WSU/USU c/o 2018 applicants!

[lailanni]

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Yeah, trailer parks are a very popular option. I lived in one in the next town over (Moscow) and it worked out very well. I'd recommend it!

Feel free to dress down (waaay down, like jeans and a hoodie) for the pizza mixer. No one is evaluating you. It's just student ambassadors and anyone who wants to steal free pizza. I went every year I was in school there just for the free pizza, and it's fun to see how excited everyone is 😉 You'll even see 4th years in their clinic gear there to get some grub!

 

[lailanni]

Also to give you an idea for trailer lot rent, mine was "expensive" at $315/month. It was in the nicest park in town.

My trailer held value and sold just about where I bought it, so my only net loss was just lot rent over 4 years. Way better than an apartment.

(Trailers in the WSU area hold their value very well, you'll take very little loss, if any. Some people even turn a profit.)

 

[cloverbug]

Hello everyone, so we're supposed to bring a copy of our unofficial transcripts right? I read that right I hope because my invite letter has disappeared.

 

[Lab Vet]

Hello everyone, so we're supposed to bring a copy of our unofficial transcripts right? I read that right I hope because my invite letter has disappeared.

Yes, that's correct, Cloverbug. Best of success in Pullman! I have my interview at USU coming up on Jan 22nd. Perhaps we'll be classmates next year 🙂

 

[Lab Vet]

In placing an inquiry to Barbara regarding interview arrangements, she alerted me that all transcripts should still be in sealed, official envelopes from your school's registrar's office. The only thing that makes them 'unofficial' is that the documents aren't sent to WSU itself. Does that make sense?

 

[cloverbug]

In placing an inquiry to Barbara regarding interview arrangements, she alerted me that all transcripts should still be in sealed, official envelopes from your school's registrar's office. The only thing that makes them 'unofficial' is that the documents aren't sent to WSU itself. Does that make sense?

Sooo...still technically official transcripts? I guess I have some errands on Monday then -.-

 

[Lab Vet]

Sooo...still technically official transcripts? I guess I have some errands on Monday then -.-

You may want to contact Barbara. I'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea to roll up with print outs of your transcript from the Registrar's website, but that's just me.

 

[cloverbug]

You may want to contact Barbara. I'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea to roll up with print outs of your transcript from the Registrar's website, but that's just me.

I have to go harass the community college about the transcripts I ordered on the 27th and have not received any kind of notification that they've been sent anyway.

 

[Abnerrs]

You may want to contact Barbara. I'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea to roll up with print outs of your transcript from the Registrar's website, but that's just me.

Hmm. Unless they changed things that's exactly what I had last year.

 

[Chkntree4]

Hmm. Unless they changed things that's exactly what I had last year.

That's the way the letter makes it seem. At this point, that's all I can do because my registrars office is closed, I fly out tomorrow, and my interview is Monday so that's gonna have to suffice.

 

[gfa240]

Wow!! I can't even comprehend these prices...I live in so cal and pay 1650 (cheapest around by far), for a small 2 bedroom "townhome", which is basically an apartment. It has a tiny 12x12 patio for my dog. Most places around here are 1900-2000 for one and two bedrooms. Crazy. Lol!!!!

I know! So Cal is crazy expensive. You easily pay 1800-2200 for a 1BDR in a semi-decent area. You really have no choice b/c the city is so unsafe and dangerous.

 

[gfa240]

In placing an inquiry to Barbara regarding interview arrangements, she alerted me that all transcripts should still be in sealed, official envelopes from your school's registrar's office. The only thing that makes them 'unofficial' is that the documents aren't sent to WSU itself. Does that make sense?

I thought you are supposed to send them to VMCAS again and they will forward it to the school. At least that's the case with OSU.

 

[Chkntree4]

I thought you are supposed to send them to VMCAS again and they will forward it to the school. At least that's the case with OSU.

The letter says bring em with.

Also, why mid week interviews? Not the most conducive to academics ya know?

 

[lailanni]

Also, why mid week interviews? Not the most conducive to academics ya know?

It's not like the school officials are holding interviews on weekends and you got the short straw, they're always during the week.

Good luck! I'd love to hear who's on the panels this year.

 

[Chkntree4]

It's not like the school officials are holding interviews on weekends and you got the short straw, they're always during the week.

Good luck! I'd love to hear who's on the panels this year.

Nah I know they are all during the week I'm just wondering why in general haha

 

[Abnerrs]

Mine was on a Saturday last year. 😛

 

[gfa240]

Nah I know they are all during the week I'm just wondering why in general haha

mine is on Saturday as well.

 

[lailanni]

mine is on Saturday as well.

Huh. Well that's new since I graduated. I wonder how they talked the panels to coming in on a weekend. I feel a little bad for the students who interview on weekends as well - you'd be missing out on the usual student interaction (many people love to chat with prospective students while they're waiting) plus the hospital tours would be a bit boring since most departments aren't open.

