Oklahoma State 2014

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So I'm trying to weigh my options and I'm hoping y'all might be able to help. I have a ton of questions and I'd really like current information from students or those familiar with the school rather the alumni I work with or their website. So here we go:

1) Anyone know anything about OkSU's student support structure? Do new students receive a big/mentor? Are they able to provide study guides, old notes, etc to their little?

2) Do they have tutoring available if needed? Basically, I want to know that they are committed to helping students who are struggling (not that I plan on struggling, but we all know this isn't going to be a cake-walk).

3)What about clubs or student organizations? I assume they have them, but are they active chapters with plentiful wet labs, lectures, speakers? Free lunches would be a bonus too 😀

4)How about technology? Are most or all of the lectures on PPT, PDFs, etc? Are there adequate plugs in the lecture hall for the laptops they require?

5) Any idea about student discounts at the VTH? What about discounted food, hwp, flea and tick products?

6) Are most of the faculty approachable or do they frown on students disturbing them with questions outside of class time?

Ok, I think that's it for now. I'd appreciate any insight you could offer!

I can answer a few (not a curent student, but I do work at the diagnostics lab (OADDL) and have a lot of friends and connections to the school...)

I know that big/mentor are available (which I believe will be a 2nd year student)...I'm not sure in what capacity they are able to provide previous materials.

Since I work for the school, I receive many email invitations to lectures, research presentations, etc. I know that many of the clubs/organizations have wet labs, as well...

And, yes, most of the faculty are very approachable.
 
I just made my account and had to come post on this thread because I am super curious about who my classmates will be in the fall!😀
I am finishing my undergrad this semester at OSU and will be starting Vet school at OSU in the fall. I have lived in Stillwater for the last four years (summers included) so if anyone has any Stillwater questions, please ask!

As for tuition, a third year told me to expect a 10 percent increase for instate from the prices listed. No idea about outstate.
 
Good questions Crittergal! Let me know if you find out the answers... I wont be there for the open house sadly so I would love to hear what you find out!
 
LightReaver: I'm actually from Nebraska. My man is from Dallas (Richardson actually) and he just purchased a 2nd home there...so lots of trips for home renovations (aka shopping trips and powertools!)

Lissarae: I took the online version of animal nutrition this summer while doing field work. It wasn't hard, I made an A...but he has these evil true false questions that are DOUBLE true false. So your answers are true/true, true/false, false/false, or false/true and I always get super confused by talking myself out of the way I originally answered on them. 🙁 Just a lot of busy work otherwise, and it was hard for me to take time away from research to study for it. I'm tutoring the on-campus version now and I will say that on-campus students have much more easygoing teacher.



So I'm trying to weigh my options and I'm hoping y'all might be able to help. I have a ton of questions and I'd really like current information from students or those familiar with the school rather the alumni I work with or their website. So here we go:

1) Anyone know anything about OkSU's student support structure? Do new students receive a big/mentor? Are they able to provide study guides, old notes, etc to their little?

2) Do they have tutoring available if needed? Basically, I want to know that they are committed to helping students who are struggling (not that I plan on struggling, but we all know this isn't going to be a cake-walk).

3)What about clubs or student organizations? I assume they have them, but are they active chapters with plentiful wet labs, lectures, speakers? Free lunches would be a bonus too 😀

4)How about technology? Are most or all of the lectures on PPT, PDFs, etc? Are there adequate plugs in the lecture hall for the laptops they require?

5) Any idea about student discounts at the VTH? What about discounted food, hwp, flea and tick products?

6) Are most of the faculty approachable or do they frown on students disturbing them with questions outside of class time?

Ok, I think that's it for now. I'd appreciate any insight you could offer!

Critter: I can help you with a few things.

1-I know they have a mentor system in place, but I think it is mostly just to get the first years rolling. They pass on notes, old exams, helpful hints on how to deal with certain professors.

2-Dont know.

3- Clubs, yes-lots of them. They offer some wet labs, free stuff, outings, fundraisers and so on. As for free lunch. I'm in McElroy hall every monday and wednesday and 9 times out of 10 there is some company/group giving a lunch seminar +free food.

4- technology: lectures mostly PPT for classroom stuff, they even have the capability to record each lecture and post it to the online classroom website. I'm told most professors don't use it (I'm guessing they don't know how to use it) but for Parasitology 1, Dr. Reichard uses it and it is GREAT! As for laptop plugs, there should be enough. It seems like about 1/4 of the class takes notes using a laptop.

5-Discounts at the VTH (as far as I know) is that you get 1 free appointment yearly. Food: there is a science diet depot and students get 20lbs free/month, and then everything else at a HUGE discount. Also Purina has a deal with the school now for 20lbs free/month. Frontline: I know one of the clubs does free frontline for a year for 2 animals if you are a member of their club and pay dues.

