Still trying to decide?

[researchvet]

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With less than a week left to make a decision, anyone out there still torn on where to accept admission?

I'm trying to decide between Penn and Cornell. They're very different approaches to veterinary education which makes it easy to contrast. However, that's also what makes it difficult to compare.

Anyone else?

 

[scjmlou]

me too researchvet, i got into davis and western. i can't make my decision because my soon to be husband probably won't be able to find a job up in davis. in addition, we are about to move into our newly remodeled home in los angeles. having to find a buyer for that house and then lose money on rent or invest in a house that may not be so great does not sound like great options. on the other hand, davis is such a great school and i'll probably learn more there than at western, where the pbl curriculum concerns me. ultimately, i'm looking to be a small animal vet and from what i've read, all the schools will give you the proper education for that.

anyone have any input?

 

[bunnyslippers]

me too researchvet, i got into davis and western. i can't make my decision because my soon to be husband probably won't be able to find a job up in davis. in addition, we are about to move into our newly remodeled home in los angeles. having to find a buyer for that house and then lose money on rent or invest in a house that may not be so great does not sound like great options. on the other hand, davis is such a great school and i'll probably learn more there than at western, where the pbl curriculum concerns me. ultimately, i'm looking to be a small animal vet and from what i've read, all the schools will give you the proper education for that.

anyone have any input?

I'm applying this upcoming cycle so you can totally disregard what I say, but I wouldn't be worried about giving up Davis if everything else in your life is pointing towards Western. Getting into veterinary school, moving into a brand new house, and being able to do it alongside a wonderful fiance sounds like a dream come true. I don't know too much about pbl but I have no doubt that both schools would help someone become an amazing vet. Which school are you leaning towards?

And congratulations!

 

[winglessflight]

me too researchvet, i got into davis and western. i can't make my decision because my soon to be husband probably won't be able to find a job up in davis. in addition, we are about to move into our newly remodeled home in los angeles. having to find a buyer for that house and then lose money on rent or invest in a house that may not be so great does not sound like great options. on the other hand, davis is such a great school and i'll probably learn more there than at western, where the pbl curriculum concerns me. ultimately, i'm looking to be a small animal vet and from what i've read, all the schools will give you the proper education for that.

anyone have any input?

I think if you know that you can't learn by PBL, than go to UC Davis. However, its usually not that cut and dry. Even if you think your learning style is more conducive to UC Davis, if you make it your goal, you can make Western work. That may mean a bit more studying or going to talk to the professors a bit more than you may have at Davis, but with determination you can make it work.

Additionally, the extra stress of finances and either being apart from your fiancee or having him be less than satisfied with his job could offset any advantage of Davis.

Good luck with whichever school you choose.

 

[pika8]

Hey,

I thought everyone else was good and had decided already. I'm trying to decide (I think--it changes a lot) between Tufts and Wisconsin. Wisconsin is a little cheaper, but I can get my MPH in four years at Tufts instead of taking five for the DVM/MPH at Madison. I know I will get more large animal experience at Wisconsin and Madison is a fun city. But I have lived in Boston for the past three years and I like the feel of Tufts--they seem to really care about their students.

I am waiting for a sign! Anything! A giant cow falling out of the sky means I go to Wisconsin, and then for Tufts--I don't know. Maybe the mysterious appearance of a wealthy benefactor!

Researchvet--I'm sure you have thought about the environment of each school, too--Penn being in the city for the first two years at least, Cornell more rural? Does that affect your decision?

Good luck deciding to all of you.

 

[critterfixer]

Cornell
Western
Tufts

There, don't you all feel better now? 😉 🙂

 

[pika8]

Tufts

There, don't you all feel better now? 😉 🙂

Hahahahah thanks!

I forgot to mention that my fiance is in a post-doc at Illinois, which is only four hours from Wisconsin. BUT, he is applying for jobs at universities and could be moving sometime soon.

Ack.

