Opinions needed! (asap)

[hopefulvet21]

I just got accepted to Penn off the waitlist today and I don't know if I should go. It is really late in the game to change my decision, but still possible. I'd be forfeiting the money I spent on my flight to Edinburgh as well as the deposit on the school and my flat, which in the scope of things is probably not much in comparison to the total cost of vet school. Finances aside (because they are not very different in cost) what would you do? I just feel like I might be making a mistake turning down my spot at Tufts, and now Penn and I'm a little afraid and have a "I don't know what to expect" feeling about Edinburgh...

I only have till tomorrow to decide

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[david594]

I'd go to Penn.

 

[rugbychick16]

I would choose Penn as well.

 

[rileyroo]

I would definitely go to Penn.

 

[hopefulvet21]

haha okay but why?

 

[shortnsweet]

I'm partial to sticking with your original plans, but I can sympathize with you about the move and making the decision to switch(as I have been debating myself whether I want to apply again to some US schools this coming year while in Glasgow). Ultimately, your heart needs to decide what is best for you.

From what I have read from some of your other posts, you have seemed super excited and enthusiastic about Edinburgh, and have offered great advice to people deciding whether or not to make the big move. Sit back, take a deep breath, and maybe write down a pros and cons list for each place. You will for sure make the right choice

 

[david594]

Cheaper and everyone knows and understands it.

 

[shortnsweet]

Cheaper and everyone knows and understands it.

What in the world does that mean?

 

[TSUJC]

Agreed, I would go to Penn.

I think the issue with becoming licensed in the US is enough of a reason to avoid schools overseas (if at all possible). It seems like a very expensive, pain in the butt process.

Congrats on being accepted to so many wonderful schools, I am sure this is a very hard decision for you. Good luck

 

[hopefulvet21]

Actually Penn would be more expensive when I factor in everything. I think you're right that everyone here knows Penn's rep better, but if I stayed in Europe people would know Edinburgh better. I was/am really pumped about Edinburgh and do not buy into the misconception that American schools are better than elsewhere; but I am worried that if I want to return to NY after vet school that I won't have 'connections' to be accepted to a great internship in NY. Then again, who knows after 4 years if I'll even want to come back! Booo this decision's too hard!

 

[hopefulvet21]

Agreed, I would go to Penn.

I think the issue with becoming licensed in the US is enough of a reason to avoid schools overseas (if at all possible). It seems like a very expensive, pain in the butt process.

Congrats on being accepted to so many wonderful schools, I am sure this is a very hard decision for you. Good luck

So since being licensed here is not an issue (Edinburgh is AVMA accredited- you take the NAVLE and nothing else like everyone here), what would you say?

 

[shortnsweet]

I think the issue with becoming licensed in the US is enough of a reason to avoid schools overseas (if at all possible). It seems like a very expensive, pain in the butt process.

But she would be licensed in the US...Edinburgh, RVC, and Glasgow are all AVMA accredited..therefore we take the same exam as US schools...the NAVLE...there are no equivalency exams on top of that....

 

[TSUJC]

Opps well now I look silly Ok then the second reason I would choose Penn would be money and distance from family, it might be expensive to fly home for holidays and what not.

 

[david594]

Actually Penn would be more expensive when I factor in everything.

Really? Even when you factor in the 20k versus 40k in stafford loans? And the additional grad plus that would be neaded for Edinburgh.

I take it you got what I meant about everyone understanding it.

 

[hopefulvet21]

RE: David.

Yeah, I worked everything out in gross detail. Penn's tuition is insane and I'd have to pay health insurance and probably get a car 3rd or 4th yr, and the rent is more expensive in Philly. Regardless, I'm not worried about the finances...I have money saved for vet school and I just want to go to the school I would enjoy the best and with the best opportunities.

 

[GeeQued]

I don't know much about Edinburgh but I know Penn is a fantastic school. I would definitely choose it over any international school. Mostly because of the rep of the school but also the funding, from what I've been told, most international schools (if not all I honestly don't know) you'd only be able to get unsub. loans, and despite if you have enough to pay all the tuition for the 4 years already its nice to have the loans available in case of emergency etc. A schools name can mean a lot when applying for jobs and if you plan on coming back to the US then I would go with a state school but if your sure you want to stay and practice overseas then thats something to consider as well.

 

[Nexx]

With finances out of the decision making process...

I'd stick with your original choice. Either situation will make you wonder "what if..." but I think since you had your mind originally on Edinburgh you may regret that decision more than the one to stay.

Should you get over there and end up absolutely unhappy in your first couple years at leasts you know you have the possibility of getting accepted to a state school and potentially transferring back.

Being an international student myself I am of course, biased towards going overseas. It's just an additional perk to vet school IMO, to have a different culture and a unique experience outside of the normal vet school routine.

