Anyone ever decline an offer from Waterloo?

[l2en]

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Hi all,

I was recently offered a seat in the class of 2011 at Waterloo. Ever since then, the decision of whether or not to matriculate has plagued me. Being that I am from Canada, I am sure many of you will read this and think that I am out of my mind for not jumping at the chance. Afterall, think of all the money I will save! However, the decision is not that easy because I have already matriculated at SCCO for some time now, and I seem to have my heart set on it. I think moving to California (from Edmonton) will be an amazing experience: one that i may not have the chance to have at any other time. Moreover, I believe that going to school in the states will open up more opportunities for me in the future with respect to where I can practice. I can practice in Canada regardless of where I go to school, but if I want to practice in the states in the future, it will be much more difficult to find a sponsor, etc if i graduate from a Canadian school (if I am mistaken, please correct me). In addition, I will recieve a much more extensive clinical education at SCCO (with clinical experience starting in first year rather than third year as is the case at Waterloo). And of course, need I mention the weather, the surroundings, the experience of living in a (somewhat) foreign country? I have lived in Edmonton my whole life, where snow covers the ground for the majority of the year. It would be nice to leave that behind if only for four years. 🙂

I did an apporximate calculation of costs and the difference is approximately 70,000 CAD over 4 years.
What I'm trying to decide now is whether the benefits of going to SCCO and the experiences I will gain both educationally and personally are worth the extra 70 grand.

I am so conflicted, and i can think of nothing else but this, so this is my attempt to get a broad spectrum of opinions. Has anyone been in my situation before and declined the acceptance to Waterloo? Any current students of Waterloo or SCCO care to share their experiences, both good and bad? Thank you all in advance, I hope I can come to a clear decision soon, as there is alot of planning to do ahead of me.

 

[odforme]

Personally, I think it is a great time to try something new, broaden your horizons a bit. It is quite a price difference, however, you have lots of time to pay off that debt. I have a feeling you might regret staying in canada.

 

[qwopty99]

i doubt the difference in cost between SCCO and UW will only be 70 000 over 4 years. straight-up tuition should be more than that. further, what is the living cost down in southern cal? it surely can't be less than at Waterloo.

 

[l2en]

Waterloo:1
SCCO:1

😕

 

[IndianaOD]

I think it comes down to where you want to live. If you want to end up in Canada then I would definitely go to Waterloo. At SCCO you will have to take the US boards (I think) then take the Canadian boards after forgetting all that basic science. Don't underestimate the burden of debt. If you have a strong desire to live in the US then you'll have to do SCCO, but I still think you need a sponsor.

 

[l2en]

But at this point I have no idea where I will end up living..so shouldn't I pick the option that opens more doors?

 

[qwopty99]

why does waterloo close doors for u?

regardless of where u go, if u plan on working in the States later, u'll probably need to do a residency.

u can easily satisfy the requirements for getting into a residency by going to Waterloo.

 

[l2en]

why does waterloo close doors for u?

regardless of where u go, if u plan on working in the States later, u'll probably need to do a residency.

u can easily satisfy the requirements for getting into a residency by going to Waterloo.

Well i figure (and correct me if i'm wrong) that it would be easier to find a Sponsor in the US after having graduated from a US school and having worked with many US doctors during my studies. A US doctor looking to hire someone would in most cases choose an American graduate over a Canadian one....right?

 

[qwopty99]

it's clear to me u have a pre-conceived notion of how things are going to play out. on what grounds do u base your opinions? on experience? whatever.

i'll just say that i graduated with a Waterloo degree. i have never felt in any way that getting a Canadian degree will restrict my mobility in the US. at least two students in my class went on to do residency in the US (one at berkeley, one at UHCO). you can choose to do your 4th year clinical rotations in the US (most are in the US anyways). many US ODs know UW is tough to get into. so that doesn't hurt.

anyways, its up to you. go to SCCO. IF anything, it'll probably close doors if u decide to return to Canada since you won't be part of the extensive alumni base that makes up greater than 98% of all Canadian ODs.

 

[qwopty99]

btw - if u are Canadian, whether u graduate from the US or from Canada, your employer still has to jump through the same hoops (applying for a worker's Visa for you) regardless. your institutional degree doesn't change your nationality.

 

[canuck2424]

I will throw in my 2 cents and mention that people decline acceptances to waterloo every year. Usually 2-3 people get in from the waitlist (I was one of those lucky few last year). In all honesty, if you dont think Waterloo is the place for you, decline it and give the spot up to someone who wants to go there and go to your #1 choice.

MK

 

[TH Poon]

I think it comes down to where you want to live. If you want to end up in Canada then I would definitely go to Waterloo. At SCCO you will have to take the US boards (I think) then take the Canadian boards after forgetting all that basic science. Don't underestimate the burden of debt. If you have a strong desire to live in the US then you'll have to do SCCO, but I still think you need a sponsor.

You have a choice to do either or both boards depending on your plan after you graduate. I know that I did not have to take any of the US board exams while studying at NECO however this is because I am going back to Canada to practice. In saying this it does eliminate my options for residency or practicing here because I would need to write and pass the exams to practice in the US.