Ohio State vs. Illinois

[squibby]

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I was trying to avoid starting one of these threads, but I'm still stuck without a decision even after flying out to visit both schools again.

EllieG, I might have to ban you from this thread. 😉

Here's where I'm torn: Illinois has the curriculum I'd like to experience, but Ohio seems to have more to offer in terms of experiences and exposure to the most advanced technologies.

Further considerations:

Ohio
Pros:
- free tutoring
- bigger name, better ranking (to some, this still matters. not necessarily to me)
- larger caseload
- technologically advanced

Cons:
- Just increased the class size by 20 to bring it up to 160...that's a big class, and it will put a squeeze on the facilities
- switching from quarter to semester system after first year will cause some glitches
- traditional curriculum
- no wildlife or exotics program (and don't tell me about their connection to the zoo, because a couple of spots that everyone fights for doesn't count IMO)

Illinois

Pros:
- their new curriclum (love it!)
- wildlife clinic (run by students, very accessible)
- accessible professors (not necessarily more that Ohio, but I've only had experience with this at IL)

Cons:
- no cardiologist or neurologist on board (they have to be brought in from other schools to teach those subjects)
- less busy teaching hospital
- my impression was that the teaching hospital was less cutting-edge than Ohio's


*** Cost difference between the two schools is only 15k for all 4 years, so I'm not considering it in this process

*** Location doesn't matter, wifey and I would be happy in either place.

 

[teatime]

Im not sure my opinion matters, BUT given I was trying to make that decision a few weeks ago....

I was leaning more towards illinois for those exact reasons you stated. The early clinical exposure was a huge plus for me. One huge negative thing for me was ohios traditional curr w/o integrated subject msterial (not system based) and the large increase in class size. I also think illinois is a bit cheaper in terms of cost of living.

 

[squibby]

Im not sure my opinion matters, BUT given I was trying to make that decision a few weeks ago....

Of course your opinion matters! And I won't hold it against you that you got into Davis. 😀
Thanks for the input.

 

[pennyonthefloor]

Tough call, Squib.... Best of luck.

 

[teatime]

Squib, it sounds like youre interested in wildlife med/exotics? I dont think ohio can beat illinois on that one. Student run wildlife clinic ftw. Also, you gotta figure out what curriculum is going to make YOU the best prepared vet as possible.

 

[EllieGirl89]

I was trying to avoid starting one of these threads, but I'm still stuck without a decision even after flying out to visit both schools again.

EllieG, I might have to ban you from this thread. 😉

😱Well I never!! Just for that, I have to fix your pro/con list.

Here's where I'm torn: Illinois has the curriculum I'd like to experience, but Ohio seems to have more to offer in terms of experiences and exposure to the most advanced technologies.

Further considerations:

Ohio
Pros:
- free tutoring
- bigger name, better ranking (to some, this still matters. not necessarily to me)
- larger caseload
- technologically advanced
-Ellie G's beautiful shining face every morning
-A Built-in double-date partner
-Built-in people to go to gay clubs with
-Espresso/ugly sweater/footie pajama parties
Cons:
- Just increased the class size by 20 to bring it up to 160...that's a big class, and it will put a squeeze on the facilities
- switching from quarter to semester system after first year will cause some glitches
- traditional curriculum
- no wildlife or exotics program (and don't tell me about their connection to the zoo, because a couple of spots that everyone fights for doesn't count IMO)

Illinois

Pros:
- their new curriclum (love it!)
- wildlife clinic (run by students, very accessible)
- accessible professors (not necessarily more that Ohio, but I've only had experience with this at IL)

Cons:
- no cardiologist or neurologist on board (they have to be brought in from other schools to teach those subjects)
- less busy teaching hospital
- my impression was that the teaching hospital was less cutting-edge than Ohio's
-No EllieG =(

*** Cost difference between the two schools is only 15k for all 4 years, so I'm not considering it in this process

*** Location doesn't matter, wifey and I would be happy in either place.

But in all seriousness...I for one am not too terribly concerned about class size, but maybe it's just because I'm pretty laid back. I feel like they wouldn't do it if they couldn't (or weren't going to be able to) handle it. A bit crowded, yeah, but meh. Personally, it doesn't bother me.

I also wouldn't worry about the quarter-to-semester switch. They have been working on the transition for at least two years now, and it will have been at least three years by the time the switch rolls around. They've been doing everything they can to make sure the switch goes smoothly.

I won't tell you about the zoo, but I'll tell you that there are quite a few wildlife places all around Ohio. There are several zoos (a couple up north, Cleveland and Akron, and the Cincinnatti Zoo to the south) as well as a lot of wildlife areas (think The Wilds) and there are a couple Metroparks systems. One that is about 15 minutes from where my parents live, http://www.metroparks.cc/reservation-carlisle.php, has a raptor center and deals with other wildlife as well. Obviously these are a hike from Columbus but would be options for the summer or whatever. There are also some people on SDN (think HebrewHammer) who are very interested in wildlife and chose Ohio State over schools that had better wildlife programs. Remember that there are always opportunities for electives and traveling to other schools during free blocks during clinics.

