UCSF vs. Pitt

[idn]

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Hi all,

I am trying to decide between UCSF and Pitt. I am a Cali resident and I wondering what you guys think about these two schools. I really liked both schools when I went for the interview. I am also wondering if you guys know if students are ranked in these schools.
Thanks

 

[TedyBearSuicide]

When I interviewed, it seemed like it was majority white married males from Utah who are in the military

Must have interviewed on a bizarre day to make this strange post.

 

[Vicviper]

Haha, I got a bit of a chuckle out of that one. Well... I think that maybe 10% of the class is married, there's a few from Utah, sure. There isn't the biggest Asian population in Pittsburgh I guess, but idunno, doesn't seem to be the biggest issue for the Asian students here. I guess it's more of an issue for some than others.

 

[alanan84]

Haha, I got a bit of a chuckle out of that one. Well... I think that maybe 10% of the class is married, there's a few from Utah, sure. There isn't the biggest Asian population in Pittsburgh I guess, but idunno, doesn't seem to be the biggest issue for the Asian students here. I guess it's more of an issue for some than others.

Yeah I'm not sure I'd base my decision on what the diversity "seemed" to be on a particular day.

 

[idn]

Wow, the funny thing is that no one is answering my question.😕

 

[preOMFS]

Definitely Pitt. That'd open another spot at UCSF and give me a chance to get accepted there!

 

[junkemails44]

I'd go to UCSF in a heartbeat. But then if you're a cool person, you could be my class mate....

 

[Vicviper]

Wow, the funny thing is that no one is answering my question.😕

Haha, sorry. Yes, students are Ranked at Pitt, and they use A/B +/- grading. You've got to keep at 2.6 by the end of the year. Not sure how it works at SF. And though I'm rather Biased and have never been to UCSF, I can say that I really like Pitt, minus the frustrations that first year dental students have everywhere, haha.

One of the most important things in your decision is to not go with a school based on name only, you should actually like it for the things that are actually good (or bad) about them. Also, don't let others make your choice for you based on how silly they'd think you'd be if you don't go to school X. I picked Pitt over Columbia last year, and I really don't regret it. Either way, you got into dental school, and either choice will be a good one. Take the time to weigh the Pro's and Con's, and get into contact with people at both schools and talk to them. I know talking to Dr. Etzel, the dean of student services at Pitt, last year, really helped me solidify my decision.

 

[playa2652]

I am about done with finals for my 1st quarter at UCSF and I have got to say, it is a great school. Your classmates are probably the most awesome people you will ever meet, the school has a great reputation nationally, and the fact that it is on the P/NP curriculum makes your life a little easier, because there's no ranking system and most classes require 70% for passing. If you have to remediate, it isn't a big deal because almost everyone will go thru remediation once or twice. At times you will be frustrated because 1st year (particular 1st quarter at UCSF) is supposedly one of the hardest times in dental school. I spent the last week cramming for finals and believe me, dental school will require a lot of work out of you.

I agree with Vicviper on making your decision for dental school. Take time and weigh out the pros and cons, think about where you would see yourself happier of the two, and decide from there. I personally enjoy dental school, because you really are working with the best and brightest people in the country who help each other along the way to succeed.

 

[idn]

thanks guys!

 

[idn]

I am about done with finals for my 1st quarter at UCSF and I have got to say, it is a great school. Your classmates are probably the most awesome people you will ever meet, the school has a great reputation nationally, and the fact that it is on the P/NP curriculum makes your life a little easier, because there's no ranking system and most classes require 70% for passing. If you have to remediate, it isn't a big deal because almost everyone will go thru remediation once or twice. At times you will be frustrated because 1st year (particular 1st quarter at UCSF) is supposedly one of the hardest times in dental school. I spent the last week cramming for finals and believe me, dental school will require a lot of work out of you.

I agree with Vicviper on making your decision for dental school. Take time and weigh out the pros and cons, think about where you would see yourself happier of the two, and decide from there. I personally enjoy dental school, because you really are working with the best and brightest people in the country who help each other along the way to succeed.

If there is no ranking, Grades are pass/fail, and boards are becoming pass/fail, what happens when you apply for a specialty.

 

[Vicviper]

If there is no ranking, Grades are pass/fail, and boards are becoming pass/fail, what happens when you apply for a specialty.

One of the reasons that the ADA switched the boards to P/F was that they didn't want Part 1 of the boards to be used as the test to get into specialty, so they want the specialties to come up with their own testing system or some other way to do it. I know a number of schools already require you to take the GRE when you apply, although I never understood that very well.

 

[hellodentist]

GRE? It is ridiculous ! I hope they find a better way

 

[xjmgenius]

One of the reasons that the ADA switched the boards to P/F was that they didn't want Part 1 of the boards to be used as the test to get into specialty, so they want the specialties to come up with their own testing system or some other way to do it.

My interviewer said that's probably what they are going to do at Pitt. More tests!

 

[Vicviper]

GRE? It is ridiculous ! I hope they find a better way

Yeah, it really doesn't make much sense to me, I mean especially how the DAT is more or less equivalent to the GRE, same level of testing... why would you need to take another test, ESPECIALLY when it's not on anything you'll ever use.

 

[peerless218]

Yeah, it really doesn't make much sense to me, I mean especially how the DAT is more or less equivalent to the GRE, same level of testing... why would you need to take another test, ESPECIALLY when it's not on anything you'll ever use.

So IDN, have you made up your mind yet???

 

[Dr rice]

Go to ucsf. This is your guardian angel speaking. Go to ucsf, leave pittsburgh for the me. I mean the guy whos writing this post, i am your guardian angel.