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UNC vs. ECU Dental schools
Started by KarmaMarmalade
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If fortunate and given the choice of either school, here is what I'm looking at (I've got a #1 choice, and here is what helped decide that):
-Clinically ready at graduation (or the one that has the most demanding clinical experience)
-Research experiences
-Available scholarships
-Friendliness of faculty and staff
-Faculty reputation
-Costs
-How open and supportive the school is of your career goals (if you decide to specialize)
While one has certainty and reputation, the other has opportunity of leaving a mark and being part of something new. What's more important to you when you're investing >200k (in an otherwise down economy) in your dental education and career?
-Clinically ready at graduation (or the one that has the most demanding clinical experience)
-Research experiences
-Available scholarships
-Friendliness of faculty and staff
-Faculty reputation
-Costs
-How open and supportive the school is of your career goals (if you decide to specialize)
While one has certainty and reputation, the other has opportunity of leaving a mark and being part of something new. What's more important to you when you're investing >200k (in an otherwise down economy) in your dental education and career?
If ECU were the only school to accept you this cycle, would you turn them down and wait another year for the school to get running and work all the kinks out; then try again next cycle for ECU and UNC or other top schools?
I'm not saying anyone should do this, but I looking to see what people think about this hypothetical situation.
I'm not saying anyone should do this, but I looking to see what people think about this hypothetical situation.
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Hmmm...interesting question. Originally, I was not going to touch this question, but I'll bite. While they always say the best dental school is the one that accepts you, this situation does not apply. Here are some questions I've been asking, and before I start this is only one person's perspective and opinion, so please refrain from taking what I say as the gospel, and look everything up for yourself, without regard for taking my word for it.
-Does ECU have an excellent administration, along with top-notch faculty and friendly staff, in place? Absolutely!
-Will there be a dental building in place by the time the first, or even when the second class starts? No and probably not, respectively.
-The state has approved the necessary funds for the dental school, but with a struggling economy, will the state be able to provide the necessary funds on a strict timeline? My opinion, and my opinion only - probably not.
-What if the school does not become accredited? (maybe due to other students not passing the boards - because they are implementing a new curriculum- or the school is not able to provide the necessary resources because of funding)
-Because the above scenarios could occur, will scholarships be given to attract students and to put fears of finances aside? I don't know. This will be a big key for me if this was the only school that accepts me.
-Now they say that no matter where you go, it's up to the individual to make the best of it. While I definitely agree with this, you have to consider if the resources are going to be there and the opportunities are going to be there.
-Would it be a great thing to be part of something new, be in the picture of the first class that will sit in the front lobby, etc? Sure, but I'm not getting caught up in all of the hoopla. Personally, my reasons for pursuing dentistry are beyond that. I'm looking for a dental institution that will provide a firm dental educational background for the next 30 to 40 years of my career and will give me the tools to make the most of my four years.
-Is waiting one more year (in hopes of an acceptance elsewhere) that big a deal in the grand scheme of things when you're considering the next 30 to 40 years? That's for you to decide.
I'm not presenting my thoughts to put fear into others, but just giving my perspective. If you can answer with facts to the above questions, to put my fears aside, please do. I have nothing but love for ECU (I'm a very proud alum), however when it comes to my career and providing in the future for a family, I take this very seriously, and this goes beyond loyalty to a particular school. In closing, because of the incredible faculty and staff in place, I believe ECU will be an excellent dental school and a leader in dental education once established.
Best wishes.
-Does ECU have an excellent administration, along with top-notch faculty and friendly staff, in place? Absolutely!
-Will there be a dental building in place by the time the first, or even when the second class starts? No and probably not, respectively.
-The state has approved the necessary funds for the dental school, but with a struggling economy, will the state be able to provide the necessary funds on a strict timeline? My opinion, and my opinion only - probably not.
-What if the school does not become accredited? (maybe due to other students not passing the boards - because they are implementing a new curriculum- or the school is not able to provide the necessary resources because of funding)
-Because the above scenarios could occur, will scholarships be given to attract students and to put fears of finances aside? I don't know. This will be a big key for me if this was the only school that accepts me.
-Now they say that no matter where you go, it's up to the individual to make the best of it. While I definitely agree with this, you have to consider if the resources are going to be there and the opportunities are going to be there.
-Would it be a great thing to be part of something new, be in the picture of the first class that will sit in the front lobby, etc? Sure, but I'm not getting caught up in all of the hoopla. Personally, my reasons for pursuing dentistry are beyond that. I'm looking for a dental institution that will provide a firm dental educational background for the next 30 to 40 years of my career and will give me the tools to make the most of my four years.
