wait or apply to all sorts? dilemma

[Driller23]

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There are certain schools that because of their geographic location I don't feel I would be too happy to attend for 4+ years. However, of course, beggars can't be choosers. But at this point I don't think I am a 'beggar' per se. So I am unsure as to whether I should apply to these schools in my first application to D-schools, or if I should reserve these schools for next years cycle IF I don't get into any of the schools I like.

I realize this is a personal issue that everyone has to answer for themselves. But what I would like to know what other peoples take on this is. Tuition issues aside, would you be willing to go absolutely anywhere?

Did you guys apply to schools you didnt find particularly appealing?

 

[Driller23]

Just another question to add: Say you did apply to some school and got in but you werent super keen on attending. Is it possible to get a deferral of admission for the following year? How easily are deferrals given upons an applicants request?

(Please dont bite my head off for asking these questions. I am just respecting you guys by asking, and learning from your answers; I am not trying to sabotage the dental school system or manipulate anyone. I have received both helpful and very offensive, interrogative responses in the past. Lets play nice!)

 

[kokobean]

There are certain schools that because of their geographic location I don't feel I would be too happy to attend for 4+ years. However, of course, beggars can't be choosers. But at this point I don't think I am a 'beggar' per se. So I am unsure as to whether I should apply to these schools in my first application to D-schools, or if I should reserve these schools for next years cycle IF I don't get into any of the schools I like.

I realize this is a personal issue that everyone has to answer for themselves. But what I would like to know what other peoples take on this is. Tuition issues aside, would you be willing to go absolutely anywhere?

Did you guys apply to schools you didnt find particularly appealing?

I would be willing to go anywhere!! So what if it's not your first choice?! I wouldn't wait a year.

 

[bionerd]

if you don't like the geography, don't waste your money by applying there! If you don't know what it's like, take a greyhound during the summer or something to check it out...(well, at this point most of us probably don't have time or money). I'm a Californian, and I can't imagine living in a state like Virginia or Kentucky or other midwest states. It'll be so boring and that's just going to motivate you to QUIT dental school. I mean, haven't we all been tempted to drop a class or actually dropped a class because it's so boring or the teacher is so boring? Same thing here, except a class only lasts a few months where d-education lasts 4 freakin' years!

 

[SnaggleTooth^^]

I highly respect the dentist I have been shadowing and he says "The best dental school is the one you get in to."

 

[jorUW]

You'll find that most schools dont allow deferals

 

[Dr. Pedo]

There are certain schools that because of their geographic location I don't feel I would be too happy to attend for 4+ years. However, of course, beggars can't be choosers. But at this point I don't think I am a 'beggar' per se. So I am unsure as to whether I should apply to these schools in my first application to D-schools, or if I should reserve these schools for next years cycle IF I don't get into any of the schools I like.

I realize this is a personal issue that everyone has to answer for themselves. But what I would like to know what other peoples take on this is. Tuition issues aside, would you be willing to go absolutely anywhere?

Did you guys apply to schools you didnt find particularly appealing?

Pick what would make you the most comfortable----it can be a long 4 years.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

Personal story: I was strongly considering cancelling my Buffalo interview, assuming that I'd love the New England public d-school (UConn) and that there'd be no question, and what on earth would I find appealing in Buffalo? Well, I decided to have an adventure and go, and I fell madly in love with it, hated UConn, and here I am! I'm moving to Buffalo on Sunday to have an amazing summer before school starts. 😎

Basically, you have NO idea where you'll fit in. It may sound like nothing, but waiting an extra year is a huge pain, a waste of patience and money, and is one more year you won't be practicing! Apply to anywhere you think has a good program, you have a good chance of being accepted to, and where you maybe think perhaps you MIGHT want to live in. You never know! Keep your options open.

Remember, this is an excellent part of your life to stake a claim and have an amazing adventure. It's just 4 years, so if you're far from you're family and friends and hate it, you'll know that when you graduate you'll want to practice back at home. What an excellent way to learn such a lesson!

Choose for the school and to increase your chances, not the city. At least give them the benefit of the doubt!

 

[maksidaa]

Basically, you have NO idea where you'll fit in.
Choose for the school and to increase your chances, not the city. At least give them the benefit of the doubt![/QUOTE]

i agree. i went to louisville to interview even though i was almost sure i would never want to move there. but i decided to go and check it out anyways. turns out i loved the school and the program and would have gone there had they accepted me. give some of those that you might not think you want to go to but you could get into at least a shot. if you interview and hate it, scratch it off your list. if you like it, pray that you get in.