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WesternU C/O 2016
Started by gsi924
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Thank you, now I just have to get a Facebook account : )
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hey guys,
so i was just thinking about western and how it would prepare me for my future beyond the 4 years of vet school. i started to consider residencies, specialization, etc. etc. and began to worry about how a degree from western might hold up against a degree from one of the other 27 US vet schools.
this led me to look at US News rankings. i always thought that the rankings were based mostly on endowment and that they were largely useless (granted, i did pay the big bucks to go to a top 20 university instead of attending my state school with a full-ride -- that wasn't necessarily the best decision ever... but that is somewhat irrelevant here)
ANYWAY! i had sort of assumed that Western was listed as "Rank Not Published" because it was newer... but then i read about the methodology and it turns out....
"Schools/programs marked as Rank Not Published are listed alphabetically. Schools in the health ranking that are all based solely on 5.0 peer assessment score are number ranked down to a peer assessment score of greater than or equal to 2.0, Schools with scores beneath 2.0 are listed in alphabetical order as Rank Not Published."
i have my own ideas for why western scored this way, but what are your thoughts? anyone know anything more concrete?
most importantly, do you guys, like me, worry that a degree from western might put us at a disadvantage if/when we compete with other DVMs for jobs?
so i was just thinking about western and how it would prepare me for my future beyond the 4 years of vet school. i started to consider residencies, specialization, etc. etc. and began to worry about how a degree from western might hold up against a degree from one of the other 27 US vet schools.
this led me to look at US News rankings. i always thought that the rankings were based mostly on endowment and that they were largely useless (granted, i did pay the big bucks to go to a top 20 university instead of attending my state school with a full-ride -- that wasn't necessarily the best decision ever... but that is somewhat irrelevant here)
ANYWAY! i had sort of assumed that Western was listed as "Rank Not Published" because it was newer... but then i read about the methodology and it turns out....
"Schools/programs marked as Rank Not Published are listed alphabetically. Schools in the health ranking that are all based solely on 5.0 peer assessment score are number ranked down to a peer assessment score of greater than or equal to 2.0, Schools with scores beneath 2.0 are listed in alphabetical order as Rank Not Published."
i have my own ideas for why western scored this way, but what are your thoughts? anyone know anything more concrete?
most importantly, do you guys, like me, worry that a degree from western might put us at a disadvantage if/when we compete with other DVMs for jobs?
Western is not ranked like other schools because they are structured differently. There is no undergraduate population, and no faculty that do just research, so they can't be ranked against other schools using the methods that US News employs. I am not at all worried about being able to compete.
I found this, which may be useful:
What Does a High Ranking Mean?
High rankings are not significant or highly regarded by most of the academic veterinary community. A high ranking may give a vet school an extra degree of pull or minor bragging rights, and may initially capture the attention of students shopping for their vet school. Many schools and organizations disregard the legitimacy of any vet school rankings altogether, however.
Some vet students who are initially wooed by higher school rankings may find them less significant as their application and acceptance process rolls on.
Rankings tend to be more important with younger undergrads, said Abbie DeMeerleer, assistant director of admissions and recruitment officer at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The closer they get to admissions, the less the rankings weigh in-it becomes more about the facilities and specialties a school focuses on. One of the downsides of vet school rankings is that they do not take into account the uniqueness of programs and the strengths of an institution that may benefit individual students.
What Does a High Ranking Mean?
High rankings are not significant or highly regarded by most of the academic veterinary community. A high ranking may give a vet school an extra degree of pull or minor bragging rights, and may initially capture the attention of students shopping for their vet school. Many schools and organizations disregard the legitimacy of any vet school rankings altogether, however.
Some vet students who are initially wooed by higher school rankings may find them less significant as their application and acceptance process rolls on.
Rankings tend to be more important with younger undergrads, said Abbie DeMeerleer, assistant director of admissions and recruitment officer at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The closer they get to admissions, the less the rankings weigh in-it becomes more about the facilities and specialties a school focuses on. One of the downsides of vet school rankings is that they do not take into account the uniqueness of programs and the strengths of an institution that may benefit individual students.
