West Coast University or University of St. Augustine San Marcos?

[deleted1044865]

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Hello there,
I have run into a dilemma of choosing between the two schools and I just wanted some opinions on what I should do.

I was recently taken off the waitlist and admitted to West Coast University for Fall 2020. I have until next Wednesday for West Coast's deposit deadline. Before that, I was only accepted to St. Augustine's San Marcos location and have already put in the deposit for Summer 2020.

I do not know much about West Coast other than that they were accredited back in 2017 and that they do not have cadavers for anatomy labs. I have heard some negative things about the other programs at West Coast but I have not heard anything in regards to the PT program. That being said, I do live about 8-10 minutes away from the campus and so I would save a lot of money for housing, WiFi, food, gas, and other utilities. However, I am not sitting right with the fact that they're still a new program and do not have cadavers.

On the other hand, I would have to move out of home but I actually know a couple of people who attend St. Augustine. They told me they were willing to help me with anything if I needed it. They also would provide the textbooks for free too. Another thing is that I could potentially move in together with my girlfriend since she got into a nursing program at CSU San Marcos and we would be each other's emotional support system. We have been a long-distance relationship ever since after undergrad and this would be a good time to see each other for a prolonged period of time too. I know that the program also emphasizes a lot on manual therapy and cadavers are readily available. I would be able to study in peace since it's difficult to concentrate at home due to my loud family and not having my own room. The only gripe I have with choosing San Marcos is the cost of living as now I would have to worry about rent, WiFi, utilities, and basically any other potential stressors. It could be an additional $25,000 to $30,000 (just from housing) to the loans I'm already going to take out. Another thing is that the program is shorter, which could mean it's a bit more intense.

Can anyone chime in what they know of one program or the other? What would you do in my situation? Is cost a huge factor? Tuition is roughly the same between the two schools.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I appreciate any input.

 

[dreamingofpt]

Hello there,
I have run into a dilemma of choosing between the two schools and I just wanted some opinions on what I should do.

I was recently taken off the waitlist and admitted to West Coast University for Fall 2020. I have until next Wednesday for West Coast's deposit deadline. Before that, I was only accepted to St. Augustine's San Marcos location and have already put in the deposit for Summer 2020.

I do not know much about West Coast other than that they were accredited back in 2017 and that they do not have cadavers for anatomy labs. I have heard some negative things about the other programs at West Coast but I have not heard anything in regards to the PT program. That being said, I do live about 8-10 minutes away from the campus and so I would save a lot of money for housing, WiFi, food, gas, and other utilities. However, I am not sitting right with the fact that they're still a new program and do not have cadavers.

On the other hand, I would have to move out of home but I actually know a couple of people who attend St. Augustine. They told me they were willing to help me with anything if I needed it. They also would provide the textbooks for free too. Another thing is that I could potentially move in together with my girlfriend since she got into a nursing program at CSU San Marcos and we would be each other's emotional support system. We have been a long-distance relationship ever since after undergrad and this would be a good time to see each other for a prolonged period of time too. I know that the program also emphasizes a lot on manual therapy and cadavers are readily available. I would be able to study in peace since it's difficult to concentrate at home due to my loud family and not having my own room. The only gripe I have with choosing San Marcos is the cost of living as now I would have to worry about rent, WiFi, utilities, and basically any other potential stressors. It could be an additional $25,000 to $30,000 (just from housing) to the loans I'm already going to take out. Another thing is that the program is shorter, which could mean it's a bit more intense.

Can anyone chime in what they know of one program or the other? What would you do in my situation? Is cost a huge factor? Tuition is roughly the same between the two schools.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I appreciate any input.