 

[susiewaits]

from my impression during my interview at tufts, i didnt get that there was much substance to the mph program at tufts. i may be completely wrong. I do know a few people who have recently graduated from WI with a PHD and they had great things to say about that, but that is very different.

 

[critterfixer]

I'll tell you a secet. You all already know where you want to go. So I declared a choice for you because you will either feel good about my declaration, or it will make you want to defend the other choice.

Either way, it lets you know what your gut already knows.

 

[JerseyLynn]

Wow, Researchvet, you got in two schools IS. Good for you! I'll be applying next year to Western again, (Alternate list this year) but I have to admit I go back and forth with the PBL. I guess it's just the type of learner you are.
I didn't even try for Davis, being out of state, and figuring it was out of my league.
But if you live in L.A., well, I'm sure that has a lot to do with your decision. Good luck choosing.

 

[hoodle]

researchvet - if money isn't a question but your concern about electives and wildlife stuff still holds, maybe cornell makes more sense? i loved the curriculum there, and they're in the process of putting a huge amount of effort into their wildlife stuff, or at least that's what one of the faculty members I talked to said - Dr. something, small, older lady, ophthalmologist, really engaging? anyhow, just something to think about.

 

[researchvet]

from my impression during my interview at tufts, i didnt get that there was much substance to the mph program at tufts. i may be completely wrong. I do know a few people who have recently graduated from WI with a PHD and they had great things to say about that, but that is very different.

I don't think this is entirely true. I think that the MPH at Tufts is probably more human medicine oriented than many of us would want because the dual degree program is also with the med students. Personally, I'd rather do a combined degree program over 5 years-- that way you don't have to miss out on as much at the vet school. I know at Tufts that the MPH takes place during at least part of your selective time.

 

[researchvet]

Wow, Researchvet, you got in two schools IS. Good for you! I'll be applying next year to Western again, (Alternate list this year) but I have to admit I go back and forth with the PBL. I guess it's just the type of learner you are.
I didn't even try for Davis, being out of state, and figuring it was out of my league.
But if you live in L.A., well, I'm sure that has a lot to do with your decision. Good luck choosing.

Thank you for the compliment but I'm not sure I understand your comment. I am OOS at both Cornell and Penn. (I also got into Davis, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Tufts but have pretty much narrowed it down to Cornell and Penn.) I am also not sure how well I would do with the PBL at Cornell. I can see how if it works for you then it would be much more interesting and memorable compared to a more traditional approach. I can also see how it would be very frustrating and how it can create gaps in education. It's a tough call.

 

[Angelo84]

I don't think this is entirely true. I think that the MPH at Tufts is probably more human medicine oriented than many of us would want because the dual degree program is also with the med students. Personally, I'd rather do a combined degree program over 5 years-- that way you don't have to miss out on as much at the vet school. I know at Tufts that the MPH takes place during at least part of your selective time.

The MPH program does occur during your selective program. One of my class mates chose not to do the Tufts MPH program and is doing the distance MPH program with minnesota. So that is an option. It frees up your selective time.

 

[researchvet]

researchvet - if money isn't a question but your concern about electives and wildlife stuff still holds, maybe cornell makes more sense? i loved the curriculum there, and they're in the process of putting a huge amount of effort into their wildlife stuff, or at least that's what one of the faculty members I talked to said - Dr. something, small, older lady, ophthalmologist, really engaging? anyhow, just something to think about.

Money has no longer become an issue-- I don't know how up to date you've kept with the dual degree status of everyone. 🙂 Anyway, both schools have amazing strengths. Part of the issue is that I feel pulled in one direction for the vet side of things and in the other direction for the research side.

 

[hoodle]

Last I heard, there was debate about what "the" meant ("the" alternate, etc) but I wasn't sure how that had shaken out!

Which direction for vet and which for research? I'm curious... and does the cohort of other dualies at Penn make a difference to you?

what about the wildlife/conservation stuff you're so passionate about... and what about neurology? and what about poultry?

