UNLV vs Midwestern AZ

[ndds]

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Hello everyone,
I got accepted to UNLV and Midwestern AZ, and I kind of loved both schools. However, to make a better decision I really appreciate it if you share your knowledge and opinions with me so that I can make an informed decision for myself.
Good Luck!🙂

 

[UCF FINatic]

I toured UNLV two years ago and went to their Dental Simulation Course this summer. I also just got back from a Midwestern - AZ interview. Here, in my opinion are the biggest differences I noticed.

-UNLV students were really nice, but most of them seemed really stressed out.
-Most of the UNLV students did not really seem to like the faculty, or at least the way they set up the classes. UNLV still is relatively new and it seemed they still had some kinks in the system and the students would go to the faculty and it would fall on deaf ears. This is just my opinion based on what I saw and experienced.
-UNLV has a decent Lab and Clinic.
-UNLV is cheaper, but their tuition has been rising every year, by big increments.

-Midwestern is more expensive but you see where the money goes when you look at their equipment and 5 to 1 student ratio.
-At Midwestern the students were nice and didn't seem nearly as stressed out as the UNLV students for some reason.
-The faculty and students seemed to be on the same page. The dean would have mini-conversations with almost every student we would encounter on the tour and it was obvious he cared about his students.
-You take your Boards at the end of year 1 at Midwestern.
-The clinic and labs were incredible. They had everything you would ever want to work with. The labs and clinics are larger than UNLV in order to hold more students and patients.
-At Midwestern they seemed to care about your ability to practice as a dentist and make a profit.

These are all my opinions and what I picked up from each school, so take everything with a grain of salt. If money isn't a issue for you I would say Midwestern in a heartbeat.

 

[2th Doc]

I think by facility, the previous poster means faculty?

There are several reasons why I would choose Midwestern over UNLV, but UCF covered many of the basic points. Another thing against UNLV is that I heard during an interview at another school that they've been laying off faculty to offset their budget issues (faculty costs were explained to me as being the biggest expense of a dental school--makes sense). For one, this will decrease the faculty:student ratio, which has a large impact on the smoothness (or frustration) of your education. If they're having budget issues, though, there could be other consequences that you may not like down the road as well. With Midwestern, sure they're not immune to financial problems, but with being private and not state run, I would guess they have a lot more control over how they acquire/use their money and therefore would have less problems.

To add in a few other points:

I think the area around MWU is far better than UNLV. Then again, I'm hugely not a fan of the strip. I haven't checked home prices recently at UNLV since I've been focused on MWU, but you can get a decent home in Glendale/Surprise for 50-80k depending on your desires. That translates to a mortgage payment of 400-600ish/mo--cheaper than any rent you'll find for comparable amenities.

 

[ndds]

Thanks a lot! I really liked Midwestern better as well, and I am sure in a few years people would need killer status to be chosen for this school. Of course money is an issue for me but I don't mind paying the difference to enjoy four years of getting better education. Thanks again!😍

 

[TalkingTom]

anyone on here feeling like UNLV is a better choice? would be interesting to hear that opinion.

 

[ndds]

anyone on here feeling like UNLV is a better choice? would be interesting to hear that opinion.

I agree, come on UNLV students 😳

 

[art777]

I know a friend who goes to UNLV and he doesn't say anything positive about the school honestly. And I know another guy who got into a state school in Cali (western) and chose to move out to Midwestern so he must like it..

 

[Destiny11]

I know a friend who goes to UNLV and he doesn't say anything positive about the school honestly. And I know another guy who got into a state school in Cali (western) and chose to move out to Midwestern so he must like it..

Western is not a state school. To OP, you will not regret choosing Midwestern.

 

[jdrummerjd]

if i had to choose between the two. midwestern az all day! ucf finatic summed it up pretty well as to what I saw as well.

 

[art777]

Western is not a state school. To OP, you will not regret choosing Midwestern.

Sorry, I meant in* state as in he didn't have to move out

 

[fishbowl1117]

I don't know about UNLV but I have interviewed at Midwestern and this is what I think.

At Midwestern, the faculty is really friendly and approachable but one of the dental student said that a few of the faculty "don't know anything". This may be an exxageration but I was alarmed by this.

Everything else seemed pretty good. Their lab and clinic were nice. They had plenty of patients but mostly senior citizens. I am not sure if that would affect your experience. Senior citizens tend to have more complications so maybe that will force you to practice your knowledge in pharmacology?

 

[Vigilante]

If anyone has any more info about UNLV, can they share? I'm trying to decide between there and Tufts. I'm planning on HPSP, so tuition isn't an issue. I don't mean to sound offensive, but it seemed like everyone at my interview was from BYU and was wondering if the large proportion of LDS has an effect on the social life there? Any other input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[BerrF12]

I really liked UNLV. I had a great student and we just talked the whole time and same thing with my faculty member...he didn't actually even ask me one question or even open up my file. It was more of a "get to know you" type thing. I like the teams aspect that UNLV has because you automatically have D2, D3 and D4 that you can talk to your first year.

Also, the location of the school is perfect for attracting a diverse patient population. You have senior citizens but you also have all of the people that work on the strip and the surrounding areas. I'm sure you can imagine what type of crowd that brings.

I think they are both great schools and I personally like both of them. But if you are looking at cost, then UNLV is going to be cheaper. Also, the suburbs of Vegas are just like any other city and you won't know you are in "Las Vegas". But if you are into it, the strip is also a great place to celebrate after rough exams!

 

[teddyllama]

I got into 4 schools, and find myself torn between UNLV, MWU and ASDOH. I did part of my undergrad at UNLV so am very familiar with the school and like a lot about the program. MWU and ASDOH seem quite similar in their approach and was very impressed with faculty and happiness of students. If anyone has any input into ASDOH I would appreciate it.

 

[mbk2016]

I've been accepted to both UNLV and Roseman and while I like both the 90% min to pass at roseman seems tough yet the full class schedule at a traditional school (UNLV) will be tough too. any advice?