UPenn vs. UIC

[iDentist]

Hi guys,

After being accepted into both Penn and UIC dental, I have been struggling with a decision even after two months of gathering info on both programs.

Being an Illinois resident, I would receive in state tuition at UIC (~$345K) versus Penn (~$465K), both of which are conservative estimates before interest and not accounting for tuition increases. I am extremely fortunate in that my family is helping me cover most of the cost, but the $120K difference is astounding regardless (hence the "go to the cheapest school you all get the same degree" suggestions).


UPenn
Pros: High specialization rate, renovated facilities (new dungeon!), great reputation, seems to be academically stronger?
Cons: Large class size, far from home, more expensive

UIC
Pros: Location (both close to home and Chicago), cheaper, plenty of clinical experience
Cons: SGL/hybrid curriculum, facilities, still expensive


Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and I would love to hear insight from those that are familiar with either program. Thank you for the help!

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[DOC YANKEM]

Cheaper school

 

[dshen92129]

honestly it really doesn't matter what school you go to its a Dental school the curriculum is going to be the same with some slight differences. .. at the end of the day you graduate with a DDS/DMD... pick what ever school best suits your needs.. no one else can tell you what you want.

 

[WheatLom]

I would say the only major reason to go to UIC is patient base and the "cheaper" tuition. It's expensive for IS and it seemed many students were not very happy with facilities. I'm waitlisted at UIC and only way I'd switch is some financial upside or that I see that I'd have better clinical, which I likely won't get (dentist I shadow/assist for is UIC grad). I know UIC doesn't really have clinical stuff at all until end of first year beginning D2. Which is a long time to wait! Even then it is not much compared to other schools.

Also, at least for me, the school seemed to lack school type facilities for students in the building and out. Budget issues in Illinois have kept renovations going almost a year longer if not more.

How ever I will say this. As a DA in Chicago, I've gotten to see some diverse cases. So this is also a huge plus even if clinical isn't as strong with practice, the quality could be up there (learn more from difficult and diverse cases).



This is my more realistic view of UIC. Just my thoughts.

 

[iDentist]

@WheatLom I definitely agree with both the diversity aspect as well as the lack of facilities. One thing preventing me from committing to UIC is that they are still changing the curriculum, and many current students have stated that they learn very little from the teachers, and are not academically confident during my interview.

That being said, they also have a 100% pass rate on boards for every class so it is all relative.

 

[WheatLom]

@WheatLom I definitely agree with both the diversity aspect as well as the lack of facilities. One thing preventing me from committing to UIC is that they are still changing the curriculum, and many current students have stated that they learn very little from the teachers, and are not academically confident during my interview.

That being said, they also have a 100% pass rate on boards for every class so it is all relative.

That is very true the 100% pass rate can give you the confidence you will be ok. I know they do have a lot of busy work from PBL, as other schools that have some case studies are not as busy on work but focus more on the prep before and holding you accountable.

I would go by price if that's biggest concern (go uic), but penn could be better if price is not an issue.

I have read on here and you should too, UIC Has had some students fail exams or do poorly due to failing equipment. I do not know how try that is but I have read it on SDn

 

[Elysian12]

If you plan on specializing I believe UPenn is great. If you want to do general dentistry it seems UIC would be better based on your explanation. I asked students at my interview, if you knew you wanted to do general dentistry before entering dental school, would you have picked another school over UPenn and to my surprise more students than I thought said yes. So right there says a lot. However, I believe UPenn will keep the doors open to take whatever path you decide whether it be general, specialize, or more academia/research focused. And I put general dentistry on there because you can always do a GPR to get you up to speed. Not sure about UIC, but UPenn has its undergrad campus so there will always be activities going on. UPenn's environment would probably be more competitive.

That extra 120k is a lot but you said family will help cover most of the cost, but is UPenn really worth an extra 120k?

Where did you feel most happy/most at home?

I cannot speak for UIC. Did not apply there.

 

[tyjacobs]

Hi guys,

After being accepted into both Penn and UIC dental, I have been struggling with a decision even after two months of gathering info on both programs.

Being an Illinois resident, I would receive in state tuition at UIC (~$345K) versus Penn (~$465K), both of which are conservative estimates before interest and not accounting for tuition increases. I am extremely fortunate in that my family is helping me cover most of the cost, but the $120K difference is astounding regardless (hence the "go to the cheapest school you all get the same degree" suggestions).


UPenn
Pros: High specialization rate, renovated facilities (new dungeon!), great reputation, seems to be academically stronger?
Cons: Large class size, far from home, more expensive

UIC
Pros: Location (both close to home and Chicago), cheaper, plenty of clinical experience
Cons: SGL/hybrid curriculum, facilities, still expensive


Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and I would love to hear insight from those that are familiar with either program. Thank you for the help!

do you want to specialize?
are you strongly considering specializing?
or are you set on being a general dentist?

 

[iDentist]

I personally think I have not gotten enough exposure to know if I want to specialize, but I am not strongly considering specializing.

 

[Heavy J]

As much as I like UIC, I would go to UPenn. Knowing students at the school, UIC has its problems, especially w students complaining about the teaching system. I've never heard anything bad about UPenn

 

[DreamChaser01]

Cheaper school. No patient is going to care where you go to dental school.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Go with the more expensive school. It's common knowledge that the most expensive of anything is usually the best. UPenn will teach you dental secrets that aren't to be had at lesser institutions.

Big Hoss

 

[blablabla1]

Go with the more expensive school. It's common knowledge that the most expensive of anything is usually the best. UPenn will teach you dental secrets that aren't to be had at lesser institutions.

Big Hoss

I'm gonna just go ahead and label this post as sarcastic for the naive ones lol