Vet School Roulette

[SchatziLife]

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Okay not Roulette, but I have some decision making to do here!

I want some input on schools. I just want to know what you guys think about each program as it stands. Please avoid tuition related comments (I know the tuition of each school and it will play a huge factor). For this thread I want to purely analyze schools based on their programs and what they have to bring to the table!

University of Colorado/Alaska dual program
University of Florida
University of Illinois
Washington State University

 

[rockatiel]

What is the Colorado/Alaska program exactly? I'm just curious as I've never heard of a dual program involving Alaska before!

 

[SchatziLife]

What is the Colorado/Alaska program exactly? I'm just curious as I've never heard of a dual program involving Alaska before!

Oh definitely! I should have explained! Colorado State and Alaska Fairbanks teamed up to create a dual program. It started last year. 10 students (half from Alaska, half OOS) do their first two years in Alaska and their second two at Colorado State. You technically graduate with a DVM from Colorado. You get to work with sled dogs, reindeer ect. You learn about issues respective to Alaska and there are good aquatic opportunities and research as well.

 

[pp9]

UF was my dream school, and I turned it down for personal reasons. They have a really great wildlife/zoo program down there. They also have their brand new skills center. On my tour, they talked about quite a few non-academic opportunities for first years (colic team, etc.), but those things are available at a lot of schools. I know you said no tuition comments, but the fact that they fix your tuition at your first year OOS rate is pretty cool. Their facilities are gorgeous, too, but that wasn't a deciding factor for me.

Illinois also has a skills center, a lot of first year opportunities outside of class, and a solid zoo/wildlife program. I'm not sure what you're interested in, but Illinois has an electives track for pretty much everyone http://vetmed.illinois.edu/educatio...ree/illinois-veterinary-curriculum/electives/ and the faculty to back it all up. There is typically a person you can look up to no matter what your interest is. You don't have to stick to one track, either. You can take courses from each provided you have the requirements completed. We also have the extremely well known student-run Wildlife Medical Clinic here. I don't know of any other school that has a students-only clinic where we call the shots and use the heads of the clinic (our DVM/intern) as a resource when needed. It is an irreplaceable opportunity, whether you're interested in wildlife or not. Also, at least down in the LA side of the hospital, they love having first years help out if we're bored and poking around. I myself haven't done it, but several classmates have. We also have our first/second year rotations where you get to learn quite a bit of hands-on skills that you typically don't get to do until closer to the end of your lecture years. If you have any specific questions, ask away! I do really like it here, but I wish it was cheaper (I would say that about any school, though).

 

[rockatiel]

Oh definitely! I should have explained! Colorado State and Alaska Fairbanks teamed up to create a dual program. It started last year. 10 students (half from Alaska, half OOS) do their first two years in Alaska and their second two at Colorado State. You technically graduate with a DVM from Colorado. You get to work with sled dogs, reindeer ect. You learn about issues respective to Alaska and there are good aquatic opportunities and research as well.

Wow! Congrats for getting into that, that's pretty neat.

 

[battie]

I was going to say Colorado/Alaska because Colorado is my IS and would be the absolute cheapest option.

However, since you said not to bring up tuition, then I can't answer your question, honestly. Tuition was my only major consideration. I was going to go to whatever school was cheapest. I feel like every school will give you basically equivalent education and opportunities.

If I absolutely had to pick, and money didn't matter, I would go to Florida simply because it doesn't have snow. Then Colorado for state pride. Then Illinois cause they're the only ones that have shown me love.

 

[SchatziLife]

I was going to say Colorado/Alaska because Colorado is my IS and would be the absolute cheapest option.

However, since you said not to bring up tuition, then I can't answer your question, honestly. Tuition was my only major consideration. I was going to go to whatever school was cheapest. I feel like every school will give you basically equivalent education and opportunities.

If I absolutely had to pick, and money didn't matter, I would go to Florida simply because it doesn't have snow. Then Colorado for state pride. Then Illinois cause they're the only ones that have shown me love.

Yes of course tuition is going to be my huge factor, but I just want insight into each school and I am hoping people will bring things up that I didn't already know about or think about!

 

[battie]

Yes of course tuition is going to be my huge factor, but I just want insight into each school and I am hoping people will bring things up that I didn't already know about or think about!

I guess my point is that, from my perspective, they're all the same for all intents and purposes. Vet school isn't about where you go, but what you do to get where you want to go. I guess that wasn't clear in my last post.

 

[pp9]

I guess my point is that, from my perspective, they're all the same for all intents and purposes. Vet school isn't about where you go, but what you do to get where you want to go. I guess that wasn't clear in my last post.

Truth. If I had gotten into my IS, I would be there. No doubt. And they have practically nothing in zoo/wildife compared to UF and UIUC.

 

[SchatziLife]

True. And I've got that golden acceptance letter so the hard part is done. But I think there is something to be said about the opportunities and experience a school can give you. Each school has slightly different resources and strengths. I'm not looking into practice, I'm interested in biomedical research with a DVM. Of course I can get my DVM and then go elsewhere for a MS or PhD, which I'm considering.

 

[Caiter92]

One thing I really love about WSU that I'm excited about is how encouraging they are about students being in the VTH. You can pretty much go in whenever and observe/help out (been told it varies with what's going on how involved you are) in the hospital from day one.

I asked my interviewers if there were any restrictions on it, and they said as long as you're dressed appropriately (clean scrubs) and not in the way, you can be there for the most part (the times they said that you might be asked to leave or stand back would be some sort of crisis situation, which makes total sense).

