VCU vs. Virginia Tech for Pre-dental?

[matty675]

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Hello everyone!

This is my first time posting in the SDN forums, so here goes:

I plan to major in Biology in order to pursue my DDS degree. I would like to attend the VCU School of Dentistry when I complete my undergraduate degree (pending my acceptance, of course).

I have just completed my sophomore year at a local Virginia Community College. I have narrowed my transfer options to Virginia Tech and VCU.

Which one should I attend with my educational goals in mind?

Does VCU favor their undergraduates when selecting applicants for the School of Dentistry?

Will prospective dental schools favor an undergraduate student from Virginia Tech since they are one of Virginia's more prestigious universities?

 

[NDPitch]

In regards to favoritism to certain universities based on prestige - no. This plays zero role in getting into dental school. I can't comment on whether or not VCU grads have a better chance of getting into the dental program - but I would guess any edge would be slight.

My advice would be to go to the undergrad university that is more affordable to you. In the end though, where ever you go, the most important thing is that you do well. If you took any pre-req classes at your community college, you might want to look into taking them at whatever university you go to. Most schools prefer that you take all pre-reqs at a college/university, and not a CC.

 

[telemonster]

In regards to favoritism to certain universities based on prestige - no. This plays zero role in getting into dental school. I can't comment on whether or not VCU grads have a better chance of getting into the dental program - but I would guess any edge would be slight.

My advice would be to go to the undergrad university that is more affordable to you. In the end though, where ever you go, the most important thing is that you do well. If you took any pre-req classes at your community college, you might want to look into taking them at whatever university you go to. Most schools prefer that you take all pre-reqs at a college/university, and not a CC.

Agreed. As long as you can make fantastic grades and cut down on costs of education, the school doesn't matter.

That being said, my older brother went to VT and really had fun. He also got into med school later on, so there is some anecdotal evidence for you!

 

[missdiana]

it really doesn't matter when it comes to studying and grade.


but I have to say being close to dental school physically does gives off some good benefits.

I work/volunteer at the in-state dental school (which is part of my university )
and I get to talk with actual professors who are in the admission committee and also in the interview committee.
I have to say, at least 5 professors in admission committee knows me by my name.
I asked them what will help my chance of getting acceptance and they gave me personal advise as well - telling me to take upper bio course before applying, get LoR from Ochem prof than Genchem Prof, etc.


Also, by talking with students in dental school, I learn a lot about admission process.
Since they are the insiders - they know more about what is going on

I told D3 students that I am pre-dental and they were like "do well on PAT. The head of admission committee likes to see high PAT scores. Well, I heard he is going to retire soon but who knows."
this kind of school specific information comes DIRECTLY from them.
which is pretty cool, in my opinion.


I would say - Go to VCU and work/volunteer at VCU school of Dentistry.
Make your connections.
make your name known in that school. (It is not hard. Talk to them. be friendly!!)
Connection won't let you in but it won't hurt you.

 

[matty675]

Thanks for the great advice guys! VCU is sounding like a much better option now.

I have taken General Bio and General Chem at my community college, but the VCU school of dentistry does accept CC credit so I'm hoping that won't be a problem. I also have a 3.9 GPA.

 

[Toofly01]

Talk to actual students who went to VCU as pre-dental students and later matriculated. Ask them how they feel. I actually did talk to some at a pre-dent event a little while ago and they all said it seemed much harder for them because admissions knows which classes are easier/harder and they have certain expectations as far as grades go.

Even if you go to Tech, you can still get to know the adcoms/faculty/staff through pre-dent events they have year-round. You can also join VCU ASDA and stay in touch with the dental students there. You may even get one of them for your student interview. This could all be biased advice though, because I'm a Hokie. Btw Tech has a pretty good pre-dent club (or at least they did when I was a student there).

Good luck on wherever you decide. I would visit both schools and go where you feel you can flourish. Incidentally, I think I have seen more VT alum get into VCU SOD and other dental schools over VCU alum, perhaps because the name/brand is better known. Or perhaps because I run in VT circles, I'm paying closer attention and/or the VT students are more vocal about it.

Regardless, I had a lot of friends who went to VCU for other majors so I visited the campus frequently and really had a blast on my trips to Richmond. Good times!

Best of luck and PM me if you would like! 🙂

 

[UCSFx2017]

http://www.dentistry.vcu.edu/pdfs/annualreport07.pdf

In 2007, 12 from VCU and 13 from VT. I think it might be consistent with this year's class just by glancing at our facebook group.

 

[matty675]

Thanks guys!

I'm visiting VTech on the 15th. However, VCU is making a lot more sense right now!

I start shadowing on Thursday!

Wish me luck!