UCSF questions with Mark

[UCSF info guy]

---

Members don't see this ad.

OK...

I'm ready 4 any questions

 

[UCSF info guy]

Here's the deal with Mission Bay,

Right now, the shuttle ride from Mission Bay to school is 30-40 min. This is because they changed the schedule so there aren't as many direct shuttles to school. Supposedly, they are going to make more direct shuttles, these take about 20-30 min. This is the biggest complaint....the commute to school. Mission Bay housing is new and thus clean....but it isn't cheap. U can find cheaper housing out there and it costs $100/month to park your car at Mission Bay. There are no washers and dryers in the rooms. They have machines downstairs.....$1.25 for one washer, $1.00 for one dryer. The gym (which you automatically have a membership to) is less than a minute away (you have membership at the gym at school too---but spouses cost $45/month). There is child care at mission bay (this is the reason I will be living here--for the child care), there is a bar/cafe, classrooms to study in across the street, and soon little shops will opening here for banking/flowers/goodies...ect.
Mission Bay is just away from the city. So if you like walking out your door to the bustling city with the shops and such....they aren't here. But neither are the bums, pan handlers, and the dirty things about cities....so it's safer than out in town. Downtown is only 5-10 min away so you can get there really easily. The place where the San Francisco Giants play is just out my window....I can walk there in under 5 min....if you like baseball it's pretty cool. I have an awesome view of the Bay Bridge and the skyline of San Francisco right out my window. I can't overstate this......It is truly awesome.

If you want to know more....let me know.....Mark

 

[serryddol]

OK...

I'm ready 4 any questions

Hi, Mark.
My biggest concern right now is the housing.
I've checked with the housing office and the single rooms in both mission bay and parnassus are all taken already.
My question is if the place is not in walking distance from the school, how do you commute? I know there is no parking place so I can't drive for sure.
How about taking shuttle/bus? I heard the shuttle runs until 10PM. What if you have to stay at school after 10? During the D1 year, how late do you stay at school?
I'm basically checking the Craigslist for the housing info. Do you have any suggestion regarding housing?

Thank you for your time!!

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hi, Mark.
My biggest concern right now is the housing.
I've checked with the housing office and the single rooms in both mission bay and parnassus are all taken already.
My question is if the place is not in walking distance from the school, how do you commute? I know there is no parking place so I can't drive for sure.
How about taking shuttle/bus? I heard the shuttle runs until 10PM. What if you have to stay at school after 10? During the D1 year, how late do you stay at school?
I'm basically checking the Craigslist for the housing info. Do you have any suggestion regarding housing?

Thank you for your time!!

Try Mission Bay again in July....there will be a HUGE move-out on July 1 when everyone's contract expires. I'm leaving my studio apartment and will be back in Sept. in a two-bedroom. If you can find someone in the class to live with...get a two-bedroom here. It will save you some money. 2 bedroom=$1800 1 bedroom=$1200 Studio=$950

They have a shuttle every ten min from Mission Bay to school. The last one back is at 9:30 PM. Please don't make a habit of being at school past 9:30. I've only been there that late once all year....my own fault because I procrastinated.

Some people like to be at school very late......I like to sleep. You can do very well in school without putting in those late hours if you use your time properly. I'm mystified by the people in my class who sleep 4 hours every night because all they do is work, work, work. That said, everyone is different and that works for them.....it's not for me. 😎

 

[dongiovanni81]

Hey Mark,

One of the UCSF brochures said that the average debt of students coming out of UCSF is about $90,000 which is about $110,000 shy of ~$200,000 reported cost. Is that due to financial aid or something? I'd like to know why that is. (Not that I'm complaining 🙂)

2ndly, who picks D1 class president?

Thanks

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hey Mark,

One of the UCSF brochures said that the average debt of students coming out of UCSF is about $90,000 which is about $110,000 shy of ~$200,000 reported cost. Is that due to financial aid or something? I'd like to know why that is. (Not that I'm complaining 🙂)

2ndly, who picks D1 class president?

Thanks

When we came in we were told the average debt was $60,000.....so don't believe everything you read. Anyway, some people in our class take no financial aid.....apparently, they have the means to pay for this thing out of pocket. Good for them. Some are military....we have four who have signed up for the military. SO, all these people with no debt lower the average for everyone else. I myself accrued $40,000 in debt just this year.....but I pay an extra $12,000 for out of state tuition. Additionally, I got a UC grant for $20,000. My total aid package was $60,000. I will probably have around $180,000 in debt when I leave here.....it's because I'm financing this whole thing with financial aid.
The class will elect the D1 president in October. It's true you don't really know anyone....but you elect class officers anyway. Being class president isn't for everyone.....you have to go to a lot of meetings and handle a lot of problems, but you do get to hob nob with important people. Nathan Granillo is our class pres. and he won again for next year....talk to him if you want to know more about this.

