WSU/USU c/o 2018 applicants!

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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gfa240 said:
I got an interview for WSU but not quite sure if I should keep it. I have heard Pullman is in the middle of nowhere. Any suggestions?
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1. Do your own research. Don't listen to what other people say.
2. Do what you think is best. WSU is a GREAT school but if you don't want to go there, and will be miserable then you have to take that into account.

But question. You HEARD pullman is in the middle of nowhere. AFTER you've applied? Did you not look into the schools you were applying to? I'm usually one of the least prepared people but I did research on all the schools I applied to because I wanted to make sure in would be happy living there AND like their program.
 
Abney said:
1. Do your own research. Don't listen to what other people say.
2. Do what you think is best. WSU is a GREAT school but if you don't want to go there, and will be miserable then you have to take that into account.

But question. You HEARD pullman is in the middle of nowhere. AFTER you've applied? Did you not look into the schools you were applying to? I'm usually one of the least prepared people but I did research on all the schools I applied to because I wanted to make sure in would be happy living there AND like their program.
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I'm a firm believer that one should only apply to schools that they would absolutely attend should they be accepted. I never understood the point of individuals applying to schools where 1) They knew nothing about the program/location/etc. 2) Would absolutely be unwilling to shell out the cost associated with the program 3) Be absolutely unwilling to relocate to the state/country where the school was located 4) Other 'deal breakers.' I question the OP's motives of applying to WSU if he/she knew nothing about the WSU curriculum or the location where WSU is located (i.e. Pullman, WA).
 
gfa240 said:
I got an interview for WSU but not quite sure if I should keep it. I have heard Pullman is in the middle of nowhere. Any suggestions?
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If you like the school and would attend there if you got accepted (you chose to apply there, so I assume that's a yes), then I would go. However if WSU is not your top school and you've already been accepted to a school you like more, I would save on the travel. (I'm in the same situation, I had an interview with UF this weekend and if I hear good news, I'm not flying across the country for more interviews).
 
DoctorWho92 said:
If you like the school and would attend there if you got accepted (you chose to apply there, so I assume that's a yes), then I would go. However if WSU is not your top school and you've already been accepted to a school you like more, I would save on the travel. (I'm in the same situation, I had an interview with UF this weekend and if I hear good news, I'm not flying across the country for more interviews).
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I only applied to WSU and OSU and got interviews from both. I live 6 hours away from Pullman, so its a bit of a drive but doable. I am not sure how OSU compares to WSU academically. Any ideas?
 
Abney said:
1. Do your own research. Don't listen to what other people say.
2. Do what you think is best. WSU is a GREAT school but if you don't want to go there, and will be miserable then you have to take that into account.

But question. You HEARD pullman is in the middle of nowhere. AFTER you've applied? Did you not look into the schools you were applying to? I'm usually one of the least prepared people but I did research on all the schools I applied to because I wanted to make sure in would be happy living there AND like their program.
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No, I knew Pullman was in the middle of nowhere but I liked the program and I like the fact that its on the West coast. I have not visited the school personally though but from what I hear, doesn't really compare to Corvallis.
 
gfa240 said:
I only applied to WSU and OSU and got interviews from both. I live 6 hours away from Pullman, so its a bit of a drive but doable. I am not sure how OSU compares to WSU academically. Any ideas?
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The thing is, pretty much all the schools are good. But you have to compare and contrast the schools for yourself. No one can make that decision for you. You're going to have to do some leg work and find out which schools better suit you. 6 hours is nothing compared to the huge treks people make to get to their interviews (myself included the years I applied). I know it's still a pain but not really bad at all.
 
gfa240 said:
No, I knew Pullman was in the middle of nowhere but I liked the program and I like the fact that its on the West coast. I have not visited the school personally though but from what I hear, doesn't really compare to Corvallis.
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Yes but that's hearsay and personal opinion. I like Pullman.
 
I think all schools pre-schedule your interview time.

