Opinions on university choices: UWO or McMaster

[akxcs 0]

I'm an Ontario high school student and I've been debating between McMaster and Western for my undergraduate studies as a pre-dental student. A major factor for me is cost, which in this case McMaster looks to be the better option. However, I was wondering if it was worth the extra money to go to Western that already has a dental school and potentially better pre-dental resources (ex. volunteering, outreach programs)? Would I be able to find as many clinical/research opportunities related to dentistry better at McMaster?

[dentistrydmd 13]

You probably won't find as much research opportunities at McMaster for dental related activities, but ultimately having research specifically related to dentistry is not a significant factor in acceptances. There's nothing stopping you however from going for a summer to a city with a dental school to conduct research there.

[k9teeth 5]

Save your money. Where you do your undergrad doesn’t matter. It’s all about your GPA and DAT score. Also McMaster is just a 45 min GoBus ride from UofT and Toronto. Have good ECs and show your best self to them. As in do ECs that you are actually interested in- it will give you a stronger personal statement and application. 

[PracticingDDS 4]

On 5/10/2020 at 3:08 PM, k9teeth said:

Save your money. Where you do your undergrad doesn’t matter. It’s all about your GPA and DAT score. Also McMaster is just a 45 min GoBus ride from UofT and Toronto. Have good ECs and show your best self to them. As in do ECs that you are actually interested in- it will give you a stronger personal statement and application. 

Agreed. I went to York (which many of my friend’s thought would be a bad idea because it’s academic reputation is not as good as U of T) before UWO. Looking back, I’m glad I made that decision. I managed to save a lot more money, the environment at York was very collaborative compared to the cut throat environment my friends were facing at U of T. I was able to get a competitive GPA and good DAT score which got me accepted at UWO. Once you’re in and even after graduation, no one ever asks you where you got your undergrad from. 

[BigHoss 6]

what program have u been accepted into? that makes a bit of a difference too.