 

[anee1984]

Hey Mark,

Is there a shuttle that stops near grocery stores? Otherwise, how do people without cars get food? I hope not everyone eats out all the time...

 

[UCSFsod2009]

Mission Bay is walking distance from Safeway (a grocery store) and less than a mile from Costco. There are plenty of markets up near the Parnassus Campus also so grocery shopping is not a problem even with no car. That said, if you can make friends with some of your classmates that have cars, Costco runs are ideal.

 

[Lilstar0024]

what do we need to do to be able to get residency and such.... U mentioned u were from Utan so Im sure you know all the processes

 

[UCSF info guy]

Mission Bay is walking distance from Safeway (a grocery store) and less than a mile from Costco. There are plenty of markets up near the Parnassus Campus also so grocery shopping is not a problem even with no car. That said, if you can make friends with some of your classmates that have cars, Costco runs are ideal.

That said....you can take a shuttle to a place called China Basin. It's right across the street from SBC park. Safeway is one or two blocks away from that shuttle stop. If any of you move into Mission Bay, keep in touch. I'll be going to Costco at least once a week. Until you get your bearings and work out rides with whomever, you can catch a ride with me to grocery stores and such.

 

[UCSF info guy]

what do we need to do to be able to get residency and such.... U mentioned u were from Utan so Im sure you know all the processes

If I could offer advice....come a week before orientation. During that week go get your license and registration changed. The DMV is up by school on Fell St. Get online before you go and set up an appointment....this is very important....it will save you a ton of time. They see people with appointments FASTER! You have to register to vote, which can be done at the DMV. Make sure you vote in the election in November....that's a requirement. I think you have three weeks from when you get to California to change your license and registration. Lastly get a bank account in California and change all your mail. After a year, you can become a California resident, which lowers tuition about $4,000 per quarter. I haven't finished this process, but it seems like the sooner you get here and accomplish all this, the sooner the year long period starts. Thus you can become a resident before Fall tuition of your sophmore year. Oh yeah, you have to live in California for the entire year.....even your first Summer, which you have off. There may be ways around that one though.... 😀

 

[adpdent]

Hey UCSF guy,

I know you'll probably have a bias opinion but I need help deciding...UCSF or UOP. And y?

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hey UCSF guy,

I know you'll probably have a bias opinion but I need help deciding...UCSF or UOP. And y?

I have no idea whatsoever.....if you want to get paid a year earlier, go to UOP. Outside of that.......no idea. I do know that two of our pre-clinical instructors visited another dental school (not UOP) and they were offerred jobs on the spot. Also, they looked at some work done by the students there (work the dean was proud to show off) and they thought the preps. sucked. This leads me to believe that we are held to a higher standard here than other places. OR maybe our teachers are a little full of themselves. I'm of the opinion that it doesn't matter where you go, just do your best and it all pays off....unless your best stinks...then your in trouble. I picked UCSF over USC strickly due to cost. I really don't know anything about UOP.....never applied there.

 

[anee1984]

can you comment on the specialization rates at UCSF? Why do you think that UCLA has more people who enter specialty programs? Just curious, thanks.

 

[nothen2do]

Hi all, I wanted to give all the prospective mission bay'rs out there a little insight on housing. I know Mark lives and is staying at mission bay, but the rest of us (about 22 D1's) are leaving and only a handful are staying. Reasons you ask? Well, there are many. From the 30-40 minutes bus rides, the constant construction, the lack of amenities near by, the higher than expected cost, and so on...I would highly recommend living close to campus and not at mission bay. I just moved close to campus is can't describe how much better it is to live here, and not mission bay. If you have any questions, tomorrows my last final and Ill be happy to discuss. Cheers

 

[Trench Mouth]

I agree with Nothen2do. Mission Bay is brand new and nice and has an awesome gym, but there is nothing like the extra hour and a half of non-shuttle life EACH DAY (>40min. each way). Mission Bay will be great to live at in 5 years when they have retail shops open and transportation figured out, but it can be pretty inconvenient right now.

It is a pretty nice transitional place if you're from out of the area and want to school to introduce you to SF. Then you move into an actual neighborhood and start to enjoy life more. Good luck!

