UofT vs Western

[eebee]

So, as we all know, UofT acceptances are out (congrats to all who made it!).

Out of curiosity, who here applied to both of these schools, and is accepting UofT?

[Wein]

I think most who applied to one probably applied to both unless there was a very specific reason for targeting one school over another.

 

Only reason I suspect a person would apply to one, but not both, was if they had a dismal cGPA but a semi-decent two year average so gave Western a shot and probably didn't apply to UofT. However, if you felt competitive to apply to UofT, you most certainly would feel competitive at Western. Therefore, I'm guessing you would get quite a bit of overlap from those accepted at UofT and their applications at Western.

 

I applied and interviewed at both. Got into UofT, but still think Western is my first choice. Only time will tell where I'll go.

[pearlywhites]

I also applied to both, got accepted at UofT, but am unsure where I will end up. UWO acceptances are not out for a while, so I will certainly accept UofT's offer. Personally, I think it is a tough call because while I liked both schools, I've already committed $2000 to UofT. It would be ideal if both schools let us know at the same time.

[Kittyp]

I think most who applied to one probably applied to both unless there was a very specific reason for targeting one school over another.

 

Only reason I suspect a person would apply to one, but not both, was if they had a dismal cGPA but a semi-decent two year average so gave Western a shot and probably didn't apply to UofT. However, if you felt competitive to apply to UofT, you most certainly would feel competitive at Western. Therefore, I'm guessing you would get quite a bit of overlap from those accepted at UofT and their applications at Western.

 

I applied and interviewed at both. Got into UofT, but still think Western is my first choice. Only time will tell where I'll go.

 

 

Also, UWO can take you after second year and UT needs 3 years of university education. So in that case person can apply at UWO and not UT(like me).

[Phm]

Any chance western's early acceptances will go out this week or at least before the U of T deposits are due? I know last year it was mid-May, but I thought someone posted it could be late April this year. Can anyone confirm?

[Wein]

Hi there,

Just outta curiosity, what are some reasons why Western is your preferred choice?

 

Most of them are just personal preferences really. I have done four years at UofT already and have never been to Western so definitely wouldn't mind the change. I also prefer the smaller city feel of London as opposed to the large metropolis that is Toronto. Academically Western is known for a bit more clinical exposure, whereas at Toronto you have access to exposure to all the specialties and numerous research opportunities. At the end of the day, I'll be a good dentist regardless of where I go, but I just personally have a good vibe and feel about Western and so am leaning that way. But, all that might change if I don't get accepted...haha.

[Wein]

Any chance western's early acceptances will go out this week or at least before the U of T deposits are due? I know last year it was mid-May, but I thought someone posted it could be late April this year. Can anyone confirm?

 

Yeah not really sure why they would wait so long given that they now have all the info they need (marks, dat, interview scores) for the early acceptance people. UofT was able to have a 2/3 week turn around so I'm pretty sure western could do the same.

 

I'm too lazy to look it up, but anyone know how much the deposit is at Western?

 

Also, anybody know if you are allowed to hold a spot simultaneously at both schools? If you need a bit more time to make a decision could you pay both deposits and make up your mind as the summer ends? I assume some people do this given that some people come off the waitlists a few days before classes start and the rest of the tuition is due, but just wanted confirmation.

[Dr Chill]

It looks like you have some extra bucks don't know how to spend!! there is a casino in Niagara Falls btw. They even send you a lemo if you're willing to play a couple of grants.

Why would you loose a couple of grants for an easy decision?

You're cool go to Western, you're nerd stick to UofT, it's as easy as that.

[Wein]

lol...what happens if I'm cool and a nerd?

[Dr Chill]

Then you go to McGill!

that was a good one, I like it!

[rla_z]

I'm guessing UT has the higher asian population right?

[dentshopeful]

wow, i think thats a pretty big waste of money, paying deposits for both schools, not to mention making it more difficult for people on the waiting lists..

 

if I were you, I'd just take U of T. but seriously, I'd suggest just talking to people in both schools, it depends what you want out of the school, UWO and U of T are completely different schools.

[Synlar]

UofT's dentistry building's one of the ugliest buildings I've seen, while the one at UWO is even connected to the med school building, which makes sense since dentists are also doctors. UWO campus is more interconnected while UofT has to resort to taking over existing buildings, so the facilities aren't built from the ground up as they are in UWO. It's true that UWO, especially in first yr, is more hands on than UofT; I called one of my friends who's in first yr dentistry at UofT and he said they have to sometimes beg to get extra clinical practice, but in upper years it becomes almost all clinical. Though at the end both schools will give you a DDS degree, what makes the difference is which will give you a better time to becoming a dentist instead of stressing over theory that you won't need in your practice.

