Hi everyone! I was accepted to a couple of programs on Dec 15th and have narrowed it down to two schools. I would love any advice about either! As background, I'm currently thinking of doing a pediatric residency or ortho after dental school. Both interest me and I'm sure I'll learn more when I'm in school. I am also not opposed to going into general dentistry. Also, I'm interested in NHSC (but not deadset) on it. If I did NHSC, it would logically make more sense to go into ped dent.
1. Columbia
Pros:
-Academically strong
-Pass/Fail Curriculum
-Medical School Curriculum (This could be a pro & con. For one, I see the benefit of having the knowledge, especially to be a well-rounded healthcare provider. However, I'm not sure if the integration of the medical school curriculum will take away from dental education. I want to be a great dentist before anything else.)
-Prestige (This is slowly becoming not important to me. I always loved Columbia and wanted to go for my undergrad.)
-Living in NYC (Again, not the biggest thing for me now, but it used to be)
-Great specialty match rates
Cons:
-Cost (Obviously, it's a lot. It will be about 90K more for me to attend Columbia)
-Would most likely do NHSC to help cover the costs
-Less extensive clinical curriculum
-Med School curriculum (for reasons outlined above)
2. Rutgers (IS)
Pros:
-Loved the school when interviewed there. I had a great conversation with the professor that interviewed me and the students seem to really love the school.
-Really friendly faculty and staff
-Strong clinically
-Cheaper by 90K
Cons:
-I don't love Newark. I live about 45 mins away from the school, so I wouldn't know if I would move or stay home.
-Not sure of their specialty match rates
1. Columbia
Pros:
-Academically strong
-Pass/Fail Curriculum
-Medical School Curriculum (This could be a pro & con. For one, I see the benefit of having the knowledge, especially to be a well-rounded healthcare provider. However, I'm not sure if the integration of the medical school curriculum will take away from dental education. I want to be a great dentist before anything else.)
-Prestige (This is slowly becoming not important to me. I always loved Columbia and wanted to go for my undergrad.)
-Living in NYC (Again, not the biggest thing for me now, but it used to be)
-Great specialty match rates
Cons:
-Cost (Obviously, it's a lot. It will be about 90K more for me to attend Columbia)
-Would most likely do NHSC to help cover the costs
-Less extensive clinical curriculum
-Med School curriculum (for reasons outlined above)
2. Rutgers (IS)
Pros:
-Loved the school when interviewed there. I had a great conversation with the professor that interviewed me and the students seem to really love the school.
-Really friendly faculty and staff
-Strong clinically
-Cheaper by 90K
Cons:
-I don't love Newark. I live about 45 mins away from the school, so I wouldn't know if I would move or stay home.
-Not sure of their specialty match rates