Ohio State vs Missouri

[russellang]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Ok so I got into Missouri and Ohio. I interviewed at both schools and I liked their programs/facilities. In addition, both allow you to obtain in-state tuition. Missouri will come out cheaper than ohio however, saving me about 40 grand at the end of the day.

For things I did not like, I was not sure if there was much to do at Missouri due to its location compared to Columbus which would offer more to do since it is a large city. However, I did not like the large class size of Ohio.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thank you

 

[krist]

I don't know anything about OSU, but I am going to Mizzou so, admittedly I'm a little biased, but another thing to consider is the curriculum and the 2+2 where you have 2 (longer) years of classroom instruction and 2 years of clinics, but the summer doesn't start at MU in your first 2 years till middle of June.

Columbia is definitely a smaller city and that's something that will take some getting used to for me having grown up in KC/lived in STL past few years, although Columbia is 20000x better than where I went to undergrad in Muncie, IN (!!).

In the end for me it all came down to money, $40k is a lot especially after interest, plus housing in CoMo is super cheap so you may be able to save even more than what you thought by going to MU. Just my thoughts.

 

[NStarz]

I needed to make the same decision (granted, with another couple of contenders as well).

Reasons I chose OSU:

-I feel like I would like Columbus more than Columbia (totally personal preference).
-OSU has a boarded behaviorist + an established shelter med program (two of my interests. Mizzou did not have a behaviorist and are just starting up some kind of satellite shelter clinic.)
-The OSU name probably holds a little more weight where I want to practice (in the Northeast, most likely).
-I was OOS everywhere, so being able to declare IS residency was a huge plus--but I felt like the price tag difference between OSU and Mizzou wasn't enough to make me pick one school over the other (the 80k difference between Mizzou and Tufts, however...)
-There were a lot of NJ people at OSU (I'm from NJ)
-OSU has a higher SA caseload
-I asked at Mizzou if students were able to hang out in the hospital in their spare time and they weren't too enthusiastic about it (they said you could go, but it needed to be pre-arranged. No spur of the moment, 'ooh, I heard about this interesting case' kind of stuff. I really appreciate the opportunity to go see interesting cases when/if I have the time.


Things I liked about Mizzou over OSU (for comparison's sake):
-Price tag! I also feel like it was much easier to get IS residency at Mizzou than at OSU (though at OSU, I'm told that everyone who wants to get it can do so; there just seems to be more hoops to jump through)
-Felt really welcome there! The professors mingling during lunch was amazing. (I also felt welcome at OSU, but I feel like they were over the top at Mizzou)
-2 + 2 curriculum can't be beat

If you have any more questions for me, don't hesitate! Good luck with your decision.

 

[breenie]

OSU's class size is like... 160, right? Keep in mind that Mizzou is 120, and I doubt that will make much of a difference.

I am biased, but I love my school. 🙂 I like Columbia a lot (though yes, it is a small town). I'm from a city 2x its size, so it was a slight adjustment. Columbia has more Walmarts than my hometown, though. 😵 The things I like to do don't need a large town, though. I have my horse here, I exercise a lot, and I do a lot of cooking/baking. I could do that almost anywhere, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. A lot of the bars here charge covers, which sends me into a rage that causes me to rarely go to the bars. The night life is pretty fun, considering the size of the town, but you are going to get looooots of undergrads up in your scene.

I guess I can answer specific questions, but really... it's pretty great here. Columbia itself is really cheap, as well as the cost of tuition for out of staters (I am one). I don't regret the choice I made in coming here. 🙂

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

Being an Ohio girl, Ohio State has been my number one pick since forever (and it doesn't hurt that they are my IS).

I am also a little overwhelmed about the class size, but I was told that even in the first year you are broken up into smaller groups for histo and such, so the only time you're all together is in lecture and in anatomy lab. My undergrad was HUGE, so a 160 student class lecture seems small to me compared to a 400 student gen chem lecture.

