UPitt vs UDM vs UM?

[kimothy_777]

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Hi everyone,

I would love some feedback on this. I was accepted to a few places Dec. 1, and put my deposit down at UDM. I'm Canadian, so this made the most sense for me as far as having a bit of camaraderie, best price out of my acceptances etc. My first choice was UM, which I am still holding out for (waitlisted).

A couple days ago I was accepted to UPitt. It will be at least $10,000 cheaper per year, so I know this makes more sense. I've been struggling with the decision however, since I did not have a positive experience at the interview. (The students were not at all enthusiastic about UPitt, didn't seem to have a sense of school pride, made comments like - you have NO spare time when we asked what they did for fun, etc). They all seemed very stressed out. The computer lab was absolutely filthy, which really grossed me out, too.

I've almost convinced myself that UPitt makes most sense, especially with cost of living factored in. But I'd love to hear back from those of you who did have a positive experience at the interview (I interviewed late Sept) - what made you choose UPitt over other schools?

The other snag is that not only is a $1000 deposit due Mar 18, but a second $1000 is due Apr 1. I am really hoping to get accepted to UM before then, to make this decision much easier! Anyone know how much UM's waitlist moves? I tried calling and was told - yes, some acceptances have come off the waitlist so far... but its unranked and unpredictable..

Any incite is greatly appreciated. Thanks 🙂

 

[BrazilianRider]

I already told you why I picked Pitt but I'll add another reason -- this city is awesome.

Seems like we had completely opposite interview experiences though, you preferred UDM and I preferred Pitt. If my previous testimony could'nt sway you, I doubt much could.

 

[Lock_Jaw]

Can't speak on behalf of Pitt, but I've only heard good things about it. I've been to UDM a few times and know a few people there as well. Seems laid back yet busy there. Personally 40k over the 4 years would be enough to sway me to Pitt. Just my .02

 

[Project Pat]

I would go with Pitt - saving that much money is huge. Even if you have to make another deposit think of how much you save over 4 years.

 

[mrdocta]

I'm going to go ahead and go against the norm here. If I were in your situation I would choose UDM. I don't really know anything about either school, but from what you've expressed you did not have a good experience at Pitt. Dental school will be stressful no matter where you go, but why add to the stress being in a place you don't like and had a bad vibe from? Yes, you can potentially suck it up for 4 years and survive, but I believe success also comes from your happiness. 40 grand is a lot, but you will obviously be able to pay it back; it might just take longer. With that said, I'd save the Pitt deposit money, go where you're most happy, and be glad you chose the school you did.

 

[Project Pat]

I'm going to go ahead and go against the norm here. If I were in your situation I would choose UDM. I don't really know anything about either school, but from what you've expressed you did not have a good experience at Pitt. Dental school will be stressful no matter where you go, but why add to the stress being in a place you don't like and had a bad vibe from? Yes, you can potentially suck it up for 4 years and survive, but I believe success also comes from your happiness. 40 grand is a lot, but you will obviously be able to pay it back; it might just take longer. With that said, I'd save the Pitt deposit money, go where you're most happy, and be glad you chose the school you did.

The reason why I would say UDM over the others is so you can live in Windsor and commute everyday to class with any other Candians, but if living in Canada is not a primary goal then I would go with Pitt.

 

[lemoncurry]

Don't expect to have free time in dental school.

 

[kimothy_777]

I already told you why I picked Pitt but I'll add another reason -- this city is awesome.

Seems like we had completely opposite interview experiences though, you preferred UDM and I preferred Pitt. If my previous testimony could'nt sway you, I doubt much could.

Your previous response was greatly appreciated! When did you interview? I know some of the staff were pretty stressed about the interview when I went because it was the first one and they were afraid it was unorganized. I thought it went great, just the students seemed to hate their life. What were your thoughts on UDM? Just curious.

Agree - Pittsburgh would be an awesome place to live (much nicer than Detroit or Windsor!). I'm pretty much decided on Pittsburgh, I just really need to be affirmed by other's experience that they sensed a good atmosphere. If I commit, I am potentially throwing away $2000 because I'd definitely choose UM if I were to hear back from them after April... (and the Canadian dollar is hurtin' right now..)

 

[kingme23]

Even though I will not be attending Pitt I did my undergrad there and know plenty of D students. They all have spare time (some of them were in the gym more than I was) and do not hate their life any more than a dental student at another school does. Also, any semblance of public transportation in the burgh is at least decent enough to get to class in a short amount of time. This is not true at UDM, you will most likely be commuting at minimum 30 min each way with traffic. I also was deciding on UDM and another school, and my thought process was that I could not think of any advantages that UDM had over the other school (maybe minus proximity to family), but I could think of plenty vice versa. I think this applies to your situation as well. Good luck

 

[Realitydentalstudent]

Your previous response was greatly appreciated! When did you interview? I know some of the staff were pretty stressed about the interview when I went because it was the first one and they were afraid it was unorganized. I thought it went great, just the students seemed to hate their life. What were your thoughts on UDM? Just curious.

Agree - Pittsburgh would be an awesome place to live (much nicer than Detroit or Windsor!). I'm pretty much decided on Pittsburgh, I just really need to be affirmed by other's experience that they sensed a good atmosphere. If I commit, I am potentially throwing away $2000 because I'd definitely choose UM if I were to hear back from them after April... (and the Canadian dollar is hurtin' right now..)

Oh yeah the Canadian dollar is hurtin. Something to consider though is that you won't have to buy american health insurance if you live in Windsor and do the commute, might save you $2000 a year. Also may I ask if you are planning to get a line of credit because I read somewhere in these forums that the education line of credit has decreased to 150k.

 

[kimothy_777]

Thanks for all the responses. I've made my decision and am going with Pitt! I actually can totally opt out of the health insurance because the coverage through my husband's work will continue to cover me even when I live in the States 👍 (He will still be living in Canada).

Yes I'm getting a line of credit. At TD I was still able to get 200 K. I'll be able to get ~125 K from Canada Student loans as well. So that will get me close. (Crossing my finger the dollar improves...) I have some savings and my husband will be chipping in a little too.

 

[toothexplore]

i'm a Canadian at UDM and I am seriously behind on my payments right now just cuz my dollar sucks SO MUCH that i'd rather just hold out and pay a late fee than deal with exchange/interest right now.
But I like that I can still go visit home / Canada so UDM it is