Hi! I was in a similar position as you where I got accepted to a program that was going to be more cost effective and others that I would have to relocate for. Ultimately, I decided to relocate for similar reasons as you; I didn't want to be in a graduate program around the stressors of my home life (constantly loud, bickering, etc.), I wanted to be closer to my bf (we're also long distance), I wanted to finish sooner and from a program that I know makes GREAT PT's. I interviewed at West Coast, got waitlisted - but it was very low on my list. I didn't care too much about not having cadavers but the location mattered more to me since I don't want to be dealing with Central LA traffic, etc. I wasn't even deciding between the two same schools you are but more-so the same concept of choosing a program that is close and cost-effective vs. relocating and paying more. My decision to relocate is going to cost me $40-$50K more in loans. But I'm not hung-up on that. I had to put myself and my mental health first. I also reached out to family friends (ones with loans and ones that decided not to relocate) and they were a great influence in my decision. I hope this helps. You can always private message me as well.

P.S. - I'll see you at USAHS if you decide to go there! 🙂

 

[ya1]

I would choose west Coast since it is cheaper. there are always "bad things" people complain about, so I do not think it should affect your decision. The fact that it is a new program should not be a bad thing. they got accredited - that's all that matters.
Relying on people who are willing to help you is nice, but i would not rely on them too much since you do not know what will happen in their lives.
Moving in with your girlfriend sounds like a good thing. But make sure it is not going to be a distraction for both of you. Both of you will have to study a lot as you start your new programs. If you are able to give each other space and time to study, that should work out.
As for cadaver lab... It's cool and I loved it. But I would not say it's worth extra $25K of tuition/living expenses. You will have cadaver lab only for 3 months.
Length of the program: unless something changed, USA is shorter mainly due to less weeks of internships compared to other schools (24 vs 32). So its workload is not necessarily higher.
You will be able to find a quiet place to study if you stay at home. There are quiet places outside of your house to study, you just need to explore and find them (parks, libraries, etc). - that will be easier than paying off extra $30K of debt.

 

[DPTgirll]

Hello there,
I have run into a dilemma of choosing between the two schools and I just wanted some opinions on what I should do.

I was recently taken off the waitlist and admitted to West Coast University for Fall 2020. I have until next Wednesday for West Coast's deposit deadline. Before that, I was only accepted to St. Augustine's San Marcos location and have already put in the deposit for Summer 2020.

I do not know much about West Coast other than that they were accredited back in 2017 and that they do not have cadavers for anatomy labs. I have heard some negative things about the other programs at West Coast but I have not heard anything in regards to the PT program. That being said, I do live about 8-10 minutes away from the campus and so I would save a lot of money for housing, WiFi, food, gas, and other utilities. However, I am not sitting right with the fact that they're still a new program and do not have cadavers.

On the other hand, I would have to move out of home but I actually know a couple of people who attend St. Augustine. They told me they were willing to help me with anything if I needed it. They also would provide the textbooks for free too. Another thing is that I could potentially move in together with my girlfriend since she got into a nursing program at CSU San Marcos and we would be each other's emotional support system. We have been a long-distance relationship ever since after undergrad and this would be a good time to see each other for a prolonged period of time too. I know that the program also emphasizes a lot on manual therapy and cadavers are readily available. I would be able to study in peace since it's difficult to concentrate at home due to my loud family and not having my own room. The only gripe I have with choosing San Marcos is the cost of living as now I would have to worry about rent, WiFi, utilities, and basically any other potential stressors. It could be an additional $25,000 to $30,000 (just from housing) to the loans I'm already going to take out. Another thing is that the program is shorter, which could mean it's a bit more intense.

Can anyone chime in what they know of one program or the other? What would you do in my situation? Is cost a huge factor? Tuition is roughly the same between the two schools.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I appreciate any input.

Hello! It really depends on the person. If you are the type that enjoys based on your environment and care about where u are and who u are around then I think it is worth it because like u mentioned mental health is crucial during rigorous school. The happier and the more comfortable you are the better you will do and the healthier u will be. The goal is to do well and prevent extra UNNECESSARY stress in your life. But if you are the type that is ok with dealing with negative environment and it doesn’t bother you then stay local. Yes loans is a big issue for most students, but u will be making a good income and u can def live comfortably as a DPT while paying loans off. There are many ways to pay off loans and some
Clinics help new grads to pay off loans too.