Need advice...

[JoAnna423]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Ok, I am preparing for next cycle...and I have a bit of a situation. I am applying for the 2nd time as IS for NCSU, and debating on applying to other schools as well. I have looked into virtually all other schools, and narrowed down the ones that have realistic OOS stats for people accepted and ones that I have prereqs for and I have some that I am interested in. But being a single mom, if I got in next year my son would be 11 when I graduate...and finishing with debt from NSCU (13k tuition) as opposed to OOS at most other schools (around 40k of more for most) is an obvious factor. Everyone knows the benefit of casting your net wider, but how do you balance this with reality? What is I apply to NCSU again and do not get in...try a third time and then apply to other schools? Or should I just spend the time and money, apply to the other schools I can and see how I feel at that point? The debt and living off of $17k a year while in school terrifies me...I know in the end the decision of applying/going/everything is up to me...but I just thought someone might have advice. Although right now I cannot imagine going anywhere but NCSU, I wonder if a year from now I would not be willing to go anywhere?

 

[orca2011]

Do your stats and pre-reqs allows you to apply to schools that allow you to gain instate tuition after the first year? If so, I would definitely take that into consideration.

 

[jemappellejane]

What orca said. Also, you absolutely *MUST* do a file review with NCSU (assuming they will provide this for you). I'm pretty sure there are a few schools that will allow you to establish residency after the first year. I'm sure others will chime in here on exact schools (Mizzou?). Also, take a look at http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=849671
and go to post #33. It has the cost breakdown for IS vs OOS for all of the schools. I hope it will help you decide where to apply! 👍

 

[JoAnna423]

Yes, I have looked at Missouri and Florida (both which allow swtiching to IS after the first year and have reasonable OOS stats)...My GPA is a 3.73, but I need to boost up my GRE and for both Missouri and Florida I need to take another biology class. Missouri also said that they would frown upon my taking numerous online courses (I think about 20 credits of electives and maths). Considering my overall GPA and ALL my sciences were of course on campus and I did well I think that this should not matter...but I was told flat out that it did? I am not sure if it is worth it to take another on campus biology with a laboratory...I work full time and honestly have no idea how I would do this?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Rocky922]

Yes, I have looked at Missouri and Florida (both which allow swtiching to IS after the first year and have reasonable OOS stats)...My GPA is a 3.73, but I need to boost up my GRE and for both Missouri and Florida I need to take another biology class. Missouri also said that they would frown upon my taking numerous online courses (I think about 20 credits of electives and maths). Considering my overall GPA and ALL my sciences were of course on campus and I did well I think that this should not matter...but I was told flat out that it did? I am not sure if it is worth it to take another on campus biology with a laboratory...I work full time and honestly have no idea how I would do this?

Thanks for the advice.

Unfortunately, Florida stopped allowing for OOS students to gain residency after one year. If you apply as an OOSer, you have to stay OOS for all 5 years 🙁

 

[jemappellejane]

5 years?

 

[JoAnna423]

Unfortunately, Florida stopped allowing for OOS students to gain residency after one year. If you apply as an OOSer, you have to stay OOS for all 5 years 🙁

Thank you for the information! I had emailed asking if this was still the case but got no response so I appreciate knowing. Takes FL off the list too...grrrrrr...

 

[DVMDream]

Washington State is another school that allows you to gain IS after the first year.

 

[truffleshuffle]

I think minnesota allows you to get in state after a year too but they mentioned that it's hard to get. Another thing you might look into are schools with lower OOS tuitions (wisconsin/oregon?)

 

[Rocky922]

5 years?

Haha oops! Meant 4 years...

 

[NStarz]

Ohio allows you to get IS as well after the 1st year.

 

[sumstorm]

NCSU's class size is increasing from 80-100 next year with most IS. You need to figure out why you weren't accepted this year and figure out how to address whatever the road block is. If you are absolutly sure you are going to do vet med (ie you won't change your mind and in another year you will be applying to more schools) you might as well spread the net wider now. tuition will only continue to increase each year at most vet schools, and each working year with a lower income will = loss in total lifetime income.