USC vs. Western U

[GOCHARGERS]

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Hey,

So I have a dilemma with what school to choose. I may take the HPSP scholarship so cost isn't a concern at the moment. Location isn't very important either, since both schools are fairly close to my house. What do you guys think? Which school is better..USC or Western?

 

[ekephant]

USC definitely has the advantage of being well-known as is perceived by most as highly reputable whereas Western is a relatively new school and is not well-known by the general public. I'm sure both schools are good, but if I was in your position I would pick USC over Western.

 

[CedarZ4]

USC definitely has the advantage of being well-known as is perceived by most as highly reputable whereas Western is a relatively new school and is not well-known by the general public. I'm sure both schools are good, but if I was in your position I would pick USC over Western.

While USC does have a better perceived reputation, there are many stories about why people dislike USC, aside from the cost. This is pretty well-known on SDN (PBL, poor faculty, low board + graduation rate, etc.), do a search and read it for yourself. Have yet to hear any negatives about Western besides from it being a newer institution. Don't get to wrong, the USC name is something to consider, but make sure you read about it from current or past predents to make sure it is for you, otherwise it will be a hard 4 years.

 

[dantemac]

If you're from CA, go visit again both schools and talk to people. Get an idea of student life/outlook at each.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

this is a tough one, but i think what it comes down to is your appreciation of PBL. i would choose USC regardless because it has an established reputation.

and did you get the hpsp already? if you did, congrats!

 

[ShneekyBiznaz]

I would choose USC hands down because of its perceived reputation amount patients and the majority of the population. Plus you will have lots of classmates to network with after dental school since dentistry relies a lot on referrals.

 

[littlemisspiggy]

I got accepted to both as well but I have no idea which one to pick too

The only "bad" thing I heard about Western is that it's too "new"

 

[Dent4GA]

I would choose USC hands down because of its perceived reputation amount patients and the majority of the population. Plus you will have lots of classmates to network with after dental school since dentistry relies a lot on referrals.

patients never come in and ask where you went to dental school so that point is dumb

USC when I interviewed there was OVERCROWDED. Prepare to feel like a number and scrambling to grab a chair in the morning to do any patient procedures. In addition, how would you like to teach yourself gross anatomy?? From what I understood about the program, (and I could be wrong) is that gross and several other courses were independent study.

Western - is new, but has a lot of positives as well. Main positive is (faculty) USC"s main dental instructor left USC for western. Student to faculty ration is low, ( I get a lot of feedback, from as many instructors as I want)

If personally wouldn't want to fight for lab space/ chairs/ patients and all of the above. I could be wrong about the program, but some of these concerns have been posted in the past.

I personally like Western a lot, and having a smaller class lets you get a lot closer with the rest of your classmates. I would tell anyone to choose Western over USC.

 

[MBlue16]

patients never come in and ask where you went to dental school so that point is dumb

USC when I interviewed there was OVERCROWDED. Prepare to feel like a number and scrambling to grab a chair in the morning to do any patient procedures. In addition, how would you like to teach yourself gross anatomy?? From what I understood about the program, (and I could be wrong) is that gross and several other courses were independent study.

Western - is new, but has a lot of positives as well. Main positive is (faculty) USC"s main dental instructor left USC for western. Student to faculty ration is low, ( I get a lot of feedback, from as many instructors as I want)

If personally wouldn't want to fight for lab space/ chairs/ patients and all of the above. I could be wrong about the program, but some of these concerns have been posted in the past.

I personally like Western a lot, and having a smaller class lets you get a lot closer with the rest of your classmates. I would tell anyone to choose Western over USC.

Don't tell him that... let me get his seat! 😀~~

 

[littlemisspiggy]

GOCHARGERS, which school did you decide on?

 

[Timpson]

USC's main dental instructor did not leave for Western. If you are referring to Dr. Fung, he was a great instructor but was certainly not in the upper echelon of faculty here.

patients never come in and ask where you went to dental school so that point is dumb

USC when I interviewed there was OVERCROWDED. Prepare to feel like a number and scrambling to grab a chair in the morning to do any patient procedures. In addition, how would you like to teach yourself gross anatomy?? From what I understood about the program, (and I could be wrong) is that gross and several other courses were independent study.

Western - is new, but has a lot of positives as well. Main positive is (faculty) USC"s main dental instructor left USC for western. Student to faculty ration is low, ( I get a lot of feedback, from as many instructors as I want)

If personally wouldn't want to fight for lab space/ chairs/ patients and all of the above. I could be wrong about the program, but some of these concerns have been posted in the past.

I personally like Western a lot, and having a smaller class lets you get a lot closer with the rest of your classmates. I would tell anyone to choose Western over USC.

 

[UltimateHombre]

I personally like Western a lot, and having a smaller class lets you get a lot closer with the rest of your classmates. I would tell anyone to choose Western over USC.

Maybe during your dental classes. But during your regular didactic courses, you will be sharing a giant lecture hall with all the DO and DPM students as well. So there are several hundred of you.

 

[GOCHARGERS]

I'm heavily leaning towards USC at the moment. I will keep you guys updated

 

[avangusva]

Both schools are great!

 

[Bis-GMA111]

i thought western was a decent school. i really think the small class size is a huge plus. reputation isn't that big of a deal from what i've heard when it comes to dental schools. the crappiest dentist can make a really good school look bad, and vice versa.

if you're paying out of pocket, western. HPSP scholarship....well...choose whatever school you feel more comfortable at