So It's ranked below 2.0, did it get a 1.9, at which point it is only .1 below Oregon? Or .2 below Oklahoma? We don't know. We also note that the rankings are 2 years old as in their methodology it states they were surveyed in 2010. Where is UTK on the list? They don't even appear.
Now before you tell me I'm drinking the kool aid, which if I make it off the wait list I will be for sure, rankings in US news do not matter in terms of advantages or disadvantages unless you let it. There is hiring discrimination based on schools everywhere, how you present yourself, who you network with in school and what you can demonstrate you got out of your degree will be what matters when you are in front of a good employer. An employer who has an opinion based on previous experience of grads or a bias to his or her alma mater is already set in stone.
You know what, a DVM from Ross with straight A's is a DVM. So are straight C+'s at Cornell. YOU are the most important factor in your degree's value.
Now before you tell me I'm drinking the kool aid, which if I make it off the wait list I will be for sure, rankings in US news do not matter in terms of advantages or disadvantages unless you let it. There is hiring discrimination based on schools everywhere, how you present yourself, who you network with in school and what you can demonstrate you got out of your degree will be what matters when you are in front of a good employer. An employer who has an opinion based on previous experience of grads or a bias to his or her alma mater is already set in stone.
You know what, a DVM from Ross with straight A's is a DVM. So are straight C+'s at Cornell. YOU are the most important factor in your degree's value.
I guess that's true... but it is about more than just grades. for one, I am definitely worried about Western's somewhat anemic research program - I am worried that I'll have to pursue meaningful research experiences by personally soliciting the support of PIs from other schools and that i won't have much support from Western in trying to do so. I was horrified by the research powerpoint part of the interview day. i know they briefly touched on collaborative projects but i didn't get the impression that such interdisciplinary research programs were substantial by any means
I can't seem to find graduate placement information/statistics on Western's site... do they make that available?
sorry if i seem unenthusiastic about the program, i just think it's important to know exactly what i'm committing too before I commit... and thank you for the explanations/etc.
So you want to do research? I went to a public top 50 university and I had to hump it to get my research. It wasn't just laid out in front of me. That said if research was your focus western may not be your dream program, but I'm certain you will find some to do if you look. The powerpoint didn't impress me either but I was so nervous about my interview that had just ended I had trouble following it. You do seem quite unenthusiastic, and honestly if you didn't know what you were committing to when you submitted your VMCAS... I'm not sure what to tell you.
I tend to be a bit of a bitch, so don't take this personally. I just really feel that you need to weigh your options before you apply to the schools. I applied to six, and I knew I would have been comfortable at any of their programs before I did. Others take the shotgun approach and apply to 10 or more schools, but they are looking to get in and will make due wherever they do get in.
Are you trying to decide between another program and Western, or whether to attend vet school this year at all?
Are you trying to decide between another program and Western, or whether to attend vet school this year at all?
I don't think this is a fair response. I commend zoovet for thinking before leaping. Vet school is a huge financial investment, especially Western. It is very wise to constantly re-evaluate and make sure you are going to the program that is right for you. Things are very different when submitting VMCAS vs. 6+ months down the line, and submitting an application is not committing to anything!
Certain schools really do push research - we get tons of emails about both on campus and off campus summer research opportunities, sometimes ad nauseum! And we occasionally get emails about participating in school year clinical trials.
Zoovet, like I just mentioned, there are certainly programs to pursue over summer breaks if you are interested in research. We get emails all the time about research programs at Stanford, MIT, etc. So, you could go to Western and then do research elsewhere over summers. I only know a few students who do research here during the school year; most of us pursue those opportunities over summer breaks. So maybe you could make that work?
Hey everybody, I also am a first time poster in this thread, but I just wanted to say that I am thrilled that I got accepted at Western (it was my first choice school) I can't wait to meet everyone in August, and congrats to all my fellow classmates. I will be sending in my paperwork tomorrow so then it will be official. To some of those folks that got alternate, do not give up! I applied at Western last year for the first time and got alternate and then applied this year and made it, so if it is what you want, work hard for it, dreams do come true!
Honestly, I am trying to muster up excitement for the program. I didn't dislike the school, but I didn't love it either.
I am waitlisted at other schools that I definitely liked more upon visiting but unfortunately, the reality is that right now, my only acceptance was from Western.
