What to do...

[sd18]

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I know it's kinda pointless to take random people's advice or opinions on here, but i couldn't help but see what people think about these schools...UCLA, OHSU, and UNLV.

I got accepted to these schools and am trying to make a decision now. I want to focus mainly on the curriculum, faculty and student relations, and other students' experiences at the schools. I've already gone over the pros and cons such as tuition, location, grading scale, etc...but any other words to consider would be appreciated. And for those of you who already picked a dental school, what were some factors that helped make your decision??

Also, I would like to keep the option to specialize open, so i was questioning whether the dental school you go to has a major factoring when considering specialties? Thanks!

 

[iamjackbauer]

Can't go wrong with ucla!

 

[whodat4life]

I would most definitely go with UCLA...they are a top 3 dental school (in my opinion, I know there aren't technical rankings, but resident placement-wise). If you're thinking you may want to specialize on down the line, then you should go to UCLA for sure. The only con associated with UCLA is the high cost of living around the school (Westwood area). But if that's not too big of a concern for you...don't pass on the opportunity to go there...most people think of UCLA as a dream school.

 

[lkdeidaho]

I have a buddy that just finished his first year at UNLV. I was talking to him about it because I was interested in the school too. I asked him what a drawback was. He said that there was a big disconnect between faculty and the students. For example, he said that during test week, the faculty made everyone attend a mandatory meeting that was very long (and kind of pointless) when they could have been studying, or scheduled the meeting during a different time.
But....since I am not accepted to either, I can't say too much about them. 🙂

 

[JBieber]

Come to UC ERRRAIIII.... lol

 

[amcmahon]

Join the ucla c/o 2015!

 

[Osity]

I was accepted to both OHSU and UNLV. I didn't apply to UCLA, so I can't give any input about it, other than I've heard it's a great school.

Here's my take on OHSU and UNLV:

UNLV:

They have awesome, top-of-the-line facilities. They seem to have a good patient base with lots of opportunities to get experience. I think most people are graduating with tons of extra experience that they are required to get.

I hate Vegas (subjective, obviously), but it's a great time to buy a house there because of the market. If you buy a house, in four years it will more than likely appreciated in value (and likely not depreciate in value), then you can likely sell it for a little extra and live close to rent free, helping you mitigate the cost of school.

What I didn't like about UNLV consists of two things: Cost and relationship between faculty and students.

OOS tuition is ridiculous (over $70k). You can get in-state tuition after your first year, but even then it's still really high (over $40k). With another $3 million in budget cuts to the dental school, they are likely going to see more increases in tuition.

I had three students tell me that if I could go to school somewhere else, that I should do it. That meant a lot coming from the students, because at the other schools I interviewed at, they all said that I should go to their respective schools. They said it is difficult for students to work with faculty. For me, that is a big determinant.


OHSU:

Not quite as nice of facilities as UNLV, but still digital everything. All the students seemed to be busy and have lots to do.

I really liked the Portland area, I think there's a lot to do (I currently live in a really small city so I thought this of most places) and it is beautiful.

I thought the staff and faculty that I met were sincere and cared about the students, and the students seemed to feel the same way.

Like UNLV, OHSU's tuition is getting ridiculous. They told us at the interview to expect a 10% increase each year. That's over $5k the first year, and nearly $6,500 the last year there.

The other thing I didn't like about OHSU is the amount of lab work the students do. That was a major complaint that all the students had, they have to do all of their own lab work. I think it's good to do some and know how to be able to do it all, but all of your own work is a little tedious.

I would personally choose OHSU over UNLV. I have heard a lot of good about UCLA, but I haven't been there personally so I can't say much about it. In the end, if UCLA is cheaper than OHSU, I would go to UCLA.

 

[321931]

I had three students tell me that if I could go to school somewhere else, that I should do it. That meant a lot coming from the students, because at the other schools I interviewed at, they all said that I should go to their respective schools. They said it is difficult for students to work with faculty. For me, that is a big determinant.

Same. I saw a mix of students that were happy and some that were "go to another school" attitude. I dunno why that was the case, but perhaps, being assigned to one-two professors for over 10 courses may be the factor. If you don't get along with one professor, you're stuck with that professor for the next 9 courses.

In addition, the class seems not as cohesive. They have alot of matured/older students. There is nothing wrong with that; however, a student who is 21-22/single/no kids won't have much in common with those students. So the younger group is off to themselves, and older group to themselves. Of course, they intermingle and there's no friction but its something to consider. Finally, with the 70-75% male ratio to 25-30% female ratio, the amount of females that you mingle with is extremely diminished, while the amounts of males that you mingle with is extremely upped.

It's a great school, but these factors are something to consider.