Michigan vs. Illinois

[apizfoshizz]

So, I have been accepted at both Michigan and Illinois for the class of 2019. I'm having a hard time figuring out where I want to be in the fall. Both schools have great programs but I wanted to see if any current students have any input on these schools or could give me some advice on how to make a decision.

I am OOS for both schools, because my state does not have a vet school and does not contract with any. I know I am going to pay a lot no matter where I go. Illinois is only a few thousand less than Michigan, but when I interviewed at Michigan they talked a lot about scholarships and other ways to knock money off of your tuition (such as staying in Michigan for a few years after you graduate to receive some reimbursement for your fourth year). I was hoping that tuition would make it easier for me to choose, but considering how close the two are to each other, it makes it even harder.

Second, I love that you get an extra semester of clinicals at Michigan. However, Illinois also has extra clinical rotations and I like the setup of their new curriculum. This is what is making it so hard for me to choose! If any current students could give me advice on choosing which curriculum would be best for me, I would really appreciate.

Finally, my main interest is in food animal medicine, primarily dairy cows. Michigan is one of the top milk producing states in the country, but I don't know much about Illinois' dairy industry. I also know that I can get whatever kind of experience I want by arranging internships and externships, but it seems like it may be easier to do that in Michigan.

Any input anyone may have that could help me make a decision would be greatly appreciated!

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[bbeventer]

As we only know our own school's program it is hard for us to compare and contrast for you. I can tell you we have our own dairy herd, our FARMS department is fantastic, and you get clinical experience every year of vet school.

 

[Evyamiga <3]

Hello:
I'm not a current student in MSU, but I did research and programs with the school in order to better my chances to get into Vet School. All that you have listed is correct about MSU and yes if you are interested in Dairy this is the place to go. For clinics, you can arranged and choose them according to the experience you want to get. They have a broad spectrum of experiences from Wildlife to Specialist. Financially your packet will be good, Miss Norma will help you to get more scholarships and help you out. Everyone that I meet during my time there were very helpful and friendly.
Now I'll give you the kinda bad thing about MSU from a friend that attended and its now on clinics: the classes are overload (higher than other schools) with both material thats either old or already changed and new. I'd you are looking to lessen your loan, your are not the only one. Many students stay in MI to take advantage of this and most of the time have to move farther north state for the opportunity. Also for clinics, since they have an extra semester, its recommend that by second year you have a good idea what you want to do. My friend was still debating and by the time the clinics sign up started, she panicked and choose some rotations to "try" that have resulted to her as a waist of time. She recommended to get acquainted and ask what each rotation have to offer.
Hope this helps a bit

 

[psilovethomas]

Now I'll give you the kinda bad thing about MSU from a friend that attended and its now on clinics: the classes are overload (higher than other schools) with both material thats either old or already changed and new.

?? I don't think this is true at all. If something has changed, they will let us know and explain it, but usually it has changed within the past year or so. It's not like we're learning the same things that the class in 1957 learned.
I'll post more later today about MSU