UPenn vs. UCSF Dental

[l1278]

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(For context, cost is a consideration, but not a major one for me)

School 1: UPenn
Pros:

• Location: My family and friends are all in the northeast closest to Penn, which is a major plus for me
• Great facilities and technology
• Larger class size (pro and con), I appreciate the network this provides
• Great specialty match rate (I am looking to specialize in OMFS)
• Ivy
• Though graded curriculum, many current students cite grade inflation so this isn't something I'm very concerned about

Cons:

• More expensive, though no Dean's scholarship info available yet (would appreciate any insight on this, as apparently it's "application based" this year which hasn't been the case in the past)

School 2: UCSF
OOS first year, then switch to IS for D2-D4
Pros:

• Cheaper due to IS tuition and scholarship
• Pass / honors pass / fail curriculum
• Ranking / prestige
• Smaller class size (pro and con), sometimes it can be easier to stand out in a smaller class

Cons:

• Location: far from family/friends in the northeast
• It seems like most students don't end up specializing here? -- not exactly sure, but this is impression I got from talking with current students, their specialty match rate is 82% (including GPR and AEGD) which is slightly less than UPenn's 85%

Summary: If cost was not at all a consideration, I would choose UPenn hands down for its location, curriculum, facilities, and success in producing specialists. However, UCSF also presents advantages like its P / H / F curriculum, and of course would be much cheaper due to IS tuition and scholarship. I would appreciate any constructive and wholistic opinions and advice on this situation. I know on this thread, many users frequently cite price as the only consideration that matters, but that is a factor that I am already considering on my own, so I would appreciate wholistic feedback related to all the pros/cons listed above as well as any others that come to mind. Really appreciate the help -- thanks everyone!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Congratulations! To me (not a dentist), both programs are comparable with each other, and it boils down to what type of networking you want to do. Do you see yourself ultimately practicing in California or Pennsylvania/New Jersey? Make sure all grading systems are truly P/F.

The other minor point of comparison: UCSF is a graduate-only institution while Penn is larger with an undergrad population. Consequently UCSF's services are more focused.

It is also a much different climate than Penn. Seriously, your family and friends would love to visit you in SF. You shouldn't need a car in SF because public transit is more extensive vs. Philly (my perspective, YMMV).

Remember UCSF is not a private school like Penn; overall, UC programs want primary care practitioners (on the medical school side), so it's remarkable that they have such a high rate of specialization. I'm guessing the scholarship at least lowers your tuition at UCSF to be closer to in-state; getting scholarship money from a public school is a good sign you shouldn't discard too quickly, depending on the amount.

 

[JacquesVallee]

Ivy

Interesting to me people think this matters whatsoever.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Interesting to me people think this matters whatsoever.

It's Kool-Aid, man... 🙂

 

[mjzccle19701]

Interesting to me people think this matters whatsoever.

I think it matters to people who care about prestige, outward appearances, and keeping up with the Joneses. Which is ironic considering the massive debt hole it creates for them in order to go there.

 

[macsak]

Interesting to me people think this matters whatsoever.

"prestigious"

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Interesting to me people think this matters whatsoever.

Especially when Mr. Average Joe can’t tell you the difference between UPenn and Penn State.

Big Hoss

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

"prestigious"

Goes pretty well with their “passion.”

Big Hoss

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

OP, I say go to the most expensive school you get into. They couldn’t charge more if they weren’t better. Plus, I’ve heard DSOs will pay you 20% more if you’re an Ivy League grad.

Big Hoss

 

[Wisetoothshucker]

I went to UCSF, now in OMFS residency. Lot of us specialized, I'm not sure the exact stats, and not sure how it compares to UPenn. Both are probably top dental schools and I think you wouldn't have any issue from either. Choose the cheaper one with the location you like better. I was happy with UCSF. Well rounded education, P/F was clutch, decent exposure for GP, good exposure for specialties.