Well, good luck to anyone interviewing 🙂

Where are the Saturday people from? Is that a Utah thing or a WSU thing?

Here's the WSU schedule I got in my email (for some reason I still get WSU CVM email updates) it doesn't mention Saturday...
__
"Interviews for the Washington residents will take place the 30th and 31st of January
Out of Area Interviews will be Monday-Friday (Jan 13-17) from 8am to 5pm
Idaho Interviews will be Thursday (Jan 16) 8am to 5pm and Friday (Jan 17) from 8am to 12pm

Additionally, there will be Pizza Mixers on Monday (Jan 13), Wednesday (Jan 15), and Thursday (Jan 16) from 5pm to 7pm in the Bustad Lounge. This is a great, low key opportunity for people to talk and get to know each other!"
__

Go the the pizza mixers if you can, it's always a friendly bunch there.

 

[lailanni]

Nah I know they are all during the week I'm just wondering why in general haha

When I applied, I wished they weren't during the week too! I had to reschedule some exam for it - bleh.

So - where's everyone staying? The Holiday Inn is usually pretty popular; they're close to school and they also have cookies at night. I think they have a free shuttle?

If you have a car, the La Quinta in Moscow is nice - they have cookies too.

If you're landing in the Pullman airport and need a ride, you may be able to get one if you ask the interview coordinator for help. (Is it Barb this year?) It was pretty common for current students to help with pickups. I did an airport run once.

*A note about landing at the Pullman airport - they may occasionally divert flights to land in Lewiston when it's really foggy.

If you're landing in Spokane and driving down it'll take around 1.5 hours if you don't speed. Don't speed through Colfax, that place is a giant speed trap.

And if you're traveling into town and have a restrictive diet (gluten free, vegan, etc) you may enjoy the Co-Op in Moscow. They have gluten free and vegan foods, the best in the area.

If you don't have a restrictive diet and love ice cream, WSU has their own creamery. It's called Ferdinand's and it's about a 10 minute walk from the CVM. I miss that place! Best ice cream I've had, hands down!

 

[Chkntree4]

If you're landing in Spokane and driving down it'll take around 1.5 hours if you don't speed. Don't speed through Colfax, that place is a giant speed trap.

Ugh don't I know it. Hour and a half to go 70 miles, speed limits not above 60.... soooooo different from california.

 

[gfa240]

Huh. Well that's new since I graduated. I wonder how they talked the panels to coming in on a weekend. I feel a little bad for the students who interview on weekends as well - you'd be missing out on the usual student interaction (many people love to chat with prospective students while they're waiting) plus the hospital tours would be a bit .

WSU is on the 17th and OSU is on the 25th. I am very hesitant about WSU b/c with the way the job market is, I think its insane to pay OOS tuition.

 

[gfa240]

Ugh don't I know it. Hour and a half to go 70 miles, speed limits not above 60.... soooooo different from california.

considering that the speed limit is 70 m/hour in California, but you actually end up driving about 10 miles/hours! 🙂

 

[Lab Vet]

Huh. Well that's new since I graduated. I wonder how they talked the panels to coming in on a weekend. I feel a little bad for the students who interview on weekends as well - you'd be missing out on the usual student interaction (many people love to chat with prospective students while they're waiting) plus the hospital tours would be a bit boring since most departments aren't open.

Well, good luck to anyone interviewing 🙂

Where are the Saturday people from? Is that a Utah thing or a WSU thing?

Thank you, Lailanni! I'm very excited for my interview rapidly approaching on January 22nd (a Wednesday- midweek). I'm a Utah resident, and will be interviewing at Utah State University in Logan. Should I have the good fortune of being accepted, I'll definitely be making a trip out to Pullman to get a feel for the area, as well as to scope out the teaching hospital and surrounding communities. The USU interview schedule stretches over two days (21-22nd). On the evening of the 21st, there is a social at the USU Alumni house where prospective applicants have the opportunity to interact with current 1st/2nd year students, as well as the veterinary school faculty. Tours of the academic and animal facilities are also provided at various intervals throughout both days.

 

[Lab Vet]

WSU is on the 17th and OSU is on the 25th. I am very hesitant about WSU b/c with the way the job market is, I think its insane to pay OOS tuition.

WSU is one of the few schools that permits its students to obtain IS tuition after the first year. Although first year tuition is sky high (over $50K), that's a pretty sweet arrangement.

 

[anesthtc]

So can any WSU students provide a pro/con list for going there? I read through the thread where they have some but I would like some additional opinions.
Is there anything you feel your university does better than others? Anything you feel is a bit lacking?

 

[gfa240]

WSU is one of the few schools that permits its students to obtain IS tuition after the first year. Although first year tuition is sky high (over $50K), that's a pretty sweet arrangement.