I know other schools get students in the VTH early on with classes or some sort of rotation before clinics, but I don't think I've heard of any schools being quite as open with allowing students in the VTH as WSU.

 

[pp9]

One thing I really love about WSU that I'm excited about is how encouraging they are about students being in the VTH. You can pretty much go in whenever and observe/help out (been told it varies with what's going on how involved you are) in the hospital from day one.

I asked my interviewers if there were any restrictions on it, and they said as long as you're dressed appropriately (clean scrubs) and not in the way, you can be there for the most part (the times they said that you might be asked to leave or stand back would be some sort of crisis situation, which makes total sense).

I know other schools get students in the VTH early on with classes or some sort of rotation before clinics, but I don't think I've heard of any schools being quite as open with allowing students in the VTH as WSU.

Not trying to one-up you, just adding on to my Illinois info because you make good points: Illinois has first years taking night shifts for lambing right now. There's also something going on with a super sick foal, and first years are taking shifts monitoring it. You also can take shifts in the ICU, be on call for weekend necropsies, and more. Two of my friends have scrubbed in for overnight colic surgeries as well. It's kind of a big deal to be a first year and being a sterile participant in surgery.

Our SA surgery suites have windows for watching, but I will say that you aren't typically allowed to just stroll in and stand in the suite. I would email the clinicians/residents prior to doing that asking for permission. When you're on your rotations, you are expected to fully participate in the service and observe surgeries then 🙂 You're also far less likely to be welcomed when the other class is on their rotations (second years are wrapping their 8 weeks up now) simply because there is less room. To be clear, though, I haven't had a single minute where I thought "Hey, why don't I try to go observe in the ER!" Also, a lot of our rooms need to be expanded (and are slated for/in the middle of renovations). The LA side tends to be more accommodating simply because they have the space.

 

[Spike907]

I grew up and currently live in Alaska, so while I can't speak to that program, I can give you some insight into Fairbanks and living in the last frontier!

Fairbanks is cold. Extremely cold. And dark. Most people who move up to AK underestimate how big of an adjustment the daylight is. There will be days in the winter where it is -30 F and there are only 4 hours of half daylight. Don't expect school to be cancelled either! I can count on two hands the number of times in elementary and high school that schools shut down for the weather. Then in the summer it will never get dark. The sun will "set" but you can still drive without your headlights on. I've had friends that couldn't sleep and had to cover their windows with aluminum foil to block out the light. Fairbanks is fairly isolated too. Its a 7 hour drive to Anchorage, the next largest city. People can find the seclusion particularly hard in the winters. But, your millage may vary here, some people love it!

Fairbanks is also stupid expensive to live in. The cost of heating will be outrageous because everything is heated either with electricity or you have a wood burning stove. I don't know what you're used to but I promise, you'll be shocked. Groceries will be about 1.5-2 times more expensive than the lower 48, especially produce.

Fairbanks is not a great place for crime either. Drugs, alcohol, and sexual assault are HUGE problems throughout AK. Unfortunately, its not all moose and baby caribou all the time. Speaking of moose, you'll have moose and bears to deal with too! Wilderness survival skills are a must, even in the metropolis of Fairbanks!

My understanding is that there are relatively few vet facilities on campus in Fairbanks. You may be giving up possible clinical/research exposure here. It's also a new program and prone to major changes/tweaks that may be beneficial or not.

With all that said, Alaska is, bar none, the most beautiful place on the planet! It is (in my slightly biased opinion) the best place in the country to work with mammalian and avian exotics. It is the only place in the country that has all three species of bear. We have some of the largest eagle populations. I haven't even gotten to salmon runs. I have several friends in the Department of Fish and Game who study salmon full time. It has some of the largest North American land mammals available in abundance.

If you are outdoors oriented at all, you'll think that you've died and gone to heaven. Backpacking, camping, skiing, cross country skiing, sledding, fishing, hiking. I could go on. Alaska gets into your blood. Once you have spent any significant amount of time here, no where else quite compares. I plan to return and practice here once I'm finished with vet school. I love it here!

 

[MassDVMMPH]

I've just recently looked at the certificate programs that the University of Florida offers - those look great! I haven't heard of any other vet schools offering anything like that. That is why I would lean toward UF if I had to go through it all again...

 

[Minnerbelle]

One thing I really love about WSU that I'm excited about is how encouraging they are about students being in the VTH. You can pretty much go in whenever and observe/help out (been told it varies with what's going on how involved you are) in the hospital from day one.

I asked my interviewers if there were any restrictions on it, and they said as long as you're dressed appropriately (clean scrubs) and not in the way, you can be there for the most part (the times they said that you might be asked to leave or stand back would be some sort of crisis situation, which makes total sense).

I know other schools get students in the VTH early on with classes or some sort of rotation before clinics, but I don't think I've heard of any schools being quite as open with allowing students in the VTH as WSU.

Same thing with CSU, they made a huge deal about it when I went on tour there before matriculating. You also have the opportunity as a first year to even be in the OR to watch surgeries if you want. I did it once but then didn't after that. It's true, you totally can, but most people don't really. I think a lot of people just don't take advantage of stuff in the VTH because you feel like fish out of water as a first year. That and really as a first year you don't know an anus from an eye... And much of anything going on goes way over your head. Vet school is busy. You have a lot of stuff to juggle. The time you could be spending in the VTH with starry eyes could so be better spent studying or doing something more productive (actual programs and part time jobs and research and such whether it be in the VTH or not).

