Missouri

[anutam]

^^^
Thank you breenie.

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[scb44f]

I like Mizzou.

I'm not one of the ambassadors, so you'll probably get a significantly more impassioned response from one of them. They're the overachieving, school spirited types. I'm a little less of that, but I'm definitely here to advocate for my school.

Things I like
- The majority of my classmates are pretty great people
- The majority of our professors are really interested in our learning and success. I have asked THE MOST ridiculous questions before, and gotten very thorough, thoughtful, and enthusiastic responses. Obviously I have a few favorites and a few are so-so, but in general, I think our faculty is really top notch.
- Our classes make sense. A lot of similar concepts are coupled here-- we have GI physiology and nutrition at the same time this block, which really makes sense. And while it was kind of overwhelming at the time, learning about hearing/balance/vision in histology, physiology, and anatomy all at the same time really made it click a lot better for me. If you're in next year's class, they are making an integrated neuro class, that combines the neuro portions of anatomy and physiology into one course. I think this will be a great thing!
- A corollary of the above two... the professors do change things around to try to improve things. I do appreciate this. There are a lot of things that are "traditions" here and some things are really set in their way, but our curriculum is flexible when it should be, and they have been making improvements, IMHO, especially regarding course structures.
- Columbia is actually a really fun, pleasant place to live. The area is beautiful, the weather is nice compared to where I'm from, and cost of living is low.
- IN STATE TUITION.
- Scb44f is here, duh
- The gym here is OFF THE CHAAAAIIINNN. Seriously. I think it won some award for being like the best campus gym ever. I am so much more in shape than in college.
- It just kind of feels right.

I'm happy to answer any specific questions, but that's what I've got for now.

Just to clarify, you only have to work and make $2000 in one year (or less, like the summer time research option). Once you do that, and you have the other things they ask for, the switch over is easy peasy (from what I hear - my SO did it in undergrad and had no issues).

Anyway, about what I like. I agree with all of Breenie's points.

1) Columbia, is a smaller place than my hometown, but it really does offer a lot. There are parks/trails around every corner, there's a mall, and there's college football, which brings me to my next point.

2) College football! I went to a school that was D2, and very very few people went to football games (there was less of a crowd than my high school). Here, people tailgate, get decked out, and cheer their team on. It's been a nice change, and that's coming from someone who isn't overly fanatic about football.

3) The vet school is great! Most of our lectures so far have been recorded, and the professors make themselves available to help us, so there is really no reason to not get help from somewhere, including...

4) ...classmates. Our class is a great size. Not so big that you see people and wonder who they are, but not so small that you can't avoid the gossip/gossipers. Everyone I've interacted with has been great and super helpful, and that includes professors and staff.

5) Our custodial staff is fantastic. I don't know if Breenie's ever talked to them, but they seriously rock. I've never seen any of them in anything less than a good mood. Of course, this goes for the people who run the cafeteria as well.

6) Clinicians so far have done a great job at relating what we're learning to cases they see. I've really enjoyed all of their lectures so far.

7) Our campus is across one of the major streets from the main campus. It's still within walking distance (I always parked at the vet school for football games), but it's not so close that you feel like undergrads are taking over.

8) We have an ice cream shop just 3-4 minutes (walking) away. It's. Awesome. Cheap, too.

9) There is a lot of opportunity for involvement in clubs. I'm on the Mule Team (our mascots are 2 mules who live right by our parking lot who are driven by students in parades) and I'm in Bovine Club (we've already had a few palpation wetlabs).

I think that's enough for now... Overall I really love Mizzou. Not every school is perfect for everyone, so definitely ask the other ambassadors what they think while you're visiting.

 

[wildcatj]

Breenie or scb: anything you particularly don't like about Mizzou? Or things you've noticed from talking to vet students at other schools that really rock/stink in comparison?

 

[scb44f]

Breenie or scb: anything you particularly don't like about Mizzou? Or things you've noticed from talking to vet students at other schools that really rock/stink in comparison?

Hmm... I wish the vet school library was open after hours sometimes (I don't honestly know the hours, I just know it's dark when I come back in the evening), but there are always other places in the building to study.

Like I said, I really like the location. It's a big enough area, but not too big. Some people disagree and think it's too small/rural. To each his own.

