Why do people attend USC and NYU dental school? (And similarly priced ones)

[HarveyDentist2019]

Hi,

I'm truly just genuinely curious from either current students from either school, those intending on attending these schools, or anyone else with some insight.

I imagine there is a population of students that which a large portion of their dental school tuition isn't covered by parents, or HPSP, or other means. Despite this, why is there such a huge number within these classes (Class size for reference: USC 144, NYU 375 or so) that still end up attending these schools? Is it simply that they do not recognize the absurd amount needed to be paid back (with accrued interest, etc.) later in their career, and the idea of becoming a dentist clouded judgment? That this was their only choice of school and thus they were stuck with it? Any other ideas are welcome as well.

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[TanMan]

Hi,

As we near decision date, I'm truly just genuinely curious from either current students from either school, those intending on attending these schools, or anyone else with some insight.

I imagine there is a population of students that which a large portion of their dental school tuition isn't covered by parents, or HPSP, or other means. Despite this, why is there such a huge number within these classes (Class size for reference: USC 144, NYU 375 or so) that still end up attending these schools? Is it simply that they do not recognize the absurd amount needed to be paid back (with accrued interest, etc.) later in their career, and the idea of becoming a dentist clouded judgment? That this was their only choice of school and thus they were stuck with it? Any other ideas are welcome as well.

Either location, think they have a good reputation, or no choice. I remember NYU is super relaxed in their admissions process back in the day. If only NYU or USC gave you an acceptance, you'd probably take it. The alternative is far worse in that if you apply a second time and get in nowhere or at NYU/USC, then you just wasted a year or dental earning power. As I've said before, the amount of tuition relative to your average yearly lifetime earning capability should exceed the tuition/opportunity cost of losing another year or two.

Also, there's a demand for dental school slots. Consumers are willing to pay more and with the availability of easy money, they think their ROI will be ahead by going to NYU/USC, if there was no other choice. Alternatively, some people are stuck in those geographic regions due to family/personal life constraints, and if UCLA, Columbia, Loma Linda, etc... didn't take you, then you might be stuck with a few school choices.

Edit: I'm curious, does NYU still do acceptance w/o interview?

 

[macsak]

Hi,

As we near decision date, I'm truly just genuinely curious from either current students from either school, those intending on attending these schools, or anyone else with some insight.

I imagine there is a population of students that which a large portion of their dental school tuition isn't covered by parents, or HPSP, or other means. Despite this, why is there such a huge number within these classes (Class size for reference: USC 144, NYU 375 or so) that still end up attending these schools? Is it simply that they do not recognize the absurd amount needed to be paid back (with accrued interest, etc.) later in their career, and the idea of becoming a dentist clouded judgment? That this was their only choice of school and thus they were stuck with it? Any other ideas are welcome as well.

USC and NYU have a higher percentage of students whose parents pay for dental school...

 

[Kenshin_Med]

My simple answer: Hype

 

[Frychicken]

USC and NYU have a higher percentage of students whose parents pay for dental school...

Do you have a source for this statement?

 

[flossy_p]

people go bc they are still able to find the funds that will justify paying for it whether it's loans, rich family member, scholarship, military, personal funds, etc.
if they weren't able to shell out the money, or if it was too overwhelming, they wouldn't be going in the end or want to apply in the first place.
when there's a will, there's a way; everyone's financial situation and choices/decisions are different

 

[qnrnr]

For me, it's actually going to be approximately the same price if I get accepted to my state school or NYU since I live in NYC already with family and I would need to buy a car and get car insurance if I get to my state school.

 

[wengerout]

Location or only acceptance.

If you only get into NYU, even with how expensive it is it makes more sense to just go then take a gap year unless whatever job you do can come close to what a dentist makes. Pushing it off a year is one year of prime earnings on the back end of your career that you lose out on, along with one less year where you can invest that money, etc.


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[Punished Angeleno]

Hi,

As we near decision date, I'm truly just genuinely curious from either current students from either school, those intending on attending these schools, or anyone else with some insight.

I imagine there is a population of students that which a large portion of their dental school tuition isn't covered by parents, or HPSP, or other means. Despite this, why is there such a huge number within these classes (Class size for reference: USC 144, NYU 375 or so) that still end up attending these schools? Is it simply that they do not recognize the absurd amount needed to be paid back (with accrued interest, etc.) later in their career, and the idea of becoming a dentist clouded judgment? That this was their only choice of school and thus they were stuck with it? Any other ideas are welcome as well.

9 times out of 10 it's either location or only acceptance.

In my case, it was a bit of both. USC was my only acceptance. I was waitlisted at four other programs, most of which were private and still cheaper than USC. Even if I had gotten into any one of the other four schools, I still would've attended USC. I'd rather commute from home and pay a little more than live alone, far from family and friends.

Also, a few students in my class dropped their acceptances to in-state public schools to attend USC just to stay closer to family. Blew my mind, but to each their own.