6-Not sure about most of the faculty. I've worked with the parasitology group and they're always pretty easy going and welcoming to students.

ps-I only know these things b/c my roomie (a 1st year) told me all these things b/c I had the same questions. So if I'm wrong/misinformed...I'm sorry
 
Thank you hrtracy! That helps a ton. I still plan on getting info from students at the open house, but the gerbils in my brain wanted answers sooner. Sometimes they just won't stop running in their wheels :laugh:
 
now to just get through this animal nutrition class....

part of me wanted to go to mizzou just so I could blow it off haha


Ugh, tell me about it. I'm only on assignment seven or something like that, and have only taken the first exam. I started in november, so I have no one to blame but myself. Taking exams 2 and 3 at the same time, will probably do the same for the last ones, just want to get this over with!

The only part that I can console myself with is that I only need a C, or whatever the minimum for OK state is!
 
yeah I started in august... have done 3 assignments and 0 exams. 😳 fail.

but i'm going into uber school mode... starting....now!
 
1) Anyone know anything about OkSU's student support structure? Do new students receive a big/mentor? Are they able to provide study guides, old notes, etc to their little?

Yes, every first year receives a 2nd year "buddy". They give you mostly old tests (this past year we condensed it to a CD so everyone had the same materials). I gave my buddy a little extra - study guides, tables, etc.

2) Do they have tutoring available if needed? Basically, I want to know that they are committed to helping students who are struggling (not that I plan on struggling, but we all know this isn't going to be a cake-walk).

Yes. Fellow 1st years or 2nd years that are doing well are available to tutor you but only if you are failing (below a 70). That is the only time the professors or dean's office will recommend one of the paid student tutors. Any other tutoring is your call. (I recommend not waiting til the the week before finals to figure this out)

3)What about clubs or student organizations? I assume they have them, but are they active chapters with plentiful wet labs, lectures, speakers? Free lunches would be a bonus too 😀

Tons of clubs! There is usually a meeting of some kind every night (dinner included) with fun speakers (and prize giveaways usually). There are many lunchtime meetings (usually a few a week) that serve you lunch. If they don't give you food, you won't come so they usually do!
Most clubs have wet labs and they can be really variable and very fun. (Last year we got to tracheostomies, bone marrow collections, suture wet labs, palpation labs, etc. Tons!) Some cost money if you're not a member.

4)How about technology? Are most or all of the lectures on PPT, PDFs, etc? Are there adequate plugs in the lecture hall for the laptops they require?

Most lectures are powerpoint that are posted to Moodle (the program our school uses). However, first year some of your teachers prefer "chalk talk". The plug situation is iffy. We got an email a few months ago proposing an idea to install plugs at every seat, so that might be a new thing next year. For the most part, not many people use computers the first year but if you do, there are extension cords placed around the room.
(FYI- laptops are not a requirement. They certainly make things MUCH easier but you are not required to use them in class. We have wireless printing so you can print from your laptop to the printers [all paid for by your student fees] so that is very convenient. Or if your teacher is a slacker and doesn't put the powerpoint up until 2 minutes before class - then it's nice to have a computer 🙂)

5) Any idea about student discounts at the VTH? What about discounted food, hwp, flea and tick products?

I'm not positive but I think it's 20%??? Really not sure, I haven't used them yet. As for free products - 1 club gives you 4 6-month boxes of Frontline, another gives you 4 6-month boxes of Advantage, DermaPet gives you a choice of a monthly product, you also get 1 bag of Hill's food once a month, 1 bag of Purina food once a month (delivered to your doorstep!), Oxbow gives you rabbit stuff, etc. You will be well stocked! I gave a lot of my stuff I couldn't use to family.

6) Are most of the faculty approachable or do they frown on students disturbing them with questions outside of class time?

Oh my gosh, they love you to come talk to them!! Most are super nice and are fun to just sit around with and talk to. Some even meet us at parties or bars! They are there to help you succeed. This is not undergraduate weeding-out. You're in and they want to make you the best vet you can be. Please please please don't be afraid to go talk to them!! They are so helpful.

Sorry so long....you opened a can of worms! :laugh:

PM me if you want more info!
 
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btw, someone has now created a facebook group for OSU vet med 2014 if you guys want to join! (and actually get to know eachothers real names!)
 
haha yeah.. I'm from Oklahoma, but I feel like an outsider still not being an "original" O-Stater
 
So I am pretty sure (90%) that this is where I will end up and I am pumped! I am just waiting for my lovely SO to get on the same page as me before I make it official... yay job hunting for him 😉

I joined the FB group anyway lol
 
For those counting on the alternate list, a friend of mine who was accepted will be declining and attending our in-state. So... thats at least one down!

Funny story: My friend has been my study partner throughout college and she was accepted to A&M and OkSU... and I was rejected from both and alternate listed at KSU and Michigan State.... I'm very proud of her though. She deserves it!

Good luck all, but I'm going to stick with maroon (and maybe purple :xf:) for now... can't make that change to orange lol. :laugh:
 
For those counting on the alternate list, a friend of mine who was accepted will be declining and attending our in-state. So... thats at least one down!