I thought that I would be comfortable at each of the 6 schools I applied to, as well, but I don't think you can know that for sure until you visit each school, but that is not the most financially practical plan before you apply. It's easier to add the... ~$150 to add the school on VMCAS and pay the supplemental fee and figure it out later than to fly out, see each school, and then decide.
I am appreciative of the fact that I will still have the opportunity to go to vet school, but I do know that committing to a program is not a small commitment and I know that my concerns are legitimate; I just wanted some feedback from current students/other applicants/etc.
I am waitlisted at other schools that I definitely liked more upon visiting but unfortunately, the reality is that right now, my only acceptance was from Western.
I thought that I would be comfortable at each of the 6 schools I applied to, as well, but I don't think you can know that for sure until you visit each school, but that is not the most financially practical plan before you apply. It's easier to add the... ~$150 to add the school on VMCAS and pay the supplemental fee and figure it out later than to fly out, see each school, and then decide.
I am appreciative of the fact that I will still have the opportunity to go to vet school, but I do know that committing to a program is not a small commitment and I know that my concerns are legitimate; I just wanted some feedback from current students/other applicants/etc.
Moosenanny, whaen I say the research wasn't laid out, I don't mean that zoovet was looking for a handout of research. I meant it more as I had to look for it, chase down the prof and ask to attend a lab meeting etc, it wasn't visible on the surface, from everything I've heard people do research at Western, even if their presentations were muddled. You are right to point out that not all research is done at your institution either.
As to the VMCAS - if zoovet has re-evaluated whether or not she wants to go into Vet med, that's one thing, but deciding that you just don't want a DVM from Western, that's something I would have weighed before spending the money to apply there.
As to the VMCAS - if zoovet has re-evaluated whether or not she wants to go into Vet med, that's one thing, but deciding that you just don't want a DVM from Western, that's something I would have weighed before spending the money to apply there.
Chill out FTB, zoovet has every right to question Western and think about their decision to accept. I've been lurking this thread for awhile and also received my acceptance but I'm holding out for Davis. FTB, you seem quite bitter you were waitlisted. It's time to turn the computer off and go outside for a little bit, mmmmkay?
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I know exactly how you are feeling and it is awkward to feel that way sometimes. Last year I was accepted at Ross and I applied there only because I was worried I wouldn't get in anywhere else and when I was accepted (the lady that interviewed me told me I would definately be accepted during the interview..which was kinda surprising) it just didn't feel right. Don't get me wrong that school is wonderful, I know a handful of people that go there and they love it, but it wasn't for me, even though I really wanted to be a vet. I struggled with it for a while, but I decided I was going to try for the school I really wanted to go to one more time. Some people thought I was weird or even dumb for passing up the shot at going to Ross, since becoming a vet was all I have wanted since being 8 years old, but I knew in my gut that I wouldn't have been happy or successful there. Trust yourself, I'm really glad that I did, because my admission this year means the world to me. I hope this helps you and for all you know maybe you will get called off the waitlist at one of your more desired schools. Good Luck!
Hello from a current first year at WesternU! Congratulations the new class of 2016!
I have some advice for those of you on the fence about whether to come to Western or not. If you're coming here just as a last resort, without realizing what PBL is, you should really consider if that's the right learning style for you. Personally, I love it. But it can be really frustrating, especially during exam week- Pretty much everyone hates the uncertainty during midterms and finals, but the majority of the people do fine. So think before you commit, don't just do it because it's the "only place you got in".
Regarding research, there are a number of our faculty that do research, it's just not on campus. There are a lot of opportunities if you are proactive and talk to those members of the faculty that do research. Even if the professor doesn't do the research that you're interested in, they might be able to refer you to someone elsewhere that does!
I realize Western is not like a typical university full of labs that most of you are use to, but personally, coming from working in different research labs at a number of University of California campuses (which are full of research labs), I still have had to be proactive and talk to different professors to find research opportunities/jobs. So approach research opportunities at Western the same way.