In all honesty you won't have trouble making contacts to get a good internship, etc -- I wouldn't even worry about that. I can almost guarantee without knowing much about Edinburgh's program that you will have an opportunity to do externships in the US (you may have to set them up yourself but that is easy enough). Heck just over here in Perth I have met many specialists either from the states or who did just their residencies over there, 3 of which used to live in Gainesville (last place I lived) for a period of time. It really is a tiny planet and opportunities are going to come up regardless of where you go to Uni.

Really the decision-makers in this situation are only financial and social, professional reasons are ultra-minimal.

 

[rileyroo]

I just want to go to the school I would enjoy the best and with the best opportunities.

no matter what our opinions are, you are the only one who can make that decision...we could give you countless reasons for why we would go to a particular school, but we can't determined what YOU would enjoy and consider the best opportunities.

 

[hopefulvet21]

no matter what our opinions are, you are the only one who can make that decision...we could give you countless reasons for why we would go to a particular school, but we can't determined what YOU would enjoy and consider the best opportunities.

BOOO! Are you telling me I have to make my own decisions?! NO!

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I guess I'll sleep (try to sleep) on it tonight. I guess it would just be simplest to stick with Edinburgh since I'm already all set to go with visa, place to live, loans from Sallie Mae, etc...

It was weird that when the UPenn guy called me and I sounded all surprised he said "I know it's a lot to think about, you must have everything all set for Boston and Tufts..." and then I told him I was actually committed to Edinburgh. How did he even know I got into Tufts?

 

[Tiempo]

I can almost guarantee without knowing much about Edinburgh's program that you will have an opportunity to do externships in the US (you may have to set them up yourself but that is easy enough).

Hopeful, if this is a worry and you're not sure of Edinburgh's policy, I did want to let you know that I checked on this and yes, you can do final year rotations at US programs (6 wk).

I'm not much help, but good luck with your decision!

 

[quakk]

you can do the pros and cons and attach an emotional weighting to each.

i looked at transferring back to the usa. i found only two schools that allow transfers - msu (michigan state) and tamu (texas a&m). there may be more, but i only found two. i know for a fact that western u would have required me to start over from scratch, had i been admitted (which is never a guarantee).

i and many of my classmates have had no trouble setting up clinical or farm pracs all over the world.

i think anyone with half a brain would realise that there are very high quality vet schools outside the usa and would not apply any sort of academic snobbery, in case you went to edinburgh.

sounds like a tough decision. there's prob'ly no wrong answer.

 

[BrumleyVet]

You have to go with your heart. Will you miss everything in the States so much that you can't focus on school? What about the family? One trip home will be costly. Both schools are top notch and you will end up with the same result - your DVM degree. The road there is where the difference between the two are.

Good luck!

 

[Shanomong]

Both schools are top notch and you will end up with the same result - your DVM degree.

Actually, Penn hands out VMD's, not DVM's

Sorry, couldn't resist


Anyway, hopeful, loans are easy to cancel. I agree with the above, sit down, write a list of pro's and cons, or even just imagine a list... and think about this decision using your brain and your emotions... and see which school just feels more right. Either way you're going to have a fantastic time and receive a fantastic education. I doubt going to either school would change much in the way of advantages/disadvantages in your future career, wherever you decide to pursue it. It's a big decision, it's crazy that you only get a day to make it. Personally, I'd choose Penn, but only because I know I'd miss my friends and family way too much if I was that far away....

 

[dgm]

Wow! Nothing like thinking you've already made all the tough decisions, and then having someone throw another option at you and make you reconsider the whole thing!!

I haven't gone digging through old posts to see why you chose Edinburgh over Tufts, or what was initially your first choice. Since financial factors have been taken off the table, go with what FEELS better. Imagine calling Edinburgh to cancel, and then coming to Penn in the fall. If you want to go to Penn, you still have enough time to make living arrangements and whatnot... But if you feel disappointed at the thought of not going to Edinburgh, there is nothing wrong with sticking to your original plan.

Either route you choose will be okay. It just comes down to what you want.

 

[dgm]

Wow! Nothing like thinking you've already made all the tough decisions, and then having someone throw another option at you and make you reconsider the whole thing!!

I haven't gone digging through old posts to see why you chose Edinburgh over Tufts, or what was initially your first choice. Since financial factors have been taken off the table, go with what FEELS better. Imagine calling Edinburgh to cancel, and then coming to Penn in the fall. If you want to go to Penn, you still have enough time to make living arrangements and whatnot... But if you feel disappointed at the thought of not going to Edinburgh, there is nothing wrong with sticking to your original plan.

Either route you choose will be okay. It just comes down to what you want.

