UDM vs USC

[sprinkles_hamshire]

Hi All,

I have a dilemma... I have a choice of attending USC or UDM (Detroit Mercy). I have no idea which one? Please help!

USC is a problem based learning school while UDM is traditional. USC is much closer to home for me but I'm concerned about PBL and the availability to receive patients here. Also super expensive!

Please comment!

Thank you!

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[acesofseven]

IMO, UDM will make you a stronger clinician with less debt. USC, on the other hand, has much better weather and a more relaxed environment.

 

[ilovekitkat]

USC all the way! check out my website GetYourDentistOn.com

I went to USC. I loved PBL. It helps you to critically think. You are able to question things and find out the information on your own. You will learn to look at the world from a different perspective and analyze information etc. The small PBL groups also allow you to practice publicly speaking, which is practice for conversing with patients and peers. You aren't in class all the time which give you time to focus on boards, or practicing your hand skills in the simulation lab.

I loved my USC Faculty and USC prepared you clinically for the real world of dentistry. The price tag hurts though.... I understand. Consider scholarship options? My friends that took our full loans are paying them off, but they are happy successful dentist also.

If you plan on working in so cal in the future I recommend going to USC. It is all about the connections and USC is So Cal's baby.

I hope that helps!

 

[O Gaúcho]

I'd chose the cheaper one if you are financing your own education.

 

[hye340]

UDM since USC is so expensive around half a million dollars in debt!

 

[sprinkles_hamshire]

USC all the way! check out my website GetYourDentistOn.com

I went to USC. I loved PBL. It helps you to critically think. You are able to question things and find out the information on your own. You will learn to look at the world from a different perspective and analyze information etc. The small PBL groups also allow you to practice publicly speaking, which is practice for conversing with patients and peers. You aren't in class all the time which give you time to focus on boards, or practicing your hand skills in the simulation lab.

I loved my USC Faculty and USC prepared you clinically for the real world of dentistry. The price tag hurts though.... I understand. Consider scholarship options? My friends that took our full loans are paying them off, but they are happy successful dentist also.

If you plan on working in so cal in the future I recommend going to USC. It is all about the connections and USC is So Cal's baby.

I hope that helps!

Hey! Thanks so much for the link and your comments! I am hoping for scholarships. I'm working on them as we speak! Hoping to make the right decision 🙂

 

[Zaria92]

Hi All,

I have a dilemma... I have a choice of attending USC or UDM (Detroit Mercy). I have no idea which one? Please help!

USC is a problem based learning school while UDM is traditional. USC is much closer to home for me but I'm concerned about PBL and the availability to receive patients here. Also super expensive!

Please comment!

Thank you!

As a USC Grad,hate to say it, but I would choose UDM because it's cheaper and my sister in law went to UDM and she's always says good things about the school.

 

[sprinkles_hamshire]

As a USC Grad,hate to say it, but I would choose UDM because it's cheaper and my sister in law went to UDM and she's always says good things about the school.

Was there anything that stood out at USC that would be convincing to go there? It's such a hard decision for me because I like both schools. I'm not a huge fan of Detroit knowing how bad the area is. But neither can I say LA is safe. But, California is much closer to home for me as opposed to Michigan.

 

[JeepinDDS]

Was there anything that stood out at USC that would be convincing to go there? It's such a hard decision for me because I like both schools. I'm not a huge fan of Detroit knowing how bad the area is. But neither can I say LA is safe. But, California is much closer to home for me as opposed to Michigan.

I think you just answered your own question.


UDM School of Dentistry - Class of 2021

 

[sprinkles_hamshire]

I think you just answered your own question.


UDM School of Dentistry - Class of 2021

But, there were no second guessing to UDM's curriculum.... So confused! I'd have regrets declining either UDM or USC.

 

[PremedNoob]

Usc. Better weather and close to family. Where do you want to practice ?

 

[R00tCanal]

I have a friend who went to Michigan for his undergrad and went to USC for dental school. He says PBL learning style shouldn't be a big problem (Ppl think it is LITERALLY self-directed study but there are so many sources and students that will help you to get through) and there are more than enough patients to prepare you to become a great dentist. Choose where you feel the most comfortable!

 

[Zaria92]

Was there anything that stood out at USC that would be convincing to go there? It's such a hard decision for me because I like both schools. I'm not a huge fan of Detroit knowing how bad the area is. But neither can I say LA is safe. But, California is much closer to home for me as opposed to Michigan.

I graduated three years ago,at the time I wanted to go to USC instead of going to UCSF.At that time though,I was 23 years old and didn't really understand how expensive $496,000 really is.I don't have anything good or bad to say about the school other then that.
My little brothers in the same situation,he wants to go to USC and NYU I want him to go to Florida since it's cheaper!!
Hope that helps

 

[sprinkles_hamshire]

Usc. Better weather and close to family. Where do you want to practice ?

Thanks for commenting! I am hoping to practice somewhere on the west coast.

 

[sprinkles_hamshire]

I graduated three years ago,at the time I wanted to go to USC instead of going to UCSF.At that time though,I was 23 years old and didn't really understand how expensive $496,000 really is.I don't have anything good or bad to say about the school other then that.
My little brothers in the same situation,he wants to go to USC and NYU I want him to go to Florida since it's cheaper!!
Hope that helps

Thanks for commenting! I actually did the total cost calculations for just the direct costs for 4 years (not including housing since I will get some help with living expenses) but the difference between UDM and USC is approx $45,600 more at USC. Currently I'm leaning more towards USC because it is much easier to travel between my home state and California as opposed to Michigan which will be a few flights away. Can I ask how you are handling paying that loan off?

 

[hye340]

.

 

[periopocket]

I graduated three years ago,at the time I wanted to go to USC instead of going to UCSF.At that time though,I was 23 years old and didn't really understand how expensive $496,000 really is.I don't have anything good or bad to say about the school other then that.
My little brothers in the same situation,he wants to go to USC and NYU I want him to go to Florida since it's cheaper!!
Hope that helps

I don't think UDM is much cheaper - there is a lot of hidden fees. Many times UDM fails to include the instrument costs in their total package. I would estimate a cost of 100k per year at UDM. Also, Detroit blows compared to LA. But 100k is a 100k, tough decision. Use your heart on this one.

 

[sprinkles_hamshire]

I don't think UDM is much cheaper - there is a lot of hidden fees. Many times UDM fails to include the instrument costs in their total package. I would estimate a cost of 100k per year at UDM. Also, Detroit blows compared to LA. But 100k is a 100k, tough decision. Use your heart on this one.

Thanks so much for posting. I agree with you. I'm thinking USC!

 

[periopocket]

Thanks so much for posting. I agree with you. I'm thinking USC!

Yes for less than a 50k difference, I would certainly chose happiness/weather/family. And the PBL vs. regular curriculum debate is useless. Half of all dental students skip every class (including me) and it doesn't make a difference in their grades. You will be teaching yourself for the most part.

 

[Zaria92]

Yes for less than a 50k difference, I would certainly chose happiness/weather/family. And the PBL vs. regular curriculum debate is useless. Half of all dental students skip every class (including me) and it doesn't make a difference in their grades. You will be teaching yourself for the most part.

That 50k is going to be 90k in a few years with interest.