Some people feel disconnected from the main campus, because our buildings are on the southeast edge of campus, and don't like it, but the only person who's expressed that opinion to me personally went to undergrad at Mizzou, so I can kind of see where she's coming from.

Because we're 2+2, we get shorter breaks than 3+1 programs, but I think it's a fair tradeoff.

Most (all?) schools do an orientation, but I really enjoyed Mizzou's. You spend a couple of days off-site, doing low and high ropes courses (it's challenge by choice, of course, so you don't have to participate if you feel uncomfortable about something). Our professors and administrators are our group leaders, and 2nd and 3rd years help out and take pictures and stuff. It's pretty much amazing, but I like that sort of stuff. They give you tons of opportunities to get to know classmates and they even had a speed-dating style Q&A with veterinarians from different parts of the profession. We had a day back on campus where we did the typical "here are your resources, etc." stuff. I really liked how they handle orientation, but I don't know how other schools do it.

Our parking lot is not big enough for all of the people who need to park there. Fortunately there is another lot just down the road (so you walk like 2 or 3 minutes longer than normal - no big deal), and any overflow can park there. It was a source of huge frustration at the beginning of school in August, but now, it's hardly a big deal and I haven't seen it full since.

I don't think any of these "negatives" are real "negatives" because they haven't hindered my ability to learn and do well.

 

[avalanche7]

I saw on another thread (I think breenie posted it?) that Mizzou has a lot more people drop out compared to other schools, but she also said that the professors are very supportive. Any insight on the reasoning for this?

 

[breenie]

...

 

[nordicat]

Just wanted to say I hope everyone who interviewed today performed spectacularly, and good luck to everyone else this weekend!

I'll be there Sunday, probably on the morning tour since I have an afternoon interview. We're making the 7 hour (not bad, but not great) drive tomorrow and staying at the Holiday Inn Select. PM me if anyone will be needing a ride to campus!

 

[avalanche7]

I interviewed yesterday and LOVED Mizzou. To anyone interviewing in the future - don't worry about it. The interviewers were great and it's only 15 minutes....I felt like I was in there for 5!

 

[breenie]

I interviewed yesterday and LOVED Mizzou. To anyone interviewing in the future - don't worry about it. The interviewers were great and it's only 15 minutes....I felt like I was in there for 5!

When did you interview? I was in our clinical skills class that afternoon and saw a bunch of interviewees touring and trundling around!

 

[avalanche7]

I was around all morning and took a tour with Mr. Tindall! I heard a couple of times that although there are 60 OOS spots, they usually accept around double that. I'm assuming that is total after calling people off the waitlist? Any idea if they over-accept at first or how that works?

 

[breenie]

I was around all morning and took a tour with Mr. Tindall! I heard a couple of times that although there are 60 OOS spots, they usually accept around double that. I'm assuming that is total after calling people off the waitlist? Any idea if they over-accept at first or how that works?

Last year Kathy told me they over-accept for OOS, but I don't think they went incredibly deep into their waitlist this year. I haven't talked to anyone OOS who said they got in off the waitlist from my class. It's possible they're hiding out there, but I don't think it was too many.

I wouldn't worry. Making the interview cut was the hard part! And many of the people who interview will go to their in states or other schools.

 

[NStarz]

Kathy was talking to us yesterday about this. She said they generally accept 100 students outright for the 60 OOS seats. They waitlist most of the rest. Last year they accepted 125 or so total to fill those seats. She thinks they're interviewing around 135 people this year from OOS. They invited around 155 but/ some declined. Hope that helps!

 

[breenie]

Kathy was talking to us yesterday about this. She said they generally accept 100 students outright for the 60 OOS seats. They waitlist most of the rest. Last year they accepted 125 or so total to fill those seats. She thinks they're interviewing around 135 people this year from OOS. They invited around 155 but/ some declined. Hope that helps!

Sounds like good odds, kiddos!

 

[avalanche7]

Thank you both for the information! Just another waiting game now...guh.

 

[nordicat]

Kathy was talking to us yesterday about this. She said they generally accept 100 students outright for the 60 OOS seats. They waitlist most of the rest. Last year they accepted 125 or so total to fill those seats. She thinks they're interviewing around 135 people this year from OOS. They invited around 155 but/ some declined. Hope that helps!

