I can vouch for the program at Rutgers. Finished it in December (3 semesters but 1 year is doable). Most of the students that attend the program are OOS. Don't attend this program if you're hoping it will help you get into the dental school there. The advisors/admins make a good point of stressing that the program will help you get in somewhere...just not necessarily there. There are a few schools that know the program very well and like gsbs applicants. The same could be said for Barry's program.
Best place to live: Your choice. They offer graduate housing which are on the university's shuttle line...one apartment building is connected directly to the dental/med schools which is extremely convenient. A number of people commute from OOS or live off campus. Living "on campus" isn't cheap but I thought it was worth it.
Financial aid is available given that it's a graduate program. Assuming that you qualify, you'd receive 20,500/yr in direct federal loans and could borrow grad plus loans to cover everything else. Of course it's in your best interest to seek outside scholarships/have support from family in order to reduce loans. Either way you'll be able to finance the program.
When classes start is slightly subjective...it depends on what you choose to take. You can find a list of offered courses for the current spring/previous fall semesters on the rutgers website. Compare that with the requirements on the website and you'll get a better idea of what a schedule there would look like. Consider this for any other program you're interested in attending.
Difficulty of the program is also subjective in assessment. As it is a graduate program you will definitely be challenged as a student. Some students enter the program hoping to coast through by taking the "Easiest courses" they can find...that only goes as far as one or two courses. There are plenty of course reviews on sdn and the class facebook group if you want to know which classes would best suit your needs/interests. The faculty are truly pro-student IMO and there's a lot of collaboration amongst students since there isn't class rank/competition.
This program won't guarantee you entrance to any school, and the same can be said for every graduate program out there. It's up to you to enhance your application profile to the best of your ability. A number of people do extremely well in the program and their efforts have been rewarded. On the other hand, others treat it as if it's freshman year of college and nearly fail out then complain that the program didn't help them. The program's what you make of it and you receive what you put into it. Again it's not a guarantee but it will help with your chances of being granted interviews as long as the remainder of your application is solid. It's up to you to really sell the interview in your best attempt to obtain an acceptance.
Quick GSBS stats:
Grad GPA: 3.95
Completed concentration in oral biology (includes taking courses with D1 students).
60 hour research rotation
Reapplicant for dental schools. First time = no interviews. Second time = 8 interviews so far. More than 1 acceptance.
I think both Barry and Rutgers are good programs. My decision ultimately came down to preference based on my interests. I'm from New England so I wanted a place closer to home, plus on-campus housing since I wouldn't be bringing a car to either place. I wanted more freedom in selecting courses, liked that Rutgers had a required 60 hour research rotation that was built into a required course, and wanted the opportunity to take D1 courses. If you wanna know anything else feel free to pm me