Likely the same in other schools. I haven't heard of any schools that said first years are not allowed in the hospital. If anyone is interested in spending time in the hospital, all anyone really has to do is email a professor and see if you could hang out with their department and i doubt anyone would say no.

It's one of those things schools like to advertise like "lots of hands on learning" bull**** like it means anything or is different from other schools. They like to say things to imply that somehow you'll be closer to being doctorly faster than other schools because of x,y,z. Ends up that in reality these things don't affect you much at all. So be careful making decisions based on things like this.


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[Caiter92]

Same thing with CSU, they made a huge deal about it when I went on tour there before matriculating. You also have the opportunity as a first year to even be in the OR to watch surgeries if you want. I did it once but then didn't after that. It's true, you totally can, but most people don't really. I think a lot of people just don't take advantage of stuff in the VTH because you feel like fish out of water as a first year. That and really as a first year you don't know an anus from an eye... And much of anything going on goes way over your head. Vet school is busy. You have a lot of stuff to juggle. The time you could be spending in the VTH with starry eyes could so be better spent studying or doing something more productive (actual programs and part time jobs and research and such whether it be in the VTH or not).

Likely the same in other schools. I haven't heard of any schools that said first years are not allowed in the hospital. If anyone is interested in spending time in the hospital, all anyone really has to do is email a professor and see if you could hang out with their department and i doubt anyone would say no.

It's one of those things schools like to advertise like "lots of hands on learning" bull**** like it means anything or is different from other schools. They like to say things to imply that somehow you'll be closer to being doctorly faster than other schools because of x,y,z. Ends up that in reality these things don't affect you much at all. So be careful making decisions based on things like this.


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Oh, I definitely know I won't take advantage of it nearly as much as I hope I would and that I'm going to get way more out of spending the time studying or what not instead of just hanging around the VTH observing 🙂 I'm pretty certain aside from the hours I'm required to be there observing on my own time (I think they said it was only something like 6 hours? it's not much), I won't end up being there much.

I don't think it will in any way make me more prepared or anything, and don't think it makes WSU a better school than any other accredited vet school. It's just something I like about WSU, other than being my IS school 😛

 

[dyachei]

Same thing with CSU, they made a huge deal about it when I went on tour there before matriculating. You also have the opportunity as a first year to even be in the OR to watch surgeries if you want. I did it once but then didn't after that. It's true, you totally can, but most people don't really. I think a lot of people just don't take advantage of stuff in the VTH because you feel like fish out of water as a first year. That and really as a first year you don't know an anus from an eye... And much of anything going on goes way over your head. Vet school is busy. You have a lot of stuff to juggle. The time you could be spending in the VTH with starry eyes could so be better spent studying or doing something more productive (actual programs and part time jobs and research and such whether it be in the VTH or not).

Likely the same in other schools. I haven't heard of any schools that said first years are not allowed in the hospital. If anyone is interested in spending time in the hospital, all anyone really has to do is email a professor and see if you could hang out with their department and i doubt anyone would say no.

It's one of those things schools like to advertise like "lots of hands on learning" bull**** like it means anything or is different from other schools. They like to say things to imply that somehow you'll be closer to being doctorly faster than other schools because of x,y,z. Ends up that in reality these things don't affect you much at all. So be careful making decisions based on things like this.


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I feel like basically every school with on campus clinics allow this. There may be exceptions, but....
It's not really a differentiator

 

[Minnerbelle]

I feel like basically every school with on campus clinics allow this. There may be exceptions, but....
It's not really a differentiator

Exactly.


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[Cyndia]

Yeahh UF also allows you to go in the VTH, our surgery club lets you sign up for oncall shifts to come and usually scrub in to watch surgery, we've got colic team, we can volunteer in the zoo clinic and help with treatments, we do a required weekend shift in the small and large hospital each semester, and lots more. I've done a few things here and there, but as a few people have pointed out, I was often too busy first year, and I tended to funnel most of my energy towards other things. Pretty much all the vet schools have cool opportunities like that, you just need to devote the time to taking advantage of it.

The one huge plus in my mind for UF is that we go into clinics earlier than most schools (right after second year finishes, from May -January, then we return senior year from January - May), and you're doing everything you'd do as a senior on clinics. I think at some schools they have required clinic times first and second year but they aren't really responsible for a lot. While I am really nervous to be starting clinics this May, from what third/fourth years have told me, everyone adjusts after the first rotation or two, and it works out. Second year is pretty intense and they push us to do stuff more quickly (ex. I did my first live dog spay last week), so I think I've actually learned more than I've realized. And from what I've seen from observing some of my friends in third year, there's a noticeable difference in their confidence and abilities from what I saw in them as second years. Upperclassmen have also said that when they return to the classroom for the second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year, information in classes just clicks a lot better, and you can connect it to cases you've seen while on clinics. It also means you're not on clinics while you're prepping for the NAVLE, and that semester is one of the lightest, which gives you plenty of time to study.

Aside from that, the weather was a huge draw for me. After growing up in MN and going to undergrad in upstate NY, I didn't realize how much I love warm weather, it just puts me in such a perpetual good mood 😀

 

[VetMedVetMed]

Oh definitely! I should have explained! Colorado State and Alaska Fairbanks teamed up to create a dual program. It started last year. 10 students (half from Alaska, half OOS) do their first two years in Alaska and their second two at Colorado State. You technically graduate with a DVM from Colorado. You get to work with sled dogs, reindeer ect. You learn about issues respective to Alaska and there are good aquatic opportunities and research as well.

