UPenn or UF

[KarebearL5]

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I recieved my admission letter from UPenn today! It was kind of bittersweet of an experience because although, I am delighted by the news of my acceptance, I also know I have to make a dificult decision. I have acceptances to both Univ. of Florida and UPenn, both great schools. Although UPenn is financially two times as much as UF, my parents reassure me that i can eventually pay off the loan through work, so not to consider it in my decision process. So I am basically left with comparing the schools' academic program and making my own decision whether or not I feel secure in living so far away from my family in Miami, Florida and my boyfriend (going on 2 years) in Gainesville, Florida who is in medical school at UF.

Do you have any insight on the comparisons of UF and UPenn programs? And maybe any advice on the family/boyfriend situation?

Thank you very much..i greatly appreciate it !!

~Karrie

 

[Rezdawg]

Personally, I would stay close to home and attend UF if I were you.

You still get a great education.
Your family will be nearby.
Your boyfriend will be right around the corner.
And most importantly, you will have Florida weather as opposed to Pennsylvania weather.

Although the tuition is not a factor in your case, it is nice to know that you get all these perks for half the price.

Now, if you feel the need to get out of Florida and be on your own, then the decision is simple.

 

[larryt]

Are you kidding ? I don't wanna trade anything for my home state schools. UofF will train you extensively to pass Florida state license.

 

[kel1001]

Karrie, I understand your situation.
I also have to decide between my state school (Stony Brook) and UPenn. Stony's tuition is like only one third of UPenn's. Ouch!!

 

[dudelove]

If you are going to be practicing in FL, take my advice and go to UF!!!

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

Pass the FL license...not so anymore. Nova is far better in training people to pass the FL board

Last year 76% from UF passed...over 95% passed from Nova

Hmmm...which way is UF going????

Go to UPenn

 

[scandalouslj]

First off I would like to say this is based on 2 other people remarks that I knw and not my knowledge of UF. One of the kids is in class at Upenn with me and his older sister is a 3rd year at UF. They were both planning on going to UF but my friend decided not to after talking to his sister and the interview.
He was a neuroscience major and they just handed him a skull and said point this out, etc. He then asked them a question and they decided not to answer it. His older sister also was trying to transfer. So the only bad thing I have heard about UF is how bad the teachers are and how they dont care about the students. Penn is the exact opposite and the teachers are very down to earth. If you feel the teachers are cool at UF and you dont want to specialize (Penn has one of the highest specialization rates, and I think the highest ortho match this year) then by all means go to UF. But go talk to some of the teachers and if you feel the same way as my friends, I say go to Penn, becuase it sucks if you cant even talk to your teachers.

 

[KarebearL5]

Thanks for the honest responses you guys! I certainly appreciate all the comments.

In regards to staying in Florida to pass the FL boards...two questions:
1. Can your FL licensure be transfered to other states? i.e. you pass FL boards but decide to practice in NY? Or do you have to take the New England boards separately?

2. I know that physician's insurance rates are increasing drastically in FL and CA. My bf's mentor (a primary care physician in Starke, FL) says he's even "struggling" to make ends meet with all the overhead and insurance that he has to pay. I am sure "struggling" doesn't mean he's living on bread and water...but in a sense, he's not making as much as he used to. Are the insurance rates for dentists in FL high as well? What percentage are they?


And to kel1001...I feel your pain...hope you make the best decision for you!!! if I can help with anything...let me know.

~karrie

 

[KarebearL5]

Ha...sorry...one more question. I promise 🙂 As far as which school will prepare you better for FL boards...would it be wrong to assume that UPenn would be good enough school academically to prepare someone to pass any boards? at our interview...they said..."we'll teach you to think...not to mechanically drill teeth". What do you think?

~karrie

 

[totony]

Karrie, I didn?t know much about UF but since I interviewed at Upenn I can tell you a bit of my impression. I had the feeling that if one?s independent thinking ability and problem solving skills are on the borderline (meaning that your future skills will be limited to what is taught in dental school) Upenn may train you better in these aspects and give you sort of an upgrade. I think schools like Upenn and Harvard are looking for people who may become leaders who in the future provide insights and directions for fellow dentists. In this way these people later bring fame to their school. On the other hand if you are brilliant in these aspects you will have no problem anywhere you go. But bear in mind that these trainings, although a plus, may not be essential for one to become a qualified dentist and make a good living?you don?t have to be the inventor of something to be able to use the knowledge well and help people.

I am not saying UF is a bad place. I am sure they have produced good dentists in the past and there is absolutely no point to doubt if this is not gonna be the case in the years to come. So if you want to be a good dentist and practice in FL, this is a safe and excellent choice. These are just my opinions, it all depends on what you are looking for.