Funny story: My friend has been my study partner throughout college and she was accepted to A&M and OkSU... and I was rejected from both and alternate listed at KSU and Michigan State.... I'm very proud of her though. She deserves it!

Good luck all, but I'm going to stick with maroon (and maybe purple :xf:) for now... can't make that change to orange lol. :laugh:

Purple and maroon are a few steps around the color wheel 🙂

I need exactly the opposite...OK InStaters choosing OOS!

Good luck, may your move up the list be swift!!
 
I know it's probably short notice for all you out-of-staters...but, there is a renter's fair Wednesday, March 31st at the Student Union 9am-3pm...if you can make it...
 
thanks for letting us know!

that would be the best thing ever... too bad I have stupid class...
 
With all the talk of finding a place to live, I thought I'd plug an ad a classmate of mine has. She posted it on SDN at: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=709115

I've seen her house personally and it's pretty nice and is in great condition. She's friendly, funny and easy-going. (and being a few years ahead, I bet she'd let you look at her old notes/books!) I'd imagine she'd be a good roommate. From what she's told me, the landlord is pretty awesome (and cute! 🙂) and lives in Chicago currently. You can PM me and I can give you her email address or just directly PM her. I'm sure she'd be glad to show you the house if you're here for Open House next weekend and looking around.
 
Haii youse guysss!

I went to the renter's fair today. I got little pamphlets for most places... so if anyone wants to send me a PM specifying if you have pets, and if so what sort - weight and breed - I can send you to a few links or send you some general info.

If any of you have large dogs (over 50lb) or breeds like pitties, dobermans, rotties, GSDs etc (or mixes that could possibly contain any of these) then you will likely be best trying to rent a house with a roomie instead. That was you get a backyard too, which is good.

Also, for anyone not from around here, do note that my mortgage on my house is just over $800 a month, and it's a 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, 2 car garage house with a nice backyard in a nice neighborhood. So, yeah. Purchasing may be an option.
 
I went to the open house yesterday with the awesome TT as my tour guide. I LOVE the school and the town. Stillwater isn't huge (but VERY orange) and it reminds me of the town I grew up in. The vet school great, but not so huge as to be overwhelming and most everyone was super encouraging. I liked the new SA CC ward. It looks like a super-mini version of where I work.😛

For everyone worried about finding rental housing, don't. There's a TON of rental housing all over the town. While I know you probably won't stop stressing until you get that portion finalized, believe me, you will easily find somewhere to live.

Thanks again TT for being an awesome tour guide! 😍 OkSU here I come!
 
glad to hear we'll be classmates crittergal!

p.s. my deposit is going out in tomorrow's mail!!

so now it's official official

it will be official official official when I pass all my classes haha
 
Anyone know if students get lockers? I don't remember seeing any at the open house.

I'm contemplating biking to school since my new abode is 2.3 miles away. I'm not sure yet though, not convinced it wouldn't be a suicide mission. A locker would help alot though to keep from lugging things around.
 
Yep, at least for first year. They were downstairs in one of the restrooms. They're orange.

I think riding a bike in Stillwater is kind of like a death wish... there are NO bike lanes, and if you ride in the road people just get pissed off at you. You can ride on sidewalks (even though you aren't really supposed to) but the sidewalks in Stillwater are lovely about starting and stopping as they please.

If nothing else, make sure you plot out your route and try it one day with no time constraints to see if it's feasible.
 
ugh I was planning on riding my bike too....
guess we'll see!

I would run if running with a backpack wasn't the most awkward thing ever
 
Anyone know if students get lockers? I don't remember seeing any at the open house.

I'm contemplating biking to school since my new abode is 2.3 miles away. I'm not sure yet though, not convinced it wouldn't be a suicide mission. A locker would help alot though to keep from lugging things around.

They don't assign everyone personal lockers but first years get a locker for anatomy. You keep it for both semesters of 1st year. Most people share with someone because there aren't too many of them. I must warn you though about putting your "street clothes" in that locker... if you do, put in a separate closed bag unless you want it to stink forever like formalin. 👎

And of course in the hospital you have your own locker but that's not until 3rd and 4th year.

The bike thing - a few of my classmates ride their bikes. They just put everything they need in their backpack and bring that to class. There's a bike rack in the inner parking lot (shielded from the main road).

Forgot to add - the lockers are in the bathrooms on the 2nd floor- one above the anatomy lab, one down the hall by the dean's office. Those areas were blocked off so that's why you didn't see them at open house.
 
p.s. i will be in Stillwater looking at houses all tomorrow afternoon/evening if anyone wants to meet up for ice cream or dinner or something!
 
Just popping in to comment on cycling - a decent rack and trunk bag + pannier set is pretty much the best thing of all things that could possibly be known to exist. Ortlieb makes awesome waterproof panniers/bags. It makes it a lot easier to haul more stuff on a bicycle.
 
Just got an e-mail that my deposit was received (I am IS in case it matters)!

So if you have sent in a deposit, keep an eye out for an e-mail and if you don't hear anything soon I'd call them just in case (since that April 15 deadline is somewhat important....)
 
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