I am hoping that someone can please answer my questions. I am trying to make a pro/con list of NCSU. I have done a lot of searching around on their website, but there are a few things I am uncertain about:
1. How long do students typically spend during lectures each day? What about labs?
A long time. I've heard anectdotally that we have a particularly intense lecture/lab schedule. Most days most years are 8-4ish. Some days are 8-5:30. Some days are shorter, particularly as you get into third year, but we are in class a lot. Check it out:
http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/academicaffairs/calendars.html
2. There are selectives offered at the end of each semester. Do these allow hands-on opportunities?
They sure do! I love selectives! Here is a list of things I have gotten to do during selectives: Ferret Ultrasound, Neuter and Analsacuectomy, Fish exploratory Coelotomy and ultrasound, several fish diagnostic labs, a coral fragmenting lab, Iguana Neuter, Bearded Dragon Spay, Iguana and Bearded Dragon Ultrasound, marine mammal necropsies, etc. You get the idea. They are awesome, and there are options available for everyone regardless of interest. Selectives Info here: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/dvm/faq.html
3. Do all professors post their notes online ahead of class time?
No. Most do, but not all.
4. Are lectures recorded?
Usually. Unless the system malfunctions. It is a new system though so there are tweaks going on and it isn't the best. Still a great resource for any time you have to miss lecture.
5. I have heard the caseload is pretty good. A current student told me that the caseload is low on emergency med. Can you agree with this?
I have no idea. I am still a third year and haven't been in the emergency clinic. But emergency med isn't an interest area of mine. There are definitely opportunities to be involved earlier than fourth year.
6. Where do you think the curriculum needs to be improved? What area is lacking?
This is a wide open question with lots of answers. They are constantly working to improve the curriculum, but there are some classes that could use tweaking. As a general rule I feel I am getting an exceptional education though.
7. Are all students in the same lecture hall together?
Currently all students in my class are in the same lecture hall unless broken into smaller groups for labs. Not sure how this will play out with he increasing class size though.
Thanks sooo much! I appreciate any advice.