Hi everyone! I was fortunate enough to be accepted into my top three schools, and am having some issues with weighing the pros and cons. I am considering specializing in orthodontics, but also like the idea of being a general dentist. I am from the midwest, so a costal move will be a big move, but I do have some family close to New York.
I would love any advice y'all have to offer
UCLA
Pros
-Good for specializing
-Great weather and location (close to the beach)
-On main undergrad campus (SPORTS TOO!!)
-I've started building connections with students and professors
-total $: 340,000
Cons
-H/P/F
-more didactic curriculum
-no summer break after first year
-Facilities seem old
-Lacking clinic skills
UCSF
Pros
-Very chill academic environment
-Pass/Fail
-Ok location/weather is colder than LA
-Awesome clinic skills
-incoming class is now 60 for more hands on instruction and help
-dental fraternities
-lots of green space!! And outdoor things to do
-Big summer break after first year
-Total $$: 380,000
Cons
-Reputation is not overall as well-known
-city seems pretty dirty and not too safe
-I haven't built any good connections out there yet
Columbia
Pros
-P/F
-Great academic education
-Clinics are Beautiful
-Just received a $3.2 million grant for special needs research
-very diverse in students
-semesters rather that quarters
-opportunity to get a duel degree (Master's for little to no extra cost or time)
-Summer break after first year
Cons
-Mainly the intense curriculum (combined with med)
-Clinical skills
-washington heights seems like a very isolated location
-Internal ranking by thirds
-Expensive $$: 480,000
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
I would love any advice y'all have to offer
UCLA
Pros
-Good for specializing
-Great weather and location (close to the beach)
-On main undergrad campus (SPORTS TOO!!)
-I've started building connections with students and professors
-total $: 340,000
Cons
-H/P/F
-more didactic curriculum
-no summer break after first year
-Facilities seem old
-Lacking clinic skills
UCSF
Pros
-Very chill academic environment
-Pass/Fail
-Ok location/weather is colder than LA
-Awesome clinic skills
-incoming class is now 60 for more hands on instruction and help
-dental fraternities
-lots of green space!! And outdoor things to do
-Big summer break after first year
-Total $$: 380,000
Cons
-Reputation is not overall as well-known
-city seems pretty dirty and not too safe
-I haven't built any good connections out there yet
Columbia
Pros
-P/F
-Great academic education
-Clinics are Beautiful
-Just received a $3.2 million grant for special needs research
-very diverse in students
-semesters rather that quarters
-opportunity to get a duel degree (Master's for little to no extra cost or time)
-Summer break after first year
Cons
-Mainly the intense curriculum (combined with med)
-Clinical skills
-washington heights seems like a very isolated location
-Internal ranking by thirds
-Expensive $$: 480,000
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
