UCLA vs. Tufts?

[brizlekizle]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey everyone,

I recently got into both schools (and am quite thrilled!), but I am feeling very torn right now.

I'm a Southern CA resident so UCLA is definitely cheaper, closer to family, probably has the bigger name/reputation, and probably opens more doors for specializing (which I'm very interested in). However, I really loved Tufts when I visited. The program seems very well rounded, the facilities are brand new with the latest technology (which UCLA lacks), and it seems like it will provide better clinical opportunities than UCLA (where I've heard there are patient pool problems). Plus Boston/East Coast would be an exciting new experience (I loved the city when I was there), and I don't mind the cold weather. Excluding cost, I feel like Tufts might be a place that suits me better and where I could be happier. But both are great schools. How big of a factor should cost be in my decision? Advice please?

Also, if current Tufts or UCLA dental students could comment on your overall impressions of your school experiences (ie, what you liked and didn't like, and if you'd choose to go there again), that would be very much appreciated!

Really, any help from anyone would be great! I have to make my decision within the next 15 days or less. Thanks so much guys!

(Note: I also posted this on a revived thread on the Dental Forum)

 

[Machiavelliansm]

I'm a Southern CA resident so UCLA is definitely cheaper, closer to family, probably has the bigger name/reputation, and probably opens more doors for specializing (which I'm very interested in).

Go to UCLA, lol.

Oh, and all Boston dental schools are rumored to have the same patient pool problems.

Oh, and with the money you save at UCLA, you could probably get a few brand new simulation units with the latest technology installed in your own apartment. K, maybe not, but you get my point lol.

 

[Pennywisdom]

Go to UCLA, lol.

/thread.

 

[Maygyver]

UCLA for sure. Better weather, better name recognition, especially on the west coast, cheaper...

 

[Noelle23]

UCLA for sure. Better weather, better name recognition, especially on the west coast, cheaper...

Did you hear anything from UCLA yet? How did your interview go?

 

[Maygyver]

Did you hear anything from UCLA yet? How did your interview go?

Not yet. Interview went well; the school was amazing and so were all of the people I met. Everyone seemed really happy to be there. Fantastic area and campus as well.

 

[UCSFDentistry]

Sometimes a change of scenery is good, but I am sure you will have more fun at UCLA. Not to mention it is an amazing school. Choose UCLA. 👍 You'll regret it if you don't.

 

[RynestoneCowboy]

For what it's worth, I know that Tufts is really well known and well respected in the northeast (one of the first questions you get asked up here if you say you are planning to go to dental school is "are you going to tufts?"). If name recognition/prestige is a large factor for you, you may want to think about where you want to end up after school. If you would like to settle in CA, then UCLA is probably the better choice, but if you think you might want to stay in New England, Tufts could potentially be better.

Either way, you'll be getting a great education and you'll be able to do whatever you want going forward. Good luck with your decision!

 

[JBieber]

I really REALLY wanted to live on the east coast too (nyc/boston) but in the end I came to my senses. No doubt that boston and tufts are awesome but not worth the price imo. Plus, UCLA is arguably the better school for what you want to do.

out of curiosity, why exactly do you think you will be happier at tufts?

 

[akeurogh]

Tufts!

 

[Machiavelliansm]

Tufts!

http://predents.com/index.php?page=user&user_id=8595

hmmm...

 

[Maygyver]

http://predents.com/index.php?page=user&user_id=8595

hmmm...

Hahah. Nice detective work.😀

 

[iamsyc]

It's funny how some people on the west coast really REALLY want to go to school on the east coast. and some people in the east coast really REALLY want to go to school on the west coast.

The grass is greener on the other side huh? lol

 

[Spit]

It's funny how some people on the west coast really REALLY want to go to school on the east coast. and some people in the east coast really REALLY want to go to school on the west coast.

The grass is greener on the other side huh? lol

I dont think its necessarily about the grass being greener, but this is a time more-so then many other point in our life where we can go live in, and experience a completely new city for 4 years of our life. I eventually plan on making it back to the west, and probably within 100 miles of where I grew up, so nows a time where I could potentially live in a city full of insanely intelligent young people, like Boston.

 

[flapaTron]

The grass is greener on the other side huh? lol

actually,
the grass is cold, dead, and covered with snow on one side and can't grow through the warm beach sand on the other.

go to UCLA. 😎

 

[Maygyver]

actually,
the grass is cold, dead, and covered with snow on one side and can't grow through the warm beach sand on the other.

go to UCLA. 😎

👍

 

[iamsyc]

yeah that's what I mean. So we can go to the other coast for school to experience life on the other side. Because it's our only chance to before our "real" life begins hah.

FIGURE OF SPEECH PEOPLE. lol

 

[Maygyver]

yeah that's what I mean. So we can go to the other coast for school to experience life on the other side. Because it's our only chance to before our "real" life begins hah.

FIGURE OF SPEECH PEOPLE. lol

I think people understand that figure of speech and responded with sarcasm.

 

[Montserrat]

Unless you want to get hit for months by a snowstorm in the face and pay a little more out of pocket for that experience, go to UCLA.

 

[Maygyver]

Unless you want to get hit for months by a snowstorm in the face and pay a little more out of pocket for that experience, go to UCLA.

And ice. Yay for ice storms.

 

[prospdent]

TUFTSS!! i loved it when i interviewed plus living in boston with lots of young folks is so amazing!

 

[brizlekizle]

Thanks everyone for your help! I've decided to go with UCLA. I'll be happier with a lot less debt in the long run 😉. Any future or current Bruins, I can't wait to meet you in the fall!