I really don't know much about Missouri, but one thing you may want to consider, is how far each school is away from your family. Are you planning on traveling a lot for holidays/weddings/etc. during those 4 years? Also, I don't know what it's like to apply for residency in Mizzou, but I was told that during the summer when you are applying for IS residency you can only leave the state for 3 weeks max. So you may want to take that into consideration as well.

As for me, I love the fact that OSU's vet campus is separate from the rest of undergrad campus, but it's still only a short walk across the bridge to everything else (including The Shoe). I have also met some of the members of the upper classes and they are all friendly and approachable and welcoming to incloming students as well as to their own class members. I, like NStarz, am also interested in shelter med, and am so excited that as a 4th year you spend a rotation at a shelter doing low cost spays/neuters.

Also, I have shadowed many vets who either went to OSU or have connections there and they have no bad things to say.

But, on the other side, I know very little about Mizzou, so just make the choice you think is best for you and your future.

Good luck!

 

[russellang]

Sorry for the late response. I do like Missouri's structure with the 2+2. I consider getting experience to be most important and think this is ideal. I also like that it is easier to gain residency at Missouri even if I have to stay there the entire year. I did drive around Columbia a little and it was a very nice town and all the necessities but I guess I would prefer a larger city environment like Columbus.

When I went to Ohio I felt that most of the IS students went to the same undergrad schools and knew one another. In addition, if OOS residents do not have to stay in the area during breaks and the summers to gain residency, I can see alot of the class leaving the area during these times. At least at missouri which has half the class OOS and having to stay in town to gain residency, at least there will be others around. In undergrad I went to a public schools across the country and every weekend/break almost everyone left the area which was not fun for me at times since I could not leave which will also be the same situation in vet school for me.

I might be naive but I looked at Ohio's curriculum and the clinicals are all done last year. Now if there are 160 students and all of them have to do rotations the same year, I just see each rotation having many students, will I be able to do anything? As I said I think getting my hands on patients and having to perform procedures is most important and if there are so many other students with me I might not do much.

 

[NStarz]

Sorry for the late response. I do like Missouri's structure with the 2+2. I consider getting experience to be most important and think this is ideal. I also like that it is easier to gain residency at Missouri even if I have to stay there the entire year. I did drive around Columbia a little and it was a very nice town and all the necessities but I guess I would prefer a larger city environment like Columbus.

When I went to Ohio I felt that most of the IS students went to the same undergrad schools and knew one another. In addition, if OOS residents do not have to stay in the area during breaks and the summers to gain residency, I can see alot of the class leaving the area during these times. At least at missouri which has half the class OOS and having to stay in town to gain residency, at least there will be others around. In undergrad I went to a public schools across the country and every weekend/break almost everyone left the area which was not fun for me at times since I could not leave which will also be the same situation in vet school for me.

I might be naive but I looked at Ohio's curriculum and the clinicals are all done last year. Now if there are 160 students and all of them have to do rotations the same year, I just see each rotation having many students, will I be able to do anything? As I said I think getting my hands on patients and having to perform procedures is most important and if there are so many other students with me I might not do much.

I just wanted to add that half of OSU's class is also from OOS (80 something, I think).

I know OSU has two courses their 3rd year (I think the only required ones)--small and large animal operative practice. There you do a lot of stuff that is necessary in practice--stuff like fecals, IVC placement, blood draws, etc. I suppose that can be considered clinical? Most of the rest of that year is spent in electives, I believe. Just some extra info for you.

Also something to consider--I think OSU has a bit of a higher caseload than Mizzou (are you interested in SA, equine, or LA? I think you mentioned FA somewhere else. If that's the case, I don't really know much about those caseloads). So even though there are more students, there may be more patients to go around. And technically, since OSU has only 4th years working with patients in clinics, you're actually looking at 160 OSU 4th years vs 240 Mizzou 3rd and 4th years (though I'm not sure if they differ in terms of responsibilities or whatnot or if everyone is considered 'on clinics').

