UCSF vs. Pitt: What would you do if you were in my shoes?

[Roy Williams]

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I kind of have a dilemma. I've gotten into a couple of schools, and Pitt is at the top of my list right now. I have an interview at UCSF next month and am trying to decide if it is worth it to go to the interview. Here's the thing, I am one gen bio class short since they don't accept A&P towards their bio credit and my university (which I've already graduated from) only had one gen bio class.

Do you think it is worth it to have to take gen bio II at the local community college 3 days a week for the entire semester in order to have a chance at getting into UCSF? I believe I want to specialize but could also see myself being happy practicing general dentistry.

Pitt
Pros

• I already have all the required coursework.
• Solid program
• Cost of attendance all 4 years including COL ~$285k

Cons

• Graded and ranked
• Not sure how much I would love being in the city of Pittsburgh (only time I've ever been was for interview)
• Don't want to eventually practice in PA

UCSF
Pros

• High specialty placement
• Pass/Fail relieves a lot of competition, stress, etc.
• Highly revered program

Cons

• Have to take gen bio II (costs 500 dollars) 3 days per week for 4-5 months while working full time
• If I don't hear back from UCSF by the time I'm a 1/3 through the course and keep taking it, I must finish it otherwise I will get an F on my transcript
• Cost of attendance all 4 years including COL (not sure what financial aid I would get) ~$350k
• Never been to SF before, honestly don't know what it's like/if I would it there
• Don't want to eventually practice in CA

In my head I really like the idea of going to UCSF, but I'm having a hard time rationalizing it with all the things I've listed out. Thoughts??

 

[enghia]

In my opinion $500 and taking an extra class is worth it if it means I get a chance to go to the school that I prefer. I'm guessing you think it's worth it too, or you wouldn't have spent the money and time to apply to UCSF in the first place

I kind of have a dilemma. I've gotten into a couple of schools, and Pitt is at the top of my list right now. I have an interview at UCSF next month and am trying to decide if it is worth it to go to the interview. Here's the thing, I am one gen bio class short since they don't accept A&P towards their bio credit and my university (which I've already graduated from) only had one gen bio class.

Do you think it is worth it to have to take gen bio II at the local community college 3 days a week for the entire semester in order to have a chance at getting into UCSF? I believe I want to specialize but could also see myself being happy practicing general dentistry.

Pitt
Pros

• I already have all the required coursework.
• Solid program
• Cost of attendance all 4 years including COL ~$285k

Cons

• Graded and ranked
• Not sure how much I would love being in the city of Pittsburgh (only time I've ever been was for interview)
• Don't want to eventually practice in PA

UCSF
Pros

• High specialty placement
• Pass/Fail relieves a lot of competition, stress, etc.
• Highly revered program

Cons

• Have to take gen bio II (costs 500 dollars) 3 days per week for 4-5 months while working full time
• If I don't hear back from UCSF by the time I'm a 1/3 through the course and keep taking it, I must finish it otherwise I will get an F on my transcript
• Cost of attendance all 4 years including COL (not sure what financial aid I would get) ~$350k
• Never been to SF before, honestly don't know what it's like/if I would it there
• Don't want to eventually practice in CA

In my head I really like the idea of going to UCSF, but I'm having a hard time rationalizing it with all the things I've listed out. Thoughts??

 

[wengerout]

I would probs go to UCSF but really up to you


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[Incis0r]

Roy, Looking forward to seeing where you end up! Good luck.

 

[hopefuldentist123]

Even if you don't get in, I think taking gen bio II will be beneficial for you and help prepare you for dental school. Think about how bad you want to go to UCSF and what you would be willing to do to go there. Also think that taking gen bio II is helpful in either scenario (unless your bio foundation is already very strong)

 

[Roy Williams]

Even if you don't get in, I think taking gen bio II will be beneficial for you and help prepare you for dental school. Think about how bad you want to go to UCSF and what you would be willing to do to go there. Also think that taking gen bio II is helpful in either scenario (unless your bio foundation is already very strong)

Eh I mean isn't gen bio II basically just what we had to memorize for the DAT? Idk how useful that will be for dental school. I could be wrong though.

