Auburn vs. tOSU vs. ???

[flotus]

Hi, everyone. Wow, I never thought I would be posting here. I know, I know "go to the cheapest school" and don't worry - I am factoring cost into my decision (HEAVILY) especially as a low-income, first-gen student. However, I made the mistake of not going to my dream school in order to save money in undergrad, and ultimately had to take out loans any way. I really want to thoroughly explore every option for veterinary school. I feel like I owe that to myself because I never dreamed of actually being here in this extraordinary position. I don't want to have a single regret. Hence, I am here, asking for everyones' advice on schools.

Here are some things that are important to me: diverse student body, safe surrounding environment (not in terms of crime per say, more worried about homophobia/racism), opportunities for hands-on learning sooner rather than later, recorded lectures, easy-to-access faculty and tutoring services, comfortability (i.e. lax dress code and a NON competitive, friendly study body), robust opportunities for community involvement. One thing I am also factoring in is proximity to home. I'm from Kentucky, and I will be leaving behind my fiancée for vet school as she completes her degree. I would love to be close enough to visit once a month or so if time allows.


Here are some things that I am interested in: public health, mixed animal practice, veterinary forensics/community medicine, and I have a very, very new and underdeveloped interest in aquatic medicine. I also am interested in internal medicine, pathology, animal welfare, and some other specialities but I'm not sure how competitive I will be in vet school, as I'm average in my undergrad (gpa 3.68)

I am very, very excited to say that I have been accepted to Auburn and tOSU. I am also highly, highly interested in Tufts (but ugh, that price tag!) and Purdue (much better price tag!), but I have yet to be accepted and I never count on acceptance.

Some concerns: tOSU doesn't seem to have too much information about what they have to offer in terms of hands-on experiences, and communication from them has been very limited. The large class size is also intimidating. However, I know Auburn does not offer much hands-on experience before clinicals and was told some students only do 2 surgeries prior to graduation.


In the meantime, COA for tOSU is ~50k more expensive than Auburn (IS). Yes, that is significant but I was told that I would likely receive some scholarships/aid to help alleviate the cost. tOSU also told me that I was a top candidate, which honestly means something to me to know I am wanted somewhere after years of being told I'm not good enough.

My questions:
Can anyone shed some light on curriculum at both schools, where is it lacking? What do you like?
How do you think a large class size like 165 compares to a class size of 100 or less?
How do you like the surrounding area?
How approachable are your professors? Classmates?
Anything else I should know?

Ultimately, if cost wasn't a factor, which school would you choose?

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[flotus]

Little bump

 

[Border Goat Bananas]

I can’t speak for either (waiting to hear from schools). That said, I work with veterinarians that come from Auburn and tOSU. Going to Auburn would absolutely be the best financial decision. Have you checked to see if tOSU still does residency tuition after the first year? I know they use to and if they do, you could potentially get in state tuition after the first year. I know my vet I work with primarily went to tOSU and has always raved about how great the program was, the hospital, teaching, opportunities, etc. The two vets from Auburn also raved about it there with cheaper living options versus tOSU. If it were me, I’d pick tOSU on the program alone, but as a KY resident I’m not sure I could pass up the in state at Auburn. Then again, if they still do in state tuition after the first year, I’d choose tOSU 100%. I also prefer to move far far away haha. tOSU is only 3 hours from Lexington and I think Auburn was about 8-9hrs. Congratulations and good luck with wherever you choose!

 

[flotus]

I can’t speak for either (waiting to hear from schools). That said, I work with veterinarians that come from Auburn and tOSU. Going to Auburn would absolutely be the best financial decision. Have you checked to see if tOSU still does residency tuition after the first year? I know they use to and if they do, you could potentially get in state tuition after the first year. I know my vet I work with primarily went to tOSU and has always raved about how great the program was, the hospital, teaching, opportunities, etc. The two vets from Auburn also raved about it there with cheaper living options versus tOSU. If it were me, I’d pick tOSU on the program alone, but as a KY resident I’m not sure I could pass up the in state at Auburn. Then again, if they still do in state tuition after the first year, I’d choose tOSU 100%. I also prefer to move far far away haha. tOSU is only 3 hours from Lexington and I think Auburn was about 8-9hrs. Congratulations and good luck with wherever you choose!

Thank you! Yes tOSU does in state tuition automatically after year 1. I think total COA is only 50k more expensive than Auburn and the dean talked to me about potential scholarships! I’m definitely leaning towards tOSU.

 

[clembear]

I can speak to the Auburn area if you have any specific questions about that! I live in Auburn but go to vet school at Tuskegee.
However, my overall perception is that Auburn's vet student body is not very diverse, so that is something to consider.

 

[flotus]

I can speak to the Auburn area if you have any specific questions about that! I live in Auburn but go to vet school at Tuskegee.
However, my overall perception is that Auburn's vet student body is not very diverse, so that is something to consider.

I’m coming down for like the 3rd time this weekend, this time for admitted students day. I believe I will be declining my seat though. I wanted to apply to Tuskegee honestly, just because it’s an HBCU and I hoped that it would be inclusive. However, was still worried about the general area and I didn’t have time/energy/money for a med term class.

I’m a member of the LGBTQ community and my fiancée is Black and she is an immigrant (not yet a citizen). I fear for us, more her, in Alabama as a whole. I’m sure the vet school is welcoming and the staff are great, but I am not hopeful of adjacent areas. Also, the fact that Auburn doesn’t emphasize diversity in their class bothers me because I’m sure there is little talk about the big issue in the field there and that is a passion of mine.

 

[clembear]

I’m coming down for like the 3rd time this weekend, this time for admitted students day. I believe I will be declining my seat though. I wanted to apply to Tuskegee honestly, just because it’s an HBCU and I hoped that it would be inclusive. However, was still worried about the general area and I didn’t have time/energy/money for a med term class.

I’m a member of the LGBTQ community and my fiancée is Black and she is an immigrant (not yet a citizen). I fear for us, more her, in Alabama as a whole. I’m sure the vet school is welcoming and the staff are great, but I am not hopeful of adjacent areas. Also, the fact that Auburn doesn’t emphasize diversity in their class bothers me because I’m sure there is little talk about the big issue in the field there and that is a passion of mine.

I’m Black as well and I definitely understand where you’re coming from. However, I do believe the South gets a bad rep a lot of times even though it’s certainly not a localized issue. Also, Alabama itself is very diverse. Racism and other forms of bigotry is a concern everywhere really and if anything I feel the safest in the South. Hopefully you can get a feel for the area during your visit

 

[miranda920]

I attended Auburn as an undergrad so I can speak on the town, university, and the people I know in the CVM.
Auburn is a very welcoming place and is better than most places in the Deep South as far as the acceptance of minority groups. It’s not perfect, but I always felt safe and at home there (I am an ethnic minority).
I loved Auburn and my community of people, but I made the effort to surround myself with GOOD people. My friends in the CVM are very warm and accepting people, but I have found that the faculty at the university in all of the colleges (not just the CVM) are as well!
Anyone can truly find a community at Auburn if they are willing to put in the effort. My lab mate from grad school is from Brazil and somehow she found a whole crew of Brazilians in Auburn, it's totally possible.
Auburn really is in its own bubble from the rest of the state and if you need a big city Atlanta is not too far.

 

[VeggieTrex]

One thing with the south I learned from a Vet mentor that went to Auburn, there's a LOT of dermatology to do there because it's just the perfect environment for fungal issues. Apparently Hawaii and the US South have a ton of Derm specialists, so it may be an accidental emphasis. She doesn't regret going there or anything like that, just that environmental factors can play a role in what type of cases you get to see.