UCLA vs. UCSF vs. Harvard

[whatsmyscene]

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I know that there are other posts about these schools but they are kind of old. I am hoping that any current UCSF, UCLA, and/or Harvard students/recent alums could chime in on the following questions:

1.) Did you enjoy your experiences academically? Socially?
2.) More for UCSF: Do you feel that UCSF truly sets you up to be accepted into specialty programs? I know that many will say that you can specialize from anywhere if you work hard enough, but I do believe that it is easier to specialize from some schools than others.
3.) Would you recommend attending the school?
4.) Is the higher tuition at Harvard justified when compared to in-state residency at the UC's?

Thanks!

 

[Troyvdg]

I know that there are other posts about these schools but they are kind of old. I am hoping that any current UCSF, UCLA, and/or Harvard students/recent alums could chime in on the following questions:

1.) Did you enjoy your experiences academically? Socially?
2.) More for UCSF: Do you feel that UCSF truly sets you up to be accepted into specialty programs? I know that many will say that you can specialize from anywhere if you work hard enough, but I do believe that it is easier to specialize from some schools than others.
3.) Would you recommend attending the school?
4.) Is the higher tuition at Harvard justified when compared to in-state residency at the UC's?

Thanks!

You're asking a bunch of pre-dents questions you should be asking current students. Try emailing the students that you met/gave you a tour on your interview day. They'll be more helpful than fishing for answers on here. But for starters...

1. Will vary from person to person. DID YOU LIKE IT THERE.

2. All the schools have a high specialization percentage, not just UCSF (seems like you would know this from your interview days...). Once again...DID YOU LIKE IT THERE.

3. DID YOU LIKE IT THERE. Most students will say yes to those three schools. They all have pros and cons...weigh them out.

4. HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH TO YOU. If you can get the same thing at a UC, then go to a UC.

 

[Troyvdg]

.double post.

 

[Lane138]

I can't speak to the UCs, but I'm currently a student at HSDM and am tired of cramming for an upcoming exam. If you have specific questions about Harvard's experience (and not say, comparing whether it's worth attending there) I'm happy to answer them!

 

[nanilla]

Yeah same, if you have any specific questions you can drop me a pm. They are all good schools. I would worry less about the didactic aspect, which all these schools will have and more on clinical requirements, ease of graduation, etc. What are you thinking of specializing in?

 

[whatsmyscene]

Thank you both for your willingness to help. I am not yet sure what I would like to specialize in, but would like to keep the door open to as many different paths as possible. You are right, all of these schools are great and dental school is what you make of it.