USC or UoP? Need some input

[thedudeabides6]

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I was all set on going to USC, but then I found out that I got into UoP. Which one would you guys choose between these two and why? Also, I know both of these schools are clinically focused, but which one do you think would be easiest to specialize from? Thanks in advance.

 

[PDizzle]

Well, I'd go to UoP over USC in a New York Minute! Although you will get much better feedback from current students at both places, I have heard nothing but good things from UoP students. It's intense but they are supper happy over there.

If you are gonna be a GP, I'd say UoP for sure.

The more I talk to adcoms, falculty and dentists, the more I am realizing that specializing is mostly up to you and not so much the school you go to. You need to be dedicated and kick the NBDE1's a$$, get good letters of rec and interview well.

My vote....UoP.

If nothing else it's cuz PBL doesn't appeal to me in the least!

 

[mkdds]

I was all set on going to USC, but then I found out that I got into UoP. Which one would you guys choose between these two and why? Also, I know both of these schools are clinically focused, but which one do you think would be easiest to specialize from? Thanks in advance.

UOP for sure,specially if you wanna specializesince USC hasn't been doing that well on boards, and on top of taht it's 3 years vs. 4 years...def UOP

 

[polarnut]

3 years over 4 years. that should be reason enough.

 

[stryder]

UOP without a doubt. Practicing in 3 instead of 4 sums it up. Easy decision

 

[michaelazna]

UOP without a doubt. Practicing in 3 instead of 4 sums it up. Easy decision

EVERYONE WILL SAY IN UNISON...UOP...3 years versus 4 any day of the week! Cmon now.....don't get me wrong USC is a great schooool!

 

[TeethVader]

I was all set on going to USC, but then I found out that I got into UoP. Which one would you guys choose between these two and why? Also, I know both of these schools are clinically focused, but which one do you think would be easiest to specialize from? Thanks in advance.

Ok, check this out; I am a bit slow when it comes to the clinic. I'm new to the profession and have never been exposed hands-on to dentistry. So, in my case I need a slow-pace curriculum. UoP is a three year program and I honestly think I would've had problems since there is considerable less time to thoroughly practice.
So...if I would've been a dental assistant during my undergrad years, I would've definitely choosen UoP over SC. But, since I was a hardcore cellular and molecular biologist, all I saw were petry dishes and western blots; hence, I felt USC was a better fit for me.

 

[DUBS]

Honestly, they're both great clinical schools. But as I'm not a fan of PBL, I would definitely go to UOP over SC. San Francisco is a great city and you will finish dental school one year earlier. It all depends on which school you really liked better and where you think you will fit in better, good luck and congrats on those acceptances

 

[coolen2000]

go to uop..it makes more economic sense and it takes less time to grad...

 

[DATRAT]

Ok, check this out; I am a bit slow when it comes to the clinic. I'm new to the profession and have never been exposed hands-on to dentistry. So, in my case I need a slow-pace curriculum. UoP is a three year program and I honestly think I would've had problems since there is considerable less time to thoroughly practice.
So...if I would've been a dental assistant during my undergrad years, I would've definitely choosen UoP over SC. But, since I was a hardcore cellular and molecular biologist, all I saw were petry dishes and western blots; hence, I felt USC was a better fit for me.

I agree with teethvader, I believe that there is a reason why almost all dental schools are 4 years. I think UOP would be much more stressful. The students at USC seem to enjoy their time there and seem pretty low stress. USC only goes to class 3 days a week, that's not bad. Also where would you rather live North or South. From what I can tell they are both great schools and are both expensive. You just need to think about where you would be happier, personally So. cal climate and the football team would be hard to pass up. On the other hand 3 years may sound great to you, this would be a hard decision. I'm not sure about UOP alumni but I know that USC has an incredible alumni association which is something you may want to look into. Good luck!

 

[gsrthomas]

I'm from Cali and I would probably pick USC.

I went to UOP undergrad and I dont like Northern Cali that much. I love the So Cal atmosphere better then Nor Cal.

Plus my local Dentist doesnt recommend UOP because of the fast pace 3 year cirriculum. That is what he said to me. But I heard UOP is a good school. If you pick it get ready for a hard ass load.

I would probably pick USC due to the slower cirriculum.