As for living in the middle of nowhere, it isn't really that big of a deal. My undergraduate school is in a town of 5,000 people and the nearest "city" is an hour away. There's always something to do in a small town if you're willing to go looking for something to do.
 
I am probably going to keep the interview just b/c WSU has a strong program, and its always good to have options than not. You are right though, liking a city is a personal thing. I am CA native and not a huge fan of big cities. Quiet towns like Corvallis actually appeal to me more. Maybe its because I am turning to an old fart but that's how I feel.
 
gfa240 said:
I am probably going to keep the interview just b/c WSU has a strong program, and its always good to have options than not. You are right though, liking a city is a personal thing. I am CA native and not a huge fan of big cities. Quiet towns like Corvallis actually appeal to me more. Maybe its because I am turning to an old fart but that's how I feel.
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Lol Pullman is a small town in a beautiful area. You may like it. And since it sounds like you can drive it's probably good to keep it. 🙂
 
Abney said:
I'm totally procrastinating. My finals start tomorrow and I'm currently burnt on studying. 😛
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Hows the 1st year of studying? is it constant studying or do you get a break here and there to walk your dogs or go for a run?
 
gfa240 said:
No, I knew Pullman was in the middle of nowhere but I liked the program and I like the fact that its on the West coast. I have not visited the school personally though but from what I hear, doesn't really compare to Corvallis.
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Although WA is is geographically located on the 'West Coast,' Pullman itself isn't (it's quite distant from Seattle, which is by far WA's largest and most cosmopolitan city). It's on the border between Western Idaho and Eastern Washington. I myself haven't yet lived in that part of the country (I hope to, should I gain acceptance to WIMU). That being said, I have lived in Southern California, which is truly considered to be 'West Coast,' as far as lifestyle is concerned. I expect the living in Pullman to be altogether different than the life I experienced in Southern California. If you're truly curious as to whether or not WSU would be a good fit for what you're looking for in a veterinary school, it seems to be well worth the investment to drive there and check it out. If you don't, you'll have lost your interview spot and will never know. If you do, at least you'll have a chance at acceptance, as well as a firm opinion in your mind with regards to program and location.
 
Lab Vet said:
Although WA is is geographically located on the 'West Coast,' Pullman itself isn't (it's quite distant from Seattle, which is by far WA's largest and most cosmopolitan city). It's on the border between Western Idaho and Eastern Washington. I myself haven't yet lived in that part of the country (I hope to, should I gain acceptance to WIMU). That being said, I have lived in Southern California, which is truly considered to be 'West Coast,' as far as lifestyle is concerned. I expect the living in Pullman to be altogether different than the life I experienced in Southern California. If you're truly curious as to whether or not WSU would be a good fit for what you're looking for in a veterinary school, it seems to be well worth the investment to drive there and check it out. If you don't, you'll have lost your interview spot and will never know. If you do, at least you'll have a chance at acceptance, as well as a firm opinion in your mind with regards to program and location.
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Yea I doubt it's going to be anything like So Cal but I would imagine the school still has a west coast feel/culture to it just because of where many of the students come from. Then again, I've never been there.
 
gfa240 said:
Hows the 1st year of studying? is it constant studying or do you get a break here and there to walk your dogs or go for a run?
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:laugh: I'm a total slacker. I don't study all that much. But I've never been concerned with being perfect. I'd much rather get through school with my sanity and personality in tact than kill myself trying to get perfect scores.
 
anesthtc said:
Yea I doubt it's going to be anything like So Cal but I would imagine the school still has a west coast feel/culture to it just because of where many of the students come from. Then again, I've never been there.
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I am actually from So Cal and I absolutely hate it. I escaped to Oregon b/c of its tranquil, and quiet atmosphere. And also b/c Oregon has the most beautiful running trails in the world! : P
 
gfa240 said:
I got an interview for WSU but not quite sure if I should keep it. I have heard Pullman is in the middle of nowhere. Any suggestions?
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It is, but campus is nice, facilitates are excellent and its a short drive to Moscow and 1hr 20min from Spokane (2nd biggest city in WA). The way I see it, you will be so immersed in your studies, it won't matter that you're surrounded by fields. If I were you, I'd keep the interview; if you get in somewhere you'd rather spend 4 years, do that, but if not, it could be a backup?
 
