UoP vs. Columbia

[tar15]

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Hi Everyone,

I'm currently trying to decide between UoP and Columbia. I live just south of SF but would still have to move for UoP. I keep feeling very torn because of the different emphases of the two schools even though both have a non-competitive team-focused attitude. Please let me know your thoughts.

School 1: University of the Pacific
Pros:

• 3 year program
• My family and professional dental connections are in the Bay Area
• Pass the boards once
• clinical experience
• I am responsible for living expenses only, not tuition. One less year of living expense

Cons:

• I have lived in CA/SF my whole life and really want to try something different
• Accelerated program while married
• Formal wear required
• Getting Married July 5th, school starts July 15th so no time for honeymoon

School 2: Columbia University
Pros:

• New York City!!! My wife-to-be loves it there.
• Prestige
• Guest lectures
• Keeps specializing more available as an option
• More relaxed culture/curriculum
• Scrubs

Cons:

• Focus on residency (even for GPs) 100% of this year’s class is going into a residency program
• Laws: New York REQUIRES a GPR so I can’t stay there
• Across the country. If the decision is wrong my wife and I will be stuck in the cold
• Additional year of living expense loans

Summary:
I know that prestige of a school really shouldn’t matter. However, I have worked in dental administration for several years (I’m a bit older) and it’s clear that where you went to school is starting to matter. It doesn’t matter to patients as long as you are nice and make them comfortable, but the big name helps in the corporate world. I’m excited to be a dentist, but I feel a large portion of my career may be business related as a clinical director of a corporation or something.


I’m very torn. Each time I feel like I am leaning towards one then the other one seems to call as they are sort of Apples vs Oranges. We all know that dental schools tend to be either focused on creating GP’s that are ready to go right out of school or propping you up to get into a residency. These schools are the epitome of both.



P.S. If I’m missing obvious pros/cons please comment/add/let me know!

 

[ResinTooth]

Overall thought: UoP.

UoP is not a school to scoff at. Many people I know consider UoP to be a "prestigious" school. On the same level as Columbia? Maybe not, but still a very respectable school nonetheless.

It is very possible to specialize from UoP, and Columbia having the "more relaxed culture" is certainly debatable. Certainly, Columbia has the higher numbers, but it ultimately comes down to personal drive.

Both schools will have fantastic Guest Lecturers, this is not a trait exclusive to Columbia.

Reading through your pros/con list, it seems that UoP is the winner. If your dental connections are in the Bay Area, it might be wise to make use of these connections by staying close by.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

UOP for sure. 3 years! Ends up cheaper for you and two less years if you end up doing a GPR out of Columbia.

How old are you?

 

[tar15]

I'm 25 now. Will turn 26 a few months into class.

 

[wengerout]

It's true for opportunity cost reasons UoP edges Columbia out by being one year less, however looking at your other Pro/Cons I would say go to Columbia. In pure cost #'s both are about the same and Washington Heights is definitely cheaper than the Bay Area. Plus, given the cost are equal I would say you should try something new especially if your wife loves it in NYC.

 

[SmileGoals]

I vote UOP. I agree with pretty much everything @ResinTooth said.

Also, marriage is hard, especially during grad school! Your home base and support system are in SF. Plus, it would be smart to continue building on those professional connections if you want to practice in California. Also, you can always do a GPR or AEGD after in another state if you want the chance to live outside of California.

Both are great schools, good luck in your decision process!

 

[anonon]

At least 3 students from CDM this year aren't going into residency FYI. The school is becoming more and more clinically focused and definitely can say that there is a lot you can do if you are motivated and go above and beyond.

That being said, UoP definitely trumps CDM I'd say clinically still no question comparing the average student.

If you are interested in more than just clinical dentistry, i.e. administration, choosing CDM definitely has some merit, but be aware you again need to take your own initiative to get the most of out of the experience (engage with the business, public health school, etc.).

Utilizing the resources of Columbia University at large should be one of the most important considerations in attending CDM tbh, but most students don't properly take advantage. Don't become one of those guys. Good luck.

 

[Life of Pablo]

If you want to do general dentistry, definitely go to UoP. Nothing against Columbia's clinical skills, but UoP is just top notch. However, if you want to specialize, go to Columbia. It's super difficult to specialize directly out of dental school from UoP because everything is so accelerated you don't have time to do the things necessary to specialize.

 

[Rmkjcc59]

Columbia is pass/fail, major pro imo