 

[banditalfi]

researchvet - i'm not sure which way you're pulled, but, regardless, i would go where you feel the vet school is stronger. i think both schools have some pretty amazing labs and as long as you're in a good lab - good funding, good personalities, general good reputation - then you'll be in a good place. if you can figure out three labs that you'd like to rotate through at both schools, then i would go where you want for vet school.

that being said, if there is one lab in particular that you would really like at the other school i would see what the odds are of you getting into that lab and if they're strong then go there...

 

[BobDog]

I would just add to the differences between Penn and Cornell. I don't know what your research interests are, but there are some significant differences (in my opinion) between Cornell and Penn in the fields that interest me. Penn's location on a campus with medical and dental schools provides it with a huge advantage in areas like comparative medicine. I don't think there is a vet school in the country that can compete in this regard. The quality of research being conducted on the Penn campus (in all of the professional schools) is world class. Cornell's vet school is very strong in research, but the location of the medical school away from the main campus limits the opportunities to take advantage of these additional resources. It is certainly not as easy as walking down the road a few buildings 😀. Of course, comparative medicine may not be your thing (I will say that you are crazy if you don't love it 😀). In that case, disregard my comments 😀!

 

[narg99z]

I'm torn between these two schools at this point and need some thoughts about them...Im IS for Tufts which saves me -9k/year and I like the broad options Tufts has with their signature programs and dual degree programs, I also like the close interaction between the students and teachers. On the other hand Im not too enthusiastic about the "rural" setting and the isolated atmosphere, and if Tufts is relly like the how students and teachers portrayed it to be in the accpeted students meeting. I loved Upenn when I interviewed, as far as setting, facilities, reputation, and its closeness and interaction to other graduate programs. On the other hand I wasnt sure how the interaction is between students and teachers, I would have liked more programs like in Tufts, and it is more $ than Tufts (unless I defer a year). Any thoughts?

 

[JerseyLynn]

Thank you for the compliment but I'm not sure I understand your comment. I am OOS at both Cornell and Penn. (I also got into Davis, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Tufts but have pretty much narrowed it down to Cornell and Penn.) I am also not sure how well I would do with the PBL at Cornell. I can see how if it works for you then it would be much more interesting and memorable compared to a more traditional approach. I can also see how it would be very frustrating and how it can create gaps in education. It's a tough call.

Actually I was commenting to SCJMLOU who posted right after you, but congrats to you too! (Rough day of classes yesterday, my goof) I'm not sold on the PBL either, but was willing to give it a go if it was all I had.
But you narrowed it down to two great schools, so good luck choosing!

 

[VAgirl]

Actually I was commenting to SCJMLOU who posted right after you, but congrats to you too! (Rough day of classes yesterday, my goof) I'm not sold on the PBL either, but was willing to give it a go if it was all I had.
But you narrowed it down to two great schools, so good luck choosing!

Western isn't really supposed to be in-state for anyone.

 

[twelvetigers]

I have a friend who is trying to choose between Cornell and OKSU.

With her scholarships, OKSU would be quite affordable (relatively, at least). Cornell isn't offering nearly as much, plus they cost more to begin with. But, it's her "dream school." She's trying to choose: familiar, comfortable, convenient vs. research, dream school, and out of Oklahoma (a good thing). She might be interested in research and the PHD program at Cornell, but she figures that if she chooses neither of these things, she'll be paying twice as much for school for no real reason. Plus, she couldn't really do internships or residencies at Cornell as a graduate from there.

But, she doesn't want to suffer from the "what if" syndrome because of her choice.

So basically, it's her head vs. her heart.

Any advice for her?

 

[JerseyLynn]

Western isn't really supposed to be in-state for anyone.

That's true, especially since Western's tuition is so high, and the same for all students. It's just that their class from last year shows over 50 students from California, and the rest scattered from all the other states. NJ, with no IS school is now giving only 8 contract seats (maybe) for vet school, and only had some 40 something students get accepted anywhere. So while California residents don't pay IS tuition, they get to go in state. Maybe I should put California on my relocation list.
Good thing I'm only 22. Between thinking about a masters and relocating, it could be years until I fullfill this dream. Thank goodness so many of you are. It gives me hope.
Okay, back to the topic.