I just bristled like a proud squirrel when I read this post!! Sure, my odds at my IS school are probably highest, but I'm trying my darndest to GTFO of IL. My husband wants to move away, too. It would be *amaziiiiing!* to get accepted OOS!

 

[breenie]

I just bristled like a proud squirrel when I read this post!! Sure, my odds at my IS school are probably highest, but I'm trying my darndest to GTFO of IL. My husband wants to move away, too. It would be *amaziiiiing!* to get accepted OOS!

Not necessarily true. We have many IL residents in our class!

 

[Velaineil]

Good luck tomorrow Nordi. This is so exciting- I like those odds!

 

[nordicat]

Good luck tomorrow Nordi. This is so exciting- I like those odds!

Thank you!! I think I nailed this one...I came out of it feeling *much* better than I did after my interview at OSU. Everyone's right when they say the interviewers (all the staff and faculty I met, really!) are really laid back and friendly!

I missed the panels (hubby has crazy food allergies, so we went to lunch in town). Do you guys know when we should be hearing something back?

 

[Velaineil]

Thank you!! I think I nailed this one...I came out of it feeling *much* better than I did after my interview at OSU. Everyone's right when they say the interviewers (all the staff and faculty I met, really!) are really laid back and friendly!

I missed the panels (hubby has crazy food allergies, so we went to lunch in town). Do you guys know when we should be hearing something back?

Good for you! What did you think of the campus/city?

 

[nordicat]

Good for you! What did you think of the campus/city?

The vet school/hospital was definitely nice! I didn't get to check out anything else on campus, though.The city weirded me out at first because we got slightly lost upon arrival and just kept seeing "adult" stores I was like, "Is THIS the favorite pastime down here?!" Our hotel was okay, not the best but not the worst. When we went for lunch, I was pleasantly surprised to see chain stores I have heard of (unfortunately, one was Ulta...the bane of my wallet! haha!) Not gonna lie...my undergrad school was
in a reeeeeaaaaally small rural town that had Wal-Mart (THE place to shop), Rural King, and not much else. I was scared when I heard Columbia referred to as a "college town" because undergrad came to mind, but it looks like there are plenty of "creature comforts" if one should require them. I know *I* won't really have much time to partake if accepted, but my husband will, and I know he doesn't want to be out in the boonies ever again.

It was pretty dreary out yesterday, so I think that had an effect on how I viewed things, but a lot of the housing seemed very old. I live in a nearly 40 year old house now, and it's a wreck because the previous owners did minimal maintenance and no updating...so older homes frighten me! Honestly, and this is based on just one day at Mizzou and two at OSU, I liked Columbus, OH more...but I have a feeling we missed most of the good stuff in Columbia! If I'm only accepted at Mizzou xf: that I at least get 1 school!), I'd be just fine living there. I definitely liked it more than the city my IS is in! If I'm lucky enough to get accepted at multiple schools, I'd have to do some major Pros vs Cons listing with the hubs. I GUESS he can have some say in the decision-making process.

What was your take on it all?

 

[Velaineil]

The vet school/hospital was definitely nice! I didn't get to check out anything else on campus, though.The city weirded me out at first because we got slightly lost upon arrival and just kept seeing "adult" stores I was like, "Is THIS the favorite pastime down here?!" Our hotel was okay, not the best but not the worst. When we went for lunch, I was pleasantly surprised to see chain stores I have heard of (unfortunately, one was Ulta...the bane of my wallet! haha!) Not gonna lie...my undergrad school was
in a reeeeeaaaaally small rural town that had Wal-Mart (THE place to shop), Rural King, and not much else. I was scared when I heard Columbia referred to as a "college town" because undergrad came to mind, but it looks like there are plenty of "creature comforts" if one should require them. I know *I* won't really have much time to partake if accepted, but my husband will, and I know he doesn't want to be out in the boonies ever again.

