UCLA vs. UCSF

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skyreacher8318

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  1. Dental Student
I was wondering if anyone knew what are the benefits of attending UCSF over UCLA? I know that UCSF is more prestigious... I got the dean's scholarship at UCLA with a great housing offer... so I don't know if UCSF is worth the money. Are there more opportunities at UCSF? I am planning to apply for residency later and for specialty program in the east coast. Any great advice from those who are currently attending UCLA or UCSF?

Thank you!
 
I got the dean's scholarship at UCLA with a great housing offer

this should be the beginning and end of your post. Dental school is expensive! take the gift and be grateful that your intelligence was recognized by such a fantastic school...i'm jealous

best of luck!
 
Honestly, UCLA seems to be very stressful...... Didactically, it is really tough on students. UCSF on the other hands, offers GREAT clinical experience as well as great specialization rate. There is a reason why people rave about UCSF in this forum.
 
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I would pick UCLA in a heartbeat.
1. Scholarship-less money to give back
2. LOCATION!-more opportunities in LA, larger patient pool
3. I personally think, the atmosphere of having an undergrad there gives a more social aspect.

Overall, I would pick UCLA. And getting the scholarship and housing is like the icing on the cake, what more could you possibly want.

This is just what I think....others might think differently.
 
They are both good schools. I think UCSF has a better program though.
 
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I would be really careful making this decision based opinions from this forum.

Just recall from your memory... try to remember what your first impression was for each school before and after the interview. Either way will not be wrong. It depends on your preference.

Good luck!
 
I heard about the lack of patient pool at UCLA too... and also I think I read a post that graduating from UCSF prepares you better with clinical experience than coming out from UCLA where they focus more on didactics than clinical.. so I would say SF 🙄
 
I heard about the lack of patient pool at UCLA too... and also I think I read a post that graduating from UCSF prepares you better with clinical experience than coming out from UCLA where they focus more on didactics than clinical.. so I would say SF 🙄

Out of curiosity... is it true that UCSF has more rigorous clinical requirement comparing to UCLA? Do you know what the clinical requirement is for each school?
 
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I heard about the lack of patient pool at UCLA too... and also I think I read a post that graduating from UCSF prepares you better with clinical experience than coming out from UCLA where they focus more on didactics than clinical.. so I would say SF 🙄

Since the OP wanna specialize so where he graduates doesn't really matter when you compare the 2. Yes SF will give you a better clinical exposure from talking to students from each schools, but if the person want to specialize, then I think UCLA is a better choice just because they'll give him more financial reward while being in school. You'll get most of your clinical exposure when he gets into his specialty program anyway so I would choose UCLA.
 
Since the OP wanna specialize so where he graduates doesn't really matter when you compare the 2. Yes SF will give you a better clinical exposure from talking to students from each schools, but if the person want to specialize, then I think UCLA is a better choice just because they'll give him more financial reward while being in school. You'll get most of your clinical exposure when he gets into his specialty program anyway so I would choose UCLA.

Good advice!
 
Good posts. I maybe little biased since UCSF is my TOP choice. I think either school will be fine, but do not let the money tell you where your heart lies. Either ways... I am attending UCLA.
 
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The OP is obviously an intelligent person. I think he/she would perform just fine at UCLA or UCSF, even if it's historically difficult for students. Choose the school that pays you to be their student 🙂.
 
I would pick UCSF ! for a couple of reasons:

If I remember correctly, you said you want to get into some specialty program on East Coast. Based on what I've seen, the big names in east accept more students from UCSF ( just went to websites and read about the residents). Maybe UCSF grads are just more after specializing, who knows.

Also, if you look at the NIH funding for research granted to UCSF, you'll see that they are really pushing boundaries. Just my op
 
I would pick UCLA in a heartbeat.
1. Scholarship-less money to give back
2. LOCATION!-more opportunities in LA, larger patient pool
3. I personally think, the atmosphere of having an undergrad there gives a more social aspect.

Overall, I would pick UCLA. And getting the scholarship and housing is like the icing on the cake, what more could you possibly want.

This is just what I think....others might think differently.


hahaha, i LOL at the patient pool. Trust me, dental students here are struggling finding the patients. Remember, UCLA is in Westwood and next to Beverly hills. If i have money, i would never go to a student dentist🙄

BUT pick ucla so my friend can have your place :0
 
Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread! I didn't know about the lack of patient pool at UCLA. That is actually very important factor for me in decision making process. If there are any other ideas, please feel free to post your ideas! 😀
 
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Good luck with your choice man.
 
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I have officially withdrew from UCLA today. Thanks to everyone who shared their ideas! :laugh:
 
Great!! See ya there!
 
UCLA! Frisco sucks and the weather is even worse. Its all about SoCal.. much sunnier and Westwood is just mins. from Santa Monica and other amazing LA beaches. Im pretty sure the people are more fun at LA too. SF is VERY liberal 🙁 ...
 
LOL.. I guess I should have read the posts before... I have friends up at SF that like it; it's just not for me. Have fun 🙂 I am sure you will be happy with your choice!
 
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