Abney said:
:laugh: I'm a total slacker. I don't study all that much. But I've never been concerned with being perfect. I'd much rather get through school with my sanity and personality in tact than kill myself trying to get perfect scores.
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Well I suppose it's good to see that strategy can work...
 
Smolive said:
It is, but campus is nice, facilitates are excellent and its a short drive to Moscow and 1hr 20min from Spokane (2nd biggest city in WA). The way I see it, you will be so immersed in your studies, it won't matter that you're surrounded by fields. If I were you, I'd keep the interview; if you get in somewhere you'd rather spend 4 years, do that, but if not, it could be a backup?
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Speaking of driving is parking pretty reasonable there? Or is having a car pretty much pointless? I've never lived in a city with less than a couple million people.
 
gfa240 said:
No, I knew Pullman was in the middle of nowhere but I liked the program and I like the fact that its on the West coast. I have not visited the school personally though but from what I hear, doesn't really compare to Corvallis.
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Just keep in mind too...you're holding the place of someone who may REALLY want to go there, it may be someone's top choice and keeping an interview that you might not want, just keeps someone else from getting their chance. Just something else to think about....declining the interview may open up that spot for someone on the waiting list who has WSU as their number 1. 😉 good luck with you're decision!
 
anesthtc said:
Speaking of driving is parking pretty reasonable there? Or is having a car pretty much pointless? I've never lived in a city with less than a couple million people.
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Also, we just got hit by a good amount of snow in Oregon. I don't know if it snows this time of year in Pullman. Do I need to chain up to drive up there? the temps are hovering around 0ish F.
 
Hollista said:
Just keep in mind too...you're holding the place of someone who may REALLY want to go there, it may be someone's top choice and keeping an interview that you might not want, just keeps someone else from getting their chance. Just something else to think about....declining the interview may open up that spot for someone on the waiting list who has WSU as their number 1. 😉 good luck with you're decision!
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But doesn't that person on the WL get in if I decide to decline admission ? that should also open up a spot.
 
gfa240 said:
I am actually from So Cal and I absolutely hate it. I escaped to Oregon b/c of its tranquil, and quiet atmosphere. And also b/c Oregon has the most beautiful running trails in the world! : P
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I lived in So Cal for 9 years and was not a huge fan (I relocated to Cali from the East Coast; New England, in particular). I've lived in Utah (various locations within the state), and can say with confidence that I have no regrets in leaving California. To me, the greatest detractors to living in So Cal were the expense, the congestion (density), and a superficiality which is difficult to put into words. For anyone currently from/living in this area, I mean no offense by these comments. This is my personal opinion, and my experience of living in the area. I have several friends still living in this part of California who absolutely LOVE the area, and would never leave. Southern California was not a good fit for me. I have no intentions of ever going back (although I've learned, at this stage in my life, to never say never 😉)

Should I be accepted to WIMU, I would spend my first two years in Logan, UT (where I have already lived), and relocate to Pullman for years 3-4. Although I haven't yet lived in Pullman, I have no doubt that that the transition would be smooth. From the sounds of it, Pullman seems like an ideal place to 'hole up' for several years and immerse oneself in the study of veterinary medicine. I don't anticipate having a crap ton of time to have a life outside of vet school- at all. I expect school to be an all-consuming affair. That being said, environment does have a significant impact on an individual's level of happiness. This, in combination with school culture, can make all the difference in the perception of a student's experience.

Best of success with your decision! Perhaps we'll be classmates come Fall of 2014! We'd have lots to talk about So Cal living 😉
 
lolol. As a SoCal native, no offense taken to anything. It's all really true! It's one of the reasons I chose to go to undergrad in the East coast.

Where I really want to end up permanently (after vet school) is NorCal. I adore San Fran and Berkeley :cat:

If I end up going to WSU after all this, I'm totally making a pit stop in Portland, though. Gotta try those voodoo doughnuts!
 


