UNC vs. UAB vs. GRU (Help!)

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nemolaws

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Hello all! I was extremely fortunate and blessed to get into my top choices as listed above with a scholarship offer so far from UNC. I am resident of the state of Georgia, so naturally GRU would be the cheapest option. However, UNC's scholarship offer puts it on par, if not less than GRU's tuition. At the same time, there were so many things that I liked about UAB. I'm extremely torn right now, although I've already made a pro/con list. I'm praying about the entire decision to make sure that I'm more at ease. If any of you have constructive helpful opinions, I am more than willing to hear you out and listen actively. Thanks again!

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Have you talked to anyone at UAB about possible scholarships? I know someone from the admission committee there came to my school and mentioned to me that I could get in state tuition even though I live in Georgia.
 
i'm a new yorker and UNC was a beautiful school. Really top class.


Tough decision. do a pro/con table for each school. Grading scheme, size, ect.


Congrats on your situation!
 
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Hey. I currently attend undergrdaute UAB and research at the UAB SOD. My opinion may or may not be biased but I think all three are excellent choices. The way I felt about UAB SOD during my time here and at the interview was that this school wants the best out of all their students but not at the expense of students and other people. Here, people are more than willing to help each other and share notes unlike the undergraduate campus where everyone is so cutthroat. Plus, UAB SOD has one of the highest clinical requirements to graduate in the U.S. I don't know much about the other schools that you mentions except that they are very good, especially UNC. I think the bad part about UAB SOD is the city...if you are not going to really go out and have fun like in Atlanta or Los Angeles, Birmingham would be a good choice. If you are looking to have a good nightlife and other fun, maybe not so much.
 
Thanks everyone on the advice! I really take it to heart!
 
If you're basing this on where you ultimately want to live, North Carolina is hard to beat:
http://ui.uncc.edu/story/charlotte-and-raleigh-are-fastest-growing-large-cities-un-projections
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/best-worst-run-states-america-232000905.html

I could try to find a few more good statistics, but those are the links I had handy.

While you're in school:
Raleigh (~35 minutes from Chapel Hill to downtown): http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/
Durham (~15 minute drive): http://downtowndurham.com/
Chapel Hill: http://www.downtownchapelhill.com/

I can't help you with the schools, other than to tell you what you probably already know about UNC. That's a nice little decision you get to make over the break. 🙂
 
Congratulations! In a vacuum, I would recommend UNC to most individuals if we're focusing on location. I've spent some time in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area, and as others have mentioned, it's a top-tier location. All that said, I don't know what your ties to the 3 states/schools are, so you might have compelling reasons why you are drawn to GRU or UAB. I've been to both those cities, and while they're nice, they pale in comparison to Chapel Hill.

There's also a large segment of SDN'ers who simply recommend going to the cheapest dental school available. I'm largely inclined to side with that school of thought. I think you would get a quality education at all three locations, so you may want to run the numbers and take a hard look at the cost differentials.
 
ALWAYS go to the cheapest school possible...no matter what. If cost is negligible, which seems to be the case here, then focus on location. Obviously I am biased, but UNC cannot be beat with its location near Raleigh/Durham/CH and lower cost of living. Also, can you still receive UNC's scholarship AND get in state tuition? Pretty much all OOS students gain IS tuition after the first year...If so, this could really lower your loan debt over time...
 
I am a junior atm but may have some insight as I am a Georgian as well.

UNC got basketball, and Durham is part of the research triangle. There are gonna be smart folks everywhere.

GRU probably has proximity for you, but you know the nicknames Augusta has. If you are a dawg, keep in mind that there will probably be a lot of familiar faces at GRU. This could be good or bad.

No comment on UAB. I do not have enough intel on them.
 
I'm living in Georgia. I'm in similar boat.
I'm looking for school that has good clinic and place where I can build the skills with a depth of clinical experiences and knowledge So, I am leaning toward to UAB. School was too awesome to reject their offer. Hope this help.
 
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Do you know why and how you received that scholarship at UAB?
They told me they offer scholarship to out of state applicant. Still, my tuition is higher than in state tuition. SO, if you are living in Alabama, the school probably will not offer the scholarship. I still have to more than in state tuition.
 
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