 

[dudelove]

You see I am a firm believer that you reap the fruits of your labor. You can go to UPenn, Harvard, whatever and if you don't practice drilling,filling,study,etc,etc then you will not be as successful as you would want to be. I can't possibly believe that someone as intelligent and as hard working as you would have a problem passing boards if you went to UPenn or UF. If it makes you feel any better,I had a couple of hacks in my class and you know what? They all eventually passed their boards as well. They all practice. It's a scary thought. Good luck!

Originally posted by KarebearL5
Ha...sorry...one more question. I promise 🙂 As far as which school will prepare you better for FL boards...would it be wrong to assume that UPenn would be good enough school academically to prepare someone to pass any boards? at our interview...they said..."we'll teach you to think...not to mechanically drill teeth". What do you think?

~karrie

 

[Hercules4255]

Karrie,

Congratulations! I'm glad you made it. I also interviewed UPenn probably at the same day with you on Dec. 12th 2003. I think it depends on how much you like or love your boyfriend in terms of relationship. I used to date some girls at UPenn, and although it is absolutely nothing to do with my decision, I kinda feel uneasy in hanging around the UPenn with my new girlfriend.

I'm a confident man, and I strongly believe I can be a great dentist who can really care about my patients whichever school I will attend. Since you got already accepted and I guess you're more qualified than I am, I think you can also be an excellent dentist even if you attend UF. Don't believe Ivy League crap, I totally ignore and laugh at people who think they're superior because they went some big name schools. If they're so better than other people, why do they have lower scores, fewer journal papers or whatever than me who went to state school?

I know for one thing for sure. I do not want to be a dentist who hangs his Ivy League diploma on his wall so that his patients can look up to. I want to a dentist who is committed to the oral health with less debt so that I can help the patients.... especially those who are in poverty... Yeah, one day I will be a missionary dentist probably after sending my kids to colleges.

Thanks for reading this.. just my thought.

 

[kel1001]

Karrie and Hercules4255, I went to UPenn on Dec 12th too!!
And I got accepted a week later.

Karrie, I remember you now. I think you were sitting right in front of me when we were taking a lunch break. It's nice to hear that we both got accepted. We just have to decide btw state vs. private.

Should we join UPenn together? Let me know...

I'm still thinking.

 

[smn16]

Karrie, first of all, congratulations for getting into both UF and UPenn.. I know this is a big decision for you to choose between your state school and IV league school. I know how tough it is. I know so many people who were deciding between those two schools too...

I'm a first year student at UF but i dont know anything about UPenn. So i'll just try to tell you about my experience in 1 semester at florida.

In our class, there are about 5 people who chose FL over UPEnn... and 3 of them were offered 50% tuition scholarship from UPenn.. but they chose FL.. (bc even with 50% scholarship, it is still cheaper in FL) If you are worrying abou this decision bc it is a big name school and stuff and think that just because it is UPenn, they are going to give you better education, I really think u should not be thinking that way... You are in dental school.. it does not matter where u go, you are gonna be a dentists. ALso, just becuase you are going to UPenn, that doesnt mean u are guranteed to specialize.. you are gonna have to study and work hard during your 4 years to make it to ortho or endo or whatever u want to specialize.. what i'm saying is that if you work hard in UF as u do in UPenn, and make good grades, you are gonna have a chance to speicalize.. do u know what i mean?

Tuition is another thing... of course you are gonna be able to make those money and pay off those loans when u graduate and start working.. but for how long do u wanna do that for??
UF tuition is $7,000 a semester .. how much is UPenn? (i donno exaclty.. but i'm sure it is more that $7,000)
I live in 1 bedroom APT right across from shands(i walk to school) for $525 a month... how much is 1 bedroom apartment in philadelphia?? a lot more...
I feel safe when I come out from gross anatomy lab or Blue rooom at 1 in the morning and walking to my car.... I'm not really sure how safe it is in Upenn...

About the professors at florida that someone wrote about in the other reply,... I totally disagree with what he said.. I love my professors here in Florida.. They are very friendly, and they are great teachers.. dr. sposetti and some other professors know all of our names... they are always available to help out when u have trouble and they are willing to work with you if you need extra help..

In our class we have 82 people. To me, I feel lke this is a perfect size for a professional school compared to 150 or 200 students like other schools (i donno how many students are in UPenn, sorry...) This bring our class so much closer together and everybody knows each other well.. i thought this was quite important too when i was deciding where to go..

The one of the most surprising thing that I found at Florida is that everybody in class are WILLING to help each other.. As u know as a floridian, they are very laid back, not competetive at all... If they know and understand the material, they will try to help u understand it.. It makes dental school life so much easier and relaxing having those classmates to rely on and knowing u and ur classmates are there to survive the 4 years TOGETHER!! ... I dont know at all about UPenn, but I "assuming" that students from other IVY league schools are little bit more "competetive'.... that might stress you out little bit during ur 4 years of school u know?... but who knows...

