dentalanon
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- Dec 22, 2020
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Post:
School 1: UMich
*OOS
Pros:
School 2: VCU
* IS
Pros:
Summary:
I grew up in Michigan so I am pretty familiar with Ann Arbor and love the city. I have been in Richmond (where VCU is) for years now, so I am itching to leave, but also, my entire family and group of friends lives here in the Virginia area. Although Michigan is OOS for me, the cost difference between the two schools is negligible (would only be about $20k over the 4 years). I think I want to specialize so I am wondering if Michigan holds a better name/opportunities that would allow me to do so. I'm particularly interested in global dentistry and plan on working abroad for some time after graduation, so looking for the best clinical experience possible. Both have new clinics/facilities opening in 2022 and similar class sizes, so basically I want to know - which school has a better overall program and more clinical experience? Is it worth moving away from home for a new city experience? I know I am overthinking but I am really struggling with this decision and what I should be prioritizing in a school!
School 1: UMich
*OOS
Pros:
- Better name
- Ann Arbor is a better place to live
- Better opportunities for research, extra curriculars, and networking?
- Has community rotations (3 months in D4 year)
- Has global outreach programs
- Same campus/connected to undergrad -> bigger community?
- Far from home (flight)
- Harder curriculum?
- Colder
- Starting fresh in a new city
School 2: VCU
* IS
Pros:
- 25 mins from home (but not planning on commuting)
- Support system nearby
- Warmer
- Solid clinical experience
- less of a "name"
- not as many extra curriculars or opportunities to engage in global outreach
- no community rotations or externships
- not as great of a location
- isolated from undergrad campus
Summary:
I grew up in Michigan so I am pretty familiar with Ann Arbor and love the city. I have been in Richmond (where VCU is) for years now, so I am itching to leave, but also, my entire family and group of friends lives here in the Virginia area. Although Michigan is OOS for me, the cost difference between the two schools is negligible (would only be about $20k over the 4 years). I think I want to specialize so I am wondering if Michigan holds a better name/opportunities that would allow me to do so. I'm particularly interested in global dentistry and plan on working abroad for some time after graduation, so looking for the best clinical experience possible. Both have new clinics/facilities opening in 2022 and similar class sizes, so basically I want to know - which school has a better overall program and more clinical experience? Is it worth moving away from home for a new city experience? I know I am overthinking but I am really struggling with this decision and what I should be prioritizing in a school!