It was pretty dreary out yesterday, so I think that had an effect on how I viewed things, but a lot of the housing seemed very old. I live in a nearly 40 year old house now, and it's a wreck because the previous owners did minimal maintenance and no updating...so older homes frighten me! Honestly, and this is based on just one day at Mizzou and two at OSU, I liked Columbus, OH more...but I have a feeling we missed most of the good stuff in Columbia! If I'm only accepted at Mizzou xf: that I at least get 1 school!), I'd be just fine living there. I definitely liked it more than the city my IS is in! If I'm lucky enough to get accepted at multiple schools, I'd have to do some major Pros vs Cons listing with the hubs. I GUESS he can have some say in the decision-making process.

What was your take on it all?

I don't know yet, my interview is next Sunday.
My undergrad is in Ruraltown, also, so I'm really glad to hear there is more than just a Walmart and that the town has things going on other than the college. I'm impressed with OSU, but not a big fan of big cities, so I'm really excited to see Columbia!
Also, having lived in a dorm the last 5 years I know nothing about housing, so I'll take your word on old buildings being a no-no. I'll have to do some looking around when I'm out there next weekend.
What city is your IS in, anyway? Aren't you in IL?

 

[scb44f]

Thank you!! I think I nailed this one...I came out of it feeling *much* better than I did after my interview at OSU. Everyone's right when they say the interviewers (all the staff and faculty I met, really!) are really laid back and friendly!

I missed the panels (hubby has crazy food allergies, so we went to lunch in town). Do you guys know when we should be hearing something back?

You'll hear back as soon as Kathy gets all of the fall grades from OOSers. She said it's usually Feb. 10th-ish.

Since you didn't make the panel, if you have any other questions about what they talked about, let me know!

 

[nordicat]

You'll hear back as soon as Kathy gets all of the fall grades from OOSers. She said it's usually Feb. 10th-ish.

Since you didn't make the panel, if you have any other questions about what they talked about, let me know!

Thank you!!

I don't know yet, my interview is next Sunday.
My undergrad is in Ruraltown, also, so I'm really glad to hear there is more than just a Walmart and that the town has things going on other than the college. I'm impressed with OSU, but not a big fan of big cities, so I'm really excited to see Columbia!
Also, having lived in a dorm the last 5 years I know nothing about housing, so I'll take your word on old buildings being a no-no. I'll have to do some looking around when I'm out there next weekend.
What city is your IS in, anyway? Aren't you in IL?

Yup, IL! So my IS is U of I in Champaign-Urbana. It's okay, but I've lived in IL my whole life and heard U of I overhyped for my whole life. I'd like to spread my wings, so to speak.

Not sure why I thought you interviewed already! Good luck next weekend , I think you'll like it! Not TOO big, not too small either.

 

[breenie]

Ulta is over by my house!

Which is the crappier part of town. If you were driving past the adult stores (I live right by Cirilla's or whatever), you were in the less than cute part of Columbia near I-70. I promise the rest of the city isn't like that.

But I enjoy the cheap housing that living next to a porn store affords me. Live off of 63, on the east, or south side, and you'll get newer and cleaner housing.

 

[Velaineil]

Thank you!!

Yup, IL! So my IS is U of I in Champaign-Urbana. It's okay, but I've lived in IL my whole life and heard U of I overhyped for my whole life. I'd like to spread my wings, so to speak.

Not sure why I thought you interviewed already! Good luck next weekend , I think you'll like it! Not TOO big, not too small either.

Thanks! I'm really excited!

 

[jtom]

I was just wondering if the interviews at missouri were different from other schools you interviewed with since their interviews are so short. Due to the fact that the interview is only 15 minutes I am not sure if they ask only specific questions and do not get into any long discussions about topics. I have looked at the interview questions posted, I was just curious if there was any additional insights into the interview.

Thanks!

 

[NStarz]

My interview at Mizzou was probably my best so far. It was very conversational. There were 3 interviewers + the dean who asked a few questions at the end. We talked about my research, about current events, and some random stuff that was quasi-related to my research. Haha. It really flew but I feel like they really got to know me in those 20 minutes (mine ran a little late!). Good luck!

 

[Velaineil]

I am IN LOVE with Mizzou! I really really hope I get in, because I'm pretty sure it's perfect.

 

[nordicat]

I am IN LOVE with Mizzou! I really really hope I get in, because I'm pretty sure it's perfect.

