I also had an experience where there were only a few pre-vets and we were really supportive. I'm big into group studying, cooperative learning, and everyone doing well. That's one thing I'm really worried about, actually - I got the impression that Penn students aren't that competitive with each other, while Tufts students are a little more competitive.
Making a decision does take a little bit of time. I've been emailing students and faculty at both schools with a whole slew of questions, and I even have some phone meetings scheduled to discuss opportunities and determine which school is the best fit. Alternates shouldn't count on hearing before April 16th for sure...but I don't think it should be anyone's
nightmare to get an acceptance right before classes start - wouldn't it much worse to not get in at all?!
I think this board is relatively supportive. I've looked at the other boards and they have people attacking each other as well (especially the MD board). But that's not to say that it happens often - it's just that sometimes people get annoyed with each other. As Emio said, "no one's perfect, so we all snap at each other now and then, but what fun would it be if *everyone* was *always* sunshine and rainbows?". You gotta have a little drama here and there to spice it up
Um...VA-MD is a terrible school!
(Before anyone jumps on me that's a JOKE)