Oregon vs. Oklahoma vs. Purdue

[charlie14796]

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Hi everyone,

I’m fortunate to have multiple acceptances this cycle, and am currently trying to decide between Oregon State, Purdue, and Oklahoma State.

Cost is not a major factor for me, so I’m really trying to focus on overall training quality and clinical experience. I am going to be OOS for every school, although Oregon is the closest to home.

I’m currently leaning small animal, and am potentially interested in specialization, so I’m looking at programs with strong access to specialists and mentorship opportunities. At the same time, I want to make sure I graduate with strong, day-one-ready clinical skills, but also want to have a broad variety of experiences (small animal, large animal exposure, surgery, hands-on cases, etc.).

For context:

• I’ve visited Oregon State and Purdue
• I liked the area and lifestyle around Oregon, but the teaching hospital felt smaller to me. It seems as if a lot of clinical experience came through clubs rather than class time.
• I liked Purdue’s program overall, and their study abroad opportunities were amazing, but the surrounding area felt a bit harder for me to picture living in for a period of time.

I have not visited Oklahoma yet, but need to do so soon.

For current students or any recent graduates from these programs:

1. How would you describe your clinical exposure and hands-on experience? Does it start first year and how many surgeries are you expecting to complete upon graduation?
2. How accessible are specialists and mentorship opportunities?
3. Do you feel well-prepared going into clinics and/or practice?
4. Anything you wish you had known before choosing your school? Is lifestyle more important than the school itself, or does that not really matter?

I would really appreciate any honest insight!

Thanks in advance!