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hi all, I wanted to give all the prospective mission bay'rs out there a little insight on housing. I know Mark lives and is staying at mission bay, but the rest of us (about 22 D1's) are leaving and only a handful are staying. Reasons you ask? Well, there are many. From the 30-40 minutes bus rides, the constant construction, the lack of amenities near by, the higher than expected cost, and so on...I would highly recommend living close to campus and not at mission bay. I just moved close to campus is can't describe how much better it is to live here, and not mission bay. If you have any questions, tomorrows my last final and Ill be happy to discuss. Cheers

I'm quite sure I was pretty fair about what I said about Mission Bay. Again........ I'm only living here because the child care is closeby, I HAVE NO CHOICE. What MUST be mentioned about the above exodus of our class from Mission Bay is that once the idea that Mission Bay sucked came up, it gained A LOT of momentum, and a lot of people jumped on the bandwagon and decided that everything about the place sucked. At this point, some who left would tell you living in a chicken coop would be better than at Mission Bay. Now, I'm not trying to sell you on this place, but I have seen the apartments near campus and I don't really think much of them. If you like to be closer to school, absolutely live over there, but as for me, I like to leave school at school. Being 30 min. away suits me just fine. Additionally, there are upperclassmen who have moved here from out in town....and they like it just fine.

To those in our class who think the above is junk.....think about the loupes controversy. Wasn't Surgitel the devil when that thing gained steam? Mission Bay is the same way......a bandwagon that everyone jumped on.

I suppose I get blasted by everyone who left now......another trademark of UCSF dental school......

 

[UCSF info guy]

I agree with Nothen2do. Mission Bay is brand new and nice and has an awesome gym, but there is nothing like the extra hour and a half of non-shuttle life EACH DAY (>40min. each way). Mission Bay will be great to live at in 5 years when they have retail shops open and transportation figured out, but it can be pretty inconvenient right now.

It is a pretty nice transitional place if you're from out of the area and want to school to introduce you to SF. Then you move into an actual neighborhood and start to enjoy life more. Good luck!

As you can see, word is out about the thread......

Many in the class are monitoring this thing, so you can get input from others to be better informed before you make BIG decisions. I hope to see more people from the class give valuable input.

Thanks

 

[UCSF info guy]

can you comment on the specialization rates at UCSF? Why do you think that UCLA has more people who enter specialty programs? Just curious, thanks.

Sorry to be so late.......I have no idea. I'm not going to specialize under any circumstances (I'm just am tired of going to school, plus I'm too old for all that....in three years it'll time to get a job and get paid) . You should probably ask an administrator why the above is so. Or you could ask our class president who's e-mail is in the e-mail list you all got.

I do think anyone can specialize from any school if they work hard and get a great board score. UCSF is obviously a fantastic springboard for anyone who really wants to specialize.

 

[serryddol]

Hi Mark,
I think somebody already asked about transportation and not having a car..
I'll visit S.F this weekend to look for a studio near the school and whether i'll have a car or not will be a major factor deciding the place and budget..
Maybe other people who are living near campus can give me some advice.
Do you guys have any problem in living w/o car?
(I'm in L.A and can't imagine to survive w/o car.. 🙂

 

[hrad13]

😱 Hi Mark,

I am getting little freaked out at the moment after reading all the complaints about housing. I am planning on living in Redwood City (because I will be living w/ my boyfriend)and taking the train. I don't mind the commute because I am a morning person and just read the entire time but I will be picking up the the shuttle at China Basin after my train ride and was wondering how tough are the professors when it comes to being at class at exactly 8:00am? I was planning on picking up the 7:22 shuttle which arrives just a little before 8:00. If the shuttle drops me off at 8:05 or something (b/c I am from a school where shuttles are never on time) will I get I in serious trouble?

Another quick question. I am one of those people who have never taken anatomy and I was going to try to get some studying in before school starts. (yeah I know thats lame but I am slower than average memorizers and I won't be getting a job once I move to CA, so I imagine I will get a little bored) Do you have any suggestions on what I should look at or things I should concentrate on?

Okay, thanks for doing this, and congrats on getting finished w/ your finals!!!!

 

[nothen2do]

😱 Hi Mark,

I am getting little freaked out at the moment after reading all the complaints about housing. I am planning on living in Redwood City (because I will be living w/ my boyfriend)and taking the train. I don't mind the commute because I am a morning person and just read the entire time but I will be picking up the the shuttle at China Basin after my train ride and was wondering how tough are the professors when it comes to being at class at exactly 8:00am? I was planning on picking up the 7:22 shuttle which arrives just a little before 8:00. If the shuttle drops me off at 8:05 or something (b/c I am from a school where shuttles are never on time) will I get I in serious trouble?

Another quick question. I am one of those people who have never taken anatomy and I was going to try to get some studying in before school starts. (yeah I know thats lame but I am slower than average memorizers and I won't be getting a job once I move to CA, so I imagine I will get a little bored) Do you have any suggestions on what I should look at or things I should concentrate on?

Okay, thanks for doing this, and congrats on getting finished w/ your finals!!!!

All classes start at 10 minutes after the hour, so in your case its fine. Also, many classes (lectures essentially) role is not taken or its not "mandatory" to be ther from a students perspective. But, im not condoning to ditch, there are plenty of people who commute from far off places.