 

[TeethVader]

I'm from Cali and I would probably pick USC.

I went to UOP undergrad and I dont like Northern Cali that much. I love the So Cal atmosphere better then Nor Cal.

Plus my local Dentist doesnt recommend UOP because of the fast pace 3 year cirriculum. That is what he said to me. But I heard UOP is a good school. If you pick it get ready for a hard ass load.

I would probably pick USC due to the slower cirriculum.

You know...it's funny, my dental morphology professor said the same thing. With all the innovations in the dental profession he said 4 years are not enough to cover them all in the clinic. Just imagine trying to manage all the many techniques in dentistry in just 3 years....that's definitely insane

 

[gsrthomas]

You know...it's funny, my dental morphology professor said the same thing. With all the innovations in the dental profession he said 4 years are not enough to cover them all in the clinic. Just imagine trying to manage all the many techniques in dentistry in just 3 years....that's definitely insane

Yeah its pretty intense.

One of my roommates got accepted to UOP dent last year. But is he the smartest guy I know. He never studied and always got A's in his classes whereas it took people to study everyday to get the same grade as him.

To the original poster. Its all up to you on how smart you are and your study habbits and if you memorize things quickly. As for me, I need more time for things to soak into my head. I cant just read something once and understand it and have it memorized like some people can.

 

[Pzak]

Go to UOP.....

1. 3 vs 4 years
2. USC is year round also...so its better to finish in 3
3. USC is more expensive! and its 4 years
4. UOP has a much better Facility..and its only 3 year program
5. Students are a lot happier at UOP....SC is a 4 year program
6. If you havent lived in northern Cal..it would be a nice change...plus its only 3 years!
7. Depends if you are a fan of PBL...you have to be very very self motivated in order to do well. I have a few friends in it right now that are not very happy.

 

[PDizzle]

Go to UOP.....

1. 3 vs 4 years
2. USC is year round also...so its better to finish in 3
3. USC is more expensive! and its 4 years
4. UOP has a much better Facility..and its only 3 year program
5. Students are a lot happier at UOP....SC is a 4 year program
6. If you havent lived in northern Cal..it would be a nice change...plus its only 3 years!
7. Depends if you are a fan of PBL...you have to be very very self motivated in order to do well. I have a few friends in it right now that are not very happy.

So,..you're saying UoP is only 3 years, huh?

 

[Pzak]

So,..you're saying UoP is only 3 years, huh?

👍

 

[Fulcrum77]

I'm not biased or anything, but I would definitely go to UoP! 😀

 

[food4thots]

uop in a heartbeat. at ucs u have to pay $$$ just to teach yourself..

 

[maxwell3000]

UoP! If you want to enjoy dental school AND become a great dentist/specialist. As far as the 3 yr program is concerned i have talked with lots of dentists including the ones that I shadowed with from the University of Pennsylvania as well as Boston University and both agree that it is a great program with plenty of preparation. Plus, if you want more time then you can always do and extra year in AEGD or go on to more education in a specialty.

 

[juggamynugga]

hi guys, We just finished our "quarter of hell" (third quarter of first year) we took 8 finals in 3 days, but I can honestly tell you that it wasn't that bad. If you are willing to commit and put in the work it not that bad. A couple things to consider about pacific that many don't realize is that the people here are amazing. We have a girl in our class who types every single word in anatomy the teacher says just so the rest of the class doesn't have to, others who make study guides and email to the entire class. The atmosphere here is amazing and really helps you get through these busy times. Secondly I have never been to a place where the professors were so available and willing to help. Obviously some are better than others but the effort is great. Obviously never experienced any other schools but the "humanistic approach" we have here can't be beat. Also we started with our hand pieces the first week and have had fixed pros and operative for at 8 hours a week every week. fixed is still going. We finished operative last quarter and I defiitely feel confident enough to head down to clinic and start some preps, we are going through block rotations now practicing all this on real teeth mounted into our typodants. hope this might help your decision.

nick

ps come to pacific pride day next weekend and check the school out. dental.pacific.edu, you can pm me if you have any other questions

 

[SusyGrnbrg]

So I realize SDN tends not to be a huge fan of USC- but I was accepted to USC and two weeks laters withdrew my app from many schools- including UOP.

