Vet School Comparison

[prevet]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to figure out how I will make a decision on which vet school to attend in the event that I get into more than one. What are the highlights of each school? For example: What is their position on terminal surgeries? How much clinical experience would I gain? Do they track? What unique programs do they offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
I'm applying to Western, Wisconsin, Cornell, Tufts, Penn, and NC State so I am particularly interested in those schools but I thought this thread might serve as a nice place for people to learn about the basics for each school so feel free to post info about other schools as well.

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[wildcatj]

Take a look at this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=580221&page=6
Specifically this post has links to all the specifics on different schools: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13357017&postcount=275

Search for specific school threads that you are interested using the search function.
And do some real digging on school web pages. A lot of the non opinion based stuff you're going to find on their websites, you might have to search a little first though.

 

[Bismarck]

These threads crop up from time to time. My best advice would be to find a copy of the VMSAR book and use it as a reference. Most of the information in there can be had for free elsewhere if you know where to look, but VMSAR has everything in one place if you're just getting started and probably reflects the most up to date information available. Specific information pertaining to each school can be found through their website or by posting questions in active threads about that school here.

More on VMSAR here.

 

[LetItSnow]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to figure out how I will make a decision on which vet school to attend in the event that I get into more than one. What are the highlights of each school? For example: What is their position on terminal surgeries? How much clinical experience would I gain? Do they track? What unique programs do they offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
I'm applying to Western, Wisconsin, Cornell, Tufts, Penn, and NC State so I am particularly interested in those schools but I thought this thread might serve as a nice place for people to learn about the basics for each school so feel free to post info about other schools as well.

Honestly, if I were young and had the flexibility to go anywhere, I'd give about 80% weight to the school's cost, 15% to the school's reputation, and 5% *combined* to all those other things you mentioned.

There's a huge world of difference between one school's $62k/yr out of state and another school's in-state $17k/yr (or whatever - the numbers aren't the issue and I'm not trying to single out any schools in particular). There are some really good reasons you might want to attend a more expensive school out of state than a cheaper school in state, but all other things being equal .... if it were me I'd give a HUGE amount of consideration to which school I could graduate from with the least amount of debt. You just can't overstate the benefit of having substantially less debt coming out of school.

 

[BarkyLove]

Honestly, if I were young and had the flexibility to go anywhere, I'd give about 80% weight to the school's cost, 15% to the school's reputation, and 5% *combined* to all those other things you mentioned.

Thanks for the great advice! As a follow up, how much does a school's reputation factor in to the ability to find a job upon graduation? Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this? Thanks in advance!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Thanks for the great advice! As a follow up, how much does a school's reputation factor in to the ability to find a job upon graduation? Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this? Thanks in advance!

Very little unless the person hiring you has an uncommon obsession for or against certain schools. Things like experience and letters of recommendation carry far more weight with employers.

As a semi-recent graduate, I also strongly encourage you to make cost one of the top concerns in your school search. Trust me. It may be the difference between $500/mo loan repayments or $1500/mo loan repayment.There are only 28 schools in the US (a few on the horizon, yeah) and honestly, the quality of education is pretty equal throughout. There is little difference between, say, vet school #5 and vet school #10.

Cost and location would be my top factors; the rest is gravy.

 

[orcagirl]

Just going to add, with the ability to get in-state tuition at NC State, it's got one of the lowest costs of tuition for out of state students. And if rankings matter to you it's #3. I LOVE it here. I do miss the west coast, but the school and the people are amazing.

 

[cvanthof]

Just going to add, with the ability to get in-state tuition at NC State, it's got one of the lowest costs of tuition for out of state students. And if rankings matter to you it's #3. I LOVE it here. I do miss the west coast, but the school and the people are amazing.

What is your opinion on their wildlife/zoo med program? One of the main reasons I applied was due to the focus areas you can choose during clinics for wildlife. Do you have any information on how much it actually helps/makes a difference?

Thanks! NCSU is by far my #1, just until they decide my future 😛

 

[vethopeful2011]

If you go to the VMCAS website there are a lot of charts and graphs to help you compare schools. The AVMA publication previously mentioned also has these, but I found it a little easier to browse the site.

I really struggled in deciding which schools to apply to outside of Cornell/Tufts/Penn (desperate to stay in the NE if possible) and in the end it came down to price. Like everyone here is saying, any acreditted vet school will give you a good education, and what school you go to really doesn't seem to effect what jobs you qualify for or how successful you'll be.

 

[orcagirl]

What is your opinion on their wildlife/zoo med program? One of the main reasons I applied was due to the focus areas you can choose during clinics for wildlife. Do you have any information on how much it actually helps/makes a difference?

Thanks! NCSU is by far my #1, just until they decide my future 😛

I'm not a wildlife focus, but I have a couple friends who are wildlife/zoo. There are electives you can take starting your first semester. Other than that I don't know a whole lot. There are a couple of clubs you can get involved in too.

 

[Smilezz]

When I was applying, cost was definitely the determining factor. In-state above all else if it's available to you, but some schools' out-of-state tuition costs are absurdly high...I don't think you can make an argument that the quality of the education is really worth 20-30k more a year, but for some people I guess it isn't an issue.