For Anatomy, hummm, I had never taken any anatomy classes and I was fine. I didn't do any studying on my own either, and it just meant I had to work a little bit harder than others, like Mark who freaken knew anatomy like the back of his Utah'n hand. Most people do just fine in classes, you just have to put in the work.

 

[nothen2do]

Hi Mark,
I think somebody already asked about transportation and not having a car..
I'll visit S.F this weekend to look for a studio near the school and whether i'll have a car or not will be a major factor deciding the place and budget..
Maybe other people who are living near campus can give me some advice.
Do you guys have any problem in living w/o car?
(I'm in L.A and can't imagine to survive w/o car.. 🙂

I know Trench Mouth lives near campus and he's fine without a car. His secret? Bumming rides off of me

 

[orangeoctober]

Hi,
For anyone living at parnassus avenue housing . . .I've been offered a double but I have no idea how big/small these rooms are. Can anyone comment on what living at avenue housing is like?
Thanks muchisimo!

 

[Trench Mouth]

Sad, but true ;-)

 

[Trench Mouth]

can you comment on the specialization rates at UCSF? Why do you think that UCLA has more people who enter specialty programs? Just curious, thanks.

One thing I discoved at my UCLA and UCSF interviews was that the proportion of students who specialize in fields other than AEGD or GPR is far smaller than the total proportion of students who specialize. It's not a bad thing, but the numbers posted make you think that a large number of their students are going into endo, ortho, omfs, perio, etc.

I'm not saying one way or the other in regards to UCLA or UCSF, but a high proportion of 'specialists' going into GPRs or AEGDs could also be an indication of the students' general feeling of lack-of-preparedness to enter private practice or other alternatives.

 

[EyeAmCommi]

One thing I discoved at my UCLA and UCSF interviews was that the proportion of students who specialize in fields other than AEGD or GPR is far smaller than the total proportion of students who specialize. It's not a bad thing, but the numbers posted make you think that a large number of their students are going into endo, ortho, omfs, perio, etc.

I'm not saying one way or the other in regards to UCLA or UCSF, but a high proportion of 'specialists' going into GPRs or AEGDs could also be an indication of the students' general feeling of lack-of-preparedness to enter private practice or other alternatives.

I think you're mistaken. UCLA told us that 75% of their students go onto to post-doc programs whereas 50% enter specialties (not AEGD, GPRs).

But I don't assume to know or understand why there is a disparity since both UCs attract and accept equally good applicants year after year.

 

[UCSF info guy]

😱 Hi Mark,

I am getting little freaked out at the moment after reading all the complaints about housing. I am planning on living in Redwood City (because I will be living w/ my boyfriend)and taking the train. I don't mind the commute because I am a morning person and just read the entire time but I will be picking up the the shuttle at China Basin after my train ride and was wondering how tough are the professors when it comes to being at class at exactly 8:00am? I was planning on picking up the 7:22 shuttle which arrives just a little before 8:00. If the shuttle drops me off at 8:05 or something (b/c I am from a school where shuttles are never on time) will I get I in serious trouble?

Another quick question. I am one of those people who have never taken anatomy and I was going to try to get some studying in before school starts. (yeah I know thats lame but I am slower than average memorizers and I won't be getting a job once I move to CA, so I imagine I will get a little bored) Do you have any suggestions on what I should look at or things I should concentrate on?

Okay, thanks for doing this, and congrats on getting finished w/ your finals!!!!

I'm willing to send you some stuff from the anatomy course we took this year. I'm planning on sending some stuff to someone else, SO send your address to my e-mail and I can send it to you.

Most who had never seen anatomy before passed the course....that said there were some who stuggled, ie, they failed tests. It is true that I was the anatomy king of our class.....AND NONE OF THOSE WHO STRUGGLED ASKED FOR HELP! I would like to see everyone make it through D1 in your class, thus for anyone out there who wants to get a jump on this stuff, e-mail me. EVERYONE PASSES! EVERYONE'S HAPPY!

 

[Chandaa]

All classes start at 10 minutes after the hour, so in your case its fine. Also, many classes (lectures essentially) role is not taken or its not "mandatory" to be ther from a students perspective. But, im not condoning to ditch, there are plenty of people who commute from far off places.

For Anatomy, hummm, I had never taken any anatomy classes and I was fine. I didn't do any studying on my own either, and it just meant I had to work a little bit harder than others, like Mark who freaken knew anatomy like the back of his Utah'n hand. Most people do just fine in classes, you just have to put in the work.

Follow up Q for Mark:

When looking for housing what are the general prices we can expect to see for bedrooms in apartments and how does that vary with location? Whats a good price (for someone paying with financial aid)

 

[twinklit]

OK...