Price wise they are basically equivalent.
Location- for me is about rent prices... which are both completely too high in LA and SF... but since my family lives in Ventura... USC had an edge.

The three year thing is not as big of a deal to me because I feel like the yougest person EVER going to Dental school.

I am 22- and at all 6 interviews I had I was surrounded by people that were married- had pictures of children to exchange, had done years of research, etc.

So basically I chose based solely on the program...
And I work best in a group atmosphere. I remember information well when I am teaching others and they are teaching me...

And USC has a great name/reputation...
UOP in known in the dental world- but not as universally... And what it is known for more than anything is the length of its program... (although it is a great school)

but I wish I had waited- because My older sister recently has been accepted to UCSF medical school, and my baby sister just got into undergrad at Cal.

😳

 

[1992Corolla]

We have a girl in our class who types every single word in anatomy the teacher says just so the rest of the class doesn't have to

Is the girls name Heidi Ferre?

It wouldn't suprise me. If not tell her I said hi anyway. (from Ben)

 

[crazy_sherm]

Is the girls name Heidi Ferre?

It wouldn't suprise me. If not tell her I said hi anyway. (from Ben)

Haha, no, it's not Heidi. But I'll tell her on Monday that Ben says she should be typing them up for us.

 

[juggamynugga]

And USC has a great name/reputation...
UOP in known in the dental world- but not as universally... And what it is known for more than anything is the length of its program... (although it is a great school)

😳

I think you might be a little confused about the whole reputation thing but that's ok 🙂

 

[jokerjoe12]

Here is my input ... People can say all they want on USC .. but in the end you're still gonng get a job way before you graduate. And if you want a letter of req from any specialist they will give it to you with a USC connect to go along with it. USC PBL is a struggle because you wont be spoon fed the information but you will still get a good science foundation and do well on ur boards. Again UOP is a great school but all my connections are USC graduates and they all told me to go to USC.

 

[mlle]

Go to UOP.....

1. 3 vs 4 years
2. USC is year round also...so its better to finish in 3
3. USC is more expensive! and its 4 years
4. UOP has a much better Facility..and its only 3 year program
5. Students are a lot happier at UOP....SC is a 4 year program
6. If you havent lived in northern Cal..it would be a nice change...plus its only 3 years!
7. Depends if you are a fan of PBL...you have to be very very self motivated in order to do well. I have a few friends in it right now that are not very happy.

What is PBL that everyone is referring to?

 

[crazy_sherm]

What is PBL that everyone is referring to?

PBL is problem based learning. Basically you get assigned a scenario and you figure it out on your own with your classmates. There's no lecture. Sounds cool, but 100% of USC's curriculum is like that. Works for some people, but not for everyone.

 

[1992Corolla]

Also tell Patrick Hudson that I hope he had fun losing his virginity. He recently got married.

He was almost thirty before he had sex...LOL. Tell him I said hi.

 

[mlle]

PBL is problem based learning. Basically you get assigned a scenario and you figure it out on your own with your classmates. There's no lecture. Sounds cool, but 100% of USC's curriculum is like that. Works for some people, but not for everyone.

hmm, thanks.

do you think it's worse if you're a procrastinator? i would think so...

 

[Pzak]

Yeah if you are a procastinator, you will never make it through SC...You really need to be on top of your stuff for you to succeed using the PBL system. Although I really dont think there is any room for procrastination in any dental school.

 

[juggamynugga]

Yeah if you are a procastinator, you will never make it through SC...You really need to be on top of your stuff for you to succeed using the PBL system. Although I really dont think there is any room for procrastination in any dental school.

Haha ya I was gonna say you might not want to procrastinate too much next year either.

 

[Fulcrum77]

Haha ya I was gonna say you might not want to procrastinate too much next year either.

Seriously? I was hoping to catch up on my video game playing next year! 😀

 

[luder98]

It seems like an easy decision to pick UOP over USC. But if I were you, I would come to school and talk with more students at UOP and see how they feel about their intense program, ask them about their background and compare to yours. UOP was my number one choice. But I don't think I'm capable of completing their program in the way I want to. I was quite down when they rejected me. But looking back, I'm really glad that they did.