Decisions... Penn vs. Tufts?!

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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turqoise

turqoise

Tufts c/o 2015!!
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So I'm shocked to say that I've had the awesome luck of being accepted to both UPenn and Tufts, two schools that were among the highest on my list. 😱 Before anyone suggests this, I've looked at ALL the previous forums comparing the two, and I'm really leaning towards Tufts, but I just don't know which would be the best decision financially. I was kind of hoping this wouldn't happen so I wouldn't be facing this decision!! I'm OOS for both and they're both ridiculously expensive, but Tufts is about an hour from home and I'd rather live in a more rural area (along with many other factors in Tufts' favor as well). HOWEVER, I was considering applying to the combined VMD/PhD program at Penn (I'm 99% sure they don't have one at Tufts?), which would waive the tuition and provide me with a stipend. I already have ~$50k in undergrad loans, but I don't know if there's actually a good enough chance of me getting into the program that I should risk going to Penn when I feel more comfortable at Tufts. I know they only accept up to about 3 people at most per year into the combined program, and I don't have any research publications yet (about 2000 hours of serious undergrad research experience though). Does anyone have any experience with this/suggestions for me? 😕 Thanks! 🙂
 
turqoise said:
So I'm shocked to say that I've had the awesome luck of being accepted to both UPenn and Tufts, two schools that were among the highest on my list. 😱 Before anyone suggests this, I've looked at ALL the previous forums comparing the two, and I'm really leaning towards Tufts, but I just don't know which would be the best decision financially. I was kind of hoping this wouldn't happen so I wouldn't be facing this decision!! I'm OOS for both and they're both ridiculously expensive, but Tufts is about an hour from home and I'd rather live in a more rural area (along with many other factors in Tufts' favor as well). HOWEVER, I was considering applying to the combined VMD/PhD program at Penn (I'm 99% sure they don't have one at Tufts?), which would waive the tuition and provide me with a stipend. I already have ~$50k in undergrad loans, but I don't know if there's actually a good enough chance of me getting into the program that I should risk going to Penn when I feel more comfortable at Tufts. I know they only accept up to about 3 people at most per year into the combined program, and I don't have any research publications yet (about 2000 hours of serious undergrad research experience though). Does anyone have any experience with this/suggestions for me? 😕 Thanks! 🙂
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First off, Congrats on getting into both!! that is incredible, you have awesome options here and I envy you completely. lol That being said, my vote is for Penn (not just because I'm wait-listed at Tufts and I want your spot 😛) But because the facilities and the master-minds at Penn are beyond amazing. Their case-load alone sets them beyond any other school in what you will be able to see and experience. I had my heart set on Penn, but was rejected post interview (total bummer, hence the envy lol).

But in the end, look at what your interested in, I wanted LA, and the NBC at Penn is epic. You will know what is right for you 😉
 
turqoise said:
So I'm shocked to say that I've had the awesome luck of being accepted to both UPenn and Tufts, two schools that were among the highest on my list. 😱 Before anyone suggests this, I've looked at ALL the previous forums comparing the two, and I'm really leaning towards Tufts, but I just don't know which would be the best decision financially. I was kind of hoping this wouldn't happen so I wouldn't be facing this decision!! I'm OOS for both and they're both ridiculously expensive, but Tufts is about an hour from home and I'd rather live in a more rural area (along with many other factors in Tufts' favor as well). HOWEVER, I was considering applying to the combined VMD/PhD program at Penn (I'm 99% sure they don't have one at Tufts?), which would waive the tuition and provide me with a stipend. I already have ~$50k in undergrad loans, but I don't know if there's actually a good enough chance of me getting into the program that I should risk going to Penn when I feel more comfortable at Tufts. I know they only accept up to about 3 people at most per year into the combined program, and I don't have any research publications yet (about 2000 hours of serious undergrad research experience though). Does anyone have any experience with this/suggestions for me? 😕 Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

Ditto...congrats!
You should check on the Tufts dual degree program...I think they have affiliations with the Tufts med school and UMass med school (which has an amazing looking research building in Worchester btw.) I have no idea how well established it is though, or if its subsidized like Penn's is. I'd also bet that the opportunities at Penn are more extensive.

If you want to live in a rural area however, you're not going to find that in Philly...unless you drive in every day from elsewhere. (Or decide to pitch a tent in fairmount park. 🙂)
 
Turquoise- I too am in this situation, and I'm leaning towards penn! hahaha I am having a debate with myself, but I'm almost positive I'll be at Penn, personally the case loads are very similar, but the biggest thing for me is the location! I feel like under the crazy workload of vet school that if I need to get out and had limited time, it would be way more feasible in the city than in grafton. I also really liked that there were a lot of different people in the area, because at tufts the vet kids are isolated, which I think could be a bit boring at times. Also, I really liked that there's so many things within the city that we could get involved in, which was nice. Uhh...yeah. I'm still deciding. But I really think I need to get out of MA and over to Penn...I loved it so.

