SOV, I have a few questions based on the fact that you were debating between Penn and Davis.
I have recently read one of your posts in which you discussed how much you like what Davis is doing with the new curriculum, and you suggested that Penn make similar changes. Given Davis' overhaul of the curriculum, do you believe Davis would have been a better academic fit for you? Do you ever second-guess your decision to attend Penn, being about one year into your studies? There is no doubt that you are receiving a phenomenal education at Penn, and would have also at Davis, but I am wondering if you ever feel that Davis would have offered you a more suitable learning environment with its very different curriculum? In other words, would you still have selected to attend Penn? If not, what is it about Penn that makes you really happy with your decision?
Really good question.... and I am not sure I have a satisfying answer. In the end, personal (non-academic) factors played a very large role in my final decision, although I did also feel like Penn had the "best fit" for me.
I don't think I would still say Penn had the "best fit", but I may still may have thought it had a better fit. Really hard for me to say. It was a hard decision then, and I guess it would be harder now.
I also thought Davis' tuition would continue rising at a very high rate and that has not been the case (as much as I thought). Neither school is cheap. Obviously if you are in-state at one, you may be better served to stay there.
In the end, I am not sure my decision is all that relevant. The schools have different strengths and weaknesses and you have to see which plays best to your needs. Some of which are:
Penn has probably the highest caseload in the country which opens a lot of possibilities but that caseload is decreasing (I assume as it is elsewhere)..... Probably that is more important for internships and residencies though.
Both schools have great research ops, but I would give Penn the advantage simply because of some opportunities at the Med School which is indisputably the best at a school with a vet school.
I think Davis' new curriculum is a much better approach than Penn's.
I think Penn's New Bolton Center is really a better choice for Equine people (if a bit of a pain to get to).
I think they are both great schools with great students from what I have seen. These are just my impressions and all points are potentially debatable.
Lastly, if I knew it was going to snow so much in the winter, and rain every other time of the year so much I may have had second thoughts. Honestly. My dogs don't get out too much, even when I have the time!
Oh by the way, having some medical issues now, I have to say it is pretty nice to use Penn's medical facilities. They have to be the nicest ones I have ever seen. If only the vet school had a drop of that money!