I'm ready 4 any questions

Hi Mark,
First of all, THANK YOU for offering your services to us. I have 2 questions:
1) Do we have to collect teeth before starting our D1? I've been trying to call Admissions but no luck getting through
2) An email was sent out to the incoming D1's by a current student and said that we had to pay the fees within the first 3 days of orientation. Is that going to be covered if I applied for Full financial aid funding?
Thank you!

 

[Trench Mouth]

Responses:
1) No, you don't need to collect teeth before your D1 year. You'll need them for endo your D2 year.

2) It was true for us last year that we had to pay fees during the first 3 days of orientation. The registrars office granted (free) extensions to anyone whose financial aid was delayed and who couldn't pay on time. That said, it was a pain. I remember Mark and I both spent lunch at B of A trying to get access to our money in accounts we had just opened.

Those first few weeks are going to be hectic no matter how prepared you are because you're just learning how everything works and where everything is.

 

[icecoast]

hi ucsf info guy

what happens to students who did not pass anatomy or another course? aren't the courses taught in 'blocks'? is Introduction to Dentistry the orientation or is orientation separate? What is covered in Introd to Dent?

 

[UCSF info guy]

hi ucsf info guy

what happens to students who did not pass anatomy or another course? aren't the courses taught in 'blocks'? is Introduction to Dentistry the orientation or is orientation separate? What is covered in Introd to Dent?

Intro to dentistry is the two week orientation......it is VERY boring, but at times is also informative. There is one thing we did in the orientation that is an assignment. You will be split into 8 groups and each will present a power point presentation on topics they will hand out. Don't worry it isn't hard....but you have to do it. The rest of the orientation is various groups, teachers, ect. on campus telling you about the next four years......bring lots of coffee.

All classes are pass/no pass. You will have about five different classes over the year. BMS is anatomy, micro, pharm, path, ect. PRDS is actually learning how to be a dentist using the tools and materials. PCC is clincal skills and taking x-rays. SciMeth is research and epidemeological stuff. And Oral Development is how the teeth form and all the mouth stuff. You need 70% to pass all classes except PCC where you need a 75. Failing a test or two is OK. They have methods for you to "remediate" a test. The problem happens if you fail too many tests in one course or fail a final in a course that only has one test....the final. Then you can possibly fail the course. Now this isn't the end for you, because you can always recover. It just makes it more difficult for you. I think there are people who are repeating classes or parts of classes this summer because they had trouble. There is one person from our class repeating the whole year with you guys because of academics. But the bottom line is: THEY WANT YOU TO MAKE IT AND WILL DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO KEEP YOU IN THE PIPELINE FOR GRADUATION. That said, it's up to you to perform at an acceptable level. AND just so you guys aren't scared.....the vast majority of people do just fine. In my case, I made it through first year w/o much trouble....but I did fail multiple practical tests in PRDS. I learned not to get too discouraged. Like you, I've never failed anything in my life, and the first time is a shock. But the idea, especially in PRDS, is to not worry so much about a grade, but to get better. I'm still not very good with a drill, or composite, or whatever....but I'm way better than I was, and I plan on getting much better. It's up to me to practice more.

As far as blocks....yes that's true. But in most classes you MUST pass every test. You don't take the average of all tests to get a final score. Also, most tests aren't cummulative. Once you are tested on something you never see it again in that "block". Another course may go over it though. BMS and Oral Development cover some of the same stuff at different times for example....

 

[UCSF info guy]

Follow up Q for Mark:

When looking for housing what are the general prices we can expect to see for bedrooms in apartments and how does that vary with location? Whats a good price (for someone paying with financial aid)

Mission Bay: Studio=$950
1 bdr= 1400
2 bdr= 1800

Most people went to craigslist.com to find a place. Most cost less than mission bay......from one to four hundred dollars less (1bdr.). The problem is: you get what you pay for.....the cheaper you go, the more of a dump it is. There are nice apts. out there....it's up to you to find them. I never really looked so maybe someone else can better answer this question.

 

[UCSF info guy]

Responses:
1) No, you don't need to collect teeth before your D1 year. You'll need them for endo your D2 year.

2) It was true for us last year that we had to pay fees during the first 3 days of orientation. The registrars office granted (free) extensions to anyone whose financial aid was delayed and who couldn't pay on time. That said, it was a pain. I remember Mark and I both spent lunch at B of A trying to get access to our money in accounts we had just opened.

Those first few weeks are going to be hectic no matter how prepared you are because you're just learning how everything works and where everything is.

Try to get a bank account set up before you arrive (bank of america and wells fargo are W/I walking distance). Then on Monday of orientation (or earlier if avail.) go get your financial aid check, deposit it, and try to get the hold period reduced to one day so you can pay fees the next day. I did this every quarter....got my check a day or two before fees were due. It is a pain in the butt.

