!! You should read his post. In fact he also mentions how a lot of offices would never get anyone straight out of school. He got his AEGD. Check sticky note on Dental forum ( not international). He might be a good person to ask about East Coast. Seems like he didnt have a hard time at all getting a job there even though he went to a school in the west coast..

 

[MissionISP]

Dear 'I love golden' (btw I love the 'golden state too 🙂)

plz, don't mistake me. My intention was just to make sure that everyone gets correct information. I know you were not sure, so I thought let me share the factual information. Thanks indeed for all stuff you have shared so far, I mentioned it before and m repeating it again that your every information was so much of help to me in person. 👍 Yes, NileBDS is a very much appropriate person to collect more information on residency thing. Afterall, NileBDS is one of the masters' Pacific school has produced.

MissionISP:
I did say I AM NOT SURE. Maybe you missed that part of my post.


Den
Nile, a senior in this forum has a great experience coming from UOP and getting a job at CT state!! You should read his post. In fact he also mentions how a lot of offices would never get anyone straight out of school. He got his AEGD. Check sticky note on Dental forum ( not international). He might be a good person to ask about East Coast. Seems like he didnt have a hard time at all getting a job there even though he went to a school in the west coast..

 

[ilovegoldens]

I know most of you heard rumors about the schools in California increasing 34% of their tuition. That sucks, huge increase...

UCSF during their interview mentioned that the international program is self supported , therefore won't follow the increase with the regular DDS program

However I emailed financial aids as well as Carol Bibbs about the issue , and the guys from UCLA still have no clue how much the PPID will increase.
She did say they are self supported and we cannot extrapolate, but nothing is for sure.
The financial aid lady said she will keep me posted and that on the last years they did not increase that much but she cannot promise it will be the same this year.
So... Just something to have in mind..

I am still gonna take the risk, go ahead and send my check to UCLA
ouch. will loose 2500 from UTHSCSA ugh!!! hehe

 

[dr den]

hi there
thanks i love goldens 4 ur kind words of hope.i think i needed support right now.yeah now even i remember what dr. Bohenkamp said that u might hear from us bfr chritmas. its hard to wait.
anywaz bout ur confusion in deciding which school to go and ur decision 2 go to UCLA, i think is a gr8 choice. I personally went to UCLA to see the school and met few students there. every1 praised for the school and speak highly of the program.i met one irani student and he was happy to land there. Besides UCLA has a gr8 name, after all it is America's highly respected institution.if i wud have offered a position over there it wud have been an honor.gr8 school and gr8 location.
all the best

 

[falconx]

Congratulations ilovegoldens on all the success as well as a well thought decision.

would anyone be able to give me insights on this selection: ucla or upenn or uthscsa ?

First of all, congratulations on getting admission to these schools.

In my opinion, UPENN, then UCLA and then UT. Just keep in mind the brand name UPENN & UCLA bring. & with no disrespect to others, brand does matter..

For example, which business school one would go to? UPENN ofcourse, then UCLA.. its pretty much the same for any other major such as dentistry..

 

[riseup]

Hello friends....it has been a lucky year for me i guess..I just graduated this july ,2009 ..n got acceptances from BU ,UCSF ,UCLA,UIC ..i have made up my mind for UCLA..I so wanted to go there..these posts were really helpful..prospective UCLA class of 2012...please post ur comments..it will be good to know you in advance..
see you all soon ..and goodd luck to all my friends here 🙂
Have a good year

Hi desertsriit... im very much impresssed with your achievements so far... and congratulations. i have been trying to reach you cos i need info regarding how you were able to do it while u were in your internship. please help..

 

[chickensoupdr]

Between UCLA and San Antonio, which program would better prepare one for specializing? Is it relatively easy to find research opportunities at both schools?