Five simple and practical reasons, as an international dentist ----why UMich over UCSF.
1. The tution is much cheaper for UMich. Umich cost ~140k for 28 month program, while UCSF cost ~200K for 24 month program.(70 K with interest on top of it --is like paying the debt for one more year out of the paycheck.)
2. Umich will start in Jan 2015 and you get your full time patient pool by May 1st 2015. UCSF starts in June 2015 (5 months late) and you get your full time patient pool, after you are transferred to Buchanan center, in Feb 2016 (9 months late). Taking into consideration that the student batch of 2017 from both the schools will be graduating at the same time---- Umich gives you longer and much better clinical exposure. As a international dentist, you dont need much theory classes, spend maximum amount your time on patients, clinically.
3. Staying in SF is way expensive than staying in Ann Arbor (Save your money to pay your interests. Every penny counts when your debt is so high)
4. Umich has a among the best campus in US. You will easily get something close to school and you don't have to fight everyday to make your way through the traffic or transport to reach school. Simple and much productive lifestyle. Also you will have spare time to pursue your other interests.
5. Currently in dental research, it is no 1 in US with lot of good opportunities.
I agree the weather is harsh for four months but rest of the year is pretty good. Also your house,car,bus,school is heated. So you are literally in the weather from your car to the school. I have worked at USCF for a year. The winds makes SF much colder than what the Californian weather should be.
Your dilemma is good!! Because both the schools are good. But contact the students who are already in the program of these schools, rather than taking a random poll (A third party opinion will be always confusing). Since you have been to both of these schools for interview, base your decision on where you thought -- this is the school I want to be in. I faced the similar situation last year, but I was lucky that I was clear in my head from start where I want to be, even before my interviews. 🙂 🙂
All the very Best!!!