 

[reven]

Mark, 2 questions:

1) Is a laptop a must? Can we get away with a desktop, or even no computer?

2) Are you taking NBDE I this year or next? And how much time will you put into preparing for it? (sorry 3rd question there)

Thanks

 

[UCSF info guy]

Mark, 2 questions:

1) Is a laptop a must? Can we get away with a desktop, or even no computer?

2) Are you taking NBDE I this year or next? And how much time will you put into preparing for it? (sorry 3rd question there)

Thanks

You are allowed a one time, up to $2,500 unsubsidized stafford to purchase a computer of any kind, any software, printer, or whatever else you need. Keep all your receipts and turn them in to financial aid with the request form. I would suggest having a computer of some kind, because all of the lectures are on WebCT (the internet) and you'll want access to them at all hours. Some made it through the year with only a desktop, but I loved having my laptop (I never owned one before). The reason is the lectures are BORING, and you can surf during class (the school is wireless). Many people stayed awake by screwing around on the computer while paying some attention to class.

I'm taking NBDE this summer.....I actually opened up my dental decks just today (these are a study tool for the exam). DON'T BUY DECKS FOR YOURSELVES!!!! Buy them used from our class.....50 people bought these things new, and will want to get rid of them. BUT, the exam changes next year to a problem based format (like USC) so our decks may be useless by then.....watch out for that.

I'm strictly going to study from my decks.....when I know all of the little cards I'm going to take the test. I'M NOT PLANNING ON SPECIALIZING!!!! SO, I'm shooting for a 75.....the passing score. If you need a 90 or above, you will need to study more....talk to your big sib (someone from our class will be assigned to you) and ask what they did if they got a high score. There are links floating around our class that have old exam questions....you will get those by the time you need them.

Lastly, I'd suggest taking the boards after your first year.....the current D2/D3's in front of us just finished a quarter, took finals, and are taking the exam during the two weeks before they go into the clinic. That sounds like a stress filled 3-4 weeks to me that I want no part of. At the same time make sure you can get the grade you want before you take this thing.....you can screw up your future options if you jack this thing up!

 

[reven]

You are allowed a one time, up to $2,500 unsubsidized stafford to purchase a computer of any kind, any software, printer, or whatever else you need. Keep all your receipts and turn them in to financial aid with the request form. I would suggest having a computer of some kind, because all of the lectures are on WebCT (the internet) and you'll want access to them at all hours. Some made it through the year with only a desktop, but I loved having my laptop (I never owned one before). The reason is the lectures are BORING, and you can surf during class (the school is wireless). Many people stayed awake by screwing around on the computer while paying some attention to class.

I'm taking NBDE this summer.....I actually opened up my dental decks just today (these are a study tool for the exam). DON'T BUY DECKS FOR YOURSELVES!!!! Buy them used from our class.....50 people bought these things new, and will want to get rid of them. BUT, the exam changes next year to a problem based format (like USC) so our decks may be useless by then.....watch out for that.

I'm strictly going to study from my decks.....when I know all of the little cards I'm going to take the test. I'M NOT PLANNING ON SPECIALIZING!!!! SO, I'm shooting for a 75.....the passing score. If you need a 90 or above, you will need to study more....talk to your big sib (someone from our class will be assigned to you) and ask what they did if they got a high score. There are links floating around our class that have old exam questions....you will get those by the time you need them.

Lastly, I'd suggest taking the boards after your first year.....the current D2/D3's in front of us just finished a quarter, took finals, and are taking the exam during the two weeks before they go into the clinic. That sounds like a stress filled 3-4 weeks to me that I want no part of. At the same time make sure you can get the grade you want before you take this thing.....you can screw up your future options if you jack this thing up!

Thanks for the rapid response, Mark. I thought of a few more questions based on your answers:

1) Do you see any advantage to having a desktop in addition to a laptop? I want to keep my desktop, but thinking of sending it home to save space.

2) I was told by a class of 2006 graduate going into oral surgery that if you want to specialize, the minimum *90* is best achieved taking NBDE I after second year (but then again he did the old curriculum). This gives you time to do research during your first summer. Any thoughts on the optimal time to do research vs. NBDE I?

Thanks again.

 

[Dentic]

Hi Mark,
My friend and I were both alternate listed at UCSF. We like to know what our chances are, she is very optimistic and I am pessimistic about it. Do you have any idea how many people got off the list last year and how many people they place on the list.
Thanks.

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hi Mark,
My friend and I were both alternate listed at UCSF. We like to know what our chances are, she is very optimistic and I am pessimistic about it. Do you have any idea how many people got off the list last year and how many people they place on the list.
Thanks.