As you see, there are so many thing u should think about other than the school's name.. all of my classmates chose cheaper tuition and good education at Florida and they are very happy about it.. I know it is difficult decision.. so try to think more about it, and i hope u make the right decision... but the bottom line is, UF and UPenn, they both are GREAT schools.... congratulations again...

oh yeah,, btw, If this is Karrie that I know, I know you... hehehe This is SeungMin from CCF... if you wanna ask me more questions about UF, dont hesitate to call me ok? I'll be glad to help you...

 

[smn16]

also, if it affects your decision in anyway, UF was ranked #8 in natinal boards part 1....(by our 3yr students taken last sumer)

 

[Hercules4255]

I think I met you both Kel1001 and Karrie.

Glad you people made it, but I'm afraid I didn't make it...

Maybe it's the karma debt I have to pay.

I dumped too many Penn girls.. 🙄

I totally believe that God is in controll in everything, so He might have thought Penn wasn't for me. So I'm still happy with His decision!

 

[prgr]

Karrie,

I agree with smn16. I had to deal with a very simliar situation when I got my acceptance letters. I decided to go to UF because it really outweighs going out of state. I also had the family and bf issue....but all in all, I really feel that I made the right decision.

I don't believe you can transfer your license after you pass the boards, but supposedly, I've heard if you can pass the FL boards you are good to go in any other state. I've spoken to admissions people at various schools while I was on my interviews. They said since everyone wants to come to FL and retire after a few years, the dentists in FL don't want people doing that so they supposedly make a hard board you have to pass.

I don't think the insurance costs are higher in FL (not for dentists). I believe what you are thinking of is for physicians and doctors. Even IF they are (which I doubt), you will still get off cheaper because there is quite a HUGE price difference from going to Florida and going to UPenn.

The pass rates at the University of Florida are fine. They have good pass rates and I really wouldn't worry about that part. You obviously are a very motivated and smart individual already and you will have no problem passing the boards.

I could understand if UF wasn't a good school, then you might be better off picking another school for quality reasons. But, UF is an awesome school with a very strong academic program...so there is no reason to move out of state. Being an undergrad at UF, I've already taken classes with a few of the teachers that teach the dental students also. Rest assured that the teachers are very nice and it will only take a little effort on your part to get to know them. There is a lot of team effort and people are always willing to help each other out. I never had a problem getting notes or getting people to take time out of their day to explain concepts to me.

Good luck to you and let me know if we will be in the same class.

Oh...and CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[jam21]

hey I'm in the first yr class at UF right now. I was in the same dilemma last year but between Columbia and UF. It was a very tough decision. Although I really wanted to go to big name school in NYC, I ended up choosing UF, mainly due to financial reasons. Keep in mind that I don't even plan to practice in Florida. As seungmin and others said above, unlike medical or law schools, it doesn't matter what dental school you go to. Location of your practice and your business skills matter more in dentistry. And I heard that a lot of people get accepted to ivy league dental schools but don't get accepted to UF or vice versa.

I knew ill be ablet o pay my debt off eventually, but for me, I wanted to get married and have a family before I acutally start practicing. So I didn't really wanna be on over 200k debt when I graduate.
I have some regrets of not going to Columbia because I love up north and hopefully practice there. I lived in Philly area for awhile and i know it's tottaly different environment vs. Florida. I don't know if you like the environment up North. But in your case, I think Uf is a better choice especially if you are planning to practice in FL.
There is some positive aspects of staying in Gainesville. I feel like i'm still an undergrad because everybody is friendly and I was so used to Shands already. The faculty is really nice too. UF does have a reallly good academic curriculum. It also prepares you well clinically. Well, the bottom line is that if you are okay with that much debt and willing to spend 4 yrs in an area that's totally different from Florida, you should go to Penn. If not, just stay here cuz your bf will be happy 🙂

 

[h213]

Karrie, PM me when you get online.. I am going through similar situation, perhaps, more complicated one... 🙁 But I did get to talk to a good number of students and I think I am ready to make a choice. Let me know if you need help.

 

[KarebearL5]

kel1001, h213, smn16, scandalouslj

Hi guys! I pmed you 🙂

 

[KarebearL5]

Hercules4255,
I'm glad to hear you're handling your situation so well...that speaks volumes of your character🙂 In a way, I wish God allowed me to be accepted to only one school so I didn't have to make such a dificult decision. Only He knows.....I'm the most indecisive person ever. Once, I took 1/2 hour to decide what to eat at McDonalds once. Yeah...its only food. ha...go figure.


Thanks ya'll for your latest comments, especially the ones about the insurance rates and national boards. Sounds like the consensus is that UF has a very tight-knit group of students who are very willing to help each other out. That's definately an incentive to go to UF. Anyone know how Penn compares to it? I would assume that its a bit more competative...but we all know where assumptions get us. nowhere really. So anyone have any personal experience with fellow classmates at UPenn?

~karrie

 

[nyla24]

I have heard the opposite about UF. That they are very competitive and students don't help each other. Also lots of cheating and the faculty is very unhelpful. I work in the dental tower now and I have asked a few Dental students about UF and the only positive thing I hear about UF is that it is cheap.