The wildlife center at Illinois does sound great, especially if that's what you're itching to do. I'd just hesitate to put that ahead of a higher overall caseload and the chance to learn in a newly renovated teaching hospital when there's always the possibility that your interests could change, and if they don't, there are innumerable ways to get more experience through other venues.

But as I've told you 3924073289054289749 times, you've just gotta decide what is more important to YOU, and whatever that is is completley valid. I know you'll make the right decision for you, and you'll be awesome wherever you go 👍 Good luck these next few days making your decision.

 

[rileyroo]

I'd just hesitate to put that ahead of a higher overall caseload and the chance to learn in a newly renovated teaching hospital when there's always the possibility that your interests could change, and if they don't, there are innumerable ways to get more experience through other venues.

👍👍

couldn't have said this better myself!

if you have a strong interest in one particular area, you tend to get a lot of experience through externships (you can start as early as your freshman year - im doing 2 this summer and 3 next summer).

good luck with your decision, squibby! these are both fantastic schools to choose from. whatever you decide, you'll be in a great program. 🙂

 

[goldnretrivrgrl]

*pokes head into thread*
I have nothing worthwhile to contribute, just wanted to say good luck in your decision. I'm sure you will make the right one!

 

[that redhead]

I sent you a PM 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

Yah, PMs ahoy here too, just as fast as my lil fingers can type.

 

[squibby]

It's so like me to start this thread and make my decision all in the same day.

Thanks for all of the input you guys. You are all so great!

 

[TomTheK9Fixr]

Given OSU's really large class size, it's uber high OOS tuition, I wonder if they'll have difficulty filling all of the spots?

 

[deleted387118]

As far as "advanced technology", remember that while its fun and nice to have the latest equipment, in real life you probably won't get to use a majority of it.

Many practices are just now getting digital radiographs. Some still don't have ultrasounds. It all depends on where you are and what you do and the budget.

 

[rileyroo]

It's so like me to start this thread and make my decision all in the same day.

Thanks for all of the input you guys. You are all so great!

congrats on your decision! how exciting!! 🙂

 

[LoveMyDobies]

Hey I'm not sure if this matters.. but one of my concerns was the quarter to semester switch. I asked about it during my interview and my interviewers said that it is in no way going to affect the amount of electives/ opportunities that you will have.

 

[thedogisgreen]

Congrats squibby, glad you got it all figured out! Now to ship the hairless kitten across the country 😀
I agree with your decision, though I'm a bit biased since I didn't even apply to Ohio. 😛 Very jealous about some of the cool things that you will get to experience there!

 

[bre8162]

Congrats squibby, glad you got it all figured out! Now to ship the hairless kitten across the country 😀
I agree with your decision, though I'm a bit biased since I didn't even apply to Ohio. 😛 Very jealous about some of the cool things that you will get to experience there!

I'm guessing that means we lost you squibs 🙁 But good luck to you. I hope it's everything you want 😀

 

[thedogisgreen]

I'm guessing that means we lost you squibs 🙁 But good luck to you. I hope it's everything you want 😀

Haha no I think she's gonna be an Illinois-er. I guess my post was confusing - I'm biased towards Illinois since I didn't apply to Ohio. Oops! 😳

 

[squibby]

Given OSU's really large class size, it's uber high OOS tuition, I wonder if they'll have difficulty filling all of the spots?

You know that 60k is only for the first year, right? Then most OOS easily get residency. That's why they bump up the cost of that first year for OOS'ers.

As far as "advanced technology", remember that while its fun and nice to have the latest equipment, in real life you probably won't get to use a majority of it.

True, but just to play Devil's Advocate, you want to be well educated about what's out there as far as technologies and procedures go even if you can't use them.

congrats on your decision! how exciting!! 🙂

Thanks! 😀

Congrats squibby, glad you got it all figured out! Now to ship the hairless kitten across the country 😀
I agree with your decision, though I'm a bit biased since I didn't even apply to Ohio. 😛 Very jealous about some of the cool things that you will get to experience there!

I think you are in pretty good shape yourself at Davis in terms of experience. 🙂

I'm guessing that means we lost you squibs 🙁 But good luck to you. I hope it's everything you want 😀

Thanks for your concern, but I AM an Illinois-er!

Haha no I think she's gonna be an Illinois-er. I guess my post was confusing - I'm biased towards Illinois since I didn't apply to Ohio. Oops! 😳

 

[LMMS]

Hey Squib,

Congrats on making your decision!! I know OSU is sad to lose you; but I also know that you made the right decision for yourself in the long run. Got get 'em, girl!!

Best of luck to you - always!!!

 

[squibby]

Hey Squib,

Congrats on making your decision!! I know OSU is sad to lose you; but I also know that you made the right decision for yourself in the long run. Got get 'em, girl!!

Best of luck to you - always!!!

😍

Thanks!