 

[beaglehound]

It really is up to you... and I think everyone has given you some good thoughts to think about. Congratulations on having the choice. I did my undergrad in philly and LOVED that city. There are places that you can get cheap rent, at least in comparison to where I live now... and that are safe enough.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[JulieDogLove]

At least you have to make this decisions as opposed to not being accepted anywhere like most of our friends and colleagues. So no matter what it's not so bad.

With that being said, I was accepted to Penn and a foreign school and I chose Penn so this is biased. The reason I had done so was not based on financial matters because in the end a few thousand here or there isn't going to matter when it costs 250,000.

The reason I chose Penn was because of my family, friends and state of mind. My family like yours is from NY (about an hour and a half away.) These are the people I depend on to get me through the rough times. You can call your mom if you're having a bad day and still be in the same time zone. Goodness forbid you get terribly hurt, your parents can be there within a few hours. You can still go home for holidays without jet lag. At Penn, after four years you might make professional relationships that could further your career. Going overseas is not a bad idea at all; but I would imagine you leave most of your contacts behind when you come home (if you do come home). This is more than just a study abroad program, this is your career and lifestyle. It's going to be stressful on your best day, the support of your family and friends may be invaluable if your that type of person. (I am!)

Good luck on your decision!! Maybe I'll see you in August.

 

[eatpinkpenguins]

One of my biggest reasons for choosing Penn over an international school was the whole age thing. I just felt like at the end of the day, I would rather be around people who had already gone through undergrad and gotten over the binge drinking. Then again, I'll be 24 when I start. Having to transition to a new learning style (oral exams, etc) was another big concern for me. On the other hand, I go on Diary of a Dick Vet Student blog and am just blown away by all of Jess's beautiful pictures. Her lambing and other animal placements seem really hands on and like such a nice break from lecture. Not to mention the fact that their humor is awesome. But there are some awesome things and people at Penn too! Take a good hard look at clinical rotations, electives and stuff. As for having a car, I think it's pretty easy to find people to carpool to New Bolton for the third year. But that's merely speculation. Lastly, I think whether you want to live and practice in Europe is really important too. Pets, family, $$$, SO's...and what makes you happy. Lots to think about. Congrats though! What a tough decision!

 

[eatpinkpenguins]

PS. Weird that he thought you were going to Tufts. I don't know what to think about that. I guess their ad com intelligence needs a little updating

 

[Angelo84]

I just got accepted to Penn off the waitlist today and I don't know if I should go. It is really late in the game to change my decision, but still possible. I'd be forfeiting the money I spent on my flight to Edinburgh as well as the deposit on the school and my flat, which in the scope of things is probably not much in comparison to the total cost of vet school. Finances aside (because they are not very different in cost) what would you do? I just feel like I might be making a mistake turning down my spot at Tufts, and now Penn and I'm a little afraid and have a "I don't know what to expect" feeling about Edinburgh...

I only have till tomorrow to decide

I don't know if you decided yet but I would go with edinburgh. You were really excited about going and I think you would get a great education there. As far as internships etc I think you would be fine. I think its normal to have misgivings but you chose Edinburgh over a US school originally (tufts) is there anything about Penn that really draws you to it?

If not go stay with your original plans--you can always do externships!

 

[rileyroo]

for me it would be the distance, travel expense, and access to my family and life here in the states. but that is obviously something you have already considered b/c you turned down an acceptance to Tufts to go to Edinburgh, so there must be something drawing you to that school and location. it's easy for me to say what i would do b/c i don't have an acceptance knocking at my door and i don't have feelings, emotions, and a mindset established for Edinburgh. i know today is the big day and you've put so much thought into it that you're probably sick to your stomach, but know that whatever decision you make will be the right one for you, and that you have all of us here supporting you! good luck! i can't wait to hear what you decide!

 

[GellaBella]

Why did you choose Edinburgh over Tufts in the first place??

I think since you already had the option of being closer to home (MA to NY is closer than Scotland to NY) but choose to travel abroad it seems like money and everything else aside, you are looking for an experience you could get from Edinburgh that you didn't think you could get from Tufts (just assumptions here).

What are/were those experiences and do you think you could get them at UPenn?

In some ways I'd say go to UPenn, just because it is a prestigious university and I here good things about it but on the other hand, 4 years at Edinburgh sounds amazing too (I would definitely apply to RVC if my fiance could work in London, since I'm absolutely in love with the place and have many friends and contacts there, but unfortunately he cant).

Its def tough to make this decision last minute but both schools are good and you will have ample opportunities for working abroad..whether thats here in the US or somewhere in another part of the world...whether you went to a US school or Dick Vet.

so that brings me back to experiences...which teaching style do you think you'd like more? which city is more your style to live in? can you understand the scottish accent well? (seriously! I've known people who have had terrible times sometimes understanding people with different accents). what kind of veterinarian do you THINK you want to be...small animal/ farm animal? etc.

good luck!

