University of Michigan vs. Maryland

[applesanddentists]

Hey everyone. So as of right now, my top two choices are University of Michigan versus University of Maryland. I have had interviews at both and I think they went really well, but I wanted to get input on the pros and cons of both schools. I'm from the West Coast so the temperature change, reputation, ability to possibly specialize afterwards, time in the clinic, competency versus number requirements and other factors are the things i'm considering right now. I would appreciate any other input you guys have though!

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[CabbageKid]

I also received interview to both schools and I'm pulling my hair trying to decide (if I get offers from both)! UMD is cheaper and offers in-state tuition after the first year while UMich does not. UMich has a greater "prestige" being one of the top D schools in the nation. My student interviewer literally told us he believes that he got multiple interviews at other schools for specializing just because of the Michigan tag. For me, Maryland is drivable from home (4 hrs away), while Michigan is a flight away. So many variables to weigh out....

 

[tombradyschin]

Maryland is the oldest dental school and is constantly considered top notch. Don't think that Umich has more "prestige." Can't go wrong here. Which ever is cheaper for you is what I would pick

 

[applesanddentists]

CabbageKid, did you take the area into consideration when you were comparing the two schools? Ann Arbor just seems like a nicer area and I loved the campus. But it's also significantly colder than Baltimore during the winters....

 

[applesanddentists]

I also received interview to both schools and I'm pulling my hair trying to decide (if I get offers from both)! UMD is cheaper and offers in-state tuition after the first year while UMich does not. UMich has a greater "prestige" being one of the top D schools in the nation. My student interviewer literally told us he believes that he got multiple interviews at other schools for specializing just because of the Michigan tag. For me, Maryland is drivable from home (4 hrs away), while Michigan is a flight away. So many variables to weigh out....

Did you take location into account when you were comparing the two schools? Ann Arbor is a GREAT town and I loved the area, but it's significantly colder than Baltimore during winter.... Being from the desert, that was at least a big factor for me.

 

[CabbageKid]

Did you take location into account when you were comparing the two schools? Ann Arbor is a GREAT town and I loved the area, but it's significantly colder than Baltimore during winter.... Being from the desert, that was at least a big factor for me.

I'm definitely taking location into account! I'm not used to the extreme cold since Virginia has very mild temps. Ann Arbor and Baltimore are both great cities. I think Ann Arbor is safer in terms of crime rate, but I've lived in a city during my undergrad, and I think moving to Baltimore wouldn't be such a drastic change. I haven't really done that much research in terms of how much housing is going to be. If anyone knows and would care to share, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[ajj70]

CabbageKid, did you take the area into consideration when you were comparing the two schools? Ann Arbor just seems like a nicer area and I loved the campus. But it's also significantly colder than Baltimore during the winters....

The average Jan/Feb temp in Baltimore is 41, the average Jan/Feb temp in Ann Arbor is 31/35.

 

[shaidester]

I'm a D1 right now at Maryland. I'm loving it out here. It is currently El Niño season right now so it is going to be warmer than usual for the next few months. Usually it is very cold up here come December though. But I would imagine that Michigan is colder since it's closer to the lakes?

As for prestige, cmon now you can't beat 'first dental college' status. One last thing to add, receiving instate tuition after the second year is definitely very doable at Maryland.

 

[shaidester]

I'm definitely taking location into account! I'm not used to the extreme cold since Virginia has very mild temps. Ann Arbor and Baltimore are both great cities. I think Ann Arbor is safer in terms of crime rate, but I've lived in a city during my undergrad, and I think moving to Baltimore wouldn't be such a drastic change. I haven't really done that much research in terms of how much housing is going to be. If anyone knows and would care to share, I would greatly appreciate it!

If you have lived in a city before then Baltimore will be easier for you to adapt to then. I will say though to always keep your eyes open when you are wandering the streets out here in Baltimore. But if you are very concerned about the crime out here, the school offers police transportation to just about anywhere within the campus limits. This is part of your tuition so use it as much as you want.

 

[bsal1]

Isn't receiving instate tuition in Michigan after one year also doable?

 

[BobbyBeavis]

Isn't receiving instate tuition in Michigan after one year also doable?

They made it seem nearly impossible during the interview.

I was born in DC and was in Baltimore a lot. I've heard stories and witnessed some things first hand... but I never felt uncomfortable there. I've lived in some fairly rough places though so take that as you will

 

[Dr.Payne]

Go Blue

 

[shaidester]

They made it seem nearly impossible during the interview.

I was born in DC and was in Baltimore a lot. I've heard stories and witnessed some things first hand... but I never felt uncomfortable there. I've lived in some fairly rough places though so take that as you will

Same. This is my primary reason for choosing Baltimore for my dental education. I lived in the DM[V] area my whole life so I'm very familar with the area. Also, trips back home hardly cost much 🙂.

 

[wildzodiac]

.

 

[wildzodiac]

Counting your chickens before they hatch, eh?

 

[Lock_Jaw]

Hey everyone. So as of right now, my top two choices are University of Michigan versus University of Maryland. I have had interviews at both and I think they went really well, but I wanted to get input on the pros and cons of both schools. I'm from the West Coast so the temperature change, reputation, ability to possibly specialize afterwards, time in the clinic, competency versus number requirements and other factors are the things i'm considering right now. I would appreciate any other input you guys have though!

Cheapest place that has the worst students if you want to specialize... Don't be a gunner though.

 

[Lock_Jaw]

Instate tuition at UM is not possible BTW.

 

[Pro-Dentite19]

Hey everyone. So as of right now, my top two choices are University of Michigan versus University of Maryland. I have had interviews at both and I think they went really well, but I wanted to get input on the pros and cons of both schools. I'm from the West Coast so the temperature change, reputation, ability to possibly specialize afterwards, time in the clinic, competency versus number requirements and other factors are the things i'm considering right now. I would appreciate any other input you guys have though!

They are both great schools with awesome reps.......that being said Baltimore is a horrible place to live.

 

[CareerNumTwo]

I got my undergrad degree at Michigan several years ago. It's a great place to live/study and has an amazing student body with a ton of alumni pride for that school. It does get ridiculously cold but you get used to it - just layer up and don't spend time outside when it's cold enough to instantly freeze the moisture on your nose hairs! 🙂

If you do choose Ann Arbor, make sure you live as close the school as possible. Snow days aren't a thing - they don't close the school during winter unless there is 10 ft of snow on the ground. The rumor was that a law student many years ago argued that since they're paying tuition the school shouldn't be allowed to shut down. I don't think that student had many fans after that!

 

[Not_A_Doc]

Ann Arbor is unreal. Great student experience. Everyone here is unbelievable. Facilities are a little old but the city makes up for it. Can't imagine a better place for 20 somethings who don't what the hassle of a huge city.