Undergraduate schools in the west... or anywhere actually

[lullabies]

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My main school at the moment is Cal Poly SLO. However, I am definitely not an outstanding student and I will be considered OOS so chances of me getting in doesn't seem bright.

Either way, I certainly want to look into several undergrad schools that are somewhat known for their animal-related majors/classes or biology.

The only school I have researched so far is UNR. I'm IS for that and they are known for their pre-med (so good for biology!).

However, I am really willing to look for ANY school. Just preferably in the west since it's closer to my mother. However, really, I will not be afraid to go across the country for a school I absolutely LOVE!

So far I have briefly researched universities in Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington but I want to know if there are any schools that really stick out as an undergrad, especially to you, someone who has probably went there or known someone who did.

Thanks in advanced, and I hope this isn't too much to ask for!

PS, Keep in mind that my GPA UW is 3.3 and W is 3.8 so that should give a range for what schools I can't go to (UCLA is definitely a high reach lol).

 

[blackangussteak]

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[sirbuckie]

Humboldt State is located in northern California and I hear that it has a good animal program. The campus is also very student oriented and is surrounded by a forest (I think). You should check out their website- they have a video clip of different programs

 

[lullabies]

@blackangussteak: I've considered WSU and it is definitely a place I am going to apply to.
How is the night life/party scene there? How are the dorms? I always take this info into consideration when applying to schools.

@sirbuckie I just looked into Humboldt, as I have never heard of it before, and the campus is GOOOOOORGEEEEEEOUSSSS! I've read some bad stuff about it, like how it's not ranked that well and how it's known for its stoners, but I'm definitely looking into this school more. It is seriously beautiful and grassy, something I need! Thanks!!

Does anyone else have any more recommendations/school names? Google isn't helping too much. ):

 

[DVMDream]

You could check out Northern Arizona University. It is located in the middle of the largest ponderosa pine forest, gets snow in the winter and is a fairly small public school. For their liberal arts, social sciences and humanities classes there are about 20 students to a professor. For the introductory science classes there are about 100 to 150 students to a professor. As the science classes get higher in level that ratio decreases (for most not all). It is not really well known for biology, but it will definitely give you what you need (it did for me 😉) (And they have upper level classes like immunology, parasitology, animal physiology, etc) There is no really animal-related major there. They also have really cool classes you can take that are very outdoorsy related such as beginning rockclimbing, scuba diving (you get certified at the end), kayaking (close to Grand Canyon), western handling, eastern handling, metal smithing (or something similar), and many many more. It is a smaller school and many people get involved in research (I simply chose not to). There are many clubs and opportunities. It is definitely a small college town. The football team sucks so don't expect to go to an exciting game of football. It has its fair share of people who party. The school has one of the few anthrax labs. It is a great place to see stars (if you are interested in astronomy there is an observatory there); it is also the place where Pluto was discovered. The dorms are ok; if you want to be in the quieter place on campus stay in one of the south campus dorms (McConnell Hall is for freshman and it is the biggest freshman dorm). I am not sure if that is too far away for you or from the west coast but it is a nice small school. The buildings are a bit older from the early 1900's to 1920's but they are building newer buildings. If you want any more info just ask.

 

[blackangussteak]

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[nyanko]

@sirbuckie I just looked into Humboldt, as I have never heard of it before, and the campus is GOOOOOORGEEEEEEOUSSSS! I've read some bad stuff about it, like how it's not ranked that well and how it's known for its stoners, but I'm definitely looking into this school more. It is seriously beautiful and grassy, something I need! Thanks!!

You say this like it's a bad thing...

 

[nohika]

Lullabies: People take one look at me and assume I party a lot. But personally, I don't party at all, and some people are understanding of my decision and some aren't. I've met a lot of people who are along with me, and that's reassuring. Overall, it's very open and I guess you can call opportunistic, if you want to party, you could easily go walking around and happen upon one. Greek row is always always having parties, but then again, we are talking about frats/sororities. 😉

I live off-campus in an apartment due to financial issues and other reasons but the dorms all have different vibes and people in them. You have so many options of co-ed, or gender specific dorms in locations all across campus. Some people chose to dorm at places if they are closer to the main/busy part of campus, others like the dorm closest to the rec center, others next to Greek row. You really have tons of options. I'm assuming due to your username that your a female (I sincerely apologize if otherwise!!) but Community Hall is an all girls dorm. I have tons of girls I know who dorm there and it's adorable, old, a little cramped but comfortable and I haven't heard any negative things about the hall itself.

I could go on and on about some places you DON'T want to be for dorming, but that's only if you want to hear that.

Please feel free to ask more information from me, but remember, I am completely in love with WSU, so I'm super biased.

