UPENN vs. UMD (OOS) vs. Michigan (OOS)

[predent2019]

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Hey guys, I just wanted to get some feedback on the schools I was considering. I am still waiting to hear back from my state school, but I am trying to choose one to put a deposit down to in the event I do not hear from them. I am interested in specializing and am OOS for all of these schools.

UPENN:
Pros:

• great school to specialize (which I am interested in doing)
• great facilities-brand new renovated clinics
• decent weather
• i love the city
• penn has a campus feel to it which I like a lot
• Penn is penn: connections
• Selectives program

Cons:

• COST!!-about 500k COA
• maybe not as much clinical experience as other programs, although I hear this is changing (if any current student can comment on this that would be great)

UMD:
Pros:

• can get in state tuition after one year
• also has a campus feel
• 20% of class specializes
• my cheapest option (if I get in state after my first year it could be about 350k COA)
• Diamond Scholars clinic (not sure how hard this is to be accepted into)

Cons:

• larger class size so you have a limited amount of chairs each week (they guarantee only 6 in 3rd year a week and 8 in 4th year)
• safety in baltimore is questionable

Michigan
Pros:

• extremely reputable program
• great campus feel, also felt safe
• good opportunities to specialize
• not as expensive as penn (about 400K COA)

Cons:

• weather-i hate the cold
• ongoing construction-not sure how this is going to affect clinical time, especially in first and second years
• not as cheap as maryland
• furthest from where my family lives
• facilities/labs seem outdated

I really loved Penn when I interviewed, but my main concern is the cost of attendance. Cost is definitely important, but I also want to be in a place that I can be happy in for the next four years. If anyone has any input, I would really appreciate it!

 

[DebtForLife]

What are the chances of getting in state for UMD?

 

[predent2019]

I heard its do-able but you have to do more than just switch over your drivers license and mailing address. I think they mentioned at the interview getting a job where even if you work like 1 hour a week and file your taxes in the state it would be enough but if a current student who was able to get in state could give some more info that would be very helpful!

 

[DebtForLife]

If it's highly highly likely and you'll do anything possible to get in-state then I'd go to UMD. Although Temple's COA isn't too terrible right? If not those two then I'd probably go to Michigan.

I know probably right now you don't feel the best about making the cheapest choice but after you graduate I'm sure you'll thank yourself. With that DAT score and strong work ethic you have, I'm sure you'll be able to specialize or a be a great general dentist nonetheless.

Congrats on your acceptances by the way!

 

[abuiii]

I also loved how UPENN felt and am torn on which ones to go into too. The cost is the only negative, but I'm looking into the HPSP scholarship which will make the cost not an issue for my decision. Go for UPENN.

 

[Abdrhman]

Michigan is cheaper than Maryland. Michigan residents here who interviewed at UMD as well

 

[Life of Pablo]

What specialty are you interested in? Be careful about going to a competitive school like Michigan and competing for a high class rank. Having a bad class rank can put you out of the running for a lot of specialties.

 

[deleted767916]

Only if u get residency; Michigan is pretty much impossible to change residency as they require you to graduate from a Michigan highschool as one of their requirements.

Source: Michigan resident and Michigan undergraduate

Michigan is cheaper than Maryland. Michigan residents here who interviewed at UMD as well

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[Abdrhman]

Only if u get residency; Michigan is pretty much impossible to change residency as they require you to graduate from a Michigan highschool as one of their requirements.

Source: Michigan resident and Michigan undergraduate

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You are right. I'm just talking about the cost of living in Michigan being cheaper than Maryland in terms of rent, utilities, etc.

 

[deleted767916]

Yes, I don't know much about Maryland but Ann Arbor specifically is expensive. I was lucky to find very cheap housing but a lot of people end up spending a lot of money in Ann arbor specifically. But COA is always a variable based on the individual. I was able to get around 500 USD in rent but I had to live with 3 roommates and I would suggest others do that as well if you're looking to save money.

You are right. I'm just talking about the cost of living in Michigan being cheaper than Maryland in terms of rent, utilities, etc.

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[predent2019]

If it's highly highly likely and you'll do anything possible to get in-state then I'd go to UMD. Although Temple's COA isn't too terrible right? If not those two then I'd probably go to Michigan.

I know probably right now you don't feel the best about making the cheapest choice but after you graduate I'm sure you'll thank yourself. With that DAT score and strong work ethic you have, I'm sure you'll be able to specialize or a be a great general dentist nonetheless.

Congrats on your acceptances by the way!

Thank you! and yeah, ive heard you usually get it by your third year not the second. it would also require me to do some sort of job while in dental school to file taxes in the state and idk about that.. but even oos its cheaper than penn. I didnt like the area that Temple is in so not really planning on attending there. can anyone comment on the clinical program at maryland and are there any issues getting chairs?