Ohio State vs. Colorado

[RatherBEventing]

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Yes! I am so sorry to be the person to create one of these threads but I really would like any and all input I can get on this. I am currently at CSU right now as I am typing this - I love the school, I LOVE the students, and I've gotten a good vibe from the faculty and staff. Everyone here is so nice and helpful. I also love the fact that they emphasize confidence building and communication. These were key concepts in my personal statement and I felt that it really parallels everything at this school.
HOWEVER (the big however!) I am nonsponsored. meaning...50,000+ per year compared to the 20,000 ish I will be paying at Ohio state. I've talked to a lot of the students around here and many of them are telling me that it really isn't worth being in that much debt just to go to CSU. I agree with this, but I dont want to just pick OSU because of financial reasons. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love OSU too. I've shadowed there a bunch of times and the faculty is amazing. So what is your opinion on this? I would go more into detail but it would just get too long and Im sure no one wants to read all that. I am mainly interested in Zoo/Aquarium and Equine at the moment. I know CSU has a great orthopedic and repro program but I'm not really huge on that...more surgery I think. Abroad opportunities are also a VERY VERY major part of my decision. I want to go to a school that encourages getting experience abroad and funding of course never hurts! Please help.. I only have 2 more weeks to decide. Thanks!!!

 

[EllieGirl89]

OSU. Cause I'm biased 😎

 

[goldnretrivrgrl]

OSU. Cause it just makes sense. Does CSU have anything that OSU doesn't? I can't imagine that it has anything worth that much more in tuition. OSU is an amazing school and I think you'll find something to meet your needs there without the extra debt. Ultimately it is up to you but I hope you listen to your head as well as your heart! Good luck.

 

[gracietiger]

You have a tough choice!! I've never been to either one of the schools, or states even, but it sounds like you really can't go wrong.

I am hoping you could explain what you mean when you say that CSU really focuses on building confidence and communication. That sounds awesome, but I have looked at their curriculum (I always thought I'd love Colorado!), and it seems really standard. I didn't see any PBL or case studies, even, except one elective. So how do they stress those skills when their curriculum seemed so class-time heavy?

Congrats on your acceptances!!

 

[Minnerbelle]

I made the choice to go to CSU between the two, and I think I made the right choice, but my situation is a little different. I would have been non-sponsored either way. After doing the math, it turned out for me that the difference between CSU and THE OSU was about $20 - 30k overall (even if I became a resident after a year).

Simply because of my (eccentric) interests and personal situation outside of the curriculum, there were several opportunities that I wanted at CSU that I wouldn't be able to find at OSU. I decided that because of these, it would be worth it (and I am currently taking full advantage of those).

If these particular opportunities didn't exist, and the cost differential was greater, I would not have chosen CSU. It doesn't sound like any of the things you listed are things you couldn't find at OSU. I really like the curriculum here, and I am very appreciative of the education I'm getting at CSU, but it's definitely not worth $100k + interest over 25 years, when I'm sure you can have just as great an experience at OSU.

A couple of biggies though, in case it helps you decide. CSU has a tracking system, whereas OSU does not. I'm forever grateful I chose CSU actually for that. The more I learn about LA, the less I'm inclined to EVER deal with LA/equine other than to pass boards. But that's a personal thing. It may or may not be a biggie for you. Also, CSU is like 75 miles from the freaking airport. It gets expensive to fly home (gas + parking + tolls or shuttle = $$$).

If there's anything in particular I can address in private, feel free to PM me.

 

[light10]

While CSU is certainly a great, well-regarded school, it's hard to imagine its really worth 2.5 times the debt compared to OSU. Unless you really don't think you'd be happy at OSU, or only CSU offers you a specific opportunity that's extremely important to you, or you have financial help beyond just loans to offset some of the difference.

That being said, I'm actually considering turning down CSU (my IS) to go to Cornell OOS - mostly because I'd be 1200 miles closer to my fiancee, and I think I'd really work well in Cornell's curriculum. But the $ amounts really give me pause.

Also, I think at $50,000, CSU has got to be one of, if not THE, most expensive OOS schools in the US? Colorado is usually around 49th in the nation for state funding of higher education but that is a topic for another time. And, do ask around about potential tuition increases. I know the CSU system got approved for a 20% tuition increase for IS undergrads (http://tinyurl.com/3phta7y). Obviously, that has no effect on vet students, much less OOS vet students, but it gives an indication of some of the state budget crunches in higher education. Although I imagine the vet school is probably one of the best funded divisions of CSU, with research money and whatnot.