It sounds like you're really thinking things through. 👍

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

When I went to Ohio I felt that most of the IS students went to the same undergrad schools and knew one another.

Maybe you felt this at your interview but I didn't feel it at mine. Most of the people I met then were OOS (which freaked me out being IS). And being a non-trad didn't help either. However, through the fb group I have started to meet my future classmates and even had a little meet up for lunch (with the lovely SquirrelsRule and ThreeLeggedCat). Some people (who have never met each other, only through fb) all signed up to do the Warrior Dash together if you're in to that sort of thing.

And I know people have mentioned a meet up before orientation when people start to move for school. So I think meeting people is all about the effort you put into it. And even as an IS with parents who live 2 hours north, I'm planning on staying during the summers, and I bet more are as well.

But, I'm incredibly biased, so don't listen to me 🙂

 

[russellang]

I am just trying to make the best decision possible and am considering everything. And yes, I am definetly a food animal guy. Both schools have strong food animal caseloads. I will admit I might be misinterpreting the high class size.

There is actually a third school I am visiting next week right before the deadline that I have accepted a seat in because it had a very low deposit so I just put it down. I am trying to have my other choice done with before heading there so I know which one to accept should I not like this school.

To be completely honest, I was at both Missouri and Ohio for a very short time, I arrived there the afternoon before my morning interview and was on a plane a few hours after my interview. Unfortunately both schools had interviews when there were no classes/students around so I did not get to see any action (there were almost no patients in either school at the time).

 

[breenie]

You'll probably be happier and successful at either school.

But that doesn't change the fact that you should come to Mizzou. 😀

 

[NStarz]

You'll probably be happier and successful at either school.

But that doesn't change the fact that you should come to Mizzou. 😀

True that! Except that last part there 😉

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

True that! Except that last part there 😉

What she said 🙂

 

[Velaineil]

I'm from OH but going to Mizzou next year, and I gotta say that Ohio weather is not particularly nice. Just saying... 😀
Also, people in MO seem super supportive and nice. Not that anyone from OSU wasn't, but I just felt more welcome at Mizzou.

 

[NittanyKitty]

Mizzou - that $40K is no joke, especially since there are no longer any subsidized loans available for grad students (it'll be closer to $45-50K by the time you graduate and the job market blows). I interviewed at Mizzou two years ago and loved it. It's a very supportive school, has some great facilities, and an awesome 2-2 curriculum that I wish was more common in vet schools. Move to Missouri!

 

[Evie1923]

I currently go to OSU and can clarify some of the statments that people have mentioned. I have not been to Missouri so my knowledge is only about OSU.

I particularly do not like the large class size. I think that with 160 people, the class and labs can be a little crowded. However, I have NEVER had a problem with arranging individual study time with a professor. I have also been able to pull professors aside during our labs to ask questions and have not felt that the large class size has gotten in the way of my learning. We are also split into four groups now intead of three for labs so technically the labs are slighly smaller in size than they were during the last three years. (140/3 compared to 140/4).

This fall OSU is converting from a quarter to a semster program which will now allow clinical techniques to be introduced to the students earlier in the cirriculum. I believe each year (1-3) students will have at least one clinical course in their schedule, whether it be fall or spring. This has also given the faculty a chance to streamline our cirriculum and I think I will like it better. Systems courses will also be introduced to students in their first year.

I love Columbus, OH as a city. Most of the land around OSU is what I would call suburbs but then one can take a quick trip into the city or farmland is less than 30 minutes away. I moved here from Philadelpha which has tons of activities and a great nightlife and was very impressed by the amount of things Columbus has to do here. Now as weather goes, Ohio can have crappy winters..ie the previous two years. This year was very mild and I actually loved it. The scenery in the fall and spring cannot be beat.

OSU does have many out-of-state students and my class actually arranges things to do together during holidays if people cannot go home. Many of my fellow classmates, whether they are IS or OOS will most likely be here this summer participating in shadowing or research activities. Last year(and I believe this summer too) our class arranged an white water rafting trip during the summer.