Absolutely no idea at all. I got my letter on Dec.3 so I didn't play that game. I never heard back from any of the schools who made me an alternate, BUT, I told most of them that I was going to UCSF so that pretty much gives you no idea what to expect. My advice: Call the school often. Let them know you are very interested. Be a pain in the ass so that they think they'll have to accept you so you stop bugging them. This could backfire though, so be careful if people start to get upset (try to use humor, so no one gets pissed). I think someone used this technique to get accepted to our class....at least that's what I remember him saying. Good Luck!!!

 

[UCSF info guy]

Thanks for the rapid response, Mark. I thought of a few more questions based on your answers:

1) Do you see any advantage to having a desktop in addition to a laptop? I want to keep my desktop, but thinking of sending it home to save space.

2) I was told by a class of 2006 graduate going into oral surgery that if you want to specialize, the minimum *90* is best achieved taking NBDE I after second year (but then again he did the old curriculum). This gives you time to do research during your first summer. Any thoughts on the optimal time to do research vs. NBDE I?

Thanks again.

1) No...but how much space does the computer take up? I'm sure you will need it if you send it somewhere else AND you will never use it if you bring the stupid thing. Murphy's Law

2) If you want to be an oral surgeon, you need an awesome score. I can't begin to know when would be the best time to take the exam and expect low to mid-90's. It really depends on your ability....if you're a stinkin' genious and are willing to bust your ass.....first summer might be the best time. BUT, because about 15% of exam material (this is what Dr. Perry estimates) is covered in second year, maybe that is the time for you. About 50n of us signed up for this summer, so we'll let you know how it goes......of course the test is changing, so really, it's an absolute crap shoot. Make sure you have extra ammo!

 

[reven]

Another computer question for you Mark, the school website says that we need to get an "ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 with 128 MB RAM; NVIDIA or equivalent," which is like a gaming video card. Is that necessary for some kind of imaging or are we ok w/ a more standard video card?

 

[UCSF info guy]

Another computer question for you Mark, the school website says that we need to get an "ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 with 128 MB RAM; NVIDIA or equivalent," which is like a gaming video card. Is that necessary for some kind of imaging or are we ok w/ a more standard video card?

I'm sorry my computer knowledge is limited to how to look up girly pictures on the internet.....I bought a gateway on a site called ubid.com for like 850 and it worked just fine for the year. I don't remember needing to look at any videos as part of the 1st year. There were some safety and OSHA videos we were told to watch during orientation, but that ended up being a waste of time.

 

[icecoast]

Hi ucsf info guy and Mark,

thank you for the thorough response, ucsf info guy.

Is there a dress code for orientation, D-1/D-2 students?

Are there textbooks for each subject? Do students use all/most of the textbooks? are the books electronic/database or hardbound? Do professors expect students to dig into the textbooks before turning to them for help (it seems tough because so much is covered)?

 

[Mach band]

Let me give Mark a hand to answer a few questions that have not been addressed.

Dress code for orientation: Dress anything you are comfortable with. I saw all sorts at my orientation. For guys, I would recommend a pair of kaki or dress pants with a long sleeve shirt. A few had ties.

Textbooks: First quarter I bought all the required books, but barely had enough time to read all the suggested chapters. Most of my classmates did the same. But I don’t regret buying them. I use them as references. I’m sure some read ever single word in those suggested chapters since the high on exams are near or perfect scores. If you go to the lecture, understand and capture what the professors say, you’ll be fine. Only very few questions are tested out of the book. The rest is covered during the lectures. Some people in our class record the lectures and posted them on our class page. Some find these very helpful. If you decide to buy a recorder, I’d recommend the Panasonic that is sold about $60-80 at best buy. It can record in high compression format that takes much less space. The sound quality is superior. All the lecture presentations are supposedly posted 24hour prior to the time they’re given.

Computer: If you are happy with your laptop with your daily needs, you will be fine. If you have a PC and don’t want to spend extra bucks, that’s fine too. You just need a computer. As Mark mentioned, everything is communicated through the internet (webCT). So you really need a computer and a printer. Printing at school is really expensive. I think they charge 10 or 12 cents per page. Before school starts, I’d recommend buying an ink jet and one or two bottles of ink from ebay. You will need a lot of ink to print stuff out. The ink from ebay is cheap and works just fine. From time to time, you may feel like you want/need to bring your computer to class for group work. But if you don’t have one, that’s still OK. Many others do.

Why specialty rate is low at UCSF: Because there are people like Mark in our class. Mark is being modest. He is probably in top 10 or 5 depending on the subjects. Plus, as he mentioned, he did not spend all his time studying. Mark is an extreme example, but there are many more similar Mark. If you plan on specializing, I highly doubt that you’ll have problem. Of course given you work hard.

