Tufts v UW Madison

[majesticat]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am really struggling to decide between Tufts and UW.

To preface, this is an issue I am grateful to have, and in no way am I complaining... but seeing as vet school is a huge investment, I am terrified of making the “wrong choice.”

I was accepted early decision to Tufts, and I fell in love with the school when I interviewed there. However, it is very expensive (compared to UW), and thousands of miles from home.

I am very high up on UW’s OOS waitlist, so I am going with the assumption I will eventually (knock on wood) get an offer. I have yet to visit UW, but I’ve heard good things and plan on visiting soon. It’s only two hours away from home, and ~$10,000 per year cheaper.

I’m primarily interested in small animal med but also have interest in exotics and conservation med.

I guess I’m just wondering if any current students from either school or students in a similar position to mine could offer some insight or fresh perspective.

I know this is ultimately my decision, but I’m trying to be as informed as possible before I have to choose (whenever that ends up being.)

Thanks in advance!

 

[KCgophervet]

Personally I'd go UW. Had they taken me off their waitlist my year I might've gone there over IS UMN (it would've been cheaper OOS at UW, which is ridiculous). They have a good school and I believe are pretty strong in the exotics department (though I may be wrong).

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

People always say go with the cheapest option, because in the end it doesn't matter where you go as you will still be a vet. That being said, I had one student at MN put it to me that she didn't "just want to be a vet". If you havent had the chance to talk to some current students try to do that. I haven't been accepted myself yet but have already made up my mind as far as order goes based on student feedback and my cheapest option is at the bottom of the list.

 

[majesticat]

People always say go with the cheapest option, because in the end it doesn't matter where you go as you will still be a vet. That being said, I had one student at MN put it to me that she didn't "just want to be a vet". If you havent had the chance to talk to some current students try to do that. I haven't been accepted myself yet but have already made up my mind as far as order goes based on student feedback and my cheapest option is at the bottom of the list.

I had a current UW student tell me that Tufts is known for making people better clinicians while UW makes people better academics. But then she said she personally thinks it depends more on the individual and not the school, which I agree with for the most part

 

[MainER]

Hi majesticat!
I am a member of the Tufts Veterinary class of 2020. Two years ago, my decision came down between UW Madison and Tufts as well. Both schools are fantastic and I know that it is a really tough decision to make. For me, the largest factor was being closer to home. Now that I am 2 years into school, I cannot stress enough how much of a difference that makes. Throughout this year, I lost a close family member and had my grandfather become very ill, and it meant a lot to be able to get home to be with family. With that being said, here were some other factors for me:

Both:
Great academic programs, lots of early clinical opportunities, similar teaching styles, Clinical Skills Model Lab (New to Tufts next year!), Price (considering the price increase at UW and travel to Maine, very similar)

UW Madison:
VERY supportive environment (students and professors seemed very happy to be there, and have that midwest attitude you won't get as much of in MA), Lots of people around because of the close proximity to the undergrad campus and capital, public transport to get around the city, beautiful surrounding area with a lot of activities that are not even close to rivaled by the Grafton area

Tufts:
Cold (but not nearly as cold and snowy as Madison), Parking is very easy and costs $5.00 for the entire year, GIANT case load with opportunities to get involved in the main hospitals and spay and neuter clinic as early as your first semester, Large farm right on campus, donated animals for the anatomy program, and no terminal spay surgeries (may be true for UW too, but Tufts was a very early adopter), close to Boston which is very accessible by train and has lots of cool things to do and jobs for significant others, I am not sure about UW but we have things like "Furball", spirit week, vet olympics, talent shows, etc. to keep people involved on campus in things other than just school work.

Good luck with your decision! I really don't think you can go wrong 🙂

 

[Littlehamsterz]

Best to save money where you can honestly. You're going to have enough debt.

 

[Tante]

I'm at UW. My interests are a little different than yours so I can't say for sure how your experience will match up. You don't get too much special species stuff until 3rd year, but our special species clinicians are really fun chill people and the special species rotation is known for being an awesome, chill rotation. There are some opportunities for conservation work through clubs, I think there is something going on with cranes right now, and some wild canid research.
We don't have terminal spays. There is a cadaver spay but the cadavers are animals that were euthanized after research.
The majority of the faculty here are amazing. Of course there are some that aren't great, but that's everywhere. The people in OAA are the sweetest people ever, Lynn Maki is amazing and they seem to learn everyone's name almost instantly.
Our class at any rate is not competitive at all, everyone tries to help each other out. I am absolutely flabbergasted when I hear about the stuff that goes on at other schools.
We have spirit week and occasional other school events.
I can answer any specific questions if you have them, but in general I don't regret coming here and I've found the environment very supportive.