 

[Kat0303]

I just felt like at the end of the day, I would rather be around people who had already gone through undergrad and gotten over the binge drinking.

not trying to hijack the thread since there are a bunch of threads on here that talk about this, but..

i think you are going to be surprised...many vet students have and attend parties and events that involve lots of drinking... sure you don't have to attend if that's not what you're into, but i think it's safe to say you may not be surrounded by people who are "over the binge drinking" just because most have been through undergrad. i just thought i'd throw that out there!

 

[hopefulvet21]

I called Penn and declined...I read all of your responses and they were very helpful. It was nice of you guys to take the time to respond.

I felt they just called me a little too late (as I'm leaving next Friday for Edinburgh!) and it would have been impulsive of me to switch my decision so suddenly to a school I wasn't even sure was my top choice. It was definitely hard turning down a university with such a good reputation, but I had to remind myself that vet school isn't about prestige and the name of my school is not what's going to make me successful in vet med. I also browsed through Penn's website and noticed that about a 1/3 of their faculty have their degrees from Vienna, France, Argentina, Scotland, England, Germany, Switzerland and many other places. Clearly a degree abroad is not going to hinder me from pursuing Penn later on.

And since being away from friends and family wasn't really a concern for me, I figured there was no reason I shouldn't seize the opportunity to explore a new place! Thanks guys, I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[eatpinkpenguins]

good luck! say hi to J K Rowling for us

 

[Kat0303]

I called Penn and declined...I read all of your responses and they were very helpful. It was nice of you guys to take the time to respond.

I felt they just called me a little too late (as I'm leaving next Friday for Edinburgh!) and it would have been impulsive of me to switch my decision so suddenly to a school I wasn't even sure was my top choice. It was definitely hard turning down a university with such a good reputation, but I had to remind myself that vet school isn't about prestige and the name of my school is not what's going to make me successful in vet med. I also browsed through Penn's website and noticed that about a 1/3 of their faculty have their degrees from Vienna, France, Argentina, Scotland, England, Germany, Switzerland and many other places. Clearly a degree abroad is not going to hinder me from pursuing Penn later on.

And since being away from friends and family wasn't really a concern for me, I figured there was no reason I shouldn't seize the opportunity to explore a new place! Thanks guys, I'll let you know how it goes!

Sounds like you made the right decision! Good luck!

 

[shortnsweet]

Congrats hopefulvet21!!

I look forward to a friendly rivalry between our two schools

 

[rileyroo]

congrats hopeful! good luck in Edinburgh!

 

[4paws]

Congrats on making a decision (and having the opportunity to choose).

Good luck

 

[nyanko]

Congrats on making a decision, and on getting into Penn too.

What a difficult position that put you in, wow! Hopefully the next person Penn calls to fill the spot is someone who won't have to make such a tough decision.

 

[Tiempo]

I called Penn and declined...

Tough decision to make, but SEE YOU IN EDINBURGH!!

 

[flyhi]

Whew! I just found this thread and thought, OH NO! Congrats on getting into Penn, that is fantastic. But, you DID choose UofE over Tufts for a reason and plus, Edinburgh is a fabulous city. I think you may have always wondered 'what if'. Good Luck with your move!

 

[flyhi]

Hopeful, if this is a worry and you're not sure of Edinburgh's policy, I did want to let you know that I checked on this and yes, you can do final year rotations at US programs (6 wk).

Tiempo, what does this mean exactly? You can only do 6wks of rotations in the US?

 

[hopefulvet21]

Thanks for all the well wishes guys...I'm still in that "what if" mode and wondering if it will work out and whether I'm going to think I was crazy to turn it down in a year's time!

RE Flyhi:
haha I thought this thread might freak you out! I think Tiempo is referring to the fact that you can spend time abroad in your final year to do externships in the US or wherever you like. The actual rotations are done at Edinburgh...not like Ross where you go somewhere else for the entire final year.

 

[Tiempo]

Tiempo, what does this mean exactly? You can only do 6wks of rotations in the US?

No, sorry about that! Will have to go dig up my old email, but I think it was that the externships are generally in 6 week 'chunks', not that you're limited to 6 weeks!

 

[flyhi]

haha I thought this thread might freak you out! I think Tiempo is referring to the fact that you can spend time abroad in your final year to do externships in the US or wherever you like. The actual rotations are done at Edinburgh...not like Ross where you go somewhere else for the entire final year.

YES, it did freak me out . I am personally glad about your decision and can't wait for you guys to get over there and tell me how great it is!!

How much EMS were you able to complete?

Got it about the clinicals...makes sense.