Harvard, especially with the way UF treats people during the interview, I wouldn't even look back.
I have no idea how the interview in the other room could have been so terrible, but I've heard this multiple times!
🙁 My interviewers were super nice, so I'm sorry for your experience. :/
-----
But to OP: I'll be attending UF, and while it is an excellent school with a ton to offer, cost/family arrangements were potentially the biggest deciding factors for myself and a few others I spoke to who chose it over Penn, Columbia, or other attractive schools. The specialization rate for UF was high enough for me to feel comfortable, and since it offers every specialty under one roof, I felt it would be an easy place to find where I belong in a place of enthusiastic and friendly peers. They have recently dropped a couple spots in research funding, but remain highly ranked.
However, in the case of Harvard, I think it's a little different. You yourself said the class size is only 35...that's such an incredible opportunity, where you will probably have a very personalized learning experience. It is likely worth the extra money to have that. You are one of very few to make it in, and while you can simply frame the acceptance letter, you could genuinely be gaining a once in a lifetime education. I can't say I would choose Harvard without having applied/interviewed/even looked through their admissions site, but I know it gains a strong reputation for a reason, and would highly consider it regardless of cost. Though, like all schools, I'm sure it comes with flaws that most of us are unfamiliar with, and should be considered. For example, are the labs outdated, or renovated frequently? Is there a big/little mentorship match for smooth patient transitions?
The Harvard atmosphere will likely be a bit more high-pressure and research-based, but you can clearly handle that/may enjoy it if you've been selected to attend! I would have too much anxiety for the prestige, lol. But the small class size may truly make for a close-knit family (if it's important to you to have supportive peers). Do they offer an open house to get to know potential future classmates?
How did you feel on interview day at both schools? Happy, or ready to get out of there? Was there a sense of commradery, or did you feel out of place? At the end of the day, I think your gut will really tell you what you want, and you won't want to kick yourself for not listening to it. If time permits, reach out to current dental students at each and get some real answers.
🙂
As for P/F, that is a serious plus, but since you've done so well academically thus far, you have a strong chance to be ranked highly in the class if you choose to attend UF. I'm sure you'll be successful no matter what, so best of luck, and hope you keep us posted!!