Taking Part I right after first year: It’s true that part of the exam has not been covered. The reason I’m taking it is the same as Mark’s. I don’t want any more work added to the already full schedule. In addition, a friend of mine who took the board after his second year and did very well recommends me take it during the summer.

Last but not least, if I could give you incoming D1s an advice, it would be the one from one of our professors. “Study what was covered today. Prepare for what will be covered tomorrow.” You will find out that it is not so easy to do these two things. If you can’t, at least study what was covered, and glance through the presentations for tomorrow.
Good Luck everyone and Congratulations! “You are one of the best and brightest students of the nation.” I think that was from the Dean. 🙂 If you have any other questions, feel free to contact one of us.

 

[UCSF info guy]

Just to give my spin to the above.

I bought one textbook all year and turns out I didn't need it either. I'm not saying that's the way to go, but that's what I did. Here's why (and you will learn what these books are when you get here, I'm just giving they abbreviated names):

The radiology book is on reserve in the library.....I did check it out three times during the year.....it has pictures of things you need to be able to recognize.

The PRDS books "Sturdevandt" and "Fixed Prosthedontics", are very nice books. They cover everything about restorative dentistry you need to know first year. I was too cheap to buy them, but I think one day I may end up having them. They are very good! But, you can make it w/o them.

In my opinion, buying any books for Biomedical Sciences (BMS) is a bad idea. Almost everything you need to know is in the lecture presentations on WebCT. Please don't give the bookstore your money if you want these books. I'm sure your big sib will help you find someone with the books and you can borrow them. Buy as a last resort!

Biomaterials will give you a book you pick up on the third floor of the dental school.

PCC gives you a pink book for your clinical activities and the tests.

I don't even know of any other books they recommend for school because I didn't look at them.

Now don't everyone start telling people that I said you don't need books. Some in our class did ALL the reading, and others used the books quite frequently. BUT, I have heard some complain about the 100 bucks they blew on a book they never used (I don't think the embryology book should be purchased under any circumstances). SO......talk to the people in our class when you get here. Get varying opinions! And lastly, remember, you have 14 days from the day you buy a book to return it to the bookstore.

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hi ucsf info guy and Mark,

thank you for the thorough response, ucsf info guy.

Is there a dress code for orientation, D-1/D-2 students?

Are there textbooks for each subject? Do students use all/most of the textbooks? are the books electronic/database or hardbound? Do professors expect students to dig into the textbooks before turning to them for help (it seems tough because so much is covered)?

I wore a tanktop during my first week of school, and almost everyday during the first year (I get too hot and sweat through everything I wear, plus you wear a lab coat or clinic gown sometimes so that covers me up).....BUT, I'm probably the worst dressed person in the class. Dress code requires pants in the clinic and pre-clinical lab (no jeans). I would wear shorts on any days where it was purely lecture in classrooms. When I start seeing patients, I will be wearing much more appropriate clothing. I dressed for comfort in lecture because it makes being in that classroom for hours on end more bearable. Only once I was told to wear pants to clinic....other than that, no one said anything. ABSOLUTELY, DRESS NICE IF LIKE TOO (they take your picture first day), but if you don't want to, it's ok.

Absolutely ask teachers your questions! I think they were very good to help us! Usually, if you posted a question on WebCT either a teacher or someone in the class would answer it immediately. Use your class too! It's not like undergrad anymore.....everyone here is brilliant. It was weird for me when I first got here because I was used to being the most talented guy in the room during undergrad (especially junior college). But here, everyone is genious and I found myself asking people for help.....unheard of to me before this. 😀

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hi ucsf info guy and Mark,


BTW: Mark IS the UCSF info guy

 

[Lilstar0024]

Hi Mark-
You mentioned that Part 1 of the boards will be changing for next year... can you explain that better? How is the exam now and how will it become? Why is it being changed? Is it a school decision or a nationwide change? Thank you!

 

[UCSF info guy]

Hi Mark-
You mentioned that Part 1 of the boards will be changing for next year... can you explain that better? How is the exam now and how will it become? Why is it being changed? Is it a school decision or a nationwide change? Thank you!

This may be cart before the horse.....anyway.....The test now is your standard question/multiple answer style. It's going to a "problem based" format. I'm not sure if the word is out on what that means....supposedly there will be a few new format style questions on the test being given this year. Dr. Perry is the NBDE zcar for UCSF and she will have better answers for you next year. I don't know why the change....I'm sure some egghead out there did the research and conviced people this is a better way to test. This a nationwide deal so scrap those plans to go to UOP to avoid this thing. Everyone's in the same boat, so even if this thing becomes a cluster it shouldn't affect someones ability to specialize (I HOPE). 👍