Upenn vs BU?

[ballyhoo]

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Hi,

I've looked this up on previous threads, but they are all pretty outdated. I plan on talking with some current students as well, but I just wanted to hear your thoughts.

I guess what draws me to UPenn is its name and program (not so much the facilities and location). I want to specialize, and I've heard that UPenn is good for that.

BU is in Boston, where I wanted to be in. I live in Boston now, and I like it a lot - plus, my bf of 2.5 years goes to school here as well, so it would be less of a "long distance" I guess. I've heard a lot of negative things about the school though, and how what you see at the interview is just a facade, but I'm wondering ... is it really true?

And in the end, how much does a dental school make a difference? Are slightly different programs going to really make a huge change in your career? And location?

Thanks!

 

[tomhrxbfg]

obviously UPenn..

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

BU over upenn because your bf lives in boston?

That is not a valid reason. If he was fiancee then that might be a different matter.

 

[sunflower8]

I'm in the same boat. I have gotten into "better" schools but I truly love Boston (being from there) and don't want to leave. I also got great vibes during the whole interview. It seemed like a very laid back environment, but I don't think that takes away from the professionalism- just makes it more enjoyable (for someone like me). Besides cost, which isn't really a factor in your decision as both are very expensive schools, it's really important to go with your gut feeling and how you felt at the interview. I do think UPenn is the better school, but it also depends on what you want to do during/after dental school, because you will come out a dentist regardless where you go. I also wouldn't take opinions from SDN too much to heart. Good luck with your decision!

 

[dmdluffy]

I'm in the same boat. I have gotten into "better" schools but I truly love Boston (being from there) and don't want to leave. I also got great vibes during the whole interview. It seemed like a very laid back environment, but I don't think that takes away from the professionalism- just makes it more enjoyable (for someone like me). Besides cost, which isn't really a factor in your decision as both are very expensive schools, it's really important to go with your gut feeling and how you felt at the interview. I do think UPenn is the better school, but it also depends on what you want to do during/after dental school, because you will come out a dentist regardless where you go. I also wouldn't take opinions from SDN too much to heart. Good luck with your decision!

I like this post. Dental school gives you the skill set to learn more dentistry. It is the basics of being a dentist and allows you to learn and improve afterwards. Sure Penn is probably the better school but if you're miserable at Penn than maybe Boston is the right choice. It's all subjective.

 

[periopocket]

Home is always where the heart is!

 

[jimmy714]

BU over upenn because your bf lives in boston?

That is not a valid reason. If he was fiancee then that might be a different matter.

Harsh.

 

[colombianDDS]

Hi,

I've looked this up on previous threads, but they are all pretty outdated. I plan on talking with some current students as well, but I just wanted to hear your thoughts.

I guess what draws me to UPenn is its name and program (not so much the facilities and location). I want to specialize, and I've heard that UPenn is good for that.

BU is in Boston, where I wanted to be in. I live in Boston now, and I like it a lot - plus, my bf of 2.5 years goes to school here as well, so it would be less of a "long distance" I guess. I've heard a lot of negative things about the school though, and how what you see at the interview is just a facade, but I'm wondering ... is it really true?

And in the end, how much does a dental school make a difference? Are slightly different programs going to really make a huge change in your career? And location?

Thanks!

I'm in the same situation. I got into UPENN and a very good school in boston. I am also in a relationship (gf lives in phili). I really think you should not let your relationship dictate where you will go to school. Sure you feel comfortable in Boston because you've been living there and your bf is there. But in all honesty, who knows what could happen 4 months or 3 years from now? I think when making your decision that should be one of the lowest factors influencing your decision. Think about the location, price, strength of the program, in both of our cases definitely specialty reputation. In addition, I think phili is awesome. Maybe not as clean lol but there is so much to do; maybe it will take some adjusting but overtime you should learn to love the city. Look at all the positives and negatives of each. I hate when I talk to people and I tell them UPENN is my top choice and they immediately think it's because my gf is there. In summary, don't (or at least try not to) let your relationship influence your decision. If it's meant to be then it will work. It's a harsh reality.

ps. you can pm if you want. I don't want to give details about the schools and the factors from each that are making my decision so hard public lol.

 

[ballyhoo]

Thanks everyone for your replies! My reason for considering BU is not just the fact that my boyfriend lives there, although of course it is a big factor. I have been living in Boston (I go to college there) for the past 4 years, and I've come to know it very well and love it. When I visited Philly, it was definitely a different atmosphere and perhaps not as cozy. But of course, this may be because I've gotten so used to Boston and, as colombianDDS pointed out, I'd probably get used to Philly and come to feel comfortable there, too.

I guess my main question wasn't just about whether I should go to one or the other, but whether or not it really makes a difference where you go. In the end, you're going to be a dentist wherever you end up, right?

And I guess I was wondering what exact factors really make BU a school that everyone on SDN seems to dislike!

Thanks 🙂

 

[little Buddy]

How hard do you think it would be for someone from the Midwest to acclimate to urban life on the East?

 

[100%permwinner]

I know this thread is 3 years ago. This is also one of the questions I have. BU offered me a seat and I might get accepted from UPenn waitlist as well. I know UPenn is great if you care about specializing after 4 years. I live in Boston and BU is a good choice given my living expenses will be lower (no need to rent). However, I am concerned that BU may not have a large number of patients for students to enhance their clinical skills and complete NERB exam. I am not sure about the patient size at UPenn. How would you guys view that?