As for the hospitals, OSU has all three of its hospital in a row (equine, food animal and small). Students are actually encouraged to walk around and observe. Admissions this year offered tours of the hospitals to first-years so they would feel comfortable walking around and observing. I personally go over to the Food Animal Hospital every chance I get to see the incoming cases. Most of the 3rd and 4th years in clinics are eager to share their cases and I've even gotten to assist them with restraining animals. I have also shadowed in necrospy lab and watched surgeries at the small animal hospital.

 

[crazycatduncan]

Right now we start clinics spring quarter of third year, technically not 4th year. Pretty awesome so far, FYI.

 

[breenie]

NOT AS AWESOME AS MIZZOU.

(Am I annoying yet?)

 

[nordicat]

NOT AS AWESOME AS MIZZOU.

(Am I annoying yet?)

👍👍👍👍👍

Mizzou:
Velaineil + Breenie + Scb + Krist + Nordicat + YOU! = WIN!!! 🙂

I got waitlisted at OSU (#5, so probably going to get pulled off the list) and accepted at Mizzou, and I decided I'm going to Mizzou regardless of what happens with Ohio. (side: I also got accepted to my IS University of Illinois, and they really weren't a contender against Mizzou or Ohio.) The difference in cost of living in Columbia, MO vs. Columbus, OH and also the (what I feel is) LARGE tuition difference made up my mind for me. Yes, OSU is more "highly ranked" by the US News & World Report dealy, but I have heard MANY times that those rankings are irrelevant in the "real world." One of the doctors I work with even views OSU as "pretentious" for being THE Ohio State University (stupid, I know, but some people are like that).

You need to decide what aspects are most important to you. Cost of attendance? Cost of living? Distance from "home"? Ease/cost of traveling "home" if need be (Columbus has an airport right there, Columbia's airport is much smaller and has far fewer flights)? Surrounding area? Caseloads? Etc etc etc?

Good luck with your decision!

 

[scb44f]

Haha yes, the number of Mizzou people on SDN is growwwing!

To clarify the clinical time frame at Mizzou, you get a summer after your second year, do 8 weeks of class, and then jump into clinics after that, so you're there in the fall of your 3rd year until the spring of your 4th year. There are quite a few free blocks set up, and externships are required. The state of Missouri requires over 300 hours of documented work with a veterinarian to get your license, so those hours in externships count for that (it seems they must be accumulated outside of the teaching hospital, but I haven't specifically been told that). I'm sure many (most? all?) schools allow or require you to set up externships though.

 

[squirrelsrule]

Good luck with your decision. I am going to be attending OSU and I think it is my best option. If I was not IS and so close to OSU, though, I don't think it would be the choice I'd make. Really depends on what you like. I am from a small town and went to a small school (max. people I've been in class with at one time is 30, even for gen. ed requirements), so the thought of living in a big city and having 160 people in my class is like 😱. I'll adjust though and it's not like it's 160 people in this class and then a different 160 in another class, we're all gonna know eachother no matter if you have 80 people in your class or 160.

I too got the feeling from our facebook group that there are several people going in who already know eachother. I think a good chunk of our class either went to OSU or Findley for undergrad. There are plenty of opportunities to get to know people if you don't though. Our little get together with Three Legged cat, OH bunny girl, and myself helped me a lot. I at least know two of my future classmates who are both awesome! There will be more in August too, once we're all down in Columbus. Plus at orientation we'll be in smaller groups to get to know our classmates, so I think by day one, if you put forth any effort at all, you'll feel like you know people and aren't "alone".

For me, I like that OSU is just 3 hours from home, I can get in the car and head home after a rough week if I want to. Plus, since I'm IS its one of my cheapest options.