Amen!!! I lived there my whole life and I seriously could not take it anymore. I think one advantage of being a vet is that you can really live anywhere. Of course from what I have been reading, the job market is getting tougher, but I think in general you have more flexibility with being a vet.[/quote]
 
gugoodoll said:
lolol. As a SoCal native, no offense taken to anything. It's all really true! It's one of the reasons I chose to go to undergrad in the East coast.

Where I really want to end up permanently (after vet school) is NorCal. I adore San Fran and Berkeley :cat:

If I end up going to WSU after all this, I'm totally making a pit stop in Portland, though. Gotta try those voodoo doughnuts!
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Then Davis might be perfect for you! its like an hourish away from SF. Whats a voodoo doughnut? I gotta go to Portland more! 🙂
 
Voodoo donuts alone make a visit to Portland worthwhile!!!
 
anesthtc said:
Speaking of driving is parking pretty reasonable there? Or is having a car pretty much pointless? I've never lived in a city with less than a couple million people.
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I had to chime in. I am a long time lurker and a current WSU 1st year. I went to WSU for undergrad. It is in the middle of nowhere. I'm from the suburbs outside of Seattle and for me I relish going back to the city on breaks. It is very pretty and there are lots of outdoor activities but if you are at all used to big city things like good restaurants and variety it gets very very old quickly. That said, it is beautiful during all times of the year and the community is very into the school. I think it has a lot to do with your own personality whether or not you like it. Also, I tend not really to notice the lack of activities in the town as much in vet school. I'm not sure if it's because I've become desensitized or because I'm busy with vet school. haha As for parking, it is not run by the university. It is run by an outside party and it's about $400 for parking right in front of the vet school. On football weekends you can't park there and it is a pain in the rear. There is a nice bus system depending on where you live although in certain spots it runs about 45 minutes to campus.

PS Abney - honk honk I was in the Gander at COLE. 😍 Miss you. Hope finals are going well for you.
 
Allie26 said:
I had to chime in. I am a long time lurker and a current WSU 1st year. I went to WSU for undergrad. It is in the middle of nowhere. I'm from the suburbs outside of Seattle and for me I relish going back to the city on breaks. It is very pretty and there are lots of outdoor activities but if you are at all used to big city things like good restaurants and variety it gets very very old quickly. That said, it is beautiful during all times of the year and the community is very into the school. I think it has a lot to do with your own personality whether or not you like it. Also, I tend not really to notice the lack of activities in the town as much in vet school. I'm not sure if it's because I've become desensitized or because I'm busy with vet school. haha As for parking, it is not run by the university. It is run by an outside party and it's about $400 for parking right in front of the vet school. On football weekends you can't park there and it is a pain in the rear. There is a nice bus system depending on where you live although in certain spots it runs about 45 minutes to campus.

PS Abney - honk honk I was in the Gander at COLE. 😍 Miss you. Hope finals are going well for you.
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I totally knew it was you right off the bat as soon as you said you were at WSU! Miss you tooooooo! Few more says and we're freeee! Hang in there! I'm sure you're kicking your finals' butts!
 
Abney said:
The thing is, pretty much all the schools are good. But you have to compare and contrast the schools for yourself. No one can make that decision for you. You're going to have to do some leg work and find out which schools better suit you. 6 hours is nothing compared to the huge treks people make to get to their interviews (myself included the years I applied). I know it's still a pain but not really bad at all.
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Agreed. I just got back from my interview at UF, a 20hr train ride. I also have an interview with WSU. I applied due to the fact it's in the middle of nowhere. I'm from a small town and enjoy the environment. From talking to a former colleague who is a 1st year at WSU, he says he absolutely loves it. Everyone there is super nice, including the professors. If I were you, I would keep it. OSU is a good school too, but keep your options open. You never know, WSU could be amazing for you!
 