Congrats first off on getting into these four amazing schools! What a hard decision to have to make! I assume Alaska does not have a Vet school, so is there a teaching hospital at Fairbanks? Do they have the same things as other established vet schools do? Since this is a brand new thing they've decided to do, there are good and bad to that. Is there anyone who is already in this program you can talk to? The experience if you go to Alaska will be different than any other traditional vet school in the U.S. You can almost guarantee you will be working with reindeer or sled dogs at any other vet school in the country. So I look at this as more of an opportunity that if you missed out on, how would you feel? To be of 10 people chosen for this program is amazing. I guess you should also think about what school will be best for what you want to do (biomedical research). I don't see Alaska helping with that very much...however I'm sure there are tons of opportunities at CO since I've heard they are very into research there. How much of a good quality veterinary education will you get in two years at Alaska? Also consider the fact you'd be moving after two years. Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? You'd have two years in Alaska, and after the first year you'd start to feel like you're settled in just to move again in a year to CO. Maybe you will want to move though and maybe that interests you. For me that would be scary. These are additional cost factors too that are not associated with staying at another vet school for four years. How do you personally deal with moving? Have you visited Alaska or CO? CO does not do interviews, so I assume you have not been to either? Have you visited the other schools you got into? I assume so since the other three do interviews. Maybe visit both CO and AK before you decide (if you have the money). I ask these questions because it's important to think of all of the factors when deciding between these four schools. There has to be one that you are at least leaning towards. Do you have any particular reason to go to a certain school? Are any of them your in state? I'm sure anyone on here would want to say "just go to the cheapest school". If I were choosing I would think of all of the above questions I listed, and think about what school you actually can SEE yourself at. I personally would probably choose Florida only because the program would probably fit me the best, and I cannot stand cold weather. I would be more inclined out of the four actually to go to Florida, Washington (b/c even with OOS tuition it is cheaper than a lot of other schools) or Illinois. I have family in FL and IL, so that's why It's easier for me to decide and say those. WA I only know one person in Seattle, but that is far from Pullman (and we're not close at all). I have family in CO as well (who I never see and we're not close), and I don't know a single soul in AK. I know you will find friends and people where ever you decide to go, but it is always nice knowing you at least have someone in the area you know. These are just my thoughts.

Now for me as a question, is the CO/AK program one you have to apply for separate from CSU vet school?

 

[SchatziLife]

Now for me as a question, is the CO/AK program one you have to apply for separate from CSU vet school?

It's not separate in terms of fees, you just put CSU on VMCAS. It is an option on their supplemental and you answer a few extra essay questions for it but it's ultimately a part of the same supplemental application with one set of fees associated with it. If you are an alternate or rejected your application gets pushed into the four year pile of applicants for CSU's regular four year program. If you are accepted, it becomes your superseding offer and you cannot get considered for CSU's four year program. I am actually an alternate for this program. I'm just trying to consider if this opportunity presents itself, would I take it, even if I already accepted another offer.

These are the highlight of the program from their website:

• Work with musk ox, sled dogs, caribou, bison, and reindeer.
• Learn about public health and rural medicine for domestic animals, wildlife, and fish.
• Learn about unique food-security issues in Alaska – involving Brucella organisms and lipophilic chemicals – that can affect people who rely on wildlife for food.
• Explore new research opportunities and student experiences with more species and ecosystems
  Study sports medicine and animal husbandry in context of the Alaska’s sled-dog population.
  

What I like about this program is it is unique. No, I have not been to Alaska, but I am an outdoors person and I'm okay with their seasonal changes in daylight. The only bummer will be the extreme cold in the winter and its isolation from other large towns. No, they do not have a veterinary school and thus they do not have a teaching hospital, but there are clinics in the area and we get a lot of hands on experience with unique animals. There will only be ten students and thus it will be very intimate learning, which I like. They have research opportunities that involve ecosystems that I am interested in and they have access to a lot of species that I enjoy working with. My research experience coming into vet school is with Harbor Seals and prolactin levels during pregnancy. I just want to integrate more medicine into my research. I'm also becoming more interested in the public health implications of medicine/research ect. as well. (Too many exciting things!) I will get to do all of my clinical's at Colorado's vet school. And no, moving doesn't scare me 🙂 But you have a good point, these are the only two schools I have not visited. I have family near every other school except these two (although my parents wouldn't mind moving to Colorado!) And is this program very good quality? Well, I don't know. Its new and that does make me nervous. You've raised some very good questions, thank you!

 

[battie]

I have family near every other school except these two (although my parents wouldn't mind moving to Colorado!)

Not going to lie, I highly recommend against your parents moving to Colorado. If there's anything native Coloradoans hate, it's non-natives moving in and the atmosphere is starting to reflect that. We've had over 100,000 people move into the state every year for the last five years. As a result, our housing prices have shot through the roof to the average house mortgage is about 1100 a month and a one bedroom apartment is 1200. Prices on everything have gone up over 50% in the last few years. And as I said, some natives are cordial at best, openly hostile at worst of they learn you're not a native because of all of this.

Just something to keep in mind as you think about this. CSU was my top choice, and I wouldn't want dissuade you to not go here. But I do feel it would be a bad idea for your parents to move here.

