easherman6
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Hello all! So I am very torn on this decision and would appreciate any thoughts/advice.
Obviously I am absolutely thrilled that I was accepted to these amazing schools, as they are all tops of my list. For context, I hope to someday work in wildlife/conservation medicine.
Tufts is an attractive option because of their renowned excelled re wildlife/zoo medicine. Penn is vying for a top spot because I'm particularly drawn to their dual degree program that combines a DVM with a Masters in Environment Science (DVM/MES). RVC (4 year program) was always the school I dreamed about, in part because of their international accreditations, since I would ideally like to practice outside of the States after I graduate. I'm also drawn to the UK testing style, as I actually do much better with self-paced learning and fewer exams. WSU is an amazing program, but it's strongest pull for me is the opportunity to qualify for in-state tuition after the first year.
Another big consideration recently has been location. I have a small (travel-size) dog I plan to bring with me, so the closer locations are slightly more ideal for this (I live just outside of DC). Penn is the closest, being about 2.5 hours drive from here, followed by Tufts, which is about a 7 hour drive.
Another important thing to mention (since the most popular advice I see on here is to go wherever is cheapest) is that I have a very generous education trust left for me by my late grandparents. My parents kept this trust under wraps for most of my life, so I also have a decent amount of money saved from working through high school and college, but essentially I have a large sum of money that can only be spent on my education. Thus, while I've internalized the mindset that the cheapest option is the best one, in reality it seems I have the ability to choose a school regardless of cost.
So in summary, I was hoping some people could provide advice/opinions on my options and any thoughts on whether one program would be better suited for my long term career goals.
Thanks in advance!
Obviously I am absolutely thrilled that I was accepted to these amazing schools, as they are all tops of my list. For context, I hope to someday work in wildlife/conservation medicine.
Tufts is an attractive option because of their renowned excelled re wildlife/zoo medicine. Penn is vying for a top spot because I'm particularly drawn to their dual degree program that combines a DVM with a Masters in Environment Science (DVM/MES). RVC (4 year program) was always the school I dreamed about, in part because of their international accreditations, since I would ideally like to practice outside of the States after I graduate. I'm also drawn to the UK testing style, as I actually do much better with self-paced learning and fewer exams. WSU is an amazing program, but it's strongest pull for me is the opportunity to qualify for in-state tuition after the first year.
Another big consideration recently has been location. I have a small (travel-size) dog I plan to bring with me, so the closer locations are slightly more ideal for this (I live just outside of DC). Penn is the closest, being about 2.5 hours drive from here, followed by Tufts, which is about a 7 hour drive.
Another important thing to mention (since the most popular advice I see on here is to go wherever is cheapest) is that I have a very generous education trust left for me by my late grandparents. My parents kept this trust under wraps for most of my life, so I also have a decent amount of money saved from working through high school and college, but essentially I have a large sum of money that can only be spent on my education. Thus, while I've internalized the mindset that the cheapest option is the best one, in reality it seems I have the ability to choose a school regardless of cost.
So in summary, I was hoping some people could provide advice/opinions on my options and any thoughts on whether one program would be better suited for my long term career goals.
Thanks in advance!