I have some advice for those of you on the fence about whether to come to Western or not. If you're coming here just as a last resort, without realizing what PBL is, you should really consider if that's the right learning style for you. Personally, I love it. But it can be really frustrating, especially during exam week- Pretty much everyone hates the uncertainty during midterms and finals, but the majority of the people do fine. So think before you commit, don't just do it because it's the "only place you got in".
Regarding research, there are a number of our faculty that do research, it's just not on campus. There are a lot of opportunities if you are proactive and talk to those members of the faculty that do research. Even if the professor doesn't do the research that you're interested in, they might be able to refer you to someone elsewhere that does!
I realize Western is not like a typical university full of labs that most of you are use to, but personally, coming from working in different research labs at a number of University of California campuses (which are full of research labs), I still have had to be proactive and talk to different professors to find research opportunities/jobs. So approach research opportunities at Western the same way.
Hello everyone!!! c/o 2016!! I used SDN last year and was wait-listed at UT, now I know it was because I was meant to go to Western. I can't wait to meet everyone in the class, and am hopeful for those on the alternate list who would like to be there in the fall as well. I just signed up for a facebook account so I could join a group or page, whatever thingy for WU c/o 2015- has anyone had any luck making a group or joining? Also, is it too early to start thinking about housing? Thanks!
Does anyone have an idea of how we can get in contact with some current students?? I have a bunch of little questions, mostly about housing that I want to get figured out. I'm also concerned about safety in the Pomona area. I don't want to bring my car if I don't have to, which pretty much restricts me to living only in Pomona. I've heard that the city isn't very safe though and found some statistics about the crime rates there that make me nervous. Are the surrounding areas like Claremont/Chino Hills any safer?
I am from this area. Claremont is amazingly safe, and wherever you are coming from, you are going to want your car. Southern California is very spread out (and there is a hell of a lot to do outside of Pomona), that if you don't have your car, it will be easy to feel useless without one and regret not having one with you. Plus, public transportation is not our strongest suit. Bring your car! 😀
Does anyone know when we get access to banweb?
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A CAR.
As a resident of the SoCal/la/beach area, I would feel pretty miserable without a car. You can't really get groceries without one. The bus system is pretty poopy.
Plus, you can't live in SoCal without actually SEEING it!
As a resident of the SoCal/la/beach area, I would feel pretty miserable without a car. You can't really get groceries without one. The bus system is pretty poopy.
Plus, you can't live in SoCal without actually SEEING it!
I have a question for any current Western students who may be watching this thread. I was rejected after my interview this year. I have noticed that alot of students who were waitlisted last year actually got in this year but I haven't heard from students who may have been rejected after an interview in past years and accepted after applying again. Anways, I hope my question makes sense. I just wanted to know if anyone has been in my situation, I think I am only going to apply to Western next year and would like some advice.
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Hey CBQ, this is my second cycle and I was rejected from Western last year(but didn't have an interview). This year, I'm getting ready to pack up and move out to SO CAL, so its possible! I would definitely encourage a file review. Although there are a lot of factors, a willingness to improve your application does wonders for your chances. Also, since the dean is "building" a class, you may fit in better with the next bunch of folks.
Good luck on the next cycle!
I talked with Lacey today (on a different matter) and she said banweb access is the same info as the one used to access the application. However, it isn't activated until after they've recieved your acceptance declaration form and deposit.
Thank you!
Just look through this thread and see who are the current students who are posting. You are more then welcome to message me, I am from SoCal so I can be somewhat useful =)
2nd year here. Feel free to pm me with questions.
Yeah they sent it to the alternates too 🙁 just what I needed, an e-mail from admissions about lots of money I can't even pay because I'm not in.
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That sucks. I'm sorry!!! D:
Do they really need almost 19 million (!!!!) annually???
(based off 400 students)
No wonder other private schools are "jumping on the bandwagon!"
On a side note, hopefully, Western will hire additional office staff to ease the strain on the very hard working admissions people 🙂
Nothing against you, zoovet, but your avatar reminds me of a black poodle I took care of over the weekend for the Guide Dog Foundation, that I really fell in love with. I was supposed to get to raise her over the summer, but plans have changed and I will probably not get to see her again. I was contemplating on getting her if she fails the program, but she might not be available anymore by then. She is the first dog that my bf really liked, so that was a big plus. I already miss her. 🙁
Might be a blessing in disguise. More people not wanting to pay more money equals greater chance of you getting off the waitlist. No? I am sure you will be getting in anyway. No doubts about it.