I'm at WSU Vancouver (one of the satellite campuses) and I've actually had several friends transfer back over here after flunking out of Pullman /because/ of the party life. I chose not to go there simply due to its reputation (well, that and the fact it's so far away [I'm a Vancouver native]). I love WSU Vancouver - I've already had several offers to get involved in some pretty interesting research (biogeochemistry, anyone?) and the classes are pretty small (AKA my "huge intro classes" have 150 people and most otherwise don't go over 40). It's much easier to get to know your professors.

There's a smaller list of majors here (I think we only offer 18), but it offers Biology and the professors are superb. Well, least my bio professor is. I could rant about my chem professor, but...that's neither here nor there. Doesn't matter too much since I'm switching majors to psych next semester anyways. Bwahaha.

So...if Pullman turns out not to be for you, Vancouver is GORGEOUS. All green and pretty and well...rainy. But that's the Northwest in a nutshell. There's also campuses in Spokane and Yakima and Tri-Cities.

 

[blackangussteak]

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[lailanni]

I did my undergrad at UW and I'm now at the vet school at WSU.

Culture wise, I loved UW. There are so many good opportunities to meet different people and try new activities. I was able to participate in all sorts of research and the faculty is excellent. The area has access to nature but also has all the benefits of a nice city. The pre-vet advising here is very poor. At least it was while I was attending. They didn't even have a pre-vet advisor. I've heard they've gotten one since then. The WSU vet school rep does make a trip to UW once in a while, which was very helpful to me as an undergrad there.

The school is huge. My biochem class was over 700 people. It's not uncommon to have 300+ people intro classes. You are competing with all the pre-meds, pre-dents, etc on a curve set at 2.8 average. No one is going to be holding your hand since it's so easy to get lost in the crowd. Academically it's very challenging, you really have to hold your own. It helped me prepare for vet school.

WSU has more of a friendly feel, but lacks in cultural diversity. My department is much smaller here. Professors know us by name. My friends who did their undergrad here liked it. (Spending more than 4 years in Pullman never was something that crossed my mind though.) It is fairly isolated. 70 miles to the nearest city/major airport. RiteAid is part of the "mall" (which is actually in the next town over). And big news here is that we're getting a super Wal*mart. There are no city type amenities. If you *need* a city, it's not for you. If you're ok with small towns then you'll be just fine.

There is very little for entertainment, which I suppose is why there's such a "party" reputation. Honestly I find the night scene pretty laughable. It seems to be mostly house/dorm/frat parties here and the "clubs" are exactly what you'd expect to find in the middle of nowhere. I'm so busy with school that I don't really have time for that sort of thing, and I'm great at keeping myself amused anyways.

Both schools have their pros and cons. I'm glad I've had the chance to attend each of them. I wouldn't have done a thing differently.

 

[thearsonist]

Great point. I came to the campus because I wanted to be involved in the Animal Science major, be really close to the Vet Hospital on campus, get away from the Seattle area AND because I absolutely was positive that I wouldn't be partying.

If you are a normal college student (party a bit or a lot), it can get way out of hand if you aren't careful. Like Nohika mentioned, tons of students say, "I won't let it get out of hand, I'll keep a balance between partying and school." and what happens? most of the time they have trouble keeping grades up or they fail. Not at all saying that people don't find a balance, it's just very difficult for some.

If you are absolutely positive that the temptation won't be big enough, or if you don't partake in that, then I would for sure keep looking at the Pullman WSU camps. Otherwise, all the other campus' are gorgeous and you get all the benefit's Nohika mentioned.

I didn't mean to make it seem that the Pullman campus was for everyone, I just find that it fits me, what I wish to do, and I thought that I could give in a good word instead of the negative reputation everyone seems to give it. 🙂

This is very true. during my undergrad, it was pretty standard to party on the weekends, and in some circles, school nights too. and i'm not talking a couple of beers and relaxing, i mean getting totally trashed and having to get up at 8am for class. at first it was almost impossible, but we made it work. then, as time went on, some of them would show up late, or even skip class all together. they quickly went from an easy A, to working their butts off for a C.

As far as parties go, there will always be another one. it's not a "once in a lifetime" event. If you spend one weekend studying, without a doubt, there will be a party the next.

Best of luck!

 

[nohika]

Great point. I came to the campus because I wanted to be involved in the Animal Science major, be really close to the Vet Hospital on campus, get away from the Seattle area AND because I absolutely was positive that I wouldn't be partying.

If you are a normal college student (party a bit or a lot), it can get way out of hand if you aren't careful. Like Nohika mentioned, tons of students say, "I won't let it get out of hand, I'll keep a balance between partying and school." and what happens? most of the time they have trouble keeping grades up or they fail. Not at all saying that people don't find a balance, it's just very difficult for some.

