University of Florida

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For a long time I heard nothing but good things about University of Florida. However, In the past week I have read and heard everything from small patient pool, tough grading, and no help from the proffessors. Is this true? Or can someone really give me a good idea of how good this school really is.

I would appreciate any help.

 

[jam21]

I 'm attending Univ of Florida right now (undergrad). I don't know if you ever been to UF dental school yet..
I 've been volunteering at the dental clinics and I have some friends who go to dental school there. So far, I can tell you that they are very close (students & faculties). It's a very relaxed environment. All the dental students I talked to were very friendly and willing to help you. I don't think their grading system is that tough. My friend got straight A's first semester and she told me that it's not that bad.
They have stateof the art facility as well. Compared to NYU and columbia I went to, UF has nicer dental equipments, chairs...and simulation lab..etc.
However, I heard that you have to line up at 5:30 in the morning to get patients...... 😱 although the they say they never really have problem getting patietns. I think most students get their patients without that much problem .


hope this helps.

 

[$C$]

Thanks, that is a lot of help. I have been accepted to UF and it looks like I will be attending. See ya there if you going.

 

[fourpointohoh]

Hi guys,

I have an interview there soon and was wondering if you guys could help me out a bit and tell me what to expect. I REALLY want to go there! Also, do you guys know what the chances are of getting accepted after getting an interview? How many people do they interview/accept? This would really help me out. Congrats on your acceptance!!! (hope to see you there next year!)

😀 😀 😀 😀

 

[voozhead]

Hey there fourpointhoh,

Congratulations on your interview invite at UF. It's a pretty cool interview, everyone is extremely nice. For the interview portion of the day, you'll meet in Dr. Sposetti's office. She will be the one interviewing you the most (usually that's the case). Along with her, there'll be 2 other members of the committee. Sometimes, it'll be one member and a dental student. But I must say, most of us (myself, and 5 other of my friends who got interviewed there) didn't have a student during our interview.

Our interviews all varied, among some of us they talked about their grades and DAT scores, but mainly they wanted to get to know YOU as an individual. SO a lot of the questions dealt with activities and events that had taken part in our undergraduate years. But then, it all depends on the individual. All in all, I honestly felt as if they were truly looking for individuals who will make great dentists, not only based on their grades, but their orientation towards dentistry.

As far as the acceptance rate goes, according to the ASDA's Guide for Predental Students, it says that the ratio for Applicants/accepted at UF is 8/1. And the class size is 80 students each year. However, I'm not sure how many people apply each year. Also..UF tends to lean towards FLORIDA RESIDENTS. And if you attended UF for undergrad, then you have a greatter chance of getting accepted. They tend to take students from their own school. However, if you don't go there don't get discouraged. I didn't go there for my undergrad, and I still got accepted. And believe me, I didn't have the best of scores either. that's why I truly believe they're looking for more than just individuals with the right numbers. 😛

Anyways..I hope this helps ya bit. BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR INTERVIEW!!! Just be yourself, and have fun at the interview. I'm just curious to know..at what time of the day is your interview?

😀 😀 😀

 

[jam21]

good luck on the interview.. To tell you the truth, i didn't really liked how my interview went at UF. there were three people in a small room and i felt like other two people who didnt ask the question were observing me or soemthing. I didn't feel that comfortable. THey asked "why do you wanna be a dentist?" "Tell me how you studied for DAT", "TEll me about your PAT scores..." "what are your hobbies"."what is your favorite subject besides the science classes?"
Dr. Sposetti is VERY talkative. So, as long as you prepare some questions, you will be okay. My interview didnt' go that well, but I still got in. I don't think that the interview plays that much role in my opinion. If you have your interview now, I'm nto sure if you have a high chance of gettin in. I'm sure you will get in if you have good stats.. 🙂
good luck~! message me if you need to ask more questions...

 

[leafhound16]

Hey guys,

Do you know or have you heard how University of FL is regarding students who want to specialize? I know most of the students go on to do general practice, but i'm wondering if UF is generally looked well upon by specialty programs, and, if you know, if most enroll in these programs in Florida or out of the state.

I know Penn is also really good at sending students to specialty programs, so that is why I'm curious. I really would like to attend UF and save a lot of money.

I talked to Dr. Sposetti previously when I was interviewing months ago, and I think she said there is at least a 90% matching rate to specialty programs but i'm wondering if any of you guys have any additional opinions/thoughts. Thanks!

 

[leafhound16]

Jam21, i've pm-ed you!

 

[damian12]

I've also been pondering about staying @ UF and saving some bucks, but the truth is that UPenn WILL open up more doors and provide lots of opportunities to specialize. That is a fact. The majority of students @ UF usually want to pursue a carreer in general dentistry, while @ UPenn the majority want to specialize. Could someone please shed some light on this subject !?

 

[gryffindor]

YOU are the only factor in specializing. UPenn won't open any doors that UF can't just as well open IF you are the right candidate. Specializing is about your grades, rank, board scores, experience, letters of rec, interest, research, and activities - NOT about which school you went to.

A 90% acceptance rate into specialties is really good - I'd say that the 10% that don't get in weren't qualified to begin with in some way or will probably get in after doing a 1-year residency and re-applying.

I choose my state school over Penn dental. And next semester, I am going to start preparing applications to the specialty of my choice. I have never once doubted that I will not have a fair shot - in fact, a better qualified applicant from my school would get looked at over a less qualified applicant from Penn. Not to put Penn down - but the point is, in dentistry, the name means NOTHING!!! Go wherever you'll be in the least amount of debt. If debt doesn't concern you, go wherever you'll be happy.

And if you want to stay in Florida, go to UF because up North, we know the Florida boards are very difficult to pass. Many of our seniors are going to attend residencies in Florida so they have a better shot at the Florida boards because they are sick of the snow and want to practice in the sun. Even if you specialize, you still have to pass the Florida boards (which test you on every aspect of dentistry). It is easier to pass them right out of school when you have experience doing amalgam and resin, rather than after you spend 6 years doing oral surgery and then have to go back and brush up on amalgams and resins because you want to practice in Florida and have to take their boards. Not impossible, just more difficult.