- Joined
- May 20, 2014
- Messages
- 130
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I hate to be that person but I am so torn! I've read previous threads about others making this decision. I have not heard from my in state school (Tennessee) so I could get an acceptance there later or it could be a rejection. I like to think I'm one of the bright ones whom if I heard back from TN I will go there so please don't drill me on the cost of these schools. My only options are out of state anyway! U of L and VCU aren't much different in costs. I have yet to do my own calculations but I've seen others.
I know Louisville is a very rigorous program. Oral path is hard as [email protected]$. I've read and heard that is over-kill. Its one class though. I do like how they try and create a transition with their one month summer session I know their clinical reputation is strong (isn't everyones though? or so they say...). They have a BEAUTIFUL new clinic, incredibly nice faculty, class room seems comfortable, labs where we'll be spending first two years are clean and up to date, one of biggest concern for dental schools was that they have some sort of rotation in clinics outside of class and both schools have this. Everyone knows of the hospitality of louisville. I think the big factor for Louisville for me is that its closer to home. Its only 3 hours away while Richmond is 9 hours. I'm very close to my family but I also feel ready for the next big adventure.
VCU has one half their clinics that are beautiful, with the other half needed updates. I found that rather annoying because you could either be the half of the students who get the nice new chairs or you get boned. But I loved the fact that the clinics (both half) were really decorated for Halloween (thats around when I toured) and I think that gave a great feel to the school- I realize how silly that sounds but I think its important in a way that just sounds cheesy when described. The freshmen in the dent- sim lab really made the whole experience amazing. They were so incredibly happy to have come to VCU, described their class being close knit (which I know every class varies but I kind of have faith that the faculty picks these types of students and this is who I want to be surrounded by) Also, I thoroughly enjoyed my interview more with VCU. I had Dr. Huband which teaches Proths and another guy who works in the clinic and they had to have been the two nicest people I have interviewed with. I had 7 interviews total and I was just blown away by how great the interview felt. I also love that VCU doesnt have biochem or micro in the curriculum. I'm aware its on boards but I can't fathom having to sit through biochem again- I would rather review it on my own. I studied micro in undergrad so same situation there. Anatomy is also taken by itself the first month (which I have had grad level anatomy before so I'm prepared for the rigors) but I think its a great way to get to know your class mates. If you've had gross anatomy you know the collaboration I'm talking about. I got great vibes from the students but I didn't get time to explore Richmond as much as I would've liked. I think thats one of the biggest things holding me back. I really don't know much about Richmond and wish I could've explored more. Grad school made that impossible so I did my best to ask my Uber drivers, people on my plane, etc.
SOMEONE HELP ME! I hate making decisions...even small ones. Now I've got to make the biggest decision of my life and I'm hitting up SDN for some input ( sounds smart right?) Anything would be appreciated. Apologies for the rambling.
I know Louisville is a very rigorous program. Oral path is hard as [email protected]$. I've read and heard that is over-kill. Its one class though. I do like how they try and create a transition with their one month summer session I know their clinical reputation is strong (isn't everyones though? or so they say...). They have a BEAUTIFUL new clinic, incredibly nice faculty, class room seems comfortable, labs where we'll be spending first two years are clean and up to date, one of biggest concern for dental schools was that they have some sort of rotation in clinics outside of class and both schools have this. Everyone knows of the hospitality of louisville. I think the big factor for Louisville for me is that its closer to home. Its only 3 hours away while Richmond is 9 hours. I'm very close to my family but I also feel ready for the next big adventure.
VCU has one half their clinics that are beautiful, with the other half needed updates. I found that rather annoying because you could either be the half of the students who get the nice new chairs or you get boned. But I loved the fact that the clinics (both half) were really decorated for Halloween (thats around when I toured) and I think that gave a great feel to the school- I realize how silly that sounds but I think its important in a way that just sounds cheesy when described. The freshmen in the dent- sim lab really made the whole experience amazing. They were so incredibly happy to have come to VCU, described their class being close knit (which I know every class varies but I kind of have faith that the faculty picks these types of students and this is who I want to be surrounded by) Also, I thoroughly enjoyed my interview more with VCU. I had Dr. Huband which teaches Proths and another guy who works in the clinic and they had to have been the two nicest people I have interviewed with. I had 7 interviews total and I was just blown away by how great the interview felt. I also love that VCU doesnt have biochem or micro in the curriculum. I'm aware its on boards but I can't fathom having to sit through biochem again- I would rather review it on my own. I studied micro in undergrad so same situation there. Anatomy is also taken by itself the first month (which I have had grad level anatomy before so I'm prepared for the rigors) but I think its a great way to get to know your class mates. If you've had gross anatomy you know the collaboration I'm talking about. I got great vibes from the students but I didn't get time to explore Richmond as much as I would've liked. I think thats one of the biggest things holding me back. I really don't know much about Richmond and wish I could've explored more. Grad school made that impossible so I did my best to ask my Uber drivers, people on my plane, etc.
SOMEONE HELP ME! I hate making decisions...even small ones. Now I've got to make the biggest decision of my life and I'm hitting up SDN for some input ( sounds smart right?) Anything would be appreciated. Apologies for the rambling.