 

[VetMedVetMed]

It's not separate in terms of fees, you just put CSU on VMCAS. It is an option on their supplemental and you answer a few extra essay questions for it but it's ultimately a part of the same supplemental application with one set of fees associated with it. If you are an alternate or rejected your application gets pushed into the four year pile of applicants for CSU's regular four year program. If you are accepted, it becomes your superseding offer and you cannot get considered for CSU's four year program. I am actually an alternate for this program. I'm just trying to consider if this opportunity presents itself, would I take it, even if I already accepted another offer.

These are the highlight of the program from their website:

• Work with musk ox, sled dogs, caribou, bison, and reindeer.
• Learn about public health and rural medicine for domestic animals, wildlife, and fish.
• Learn about unique food-security issues in Alaska – involving Brucella organisms and lipophilic chemicals – that can affect people who rely on wildlife for food.
• Explore new research opportunities and student experiences with more species and ecosystems
  Study sports medicine and animal husbandry in context of the Alaska’s sled-dog population.

What I like about this program is it is unique. No, I have not been to Alaska, but I am an outdoors person and I'm okay with their seasonal changes in daylight. The only bummer will be the extreme cold in the winter and its isolation from other large towns. No, they do not have a veterinary school and thus they do not have a teaching hospital, but there are clinics in the area and we get a lot of hands on experience with unique animals. There will only be ten students and thus it will be very intimate learning, which I like. They have research opportunities that involve ecosystems that I am interested in and they have access to a lot of species that I enjoy working with. My research experience coming into vet school is with Harbor Seals and prolactin levels during pregnancy. I just want to integrate more medicine into my research. I'm also becoming more interested in the public health implications of medicine/research ect. as well. (Too many exciting things!) I will get to do all of my clinical's at Colorado's vet school. And no, moving doesn't scare me 🙂 But you have a good point, these are the only two schools I have not visited. I have family near every other school except these two (although my parents wouldn't mind moving to Colorado!) And is this program very good quality? Well, I don't know. Its new and that does make me nervous. You've raised some very good questions, thank you!

Ok so this changes things a bit. So if you are an alternate for CO/AK, if I were you I would just decide between the three schools (WA, FL, and IL). Unfortunately you can't really make a decision on wanting to attend the CO/AK program if you haven't been accepted there yet. If worst case scenario you are not taken off the alternate list, then it just means you have spent your time wisely deciding between the three schools that did offer you a seat. I wouldn't waste time debating about a school that is still up in the air. You also wouldn't want to get your hopes up and plan for something that is not a definite. However if you DO end up getting off the waitlist and getting accepted, you may already have made up your mind and gotten excited about the other school you picked. OR could have a very tough decision on your hands 😵. It does sound like an amazing program though, but it does worry me that there aren't many people that can vouch for it.

Also you mention about having an interest in Public Health. A number of vet schools have an MPH program. So it is not just offered through CO/AK (which I'm sure you know obviously). Another option to research is that U of MN offers a MPH through about 13 different veterinary schools across the U.S. About 70% of the program you do within your vet school curriculum already, and the rest you do online in the summer time. Then you go to MN for one week to finish it off. Maybe you can call and find out more info. about this as to which schools have this agreement (I know Tufts and Western for sure do). FL might as well, but I don't remember since it has been a while since I spoke to the woman in charge of the program. Actually I have her phone number if you want to message me for it. Anyway, just something to think about if you are interested in getting a MPH, there are other ways to go about it as well.

I agree with bats that your parents moving to CO would not be a great idea (especially because it would only be for two years). It would be different if they were planning all along to move to CO before this.

I know this is going to be a hard decision, but I am sure there is at least one you are leaning towards more than others. What is your gut telling you? What do you feel is best for you, and where you would thrive? This is what I would ask myself if it were me.

I hope this helps in some way in making your decision, and I wish you the best!

 

[MuskOx14]

It's not separate in terms of fees, you just put CSU on VMCAS. It is an option on their supplemental and you answer a few extra essay questions for it but it's ultimately a part of the same supplemental application with one set of fees associated with it. If you are an alternate or rejected your application gets pushed into the four year pile of applicants for CSU's regular four year program. If you are accepted, it becomes your superseding offer and you cannot get considered for CSU's four year program. I am actually an alternate for this program. I'm just trying to consider if this opportunity presents itself, would I take it, even if I already accepted another offer.

These are the highlight of the program from their website:

• Work with musk ox, sled dogs, caribou, bison, and reindeer.
• Learn about public health and rural medicine for domestic animals, wildlife, and fish.
• Learn about unique food-security issues in Alaska – involving Brucella organisms and lipophilic chemicals – that can affect people who rely on wildlife for food.
• Explore new research opportunities and student experiences with more species and ecosystems
  Study sports medicine and animal husbandry in context of the Alaska’s sled-dog population.

What I like about this program is it is unique. No, I have not been to Alaska, but I am an outdoors person and I'm okay with their seasonal changes in daylight. The only bummer will be the extreme cold in the winter and its isolation from other large towns. No, they do not have a veterinary school and thus they do not have a teaching hospital, but there are clinics in the area and we get a lot of hands on experience with unique animals. There will only be ten students and thus it will be very intimate learning, which I like. They have research opportunities that involve ecosystems that I am interested in and they have access to a lot of species that I enjoy working with. My research experience coming into vet school is with Harbor Seals and prolactin levels during pregnancy. I just want to integrate more medicine into my research. I'm also becoming more interested in the public health implications of medicine/research ect. as well. (Too many exciting things!) I will get to do all of my clinical's at Colorado's vet school. And no, moving doesn't scare me 🙂 But you have a good point, these are the only two schools I have not visited. I have family near every other school except these two (although my parents wouldn't mind moving to Colorado!) And is this program very good quality? Well, I don't know. Its new and that does make me nervous. You've raised some very good questions, thank you!

