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- Apr 8, 2008
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I may be a bit biased (I go to Buffalo and they want me to a year because of some personal stuff that happened during finals week..) anyway- I will tell you this about Buffalo- (again- maybe a bit biased...)
the dean is new and kind of a hardass- and everyone is afraid of him because of some of the changes he is making. can't say if this is a good or bad- but so far hasn't been real great (example: we used to each have our own chairs- not anymore, also- we had a great international humanitarian program which may be done away with next year).
we now have international students with the third year class- which means less patients (there is already a huge shortage)-
the school is cracking down on performance,etc (more stress, pressure)- so they are kicking more out, making more repeat, etc- (NY has now money- so Buffalo has no money (it is a state school))- so more repeats= more money.
tuition is less than other schools, but has increased a lot since I started.
the climate and "culture" of Buffalo are miserable. dental school is hard enough- but add to that a struggling economy and terrible weather and you have a depressed patient base as well as a depressed student.
do not underestimate how this may affect you- I think you said you are from NY- so maybe you are used to the weather- but living in a sunny city could be worth its weight in gold if it makes you happier overall.
so yes, while money is a big deal- dental school can suck your life away, so if you think UCLA will suck it away less, go there.
patient shortage- I mentioned this already- but it has a huge impact. most schools will tell you that this is not unusual, but it is a real issue nonetheless- it can be incredibly stressful and challenging to get requirements when you don't have enough patients.
okay- now some good points about buffalo-
many faculty are really amazing- they are smart and talented.
the students also get along really well and have a real sense of friendship and trust, etc.
great for research (if you are into that....)
lots of specialty programs, and it seems that they favor buffalo grads (pedo in particular)
good community outreach programs
there is probably more- but again, dental school hasn't been a great experience for me ( you get out what you put in- and I have dealt with a lot of outside stress,etc- so it has been really hard for me...)
if you want to know more- IM me- I am good friends with the top 2 guys in my class- both clinically, and GPA, so I can get input from them about your questions so you get a fair analysis.
the dean is new and kind of a hardass- and everyone is afraid of him because of some of the changes he is making. can't say if this is a good or bad- but so far hasn't been real great (example: we used to each have our own chairs- not anymore, also- we had a great international humanitarian program which may be done away with next year).
we now have international students with the third year class- which means less patients (there is already a huge shortage)-
the school is cracking down on performance,etc (more stress, pressure)- so they are kicking more out, making more repeat, etc- (NY has now money- so Buffalo has no money (it is a state school))- so more repeats= more money.
tuition is less than other schools, but has increased a lot since I started.
the climate and "culture" of Buffalo are miserable. dental school is hard enough- but add to that a struggling economy and terrible weather and you have a depressed patient base as well as a depressed student.
do not underestimate how this may affect you- I think you said you are from NY- so maybe you are used to the weather- but living in a sunny city could be worth its weight in gold if it makes you happier overall.
so yes, while money is a big deal- dental school can suck your life away, so if you think UCLA will suck it away less, go there.
patient shortage- I mentioned this already- but it has a huge impact. most schools will tell you that this is not unusual, but it is a real issue nonetheless- it can be incredibly stressful and challenging to get requirements when you don't have enough patients.
okay- now some good points about buffalo-
many faculty are really amazing- they are smart and talented.
the students also get along really well and have a real sense of friendship and trust, etc.
great for research (if you are into that....)
lots of specialty programs, and it seems that they favor buffalo grads (pedo in particular)
good community outreach programs
there is probably more- but again, dental school hasn't been a great experience for me ( you get out what you put in- and I have dealt with a lot of outside stress,etc- so it has been really hard for me...)
if you want to know more- IM me- I am good friends with the top 2 guys in my class- both clinically, and GPA, so I can get input from them about your questions so you get a fair analysis.