-Is waiting one more year (in hopes of an acceptance elsewhere) that big a deal in the grand scheme of things when you're considering the next 30 to 40 years? That's for you to decide.
I'm not presenting my thoughts to put fear into others, but just giving my perspective. If you can answer with facts to the above questions, to put my fears aside, please do. I have nothing but love for ECU (I'm a very proud alum), however when it comes to my career and providing in the future for a family, I take this very seriously, and this goes beyond loyalty to a particular school. In closing, because of the incredible faculty and staff in place, I believe ECU will be an excellent dental school and a leader in dental education once established.
Best wishes.
I think you bring up some valid concerns and many of them really do boil down to personal preference, but I would have to respectfully disagree with a few points. But this is just my two cents on the issue and I certainly don't expect everyone to agree.
2 - They won't have a dental building up and finished until about 2nd semester 2nd year but I don't think this will really have any negative effect on the students or the learning experience. Like UNC (or really any other dental school) you don't see patients first year. You basically live in one classroom and the lab. ECU is revamping a classroom in Brody to make it all smart and they're setting up a high-tech temporary lab to be used until Ross Building is up and running. And the students will have opportunities to do clinical work on each other and around the Greenville area. And once the building is done, it's supposed to be amazing. But will lacking your own building be slightly annoying? Of course.
3 - The issue of funds I think is a valid concern. I believe a necessary amount of funds have already been guaranteed to the school and were basically set in stone before the worst of the recession, but you never know.
4 - No school has ever not received accreditation so it is highly unlikely this will be an issue. And I'm not quite sure what you mean about accreditation being associated with students not passing the board. The accreditation is given to the school by this coming February--before students begin attending. I assume the ADA can take away an accreditation of boards are abysmal, but based on ECU's curriculum and the two week preparation (that UNC does not have), I don't think passing the boards will be a problem for students.
5 - I honestly have no idea about scholarships. I agree that probably not considering so many funds are needed to start the school. They will be ~$5,000 cheaper a year than UNC though.
6 - I agree with this in the whole. I think ECU will have great resources, but it depends what you're looking for. If you know you want to be a general dentist, ECU is probably a great fit. If you think you want to go into a specialty, probably not so much--particularly for orthodontics. UNC would be a much better fit. Probably for research, as well.
6 - I agree about not giving into the hoopla. Although it would be very cool to be part of the first class, that just icing--definitely not a deciding factor.
7 - I would say no. But, like you said, that's totally a personal choice. Personally, I've never understood the point of applying to a school if you have no intention of going there. Granted, you may not have known much about the program then decided you weren't a big fan of the program after you learned more about it. There was one school I interviewed at that I thought I would like then absolutely hated it--so I totally understand those kinds of circumstances.
I'm definitely not saying ECU is better than UNC. Both are great and have their strengths and weaknesses. Like you mentioned, one big thing UNC has over ECU that ECU will not have anytime too soon is a stellar reputation already in place. It will be nearly 5 years before the public sees what kind of dentists ECU grads become.
Personally, I'm undecided as to what I'll do if I am very fortunate enough to get in to both schools. But I'm trying my best not to think about it and get my hopes up...Just waiting anxiously for the next 8 days to pass...
I'm confused as to why any of you would choose ECU over UNC if you got into both schools? I know everyone is trying to be careful with their words during these times because faculty and admission do surf the site, but let's be serious. ECU will most likely be a fine institution, but the first several classes, while qualified, will basically be guinea pigs. Again, the first several classes will end up fine, but no need to run the rat maze if you get into UNC as well.
I guess the real discussion will begin on december first and second when acceptances are handed out and choices have to be made. Im more curious to see if UNC changes the way it hands out acceptances now that there is another instate dental school for competition.
i have a theory about the two schools.
they are working together, they arent really "competition" to one another. (from the mouth of Dr. Wilder @ UNC)
in order to get the attendance ECU wants, i believe they are in talks with UNC about the students they interview. if ECU interviews them and even accepts them, then I think UNC will not touch the students so ECU can have their share of first year students.
I, too, think that many students will pick the UNC route instead of the ECU route if accepted to both. Unless a scholarship comes into play.
i know most have gotten an interview at either UNC or ECU, and a handful have done both.
but i find it hard for ECU to fill their seats if they are competing with UNC on a student.
they are working together, they arent really "competition" to one another. (from the mouth of Dr. Wilder @ UNC)
in order to get the attendance ECU wants, i believe they are in talks with UNC about the students they interview. if ECU interviews them and even accepts them, then I think UNC will not touch the students so ECU can have their share of first year students.