I am currently a undergrad at UAF joining the UAF/CSU vet class this fall. I would love to answer any questions you have.

I think the description about Fairbanks life in general is pretty accurate. I think it has everything you need while in school. Lots of good thai food restaurants! Fairbanks can be a hard sell when looking at the facts about living here. Cold, dark, expensive. The summers make up for it. But we did have a super weird and mild winter this year, never even reached -40 in town!

As for the vet department, it has been really fun watching it develop over the last few years. They have a brand new facility for the vet students with a sweet anatomy suite, study cubicals, common area, offices and classroom. The professors are all awesome. Everyone is very dedicated to student success and making sure everyone is being throughly prepared at the same level as any other school. They have worked out a lot of kinks with the first class. I think the biggest draw for me if I wasn't considering tuition would be the opportunity to learn in a class of 10 students compared to a lecture hall of 138. It will be a bummer to miss out on many of the opportunities that come with have a vet hospital and special interest clubs that are found at other schools but I think the time in Colorado will make up for it. With such a small group there are a lot of chances for cool field trips (some vet students went to work the the Iditarod this weekend).

Biomedical research opportunities are very abundant at UAF, especially anything One Health related. I have been working on mercury toxicology research on many marine mammal and fish species related to subsistence harvest for the past two years. Each summer the school host CSU vet students to conduct research projects. Plenty of things for students to be involved in!

Hope this helps you get a better idea of the program. Send any questions my way 🙂

 

[Sheepforever1]

Not going to lie, I highly recommend against your parents moving to Colorado. If there's anything native Coloradoans hate, it's non-natives moving in and the atmosphere is starting to reflect that. We've had over 100,000 people move into the state every year for the last five years. As a result, our housing prices have shot through the roof to the average house mortgage is about 1100 a month and a one bedroom apartment is 1200. Prices on everything have gone up over 50% in the last few years. And as I said, some natives are cordial at best, openly hostile at worst of they learn you're not a native because of all of this.

Just something to keep in mind as you think about this. CSU was my top choice, and I wouldn't want dissuade you to not go here. But I do feel it would be a bad idea for your parents to move here.

I got the impression that OP was simply trying to point out that CO is an awesome place, so the parents would love the idea of living here - I don't imagine that anyone's parents would seriously consider moving to another state for two years of their kid's vet school.

I also think it's ridiculous to claim to speak for native Coloradoans as a whole hating the "non-natives moving in," especially since I've found people here to be nothing but friendly and welcoming. If it's something that you hate, and you find yourself being "openly hostile" to the non-natives, then perhaps it's your attitude than needs adjusting. Housing prices rise and fall, and vary based on city and state. Depending on where you're coming from, CO may still feel like a bargain in terms of cost of living (it did for me).

 

[pp9]

I got the impression that OP was simply trying to point out that CO is an awesome place, so the parents would love the idea of living here - I don't imagine that anyone's parents would seriously consider moving to another state for two years of their kid's vet school.

I also think it's ridiculous to claim to speak for native Coloradoans as a whole hating the "non-natives moving in," especially since I've found people here to be nothing but friendly and welcoming. If it's something that you hate, and you find yourself being "openly hostile" to the non-natives, then perhaps it's your attitude than needs adjusting. Housing prices rise and fall, and vary based on city and state. Depending on where you're coming from, CO may still feel like a bargain in terms of cost of living (it did for me).

I don't think bat is openly hostile. Lol. I do disagree with the surface of her post, but I've never been to Colorado either.

It's similar to how townies are 'supposed' to always hate tourists and tourist season. After living in a very touristy area, I can tell you that's not true everywhere at least. People just get frustrated with new people who aren't up to speed with the local customs (such as knowing how to drive 🙄). Honestly, too damn bad. People are moving for personal and career reasons (and for some recent legislation...). It's not 'your' state. Michigan didn't get all cranky when a huuuuge population of people from all over the country/world came to work in the auto industry.

 

[KCgophervet]

Mostly unrelated, but if people are super interested in sled dog medicine, UMN just opened the (potentially) first vet school club for it and they have gone to quite a few events in MN and elsewhere to volunteer/work with the vets. Just throwing that out there that it's not just in AK where you can learn about sled dog medicine.

 

[SchatziLife]

Okay, first and foremost my parents would move there for themselves, not me!! We have all been to Colorado, I've had family live there previously and it has nothing to do with me being there, they would consider moving there anyway (as I am the last kid and they have no reason to stay in their current location. I can assure you they wouldn't follow me to Florida or Champaign!). Also, I'm going to make an acceptance elsewhere, but I'm just deciding if I like that Alaska program enough that IF the opportunity presented itself, would I take it, thats all. I just wanted to see who had any insight on the program from the Alaska and Colorado side.

 

[battie]

I don't think bat is openly hostile. Lol. I do disagree with the surface of her post, but I've never been to Colorado either.

