competitive vs. collaborative

[runnerDC]

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I just applied to several schools (Penn, Cornell, Tufts, Wisc, Minn) for next year and am curious about the academic climate on some campuses.

For those of you who are current vet students, do you feel there is an atmosphere of competition or collaboration amongst students? Or both? Or does it depend on several factors, such as, what year you are in, what career track you are following, etc?

Thanks!

 

[julieDVM]

I just applied to several schools (Penn, Cornell, Tufts, Wisc, Minn) for next year and am curious about the academic climate on some campuses.

For those of you who are current vet students, do you feel there is an atmosphere of competition or collaboration amongst students? Or both? Or does it depend on several factors, such as, what year you are in, what career track you are following, etc?

Thanks!

Interesting question - i think the best answer is "both." You're going to run into people that do not care about grades, and in school to get their degree, get out and start practicing. But you're also going to run into the anal-retentive, stereotypical med student that is hypercompetitive and will do pretty much anything to get ahead. Some schools are going to have more of the super competitive types than others, but by very virtue of the admissions process, vet school is selective for this personality type and they're gonig to be everywhere.

As for tracks - i found the food animal people to be pretty level - they had a good time (enjoyed life - partied), and seemed to work really well with each other. The worst track (by far) for competition were the Equine people - it always seemed like a perpetual pissing match between them, and for the most part, they were at each others throats all the time (not in an obvious sort of way, but i'm sure you get the picture).

 

[PAThbrd]

For my class, so far, I can say that every one is extremely cooperative. Comparing notes, studying together, sharing materials, etc., etc.

 

[eaglemeag]

For my class, so far, I can say that every one is extremely cooperative. Comparing notes, studying together, sharing materials, etc., etc.

Agreed. Although... I have noticed some drama already, but I try to stay away from it. There is also some cliquey-ness going on. However, for the most part, we're a good group of kids who work pretty well together.


*shrugs* I don't understand the point of being competitive. We're all awesome for being here, so who cares if you're at the top or the bottom? #1's gonna get the same diploma as #80. But I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.

 

[Ladydvm]

I would say both as well- I've found that my class is great, really supportive and not competitive. We all want to do well, but not at the expense of others- if someone makes a study guide or finds a useful website, we'll share it- though there is no pressure to do so.

I've heard horror stories about some of the upper years, though. I suppose I feel fortunate that my year is pretty-level headed and without all the drama 🙂

 

[Quaggi]

Personally I dont see any point in being competitive in vet school...there are so many directions that people plan to take after graduation that it would be silly to compete with eachother. plus, if you piss off your classmates by being competitive, you're the one who's going to suffer later on when they're your colleagues and you have to call them for consults 🙂 I've been happy with tufts students for the most part, i think *almost* everyone sees that its much more beneficial at this point to work together than to compete with eachother.