Got my rejection letter today. I'm pretty bummed because I'm a tier 1 applicant and I really wasn't expecting it 🙁 Oh well. On to the next, right?
 
still haven't heard anything... any tier two applicants heard anything yet? invites or rejections or ANYTHING at all? I an a tier two, and I'm not sure if I should even be expecting to hear anything for a while... there doesn't seem to be distinct waves of invites going out, more like a trickle of invites spread out.... so all the waiting is making me crazy!
 
Woo Hoo! Got my interview invite in the mail today. So excited considering I didn't even get a chance to interview last year!
 
Mrow123 said:
Got my rejection letter today. I'm pretty bummed because I'm a tier 1 applicant and I really wasn't expecting it 🙁 Oh well. On to the next, right?
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Sorry to hear that Mrow123. Did you get your answers from all the schools you applied to? Hang in there, something might work out.You never know!
 
Sillouetta said:
Woo Hoo! Got my interview invite in the mail today. So excited considering I didn't even get a chance to interview last year!
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Congratulations 🙂 Are you out of state? Did your supplemental app status change from "pending" before you got it?
 
gfa240 said:
Sorry to hear that Mrow123. Did you get your answers from all the schools you applied to? Hang in there, something might work out.You never know!
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I haven't heard back from 3/4 of the other schools yet. I do have an interview at Ohio State, so I don't have anything to complain about! Still, rejection is no fun.

Congrats on your interview Sillouetta!
 
I'm tier 2 and haven't heard anything yet, I did get a rejection from Ohio state today so was hoping to hear good news from washington 🙁
 
I'm tier 2 and haven't heard anything yet either......
 
Smolive said:
Congratulations 🙂 Are you out of state? Did your supplemental app status change from "pending" before you got it?
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Yes, my portal status changed several days ago. Just got the official letter in the mail today. I am OOS
 
Finally got my interview letter today! Woo!!! Anyone else OOS interviewing on the 14th?
 
Merp.. Still pending!!!

Out of curiosity, could OOS students who have been invited to an interview post some of their statistics? It would be most appreciated, thank you!!
 
Sure:

gpa 3.7
science gpa 3.6
gre 630 Q 550 V (old test)
large animal 1000 hours
zoo/wildlife 600 hours
small animal 400 hours

Though, I would say my greatest strength is my extensive work history over the last 10 years. I'm a non-trad student and I did a postbacc.
 
Jan 13, 8:30am (ugh, they're trying to kill me).

I believe I'm tier 1 (the whole "or" part throws me a little). OOS, GPA: 3.7, Science GPA 3.64, and some GRE scores I'm not overly proud of, haha.
 
I guess I'm Tier 1 too... GPA 3.57 (I think, right near 3.6 but can't remember if it was over or not) science GPA very close to that, (honestly can't remember what my GPA's came out to)...GRE around 160 for quant and verb. Not great stats but my strongest thing probably is 3,000+ hours paid technician at a high volume large animal surgical and emergency hospital, where we work solo shifts. I also think I have really strong LOR and heavy heavy class load while working 16+ hours a week. I never took under 17units. I've been working my can off for 4 years and I think everything really reflected that.
 
Hollista said:
Just keep in mind too...you're holding the place of someone who may REALLY want to go there, it may be someone's top choice and keeping an interview that you might not want, just keeps someone else from getting their chance. Just something else to think about....declining the interview may open up that spot for someone on the waiting list who has WSU as their number 1. 😉 good luck with you're decision!
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Dito! I had this happen to me this year for a different program and I'm sure there are people that went to that school's interview who don't really want to go there and are just trying to stack the deck in their favor. It's annoying to think about :bullcrap:
 
DoctorToby said:
still haven't heard anything... any tier two applicants heard anything yet? invites or rejections or ANYTHING at all? I an a tier two, and I'm not sure if I should even be expecting to hear anything for a while... there doesn't seem to be distinct waves of invites going out, more like a trickle of invites spread out.... so all the waiting is making me crazy!
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Does anyone know if you are in tier one, if they even look at your whole application? Ouch my grades from 10 years ago are killing me.
 
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