As a side note, did they have anything other than just the public open house for accepted students today (or tomorrow?)? I haven't heard a peep from CSU since my acceptance letter, but was going to go up to the open house tomorrow. Hoping I didn't miss anything today! Glad you're enjoying your time in the rockies - it's a lovely place to live!
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[Minnerbelle]

Also, I think at $50,000, CSU has got to be one of, if not THE, most expensive OOS schools in the US?

nope. It was 3rd out of 4 for me including my d*** IS... , where OSU was the cheapest otherwise. This was true at least for COA (dunno about straight tuition).

As for open house, apparently today they had some stuff for pre-vets in the cubes. They don't really do anything special for admitted students as a group, but it seems like they go through a whole lot of trouble for individual students. They even have a work study job dedicated for a student worker to plan itineraries for accepted students (maybe pre-vets too?). Last year, I emailed admissions and said I was going to visit between such and such date. I asked if I could see the facilities and maybe talk to a person or two who specializes in my areas of interest. Like within a day or two, they sent me a huge itinerary including meetings with the dean of admissions, a clinician, financial aid officer, a tour of the VTH and the first year facilities, and a class to sit in on (and as it turns out I got to sit in on 2). They were really accomodating and changed the itinerary for me twice to fit my schedule.

 

[light10]

As for open house, apparently today they had some stuff for pre-vets in the cubes. They don't really do anything special for admitted students as a group, but it seems like they go through a whole lot of trouble for individual students. They even have a work study job dedicated for a student worker to plan itineraries for accepted students (maybe pre-vets too?). Last year, I emailed admissions and said I was going to visit between such and such date. I asked if I could see the facilities and maybe talk to a person or two who specializes in my areas of interest. Like within a day or two, they sent me a huge itinerary including meetings with the dean of admissions, a clinician, financial aid officer, a tour of the VTH and the first year facilities, and a class to sit in on (and as it turns out I got to sit in on 2). They were really accomodating and changed the itinerary for me twice to fit my schedule.

That's great that they're willing to do that, especially for OOS students! I've been able to cobble together bits and pieces from various connections, since I live in the area. I was wondering how on earth they recruited people who didn't have any previous connections to the school.

And the tuition comment I was talking just tuition (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=782212). COA can vary a lot beyond what the school says, depending on personal circumstances (e.g. spouse with job). And of course OSU has that crazy high first year of OOS tuition, but then everyone can become in state.

 

[EllieGirl89]

CSU has a tracking system, whereas OSU does not.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard from current students (some here on SDN) that Ohio State is actually going to be starting a "mild" form of trackng for clinics. Pennyonthefloor, I think, knows more about it than I do =)

 

[karmapple]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard from current students (some here on SDN) that Ohio State is actually going to be starting a "mild" form of trackng for clinics.

They actually came and talked to our class about this yesterday. They aren't calling it tracking, but "Career Area of Emphasis." The curriculum is the same for everyone the first three years (except for the electives you choose to take). In fourth year, you choose an area of emphasis, but you still get experience in everything. For example, I am choosing small animal, but I will still do 4 weeks of equine rotations and 4 weeks of food animal rotations.

From what I understand, this is different from tracking because in tracking you would pick your track earlier than fourth year, and then that is all you would learn about.

 

[pennyonthefloor]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard from current students (some here on SDN) that Ohio State is actually going to be starting a "mild" form of trackng for clinics. Pennyonthefloor, I think, knows more about it than I do =)

I don't know a whole lot about what preciesly they're doing for tracking, but I know it's something they're implementing (starting with either our class or the one before us--- not 100% sure.... haven't been around faculty/staff for a while to pick their brains....) pg 58 of the First Year Student Resource Guide addresses this issue. From what I've heard from individuals, OSU is hesitant to call any of what they'll be implementing as 'tracking' but if it looks like a duck and sound like a duck......

I've heard a lot of pros and cons about Ohio State but overall I've never had any desire to go anywhere else. A lot of my drive to be at OSU deals with the relationship I've witnessed firsthand with faculty. Some of the faculty members are amazing and they all (from my experiences) are extremely helpful.

I also love Columbus-- granted I've had some extremely negative experiences with everyday life in the Columbus area-- but the diversity and sheer volume of activities that take place at any given time... there's always something to do.