 

[dvmdreamer]

As a semi-recent graduate, I also strongly encourage you to make cost one of the top concerns in your school search. Trust me. It may be the difference between $500/mo loan repayments or $1500/mo loan repayment.

I've been thinking a lot about this... I am a second time, non traditional (read, old bat) applicant. Last year, I only applied to my IS, and their evaluation formula did not flatter my stats very well. The admissions advisor had some pretty harsh words to say about my stats and potential for future success. This year, I carefully picked OOS schools whose selection process would benefit me more, and have been granted at least one interview so far. I also tried to explain in my IS application more about why I was forced to a nontrad path and what I've overcome, which I was not ready to address the first time around. I'm hoping that helps.

Anyway, point of the story🙄, I'm really trying to consider if I can stomach the extra $$ in the event I get into an OOS and not my IS. I keep thinking if I would wait and try for a round three for my IS, I could pay off my undergrad loans, improve my experience, and really address to whatever feedback they give me during the next year. But then I wouldn't want to pass up my one chance either.

I'm sure others have been in that situation. Did you just go for the dream and ignore the expense? Has anyone declined an admission to try again next cycle at an in state?

 

[cs5910]

I've been thinking a lot about this... I am a second time, non traditional (read, old bat) applicant. Last year, I only applied to my IS, and their evaluation formula did not flatter my stats very well. The admissions advisor had some pretty harsh words to say about my stats and potential for future success. This year, I carefully picked OOS schools whose selection process would benefit me more, and have been granted at least one interview so far. I also tried to explain in my IS application more about why I was forced to a nontrad path and what I've overcome, which I was not ready to address the first time around. I'm hoping that helps.

Anyway, point of the story🙄, I'm really trying to consider if I can stomach the extra $$ in the event I get into an OOS and not my IS. I keep thinking if I would wait and try for a round three for my IS, I could pay off my undergrad loans, improve my experience, and really address to whatever feedback they give me during the next year. But then I wouldn't want to pass up my one chance either.

I'm sure others have been in that situation. Did you just go for the dream and ignore the expense? Has anyone declined an admission to try again next cycle at an in state?

I declined a foreign acceptance to try for my first round of US schools.... It was a hard choice, but ultimately I knew I would be happier going to a US school and wanted to go to a school with programs that would help me accomplish the goals I have for my DVM career . I just decided that I would stay resilient and not give up until I get into the US schools that would help me achieve my goals for this career. It was a very hard giving up my seat, as it was giving up a sure thing for me to begin my DVM path. So far for my first US round, I have three interviews and know that I made the right decision.

If declining a seat will always make you think "what if...", then I wouldn't recommend it. Giving up my seat made me determined to get into the schools I wanted to attend and I haven't looked back since.

 

[nordicat]

Anyway, point of the story🙄, I'm really trying to consider if I can stomach the extra $$ in the event I get into an OOS and not my IS. I keep thinking if I would wait and try for a round three for my IS, I could pay off my undergrad loans, improve my experience, and really address to whatever feedback they give me during the next year. But then I wouldn't want to pass up my one chance either.

I'm sure others have been in that situation. Did you just go for the dream and ignore the expense? Has anyone declined an admission to try again next cycle at an in state?

Actually, there are at LEAST a handful of schools that allow you to claim residency in-state after the first year (or sooner, if you're married)! I know for a fact that Mizzou, Ohio State, and Minnesota all have this benefit. So, while OOS tuition may be horrendous for that first year (believe me, I know! I'm livin' it right now!), it can drop DRASTICALLY for years 2-4 if you get residency. Going OOS and staying IS ended up being roughly the same tuition-wise for me, so I went with the school I liked more in the town I liked more (with the cheaper cost of living). 🙂

Most of these residency programs require that you make a certain amount of money in that year and don't leave the state for more than a few weeks or so. Usually the amount of money is small enough that you can pull it off with summer employment. Of course, then they all have their own other requirements; I have to be registered to vote in MO, get a MO license and register my car title here, have proof of a lease or deed or mortgage, etc.

So, I guess it didn't really answer your question , but it may offer a different option for you or someone else!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Hi all,
I am deciding on Texas vs Iowa. I have heard great things about both. While everyone i've talked to said they would go to their school again here are the few things I've heard.

It seems that a main area of complaint is live animal experience besides 4th year. While I'm sure this isn't necessary, it is nice to see a live animal every so often to remind you why you are going to school and break up classroom time. Can anyone tell me about the animal experience at either school .

Also can any one tell me about living in Ames vs College station. Is there anything fun that students do in the summer, boating, lakes etc??

How about the profs at the school, are they interested in how the students do/ try to make classes as fun as possible (I know the main reason we are here is still to learn!)

Lastly how about the people. Everyone in Texas seemed super friendly, but I didn't get to spend really any time in Iowa. Are the people pretty outgoing and friendly there overall.

Any iowans or Texas input would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance !!!!!!!

Edit: answered in the actual TX thread.