[dentshopeful]

UofT's dentistry building's one of the ugliest buildings I've seen, while the one at UWO is even connected to the med school building, which makes sense since dentists are also doctors. UWO campus is more interconnected while UofT has to resort to taking over existing buildings, so the facilities aren't built from the ground up as they are in UWO. It's true that UWO, especially in first yr, is more hands on than UofT; I called one of my friends who's in first yr dentistry at UofT and he said they have to sometimes beg to get extra clinical practice, but in upper years it becomes almost all clinical. Though at the end both schools will give you a DDS degree, what makes the difference is which will give you a better time to becoming a dentist instead of stressing over theory that you won't need in your practice.

 

Exactly, so in the end, you will be a good dentist whichever school you go to. However, UWO focuses on the clinical aspect earlier on in the program. But U of T just gets to that a bit later on in the program. However, if you want a more research oriented school, and also a better chance/opportunity to specialize, I've heard it's better to go to U of T.

[Fraises]

at the western interview, they told us they are changing the curriculum starting this coming fall... the first year will become more dentistry-specialized isntead of more general, and no more hands-on stuff starting at the beginning like it used to. cuz they used to start drilling or whatever hands-on activities basically like the first week..but now they're pushing it to start in 2nd term, like UofT does it.

[Fraises]

and uwo only offers 3 specialty programs... ortho, something else, and oral surgery which takes 1 person a year lol

[Phm]

I read in the alumni newsletter that UWO is 75% through their strategic plan, which includes a whole curiculum revamp like Fraises said. I think that's good in general, but do we want to be the first guinea pig class this fall while they work out the kinks?

[eebee]

I know, it's a little scary to think that. UofT seems to be the safer choice, but I guess you never really know until you are actually at UWO, experiencing the change.

 

This whole specializing talk is making me wonder. Can you not go to other schools to specialize? For example, the states? Does the university from which you receive your DDS really play that big of a role?

[Kittyp]

There are lot of things to consider while making this comparison between UT and UWO. First of all its true that UWO is changing their curriculum as I asked them this question on the interview. Its almost no more clinical than UT in the first year now as they are adding more basic sciences stuff in first year and moving clinical stuff to second year. Then you have to see lifestyle as UT is in metropolis and lifestyle there is totally different than in London which is quiet town but commute is much more easy here. Again another thing important for me atleast (and maybe for someone else too) is that Toronto has lot of good places for eating which is not same in London especially as asian student I am sick of eating at few places we have in London. Diversity seems to be almost same at two places. Another thing is class size- if you like small class go to UWO and if big one go to UT. Also do some reasearch on reputation of the two schools worldwide (atleast in North America) especially if you want to pursue specialization as even if you will apply at American school for that the rep of your school will make difference. You should also talk to Alumni at two places to check what they say. And last but not the least check fee at both places and see what kind of financial help is available.

[T00thFairy]

Again another thing important for me atleast (and maybe for someone else too) is that Toronto has lot of good places for eating which is not same in London especially as asian student I am sick of eating at few places we have in London.

 

oh man, if I get to the point of food choices making my decision of which dental school to go to, I'm in a good place

[eebee]

Also do some reasearch on reputation of the two schools worldwide (atleast in North America) especially if you want to pursue specialization as even if you will apply at American school for that the rep of your school will make difference. You should also talk to Alumni at two places to check what they say.

So I just looked up the rankings of UWO and UofT online. Apparently UofT is #41 worldwide, and UWO is #159. Quite a big difference. Though, I'm not sure how credible this website is - topuniversities.com. Anybody know?

[Kittyp]

oh man, if I get to the point of food choices making my decision of which dental school to go to, I'm in a good place

 

So it may not be important for you but for someone else as I said. I believe we have to spend atleast 4 years at a place and should like everything there to feel happy and food is part of that.

[roko281]

very true, food is very important to me, too!

[freebird]

Lol, one thing I would say is... not to take the advice of anyone on a forum for pre-dents No offense, but some of you guys obviously have conflicts of interests...

[Fraises]

i really apologize to the western fans...but no conflict of interest would make me say 'i choose western instead of uoft'

i go to uoft now for undergrad and i love it! the awesome shopping, food, theatres, nightlife........right there

and not to mention my family, friends, and 5-yr bf =(

i wish i could go to uoft dentistry