I'm so glad you posted this so that I can also creep and feel like I gave both schools an equal shot, even though I've already made my decision I think...
 
Ehkehfemal said:
Turquoise- I too am in this situation, and I'm leaning towards penn! hahaha I am having a debate with myself, but I'm almost positive I'll be at Penn, personally the case loads are very similar, but the biggest thing for me is the location! I feel like under the crazy workload of vet school that if I need to get out and had limited time, it would be way more feasible in the city than in grafton. I also really liked that there were a lot of different people in the area, because at tufts the vet kids are isolated, which I think could be a bit boring at times. Also, I really liked that there's so many things within the city that we could get involved in, which was nice. Uhh...yeah. I'm still deciding. But I really think I need to get out of MA and over to Penn...I loved it so.

I'm so glad you posted this so that I can also creep and feel like I gave both schools an equal shot, even though I've already made my decision I think...
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That's so funny, the location is the biggest thing for me too but in the opposite way. I grew up in a rural area and I miss it a lot, I spent the last 4 years in a city and I think I'm ready to go back. I'd rather go out and take a hike or something to get away from vet school than be surrounded by all the people and noise. Grafton might get boring, but I'm assuming I won't have very much time to sit around and mope about that with all the studying I'll be doing. Plus my family, friends, boyfriend, and Boston are only an hour away instead of 5 hours away (not THAT big of a difference compared to some people, but still). This is so hard!! I keep feeling like I've already made my decision and then I start wondering again. Thanks for all your input though guys, it's slowly but surely helping :laugh:
 
As much as I'd love for you to come to Penn, you need to check with someone about the dual degree program and make sure it's an option if you weren't accepted into it from the get-go.
 
Ben and Me said:
As much as I'd love for you to come to Penn, you need to check with someone about the dual degree program and make sure it's an option if you weren't accepted into it from the get-go.
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yea i was just thinking this. I know they pick a couple people each cycle to do the program, but I don't know of people being accepted into it later on in their second year (or whenever you wanted to do it). I haven't asked though. Also, the program is really competitive so I'm not sure what your chances would even be if there was a possibility of you doing the program later.
 
Congrats, turqoise🙂 First off, if location is really important to you (like it is to me), I wouldn't give that up just to go to UPenn's VMD/PhD program. I lived in Philadelphia all my life so maybe that's why I'm a bit biased, but if you really are not a city-dweller, Philly is not for you at all. So it depends on how important location is for you...I really like Tufts because the area around the school is rural but it isn't too far from Boston so you can go into the city every once in a while when the mood strikes. If you're like me, I know I wouldn't be happy living in the city for the next 4 or so years of my life...so I didn't even bother applying to UPenn even though I probably had the best chance of getting in there. You should consider your happiness over the program you want to get into, if you know what I mean.
Remember also that Tufts may come back to you with a nice financial aid package to lessen the loans you'll owe🙂
Best of luck to you.
 
This is going to sound dumb, but try it.

Flip a coin, heads is Tufts and tails is Penn. If you really, really know where you want in your gut, you'll know when you look at the result if it's right for you or not. It's a great way to force yourself to make a gut decision. Go where you're going to be happy.

My opinion? If you're living for free but miserable, is it really worth it? No. But it may be worth it to you.
 
turqoise said:
. HOWEVER, I was considering applying to the combined VMD/PhD program at Penn (I'm 99% sure they don't have one at Tufts?), which would waive the tuition and provide me with a stipend.

Does anyone have any experience with this/suggestions for me? 😕 Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...

Hey there, having spent the last 7 years of my life at Tufts (undergrad, part time masters while working at the vet school) I may be slightly biased and have to say definitely go with Tufts!!

It sounds to me like the only reason you'd choose Penn is for the dual degree ... in which case you should know that Tufts actually has about 5 separate dual degree options two of which are DVM/PhD (one is PhD in Biomedical Sciences with the Tufts Sackler School, the other is with UMass Med School) ... the others are DVM/MPH, and DVM/MS in various topics like comparative biomedical sciences or laboratory animal medicine. Since you've already been accepted to Tufts in order to pursue the dual degree you'd have to apply to either school/program before December of your second year.

Hope that helps, good luck with your decision!!

:luck: M.A.
 
Thanks everyone! I'll look into the DVM/PhD program some more. I'm pretty sure I'm going to Tufts. I just have a gut feeling that I'd be more comfortable there while still getting an excellent education. 🙂 One more spot open for those who have their hearts set on UPenn!
 
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