Best of luck on your decision. Do what feels right or where you feel you'll be happiest.

 

[that redhead]

You say you "dont want to just pick OSU because of financial reasons" - why not? If it were between two for me, I would absolutely choose the cheaper option since you are going to get basically the same education at each school. Don't make the financial hole any deeper for yourself than it needs to be.

 

[RatherBEventing]

Thanks for all your replies everyone! I've read through all your posts and after much deliberation, I've decided on OSU. Really, I have nothing bad at all to say about CSU...like I said before, everyone there was absolutely amazing. But obviously cost is a huge huge concern. So I just turned in my acceptance fee about an hour ago. Thanks so much again! I just joined the OSU 2015 class group on FB so I'll see ya there!

Thanks everyone!

 

[EveyG]

I agree with everyone here. If you don't see a big difference other than the $$, go with what is cheaper. When I applied to CSU this year, there was a possibility that they could accept me for an OOS position even though I am IS. I told my fiancee that if they gave me an OOS position I would have to reject the offer, because it was just not financially feasible. If you are looking into doing any post graduate education like internships or residencies take that into consideration too, because most of those don't pay very well. (My friend graduating from CSU this year is only going to be making 30k at her internship) Essentially, less debt is better. I guarantee you will be happy with whichever school you choose, the only difference will be your debt 🙂

 

[MustLoveCats]

I agree with everyone here. If you don't see a big difference other than the $$, go with what is cheaper. When I applied to CSU this year, there was a possibility that they could accept me for an OOS position even though I am IS. I told my fiancee that if they gave me an OOS position I would have to reject the offer, because it was just not financially feasible. If you are looking into doing any post graduate education like internships or residencies take that into consideration too, because most of those don't pay very well. (My friend graduating from CSU this year is only going to be making 30k at her internship) Essentially, less debt is better. I guarantee you will be happy with whichever school you choose, the only difference will be your debt 🙂

I had never heard of this until a few months ago. How many colorado residents does CSU offer OOS admission to? And what determines if you get a colorado sponsored position?

 

[EveyG]

There is no need to panic. 🙂 Sometimes CSU will offer OOS tuition to IS students, if you are an IS student that makes the waitlist. Basically what happens is this- CSU has 75 spots that go to IS students. This includes the pre-admitted VetPrep and VetStart students (separate undergrad programs). If you are put on the waitlist as an IS student, after April 15th they know how many "yes" and "no" they got from IS and OOS accepted applicants. Usually, the number of "No"s is VERY low from IS accepted students (like, 1 or 2). Of course, this can be unfair to students on the IS waitlist, so CSU also puts IS students in the OOS waitlist, which usually has a lot higher number of "No"s. They have 138 spots (usually), so if you are IS and your name is on the OOS waitlist and it is the next name in line, CSU will offer you an OOS spot. Basically, the only way you would be in this situation is if you are waitlisted. I have a friend who is currently a sophomore in the PVM program and this is what happened to her. She was IS, and was waitlisted, then on April 16 they asked her if she wanted to take an OOS spot. She did, although now she says she wishes she had waited and applied the next year to save $$.

 

[MustLoveCats]

There is no need to panic. 🙂 Sometimes CSU will offer OOS tuition to IS students, if you are an IS student that makes the waitlist. Basically what happens is this- CSU has 75 spots that go to IS students. This includes the pre-admitted VetPrep and VetStart students (separate undergrad programs). If you are put on the waitlist as an IS student, after April 15th they know how many "yes" and "no" they got from IS and OOS accepted applicants. Usually, the number of "No"s is VERY low from IS accepted students (like, 1 or 2). Of course, this can be unfair to students on the IS waitlist, so CSU also puts IS students in the OOS waitlist, which usually has a lot higher number of "No"s. They have 138 spots (usually), so if you are IS and your name is on the OOS waitlist and it is the next name in line, CSU will offer you an OOS spot. Basically, the only way you would be in this situation is if you are waitlisted. I have a friend who is currently a sophomore in the PVM program and this is what happened to her. She was IS, and was waitlisted, then on April 16 they asked her if she wanted to take an OOS spot. She did, although now she says she wishes she had waited and applied the next year to save $$.

Awww thanks for the clarification. I had wondered why they stressed that it was a "colorado offer of admissions". It makes sense... It's nice that they give IS waitlisters a chance, but I can't imagine having to make that decision...