If you are absolutely positive that the temptation won't be big enough, or if you don't partake in that, then I would for sure keep looking at the Pullman WSU camps. Otherwise, all the other campus' are gorgeous and you get all the benefit's Nohika mentioned.

I didn't mean to make it seem that the Pullman campus was for everyone, I just find that it fits me, what I wish to do, and I thought that I could give in a good word instead of the negative reputation everyone seems to give it. 🙂

It makes it easier since the OP doesn't seem to be fresh out of high school - I know what sunk one of my friends is that there no longer was Mommy and Daddy watching over him and making him do his homework. He won't publically admit he flunked, but I've seen his transcript and talked to his girlfriend. He got pulled back here and is attending a community college because Daddy (who is head of Kaiser's Oncology unit) refuses to pay his tuition.

And be careful with being /positive/ it won't be a temptation. A lot of people say that. A lot of people flunk. Worst case, from what I've heard it's not too difficult to transfer between campuses. If you have any questions about WSUV, let me know. =) I can answer them. One of my closest friends is a student ambassador here, so I get her perspective from DTC as well.

 

[lullabies]

It makes it easier since the OP doesn't seem to be fresh out of high school [...]

And be careful with being /positive/ it won't be a temptation. A lot of people say that. A lot of people flunk. Worst case, from what I've heard it's not too difficult to transfer between campuses. If you have any questions about WSUV, let me know. =)

Actually, I will be fresh out of high school in June 2011! <3

I am currently looking for a university as an incoming freshman, which is why I ask about the party scene and night life. Partying/clubbing/etc. is sort of a big thing here and I can't promise myself that I can resist it completely, especially as I'll be freshman seeking friends and a social life! My grades went DOOOOWNNN last year because I got too involved with partying and I really regret it, but it's too late to fix that now. 🙁

I love the idea of going up north, especially to Washington, except since I'm from the dessert, I'm so used to the hot and dry weather! 😛 It barely rains here so I'm actually kind of scared of the thought that it'll be rainy... LOL.

How is Vancouver compared to Pullman? (At first I thought you meant Vancouver in Canada, LOL)

PS, if it helps, I am really hoping to be able to go to Edinburgh or somewhere in Australia for graduate school. My grades right now aren't good enough to get into an international school as an incoming freshman so it's really out of the question for me to go straight out of HS.

By the way, thanks for everyone's response and input! It's really helping me look into different schools in different locations!

 

[nohika]

Actually, I will be fresh out of high school in June 2011! <3

I am currently looking for a university as an incoming freshman, which is why I ask about the party scene and night life. Partying/clubbing/etc. is sort of a big thing here and I can't promise myself that I can resist it completely, especially as I'll be freshman seeking friends and a social life! My grades went DOOOOWNNN last year because I got too involved with partying and I really regret it, but it's too late to fix that now. 🙁

I love the idea of going up north, especially to Washington, except since I'm from the dessert, I'm so used to the hot and dry weather! 😛 It barely rains here so I'm actually kind of scared of the thought that it'll be rainy... LOL.

How is Vancouver compared to Pullman? (At first I thought you meant Vancouver in Canada, LOL)

PS, if it helps, I am really hoping to be able to go to Edinburgh or somewhere in Australia for graduate school. My grades right now aren't good enough to get into an international school as an incoming freshman so it's really out of the question for me to go straight out of HS.

By the way, thanks for everyone's response and input! It's really helping me look into different schools in different locations!

Agh! Sorry, I thought you meant Caly Pomona was your current undergrad institute. Sorry!

As far as I know (and I'm...well, I'm shy), Vancouver isn't much of a "party" school simply because a) we don't have dorms and b) ...well, most of us live at home since most of us are from the area and grew up here.

We get lots of rain here. I kind of like it - you get used to it after a while. I've lived here my whole life (and I'm 20) so I'm really, really used to this area. I actually live less than five miles away from WSUV, so it's pretty quick to go up there.

From what I know (and take it that I've never been to Pullman, but I know several people who have), Vancouver is a lot more green and far less of a college town. We have tons of job opportunities (tons of vet clinics) as well as many other places you can work if you want to. It's beautiful and green here - we're about eight miles away from Portland which is another bustling city. There are several colleges in the area - PSU, U of P, Clark, WSUV, Linfield, Lewis and Clark, etc, so you're bound to meet quite a few college students if you want to.

I believe WSUV offers study abroad just like Pullman does, so it's something you can do at either. If you ever come visit, send me a message! I can guide you around and whatnot. I know the place pretty well and I love it here. It's green (the rain helps) and beautiful. There's several forest-y paths around the college if you're into running hills.