I, too, think that many students will pick the UNC route instead of the ECU route if accepted to both. Unless a scholarship comes into play.
i know most have gotten an interview at either UNC or ECU, and a handful have done both.
but i find it hard for ECU to fill their seats if they are competing with UNC on a student.
I don't consider myself a conspiracist, but I'm on board with you and I feel the same way. I hope this isn't the case, however, at both interviews, this was my feeling. During one of my interviews at these two schools, a particular question came up in regards to UNC or ECU? I didn't beat around the bush, I was very honest as to which school and why, and backed up my reasoning with valid points (not any negative comments about the other school, but only positive remarks about that particular school). Luckily, the interviewer replied, "I couldn't agree with you more." So we'll see.
In regards to your last comment, I believe ECU will slowly fill up the class. They'll probably throw a few out on Dec 1, and then send out remaining seats after UNC sends out the second round of acceptances. All pure speculation, of course.
Best wishes.
I will say that I agree the shools are working together, but there is is no way they are not in competition with eachother. In my interview with UNC, which was in september, there were multiple professors that talked down about ECU, so they would not do this if they were trying to help them out. I also do not believe ECU talks to UNC about people they are interested in, and UNC leaves them alone. UNC wants to be a top dental school, and there is no way in hell the are going to give ECU top candidates just because ECU wants them. These are just my thoughts, but ecu will be getting the lower half of the applicants i assume, with a few top candidates tossed in there.
I agree. Considering UNC (like any other school, really) wants the best students, I doubt they're going to step aside for another school to take the students they want. Particularly since I'm sure UNC knows the majority of students accepted into both schools will choose UNC.
I think it would be a bad assumption to make that most top students will choose UNC over ECU. One edge that no one here mentioned was how much more indvidual attention and effort will be put into ECU's first class to set the standard for other classes to follow. This is something most people overlook and something UNC can't offer students who choose to attend there. Just some food for thought.
You are definitely right. The school will work hard to have their first couple classes succeed. But the effects of that hard work will most likely be seen later on with future classes. Over the first several years they will tweak the curriculum and schedule, change board dates, and adjust faculty. There will be a learning curve. And there is nothing wrong with that. A learning curve is expected. And I may be debating a moot point here. Even though some of you are playing devil's advocate, I do believe 99% of the North Carolinians will choose UNC over ECU. And UNC will not pass up students so ECU can have them. Only in a world where clouds are made of marshmallows and forest animals can talk
I wasn't really playing devils advocate. I am just tired of people pointing out all of the negative things instead of giving reason to be excited about the possibilty of having two great dental schools in NC. Im also excited that some people are weary of going to ECU if they were the only dental school that accepted them, because as a new dental school they need people who want to go there and be guinea pigs if you will to pave the foundation for future classes to benifit from. Just some one more thing for thought all great dental schools started somewhere and if people weren't willing to be part of that first class at UNC we wouldn't have that as an option for dental school today.
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I see what you are saying. If a student gets into ECU and not UNC they should definitely go. It would be foolish not to. The students will be fine and it will be a good school. Plus in-state tuition, which is a HUGE bonus. I was just suggesting that if they got into both they should choose UNC.
I couldn't agree with you more here. After meeting some of the faculty, they are the nicest people you could ever meet and the small atmosphere will give you the chance to actually get to know all of them--and for them to get to know you.
Another big difference we haven't mentioned, whether you see it as a good or bad thing, is ECU is using a pass/fail system instead of letter grades. This could be seen as bad in the sense that it may make applying to specialty programs difficult, but they will be keeping meticulous records of your performance so hopefully that won't actually be an issue. One great benefit of this is it prevents a really competitive atmosphere that I have heard from many students and faculty is at UNC.
In the end, I think one of the biggest differences between the schools that we haven't discussed here is the curriculum and what is more conducive to your particular learning. ECU is taking a systems approach and instead of separate exams for each class, you take one exam every Wednesday that tests you on everything you learned the past week. This is completely different from UNC where you take classes on physiology, histology, anatomy, etc and take tests in each class. At ECU, you'll encompass those into classes on the digestive system, integumentary system, hematology, etc.
Neither one is right or wrong, it's more just what type of curriculum is best for your learning. If you're a procrastinator that won't study for classes til the last minute, ECU's curriculum might keep you on your toes. If you prefer to get one subject over with at a time, UNC might be better.
QUOTE]
I was curious how you found this out, did you ask this at your interview, or did I miss a link through ECU's website?[/QUOTE]
They talked about it during the interview day. And I went into a little more detail about it with one of my interviewers.
I was curious how you found this out, did you ask this at your interview, or did I miss a link through ECU's website?[/QUOTE]
They talked about it during the interview day. And I went into a little more detail about it with one of my interviewers.
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