YAY! I'd totally be happy there as well! Hope we'll be classmates somewhere!

 

[Velaineil]

YAY! I'd totally be happy there as well! Hope we'll be classmates somewhere!

No kidding!

 

[skinn1212]

Hey there other Mizzou hopefuls, anybody been in contact with the school and know if there getting close to picking the class?

 

[anutam]

Hey there other Mizzou hopefuls, anybody been in contact with the school and know if there getting close to picking the class?

When i called them last week (to check my transcript delivery) i was told that they were waiting for last 4 transcripts to make final decision.

 

[nordicat]

When i called them last week (to check my transcript delivery) i was told that they were waiting for last 4 transcripts to make final decision.

4 people?! C'MON, GUYS!

 

[breenie]

4 people?! C'MON, GUYS!

No complaining until February. We had a gigantic snow storm delay our letters!

 

[animallover23]

Does anyone know how they notify of acceptances and rejections? are both by snail mail?

I'm so excited/anxious to hear! I hope those 4 people get their transcripts in soon!

Good Luck everyone else waiting to hear!

 

[animallover23]

GOOD NEWS GUYS! I just called to make sure I wasn't one of those 4 people who didn't get their transcripts in yet and they told me they mailed the letters yesterday!

So hopefully we'll be hearing within a few days! Good luck

 

[anutam]

Great!
May be in the end of the week we will know. Can't wait.

 

[breenie]

Great!
May be in the end of the week we will know. Can't wait.

I think it took 2 days to get to WI from MO. Y'all should know soon!

Fingers crossed for you all!

 

[dvmdreamer]

Hey there other Mizzou hopefuls, anybody been in contact with the school and know if there getting close to picking the class?

And then there are us poor IS students, still waiting to interview

 

[nordicat]

And then there are us poor IS students, still waiting to interview

Oh God! I forgot you guys had to wait so much longer! Good luck to y'all when the time rolls around!

 

[dvmdreamer]

Thanks! We're getting close to hearing something in the next week or so I think. Good luck to you too!

 

[nordicat]

Let the post officer stalking commence!

Good luck, everyone! I'm hoping we get to blow up that acceptance thread very soon!
(I'm lookin' at YOU, Velaineil!!! )

 

[scb44f]

Crossing my fingers for you guys! Good luck! And don't stalk your mail-person too much...

 

[nordicat]

YESSSSSS!!!!! Accepted! Weeeeeeeee!!!

 

[scb44f]

YESSSSSS!!!!! Accepted! Weeeeeeeee!!!

Congrats!!

 

[nordicat]

Congrats!!

Thanks!!! I'll be wearing my Mule Team t-shirt tonight! (totally bought one when I was there for my interview!)

Don't freak out if you haven't gotten anything from them yet, peeps. I live right next door in IL. The ~8.5"x12" brown-yellow envelope is postmarked Jan 24. for everyone!!

 

[Velaineil]

Let the post officer stalking commence!

Good luck, everyone! I'm hoping we get to blow up that acceptance thread very soon!
(I'm lookin' at YOU, Velaineil!!! )

I was at the library like 15 minutes before class and saw this, and literally ran back to my dorm to check the mail- it was there! I got in!
I couldn't be happier with the way things worked out- I honestly liked Missouri better than my IS (OSU), and secretly hoped I'd get rejected from there and accepted at Mizzou so that I wouldn't have to choose to leave my family. Now fate has done it for me- woohoo!

 

[breenie]

YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Hoping you both decide to attend!

 

[nordicat]

I was at the library like 15 minutes before class and saw this, and literally ran back to my dorm to check the mail- it was there! I got in!
I couldn't be happier with the way things worked out- I honestly liked Missouri better than my IS (OSU), and secretly hoped I'd get rejected from there and accepted at Mizzou so that I wouldn't have to choose to leave my family. Now fate has done it for me- woohoo!

w00t w00t! So happy for you! You deserve this!!!!

 

[Velaineil]

YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Hoping you both decide to attend!

w00t w00t! So happy for you! You deserve this!!!!

Thanks!! I will definitely be there next year!
What are you thinking, Nordi? Gonna stick it out for OSU, or pick Mizzou? Did you apply anywhere else?