It's similar to how townies are 'supposed' to always hate tourists and tourist season. After living in a very touristy area, I can tell you that's not true everywhere at least. People just get frustrated with new people who aren't up to speed with the local customs (such as knowing how to drive 🙄). Honestly, too damn bad. People are moving for personal and career reasons (and for some recent legislation...). It's not 'your' state. Michigan didn't get all cranky when a huuuuge population of people from all over the country/world came to work in the auto industry.

See the natives could say the same: too darn bad, we don't want you here. And it's true. We straight up don't want you here. Denver just got best city to live in the US. The 9News Facebook comments were unanimously, "Don't come here!!!" Is it fair to assume the natives are going to be forced to adjust to increased prices and stuff?

We're fine with tourists. We've got Denver, Loveland, Aspen, Estes Park, etc. We're used to and actually really like tourists. We don't like people moving here for the long term, especially if it's for weed cause that's kind of blown up in our faces.

Need to make a correction, though. Our population has increased by 3.56 thousand, or 14.4% since 2010. It was only last year that our population increased by 100,000.

 

[pp9]

See the natives could say the same: too darn bad, we don't want you here. And it's true. We straight up don't want you here. Denver just got best city to live in the US. The 9News Facebook comments were unanimously, "Don't come here!!!" Is it fair to assume the natives are going to be forced to adjust to increased prices and stuff?

We're fine with tourists. We've got Denver, Loveland, Aspen, Estes Park, etc. We're used to and actually really like tourists. We don't like people moving here for the long term, especially if it's for weed cause that's kind of blown up in our faces.

Need to make a correction, though. Our population has increased by 3.56 thousand, or 14.4% since 2010. It was only last year that our population increased by 100,000.

Yeah, well, seeing as how you guys have a pretty low unemployment rate, I'm not surprised that people are flocking there. I know 2-3 people that moved to Denver from Detroit. You do what you have to. You can pout about it all you want, but there is no point in telling people that they can't/shouldn't move or will be welcomed with hostility. Kind of silly. Colorado isn't the first state to experience a massive population boom, like I said.

 

[Sheepforever1]

See the natives could say the same: too darn bad, we don't want you here. And it's true. We straight up don't want you here. Denver just got best city to live in the US. The 9News Facebook comments were unanimously, "Don't come here!!!" Is it fair to assume the natives are going to be forced to adjust to increased prices and stuff?

Sounds pretty hostile to me. Hopefully you aren't treated with the same disdain when you move to a new state to pursue new opportunities. Especially if - heaven forbid - you find that you like it and want to make it your home. It's completely fair to assume that all residents will adjust to whatever the housing and job markets are because that's just how life works.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Dude, you soundin bat**** crazy.

Had a long retort typed out but decided against it. Not worth it in this forum from previous experience.


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[Minnerbelle]

You can pout about it all you want, but there is no point in telling people that they can't/shouldn't move or will be welcomed with hostility. Kind of silly.

Silly is an understatement.


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[pp9]

Silly is an understatement.


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I just don't want to come across as mean, because I'm certainly not trying to be. I respect bat, I think she's great. I'm excited to see her next year 😀

 

[SchatziLife]

Please only posts on the vet schools! The rant thread already exists!

 

[pp9]

Please only posts on the vet schools! The rant thread already exists!

All threads were born to derail.

Also, ETA: If you really are particularly interested in sled dogs, the dean at Illinois is a big wig in sled dog cardiology. He basically taught our first year cardio with a huge focus on sled dogs haha. Actually, I feel like he has hands in pretty much everything...

 

[Doktor Timo]

I used to live in Colorado and I say do whatever you damn well please. What an absurd conversation to even have in the first place.

 

[battie]

It's pretty easy to say any of that when it's not your rent jumping from 800 to 1100 or 1200 a month over the course of a year. It sounds silly to you guys, but it really isn't too us. It's a huge frustration for the average person here. My entire point is that there is a decent chunk of natives here that will purposely treat non-natives with hostility because of this massive influx of people and I don't think it's worth it for non-natives to continue to pour in.

I want it to be clear that I personally don't care cause I live in Nebraska and will be moving to Illinois, both for school. The only thing about non-natives that bothers me is that most don't know how to drive in heavy traffic with snow. Otherwise, I don't care. But there is a sizable chunk of Coloradoans that do care and will be nasty.

 

[CynicKitten]

I was going to say Colorado/Alaska because Colorado is my IS and would be the absolute cheapest option.

However, since you said not to bring up tuition, then I can't answer your question, honestly. Tuition was my only major consideration. I was going to go to whatever school was cheapest. I feel like every school will give you basically equivalent education and opportunities.

If I absolutely had to pick, and money didn't matter, I would go to Florida simply because it doesn't have snow. Then Colorado for state pride. Then Illinois cause they're the only ones that have shown me love.

"I just want to know what you guys think about each program as it stands. For this thread I want to purely analyze schools based on their programs and what they have to bring to the table!"

Remember the question is purely about the program, for his/her choice. Not snowiness or close-to-home-ness.

 

[CynicKitten]

See the natives could say the same: too darn bad, we don't want you here. And it's true. We straight up don't want you here. Denver just got best city to live in the US. The 9News Facebook comments were unanimously, "Don't come here!!!" Is it fair to assume the natives are going to be forced to adjust to increased prices and stuff?

We're fine with tourists. We've got Denver, Loveland, Aspen, Estes Park, etc. We're used to and actually really like tourists. We don't like people moving here for the long term, especially if it's for weed cause that's kind of blown up in our faces.