Ya'll are too nice. It's going to be a shame when TW gets in to Davis and you all leave me for Nor-cal...
Oh well, if I get in I'll have Marsala and Spoon 🙄
Don't jinx it!!! My little heart won't be able to take it much longer!!!
But yes. As im waiting for anything from Davis, I got that nice little bombshell from western. How much was the tuition increase?
But yes. As im waiting for anything from Davis, I got that nice little bombshell from western. How much was the tuition increase?
That is insane. And they know that we will line up in desperation to pay it. Maybe we need to form a union and go on strike. I'm obviously kidding,and don't even know what that would entail, but I find it appalling that they can just add 20K to a young future doctor's debt without batting an eye. 😡
Heh, that's funny that you think she looks like a poodle. Once when I was walking her in Central Park, someone came up to ask me if she was a pony...
I'm sorry you might not get to see the poodle again 🙁
The avatar is actually a picture of my dog that was hit by a car and killed 2 days before my Western interview. She was actually a Black Russian Terrier but because they're a fairly rare breed, the groomers never knew how to cut her, so she always looked like a confused schnauzer/poodle/Portuguese water dog/something else...
The only silver lining to the story, and it's barely anything at all, is that the day she was killed, a litter of BRTs was born to a breeder we know of... BRTs are really hard to find in the US, so I decided that she was reincarnated into one of the puppies.
I used to be all for rescue/adoptions only, but my brother got her from a breeder and I don't think I've ever loved another living creature more than that mushy bear. She was amazing. It's crazy how attached we get to our animals.
This is how economic bubbles are formed. At some point tuition needs to go down a little. However, I worry that so long as there are people willing to pay these exorbitant amounts, they will continue along this projectile. The math is truly frightening. COA over 300K for 4 years. After interest, we'll have young veterinarians trying to pay off half a million or more in debt!!!
I didn't think she actually was a poodle, but she kind of has the same look as the one I had over the weekend.
I wish you could luck with the potentially new dog! 🙂
Oh yes, grand to get another E-mail from Western today that linked me to the accepted students page so that I could get everything in order if they deign to offer me a spot.
"Congrats and welcome to the WesternU family" ...except for the waitlisters who are really jumping through hoops and hoping.
"Congrats and welcome to the WesternU family" ...except for the waitlisters who are really jumping through hoops and hoping.
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Did you get the FAQ email, FTB? I didnt get the one you just mentioned.
Follow the link in the FAQ e-mail and it takes you to the page that begins "congrats"
And the FAQ didn't make clear the one thing I really wanted to know, which was, will anyone get off the wait list prior to the 15th of April?
Probably not, but it seems silly to wait till then if they are searching the pool to find the right replacement that every time someone declines, someone should hear.
This is how economic bubbles are formed. At some point tuition needs to go down a little. However, I worry that so long as there are people willing to pay these exorbitant amounts, they will continue along this projectile. The math is truly frightening. COA over 300K for 4 years. After interest, we'll have young veterinarians trying to pay off half a million or more in debt!!!
Isn't there some kind of rule for only so much percentage increase per year...I know they are private....but damn....why would anyone go there for vet school....when you could go to Davis for cheaper...or penn....or prolly even the Caribbean.....I understand if the tuition was for their d.o and pharm etc but veterinary? Really......
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Ewwww I just clicked the link. Well poo. I'd email Lacey about that question though. Sounds legitimate and yes, they didn't touch on that.
Or maybe Karen will let us all know here 🙂
Um, well...I'm going because
1) I really like the structure of their program, which seems to be a good fit for my learning style
2) It would be a real bear to move my critters to the Caribbean
3) I wasn't accepted to either Penn or Davis (I didn't apply to them, either)
4) I look at tuition as a "suck it up and deal" sort of thing
As far as I know (or remember), they don't touch the waitlist until after the 15th (now 17th this year). We got an email saying that they won't cash deposit checks until after the 17th, so at that point I imagine they would go to the waitlist for unfilled seats.
I am rooting for you, FTB!
