Which schools give the BEST aids?

[jtran001]

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I currently have a 4.0, a really high DAT score (25+) <--- [i meant in some of the sections, not the total. my bad]., and a lot of leadership activities. My dream school has always been Columbia... but I know chances are... I won't be able to attend because of financial problems (EFC = 0). I hear that Columbia doesn't give out much aid.

Do you guys know which schools give out full ride or a lot of aid money? I am looking towards harvard, upenn, umich, all the big names.

Oh, I might do a masters program in public health before I apply to dental school.

Oh, I didn't apply yet! I'm only a sophomore heading to junior year.

 

[Penny00]

You're a sophomore in college, and you've already taken the DAT?

I think your best bet is to go to your state school-- it honestly doesn't really matter where you go to dental school. Patients don't care, you'll save a ton of money (esp. with interest), and if you do well you'll be able to specialize anywhere.

 

[Penny00]

Though Penn has this pretty baller Dean's Scholarship thing, where tuition is 1/2 off.

 

[wcombs]

My advice is to go to the cheaper school as well! However I would be lying if I said I secretly hope my state school rejects me and Columbia accepts me so I have no other choice but to attend.

Oh and if I'm not mistaken, Columbia does give a pretty hefty scholarship... I don't know how much but I believe it's comparable to UPenn's Dean's Scholarship which slices tuition in half. I couldn't find any information on Columbia's website, but check out the acceptance thread--it has people claiming to have received scholarships.

 

[Sisero68]

If you really want a full ride the best options are military, national health service, or seldom talked about phd programs at some schools. The phd program from the little I looked into it means you get your DDS/DMD, then 4 more years of research for the school. This is on top of the four you maintained during your dental degree. Check out Michigan one of the few I think that talks about it on their website. I am a little rusty on this info so sorry correct me if I am wrong.

 

[jtran001]

Can you tell me more about the national health services? Well, my passion IS to help the needy and the less fortunates. I'd love to somehow work for the government and do just that. That's why I don't want a lot of debt, because it would force me to work for $$$ to pay off my loans, which I predict to be over $150k+. If I can some how go to school for free, I would definitely give back to the community.

 

[jtran001]

Also, I don't mind the phD programs. Would this mean I would be in school for 8 years?

 

[DoeAdeer]

Can you tell me more about the national health services? Well, my passion IS to help the needy and the less fortunates. I'd love to somehow work for the government and do just that. That's why I don't want a lot of debt, because it would force me to work for $$$ to pay off my loans, which I predict to be over $150k+. If I can some how go to school for free, I would definitely give back to the community.

It sounds like joining the military might be for you if that is the case. Army, Navy, and AIr Force each have the Health Professions Scholarship Program that pays for each year of your dental school education (tuition&fees and monthly stipend of about $2000). And your obligation would be a year to year payback as an active duty military dentist (minimum of 3 years.) There is a wealth of information about this scholarship here

Also, I don't mind the phD programs. Would this mean I would be in school for 8 years?

They are usually 7-year long.

 

[MaceG1]

Which schools give the BEST aids?.