We don't really have sororities/fraternities/whatevers here, so you'll lack that kind of thing. Vancouver is really a home-y institute - you really get to know the professors and you see them all around campus. I work in the Human Development Department and the professors are /fantastic/. It's super-easy to get involved in whatever research you want to be. I had to postpone my offer due to a time conflict, but by virtue of working for my boss I get involved in research through that department and am exposed to so much - editing journal articles, literature reviews, finding articles for her, etc. My boss is the most amazing person on Earth and I've met most of the others and they're just as nice. Now, I can't say I don't have any gripes about the school (who can?), but over all, I love it here and am glad I'm here.

If you have any other questions send me a message and we can chat there. =) I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

 

[lullabies]

Agh! Sorry, I thought you meant Caly Pomona was your current undergrad institute. Sorry!

As far as I know (and I'm...well, I'm shy), Vancouver isn't much of a "party" school simply because a) we don't have dorms and b) ...well, most of us live at home since most of us are from the area and grew up here.

Haha, it's no problem! I can totally understand how that can be misread.

If there aren't any dorms, does that mean I'd have to get an apartment or find a place to rent?

I believe WSUV offers study abroad just like Pullman does, so it's something you can do at either. If you ever come visit, send me a message! I can guide you around and whatnot. I know the place pretty well and I love it here. It's green (the rain helps) and beautiful. There's several forest-y paths around the college if you're into running hills.

That sounds beautiful! Do you know how the study abroad program works? To be honest, I totally haven't looked up the study abroad programs in either WSU campuses yet but it sounds wonderful!

 

[nohika]

Haha, it's no problem! I can totally understand how that can be misread.

If there aren't any dorms, does that mean I'd have to get an apartment or find a place to rent?



That sounds beautiful! Do you know how the study abroad program works? To be honest, I totally haven't looked up the study abroad programs in either WSU campuses yet but it sounds wonderful!

So I haven't totally looked into the living situation (I live at home wif mah crazy momma) but yes, you'd have to find a living situation. HOWEVER. WSUV is really generous with grants because they know that students don't have dorms to live in. There's also tons of students who advertise cheap housing pretty close to where WSUV is - it's right next to several huge sets of neighborhoods and a lot of students rent houses together and rent out rooms. In the end, it actually often ends up cheaper than dorms. Often if you look at the bulletin boards there's tons of ads for places to rent.

It really is beautiful - WSUV is surrounded by forests on all sides, and it's hilly, and we often get deers and bunnies that wander around on campus, especially early in the morning when people are scarce. It's a gorgeous place. We have a daycare on campus that likes to take the kiddos for nature walks.

Annnddd for the study abroad programs...I haven't looked at them myself, but WSU has a huge, extensive program for it. You can do foreign internships combined with school or just one or the other. If you go to any of their websites and search "study abroad", it pops up pretty quickly. From my brief look at the webpage, it looks extensive and fantastic.

One of the best advantages of WSUV over Pullman is the class sizes - in fact, me and my "boss"/employer were just talking about this earlier. Her daughter is at UW and has classes with 800 other students. It's similar in the intro classes at WSU Pullman. At WSUV, the /biggest/ class size you will find is 150 students and that's only in intro chem and intro bio. The labs are far smaller - you have 24 students in your lab, so you really have the opportunity to meet friends and get to know people. Once you're past that, the lectures get much, much smaller. You really get the chance to know your professors and get involved with them which makes for better LORs.

Plus, if I do say so myself, the work-study jobs are fantastic (especially if you're moving up here, you'll probably qualify for a grant). I'm doing literature reviews for textbooks, editing peer-reviewed journal articles, etc. I love getting hands-on with all the details (even if it is in the human development department). It's fabulous experience.

(I apologize, I just finished a three-tests-in-two-days block that had me getting to class three hours early on Tuesday because I thought it was Wednesday, so I'm rambling.)

 

[Savvybelles]

Check out The University of Montana Western. We're really unique, and I LOVE it! This school operates on the block system, so we have one class at a time, 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for 18 days, take a final, have a four day break and start the next class. It allows you to completely focus on one subject at a time. You want small classes? We got them. lol. The most people I've had in a class was probably 30. Last year I had a gen. ed. social studies class with NINE people in it. Got to know everyone and the professor really well.

It's also a super cheap school. Much cheaper for me to go here as a WUE student than in-state in Washington. The bio professors are great and really get to know you(well most of them, lol). They're very helpful. The bio program fills all pre-reqs for vet school except for Large Animal/Equine Nutrition.. though that might change since the professor that was teaching that class is now gone, so the next one might have the qualifications for it to count.