 

[Roy Williams]

ROY!!!

Oh man, I'm watching this thread with great interest. Looking forward to seeing where you end up. I know you'll make the right decision.

You as well my friend. Who knows maybe if the stars align we'll end up at the same place!

 

[EOS 7D]

A couple of things here.

You can specialize out of any school as long as you perform well. At UCSF you'll benefit from their pass/fail curriculum, which is something that can not be overlooked. That in itself makes dental school much less stressful and gives you more time to study for board exams like the ADAT(ortho) and CBSE (OMFS). This also allows you to devote time to research should you feel so inclined. Not to say you cannot do this at Pitt, but you'll also be stressing out about maintaining top GPA.

You will only pay out of state tuition your first year, and you'll pay in-state tuition the following 3. It'll probably end up similarly to Pitt in that sense.

San Francisco is downright the best city to be in if you love adventure. There are TONS of places to go after class/clinic and everything is so accessible through Uber or public transportation. The food is second to none. Just across the Golden Gate bridge you have Marin and Saulsalito, both known for their beautiful hikes and bike trails. Temperature wise will be far better than Pittsburgh as well.

In terms of that college class, just do it. It's a small roadblock and you're just about there.

Not going to UCSF interview would be a huge mistake. If you get the acceptance there, you would be foolish not to go. Hope that helps

 

[Roy Williams]

A couple of things here.

You can specialize out of any school as long as you perform well. At UCSF you'll benefit from their pass/fail curriculum, which is something that can not be overlooked. That in itself makes dental school much less stressful and gives you more time to study for board exams like the ADAT(ortho) and CBSE (OMFS). This also allows you to devote time to research should you feel so inclined. Not to say you cannot do this at Pitt, but you'll also be stressing out about maintaining top GPA.

You will only pay out of state tuition your first year, and you'll pay in-state tuition the following 3. It'll probably end up similarly to Pitt in that sense.

San Francisco is downright the best city to be in if you love adventure. There are TONS of places to go after class/clinic and everything is so accessible through Uber or public transportation. The food is second to none. Just across the Golden Gate bridge you have Marin and Saulsalito, both known for their beautiful hikes and bike trails. Temperature wise will be far better than Pittsburgh as well.

In terms of that college class, just do it. It's a small roadblock and you're just about there.

Not going to UCSF interview would be a huge mistake. If you get the acceptance there, you would be foolish not to go. Hope that helps

That price is including in state tuition for three years. With my scholarship money to pitt the difference would end up being ~65K. But I do see what you're saying and think that is good advice. Thank you!

 

[ucsfbound2017]

.

 

[Roy Williams]

I had a similar decision where I would be paying ~220k at a state school. I'm happy in choosing UCSF, it's research, staff, and reputation. The price tag takes me back a bit, but this is 4 years of your life. Go to the place that will impact you the greatest. Go to where you can have an impact. The prices of both schools are significantly lower than some private schools, so cost isn't weighted the same (imo).

Yup I think i've decided I at least need to go out to the interview so that I can experience the city/school myself before making any decisions given that I've never even been there before.

 

[future toothdoc]

You could probably wait to take Gen Bio II during summer if you wanted to wait to hear if you get in. Just make sure a college around you offers it during summer.


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[Roy Williams]

Eh I called. They said it needs to be done by spring unless given specific permission. Maybe this could warrant that though.

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[Roy Williams]

Pittsburgh is a fantastic place to be from 22-26. The location should be on the pros list, not the cons list

I agree, the location itself wasn't necessarily the reason it was on the cons list. It was more the fact that I'm unsure of what it's actually like to live there. So more the uncertainty than the actual location itself. But thank you!