Cornell vs CSU

[SVD_97]

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Hello! I've been accepted to Cornell and CSU this cycle and was wondering if anyone has insight into both programs and the surrounding areas.

My partner and I live in Boston, MA and I would be paying OOS tuition in either case, approximately 66-67k per year.

I initially became interested in pursuing a DVM through wildlife experience, and am interested in wildlife medicine/infectious disease research. I know Cornell has a strong emphasis on OneHealth, and was wondering how CSU compared in that regard.

I'm also interested in potentially specializing in small animal medicine, specifically in neurology. I know that this might change while I'm in vet school, but I plan to keep my options open between wildlife and small animal. I was wondering if either school provides better opportunities or placement for internships and residencies post-grad?

Boston has quite a high cost of living and is a major city; I was wondering how Ithaca compared to Fort Collins, both in terms of cost of living, and what the areas have to offer? I understand that Ithaca is very cold and snowy in the winter, and may feel somewhat isolated due to its location. I know that Fort Collins is not far from Denver and Boulder. I also love the outdoors and hiking and imagine that both areas would lend itself well to that.

Would love to hear about any perspectives that folks have about either school! Any general insight about the respective programs/curriculums, as well as specific experiences would be really appreciated.

Thanks so much!

 

[vampyrica]

I love CSU! I'm originally from right outside of Philly. COL is high compared to what I'm used to. A 2 Br/2br apartment in Foco is ~$1500-2000 a month. We are right at the foothills of the mountains so our campus has a gorgeous Rocky Mountain view! There are so many things to do in Fort Collins! and Denver is just a 50 minute drive away- I visit the city frequently.

Our class' cirriculum will be brand new, with mini-rotations starting summer going into 3rd year. I think CSU has lots of opportunity for One Health involvement however I'm not sure how integrated One Health is within this new cirriculum.

 

[HorseObsessed]

I'm going to jump on your thread to ask a question. I've looked at the curricula of both schools; is there plenty of time for externships at both schools? Is that what the 12 weeks of elective rotations is for at CSU?

 

[pp9]

I'm also interested in potentially specializing in small animal medicine, specifically in neurology. I know that this might change while I'm in vet school, but I plan to keep my options open between wildlife and small animal. I was wondering if either school provides better opportunities or placement for internships and residencies post-grad?

Either school should be equal in terms of your opportunities - a lot of pursuing specialty chalks up to how much effort you put in, not what school you go to.

 

[renacuaja]

If you are able, submit your CSS profile see if you can get a finalized financial aid package. That could potentially help weigh things! Cornell has need-based and merit-based grants which reduces COA substantially if you qualify. The grants are determined on a semesterly or yearly basis so they don't advertise it since it can't be promised. but it's there.

I don't know how much it varies by but I've gotten 9k in need-based grants each semester. It weighs personal and parental (if unmarried or <30y/o?) income.

Boston has quite a high cost of living and is a major city; I was wondering how Ithaca compared to Fort Collins, both in terms of cost of living, and what the areas have to offer? I understand that Ithaca is very cold and snowy in the winter, and may feel somewhat isolated due to its location. I know that Fort Collins is not far from Denver and Boulder. I also love the outdoors and hiking and imagine that both areas would lend itself well to that.

I don't know how they compare to each other but Ithaca rent varies. I would say 700-1,200 is the average rate for a bedroom in a shared house. It's the difference between wanting to live 10-15 minutes from the school vs 3 minutes and how many roommates can live with.

Cornell has a list of apartment communites vet students congregate in. Prices are slightly outdated I would say +100ish

In terms of winter activities there's indoor rock climbing gyms, and skiing at Greek Peek. Maybe there's other stuff but that's what I've latched on to. During the warmer month , lots of good hiking although you have to be okay with staircases being a part of the hiking experience. The downtown area is fun to walk through too.

It's isolated but I feel like there's enough to do that it doesn't feel claustrophobic. I'm from the boring part of NYC suburbia and I feel like there's more here than there. Syracuse, Binghamton, Auburn are all about an hour away and nice to venture to for variety when there's free time. I've gone to the State Fair, the big mega-mall in Syracuse, indoor rock climbing in Bing, Dickens Christmas. Just random stuff that goes on.