 

[macebo]

Research Vet- Congratulations, I Am The Mother Of The Other Alternate, And I Cannot Sleep Waiting For Your Decision, Please Let Him Know As Soon As Possible. Congratulations Again.

 

[MickeysPet]

Research Vet- Congratulations, I Am The Mother Of The Other Alternate, And I Cannot Sleep Waiting For Your Decision, Please Let Him Know As Soon As Possible. Congratulations Again.

No pressure or anything, Researchvet 😉

 

[clawsbeatskin]

Research Vet- Congratulations, I Am The Mother Of The Other Alternate, And I Cannot Sleep Waiting For Your Decision, Please Let Him Know As Soon As Possible. Congratulations Again.

It's not researchvet's responsibility to notify your son. I don't appreciate you putting this kind of pressure on any applicant, especially someone like researchvet who has already been kind enough to share plenty of details about the MAJOR decision ahead. It's already hard enough without you picking on them.

Is your son even on the forum?

 

[researchvet]

Last I heard, there was debate about what "the" meant ("the" alternate, etc) but I wasn't sure how that had shaken out!

Which direction for vet and which for research? I'm curious... and does the cohort of other dualies at Penn make a difference to you?

what about the wildlife/conservation stuff you're so passionate about... and what about neurology? and what about poultry?

Eek... so many things to consider. It would definitely be nice to have more dd students. However, Cornell will have three this year (however, they accepted two of them last year- hence why there was only one slot open this year.) Penn should have 5 though I don't know who the 5th one is.

In terms of wildlife/conservation medicine, Cornell is clearly stronger. (By extension, Cornell is stronger in ecology and evolutionary biology research.) Neurology I just don't know-- I imagine they are both strong in that field. They both offer residencies in neuro. Poultry-- does anyone do poultry anymore? You were there when I asked about it at several of the schools.

 

[CanadianGolden]

It's not researchvet's responsibility to notify your son. I don't appreciate you putting this kind of pressure on any applicant, especially someone like researchvet who has already been kind enough to share plenty of details about the MAJOR decision ahead. It's already hard enough without you picking on them.

Is your son even on the forum?

Most of the DVM/PhD applicants have met each other, as many of us attended the same interviews. She is not putting any additional pressure on him. He is well aware that there is another alternate, and of that alternate's current acceptance/rejection state. This is clearly a parent who wants very much for her child to be happy. I'm sure researchvet is more than capable of making this decision independently.

 

[clawsbeatskin]

Ugh. I myself am in a similar situation, and unless you've personally dealt with it, you have no clue. I myself have parents of waitlisted applicants confronting me (at work no less!) about my decision and when I will make it. It's a horrible position to be in, and I just don't want anyone else to have to go through it.

And as for "policing"...look in the mirror.

 

[CanadianGolden]

Well, that's nice, but I didn't get the impression that anyone is harassing anyone here. Perhaps you are prone to overreaction in this situation because of your own experience. It's unfortunate that others put you in that situation.

 

[clawsbeatskin]

So over it.

 

[pika8]

I think it is completely crazy that a parent would step in on this forum to try to influence the opinion of an applicant. We are all adults who can make our own decisions. Putting a guilt trip on an applicant is a terrible thing to do, and completely uncalled for.

 

[banditalfi]

as canadiangolden said, most of the dual applicants know each other - we've met, we speak off the boards, etc etc etc. i'm not sure how researchvet feels about the post because i haven't spoken to him about it, but the way i read the post is that the mom just wants to know what's going on. i know her son is really anxious about the decision - there's a lot of money involved (!!!) - and while it might not be the best way to go about things, i really don't think it's that out of line.

 

[nyanko]

So over it.

I completely understand. 😉

 

[twelvetigers]

Well, the 15th is the day after tomorrow, so all decisions will be made soon. No reason for bickering, just focus on your own decisions and all of the alternates will soon start hearing some news. Good for everyone.