I applied, but I've never seen the place. I've lived in Seattle and loved it, but I know the other side of the state is WAAAYY different. Pullman seems awfully remote. And I'm not sure I could handle the cold!
I encourage anyone who is a west-sider (or city-only dweller) to visit before making any decisions. Well, I guess you'll have to be here for interviews so that'll help. But take time to check out the area and not just the vet school. You'll be here for 4 years. Seattle and Pullman are like Earth and Mars.
I don't mind because I grew up in a small town before living in Seattle for 5 years. I'm used to the the small town life, but the lack of city benefits/art/cultural activities is definitely a contrast if you're not expecting it.
Having grown up on the west side, the cold isn't that bad. It's actually pretty easy to get used to. The lack of trees is also a little weird at first, but the vast rolling hills are nice after a while. It is remote if you're used to the west side. Spokane is ~70 miles away. Our biggest store is a SuperWalmart. The mall here has a Rite-Aid *as part of the mall*. They don't have rap on the radio. And some stores will cover the Cosmo magazine like it's an adult magazine. Just little things that made me laugh when I got here. I never knew how much I was used to the city until I came back to a small town.
As a benefit of a small town, it's completely safe and boring. Feel like walking around at 2am? No problem. Don't like getting yelled at by homeless people? Still, not a problem. Hate finding parking downtown? Wow, that's so not a problem. Are you annoyed when the mile long gay pride parade blocks your traffic route? Not gonna happen here. There have been 2 times I've left my keys in my door overnight. They've always been there in the morning. People at the store know me by name. It's a small world here.
Also consider living in Moscow if you don't like Pullman. It's only 8 miles away. From my house it's ~15 minutes from leaving my door to having my butt in class. I have never, ever regretted living in Moscow and I'm glad I do. It's a good fit for me. They don't care if you're an IS student with a permanent address in WA. Probably not the best idea if you're trying to get IS residency - Moscow is in Idaho.
Best of luck to everyone coming to interview
I'm a 3rd year if you have any questions.