Also, I am a wildlife rehabber and if you are into wildlife at all, something to consider is that the Ohio Wildlife center is just 15 minutes from campus and is AWESOME! I know several people who work/volunteer there and have visited and love it. Knowing there will be somewhere I can go in the fall and spring when I just need to hold, feed, and pittle a pinkie squirrel, baby possum, or a baby bunny (if you're not a rehabber that will probably sound crazy too you 😳) is awesome. Aside from Cornell, Michigan, and Tufts, who have wildlife stuff right on campus (if the OOS costs weren't so high, I would have loved to apply to them) I think OSU is an awesome choice for wildlife lovers. Plus we got the wilds, which I've heard is an awesome sanctuary for exotic wildlife (like rhino, zebra, etc.).

Sorry, I really don't know much about Missouri so can't really comment much on it, but those are my thoughts on OSU.

And Nordicat, I know you didn't choose Ohio and a little bummed we won't be classmates, but glad you made a choice and are happy with it 👍. I hope you love Missouri.

 

[nordicat]

And Nordicat, I know you didn't choose Ohio and a little bummed we won't be classmates, but glad you made a choice and are happy with it 👍. I hope you love Missouri.

😍
Thank you!! I too am bummed we won't be classmates in the fall 🙁

As you can see, no matter which school you choose, there will be awesome SDN folks there with you 🙂

 

[NStarz]

I too got the feeling from our facebook group that there are several people going in who already know eachother. I think a good chunk of our class either went to OSU or Findley for undergrad.

Really? I don't get that feeling at all! Sure, there are maybe 4 or 5 people that seem to know each other, but I've been talking at least a little bit with at least 20 people. I think everyone is in the same boat, trying to feel their way out, and get friendly with each other.

 

[OH Bunny Girl]

Really? I don't get that feeling at all! Sure, there are maybe 4 or 5 people that seem to know each other, but I've been talking at least a little bit with at least 20 people. I think everyone is in the same boat, trying to feel their way out, and get friendly with each other.

People I knew when interviewing = 0.

People I know now = 5ish (One I work with - HUGE coincidence, 2 from SDN 😀, 1 through OVMA, and one who's dad works with my mom - small world!)

Only 157 more to go!

 

[boilermaker713]

Through my Google searching I stumbled upon this thread and thought I would revive it. I'm going through the exact same situation right now and was wondering if anyone had any updated advice or opinions on these two schools. I know I'm going to be happy with either place, but I would like to make the most informed decision possible 🙂 Thanks so much!

 

[kakurubird]

These were my two acceptances as well.
I'll be at Mizzou in the fall largely because I really like Mizzou's 2+2, but the gut feeling was a big difference for me. Also, I like the smaller class size (120 vs. 162) and the $60,000 price difference is a very big factor as well.
There definitely were things I liked about OSU (openess and caseload of teaching hospital in particular), but, overall, Mizzou won over for me.

 

[Rainheart]

Can't say much for OSU since I didn't apply there, but come to Mizzou!! I loved it there and everything about it!

 

[david594]

I, like NStarz, am also interested in shelter med, and am so excited that as a 4th year you spend a rotation at a shelter doing low cost spays/neuters.

There is no low cost spays/neuters at Ohio State.

We do have a shelter med rotation, but you don't do surgery on public animals. Just the shelter animals. I would also personally recommend doing externships elsewhere if you want spay and neuter experience as you can easily do 5x as many surgeries on a 2 week externship. (Mississippi state has a great shelter externship). We used to do feral cats once weekly, but they lost funding for it and had to stop.

One of the biggest issues with clinics at Ohio State is that you only have 6 weeks(3 blocks) of elective time as a small animal tracking student. This is a huge limiting factor on clinics as you really can't "explore" areas of veterinary medicine.

 

[kakurubird]

One of the biggest issues with clinics at Ohio State is that you only have 6 weeks(3 blocks) of elective time as a small animal tracking student. This is a huge limiting factor on clinics as you really can't "explore" areas of veterinary medicine.

this is another thing I liked about Mizzou. lots more time to do elective rotations or away externships. plus, just more clinics time in general.