Undergrad worth?

Milkmagn · 04-21-2008, 04:14 PM

So, I trying to choose between tufts and a 5 year dental program (2 years undergrad 3 years dental) at the university of the pacific. Tufts will offer the regular 4 years undergrad while the dental program only allows me 2 years undergrad, but I get my DDS degree when I'm 23! Is it really worth it to have a complete undergrad experience, or should I get out of school earlier and start making money?

OKgirl · 04-21-2008, 05:20 PM

I'm not quite sure I understand what you are saying because it is mostly one big sentence, but I'll try......

Many people are going to say to not rush into working ASAP and to enjoy your college years.

Personally, I rather be done with school and get on with life.

You might look at how the programs differ (how is it 4 years undergrad at one and 2 years at another?--I don't really see how it is possible to cut it in half? how difficult will each be to accomplish? Which school is better? Compare costs).

When are you starting college? I know that pharmacy schools have 0+6 programs, so if dental school offers that then you might look into it because it will eliminate a lot of stress about GPA, DAT scores, etc., but it is already past the deadline for this year.

I don't know if you know about this site, but it has helped me out a ton! Dental Forums [ DDS / DMD ] - Student Doctor Network Forums

4321234 · 04-21-2008, 06:07 PM

for me, i would pick the dental one. unless you know what else to do with yourself, ungrad is gonna suck ass.

ken285 · 04-21-2008, 06:15 PM

Are you going to be taking courses during the summer and winter sessions as well in the 2 year undergrad option? That would be rough...

Milkmagn · 04-21-2008, 07:27 PM

So I'm guessing college isn't the four best years of your life? (cliche)

kelseyg · 04-21-2008, 08:41 PM

College is great (I don't know about the four best years of your life) but at one point you have to look at your goals and go out to accomplish them.

It's like the students who never study abroad or go to another city to do an internship or get a job because they don't want to miss hanging out with their friends.

CaseSpartan10 · 04-21-2008, 08:51 PM

I think college is amazing.

I would never give up my undergrad years.
It's personal opinion though.

Emily2007 · 04-21-2008, 09:14 PM

I would never give up undergrad either. Especially now that I'm here, I don't want to leave, and I think I might resent having made such a commitment and career choice at 18 years old.

I have so, so many years to work 9-5. I only have so much time to mess around, get involved with cool ECs, meet fun people, travel, study abroad, live with lots of crazy roommates. I guess you'll still get some of that with 2 years, and would still be a student during those 3 dental years, but still, I can't imagine ending undergrad at 20 years old. It is a personal choice though, if you aren't all that into the "undergrad experience", maybe an accelerated track is for you.

4321234 · 04-21-2008, 10:28 PM

So I'm guessing college isn't the four best years of your life? (cliche)

hell no. college sucks. i guess this is caz i didn't dorm. either get the full experience or just go to the dental school, is what i would do.

smiley1 · 04-21-2008, 10:36 PM

are you talking about U of Pacific?
just curious.

mochamaven · 04-23-2008, 03:42 PM

Why are people hating on college? It's been the best experience of my life thus far, and I know a lot of my friends feel the same. Tufts is AMAZING, and all the people I know who go there are having the times of their lives. Don't rush yourself through college...it's not just about preparing for a job (and seriously, if you got into Tufts you won't have a problem getting into a good dental school!) it's about growing and learning as a person. Especially at a place like Tufts, you'll meet some of the coolest people ever...and from what I've heard from my friends in med or law school, those programs aren't NEARLY as fun as undergrad. Actually, professional schools apparently tend to be kind of miserable. So enjoy college while you can...it really can be the best 4 years ever!!

ashlieh · 04-23-2008, 04:29 PM

Are you 100% sure you want to become a dentist? If you are then, I would choose University of the Pacific. If not, then I would choose Tufts. Personally, I would choose Tufts because I see college as a time to discover what you want your future job to be. I know many people that have changed their major multiple times.

burgler09 · 04-23-2008, 05:46 PM

As a junior in college who is going to be applying to dental school next year.. I think you would be a flat out idiot to turn down going to dental school without having to apply and do the DAT. Do you understand how competitive dental school is? Go to UoP, if you want to be a dentist and are definitely not going to change then GO TO PACIFIC!!!!!!! mochamaven, you can have a good experience at UoP

Milkmagn · 04-23-2008, 10:28 PM

^I dunno, I've just decided a couple of days ago... I wanted all my life that I wanted to be a doctor, but only recently decided that dentistry is better (oftentimes better salary, regular work schedule, etc)...

So I'm not sure if that would change

burgler09 · 04-24-2008, 07:07 AM

Dental school is just so competitive, I just think you'd be crazy to turn it down... you are saving a ton of money and not only that you are getting in the work force two years earlier allowing you to make an extra two years of salary. I can't find any reason to justify going to Tufts unless you think you are going to switch out of denistry... I think if you choose Tufts you'll regret it.