Need to make a correction, though. Our population has increased by 3.56 thousand, or 14.4% since 2010. It was only last year that our population increased by 100,000.

Yeah, no. Speaking as a native, very few people have that opinion.

EDIT: Also, lol. Weed has not "blown up in our faces". We've had the skiing tourists for how long now? And yes, we now have weed tourists. Nobody's "moving here for the weeeedddd" like so many joke online.

 

[battie]

Yeah, no. Speaking as a native, very few people have that opinion.

I'm also speaking as a native. A large chunk of people I know feel exactly this way.

 

[SchatziLife]

1. I live in an area that gets cold and has snow. 2. I've lived and driven in a mountainous area before. 3. I lived near Chicago for a better part of my life and Illinois has horrendous taxes, especially in and around Chicago, and has an influx of immigrants and transient people from countries all over the world and within our own country. BUT that being said, most of my friends are not my same race and they speak more than one language and I have been exposed to many types of cultures that I like to think has made me a better person in the long run.

Now, let's get back to the programs. Would any Floridians visiting this page happen to have an experience with Florida's certificate programs? I'm primarily interested in the aquatics one and I believe you can get this certificate via long distance learning while attending a different Vet School. Does anyone have any insight? How are the certificate programs? Do they take up a lot of time/energy?

 

[Sheepforever1]

Sorry for the ridiculous derailment Schatzi. I moved to CO for school, and this is the first time I've ever encountered this hostile attitude, so I hope that it doesn't dissuade you from considering CO, if that's an option.

Things to reeeally consider, strictly program-wise: if you're a PBL person, look at the way it is incorporated into the curriculum (and it is, in every curriculum these days). Figure out how you feel about grading - some schools are pass/fail, and some give traditional grades. When I interviewed at WSU, they were pass/fail - I don't go there, so I can't speak to it now. This may or may not matter to you, but for some people it does.

Also - although you will absolutely receive an excellent education at any of these schools - do ask yourself what species/types of medicine you are interested in. Only in the sense that if you're looking to work on marine mammals, caribou, etc. there will definitely be more opportunities in the region that accommodates these animals. You can absolutely pursue externships anywhere, but even in terms of job opportunities in the area while you're in school, take it into consideration.

Look at how each school provides student support. Are there counselors? Tutors? Big/little programs? Financial advisors? No one likes to see themselves needing help, but it's good to know it's there if you do.

How do these schools handle terminal surgeries? Where do their teaching animals - live and cadaver - come from? If these are important issues for you, it's better than you know about it up front. If you don't want to participate in terminal surgeries, then you had better make sure that your chosen school doesn't require it. Or if schools have teaching animals that you're expected to help care for, you should know about it so you can plan for it.

 

[katashark]

1. I live in an area that gets cold and has snow. 2. I've lived and driven in a mountainous area before. 3. I lived near Chicago for a better part of my life and Illinois has horrendous taxes, especially in and around Chicago, and has an influx of immigrants and transient people from countries all over the world and within our own country. BUT that being said, most of my friends are not my same race and they speak more than one language and I have been exposed to many types of cultures that I like to think has made me a better person in the long run.

Now, let's get back to the programs. Would any Floridians visiting this page happen to have an experience with Florida's certificate programs? I'm primarily interested in the aquatics one and I believe you can get this certificate via long distance learning while attending a different Vet School. Does anyone have any insight? How are the certificate programs? Do they take up a lot of time/energy?

I'm also interested in the aquatic animal health certificate thing. You can complete that during or after vet school and it can be done via distance learning. They are also developing new online courses for this program. They also have SeaVet, which is in the summertime.

 

[MainER]

Alright folks, so I am currently deciding between Tufts and UW-Madsion and according to my Pro/Con list they're in a dead heat. Which program is REALLY the best academically for people interested in small animal medicine?

 

[rockatiel]

Just as an aside... Any free agents needing to find a new place to live can come to LA... We need the revenue bad lol and we will fry you some fish.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Alright folks, so I am currently deciding between Tufts and UW-Madsion and according to my Pro/Con list they're in a dead heat. Which program is REALLY the best academically for people interested in small animal medicine?

For small animal medicine, I'm pretty sure tufts would have the higher case load which is important.



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[Kam325]

For small animal medicine, I'm pretty sure tufts would have the higher case load which is important.



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Yep, the small animal hospital's case load is +28,000/yr, which I believe is the 2nd highest in the country (after Penn, I think).

 

[VetMedVetMed]

Alright folks, so I am currently deciding between Tufts and UW-Madsion and according to my Pro/Con list they're in a dead heat. Which program is REALLY the best academically for people interested in small animal medicine?

Tufts is much more expensive than Wisconsin even if you're in state at Tufts.... If you're OOS at both, that's a $68,500 difference without interest..

 

[BrownSwissCows]

Alright folks, so I am currently deciding between Tufts and UW-Madsion and according to my Pro/Con list they're in a dead heat. Which program is REALLY the best academically for people interested in small animal medicine?

There are 6.7 million people in Massachusetts (vs 5.7 million in Wisconsin) living in an area 1/6th the size of Wisconsin, so of course Tufts is going to see more cases just based on the high population density of the east coast. From my experience shadowing vets in Wisconsin, most of the cases that end up referred to Madison tend to be the most difficult/challenging cases, so you'll still get quality, just less quantity.