I think any amount more than IS its absurd to pay. 30K extra may not seem like a big deal now, but when you end up paying 7% on 200K for 20+ years, everything counts. I for one will not be a money making machine for these schools anymore than I have to. With the ridiculous amount of tuition , more ridiculous interest rate on loans and abysmal job market for new vets, I think we all have it bad enough.

 

[Abnerrs]

I think any amount more than IS its absurd to pay. 30K extra may not seem like a big deal now, but when you end up paying 7% on 200K for 20+ years, everything counts. I for one will not be a money making machine for these schools anymore than I have to. The state of economy for vet students is abysmal in the current situation.

I am an OOS student. My state didn't have a vet school....

 

[Abnerrs]

WSU's program was always my top choice because they seem to be more interested in their students as people and not just tuition generators. They want to make you successful all around, including building people skills and learning how to relate to people and convey information.

 

[Lab Vet]

Agreed, Abney. Even before I became a resident of UT, I was very interested in WSU due to its student-centered focus and well-rounded curriculum. I absolutely love the fact that student ranks are unpublished. This makes for a very non-competitive environment at the school, where classmates are seen as collaborators rather than 'enemies' to be 'one-uped.' I'm sure that this is also the case at other vet schools (Mizzou comes to mind), but WSU pushes/highlights this unique culture in their prospective applicant literature. Culture of the school is a major attractant for me- props for WSU.

 

[Lab Vet]

I think any amount more than IS its absurd to pay. 30K extra may not seem like a big deal now, but when you end up paying 7% on 200K for 20+ years, everything counts. I for one will not be a money making machine for these schools anymore than I have to. With the ridiculous amount of tuition , more ridiculous interest rate on loans and abysmal job market for new vets, I think we all have it bad enough.

You do recognize that vet schools aren't 'banking out' on our tuition? Veterinary schools are enormously expensive institutions to run. Student tuition accounts for only a fraction of the school's annual operating budget. States subsidize a hefty portion of that budget, at least for those schools which are public.

 

[NStarz]

Agreed, Abney. Even before I became a resident of UT, I was very interested in WSU due to its student-centered focus and well-rounded curriculum. I absolutely love the fact that student ranks are unpublished. This makes for a very non-competitive environment at the school, where classmates are seen as collaborators rather than 'enemies' to be 'one-uped.' I'm sure that this is also the case at other vet schools (Mizzou comes to mind), but WSU pushes/highlights this unique culture in their prospective applicant literature. Culture of the school is a major attractant for me- props for WSU.

I don't think this is super uncommon (though I couldn't be sure). Ohio does not publish ranks (we need to request them student affairs).

 

[Abnerrs]

I don't think this is super uncommon (though I couldn't be sure). Ohio does not publish ranks (we need to request them student affairs).

I don't know how common it is. But I do know that WSU is VERY proactive in trying to get rid of competitiveness. "Comparison is the thief of joy". They always say they have enough DVMs for everyone in the program. That was big for me because I'm so NOT competitive and not type A lol.

 

[gfa240]

You do recognize that vet schools aren't 'banking out' on our tuition? Veterinary schools are enormously expensive institutions to run. Student tuition accounts for only a fraction of the school's annual operating budget. States subsidize a hefty portion of that budget, at least for those schools which are public.

I used to think that way. Then I found out that deans, VPs, and bunch of other people at most schools have million dollar salaries. I pay 40% of my hard earned money to the federal and state government. In exchange I am not entitled to any of the amenities offered by other industrialized countries including free education and healthcare. Federal government chooses to payout banks and wall street and cut education and research funding + charge the poor students 7% interest on educational loans. State doesn't subsidize anything that they haven't taken out of our paychecks in the first place. Where do you think that money is coming from?

 

[gfa240]

I am an OOS student. My state didn't have a vet school....

Well, you really had no other choice then. If you have a choice, I think OOS is outrageously expensive. I personally wouldn't go for it unless I had help. I looked at the repayment plans on that loan repayment website thing and I imagined how my life would be with this debt 20 years down the line. Not fun!
I also love the comment that " comparison kills joy". It could not be more true. Some people are all about competition to the point that they forget why the heck they are doing what they do. What the heck is the point?

 

[gfa240]

WSU's program was always my top choice because they seem to be more interested in their students as people and not just tuition generators. They want to make you successful all around, including building people skills and learning how to relate to people and convey information.

I too have heard really good things about WSU. I think the curriculum is comprehensive, and the program is well established. Also I heard that the class environment is usually friendly and students have closer connections to one another. From what I hear, that's not the case in every school.

 

[gfa240]

I used to think that way.

p.s. these are supposed to represent the 5 stages of grief over the cost of vet school, except that I couldn't find any icons for bargaining and denial.

 

[cloverbug]

Dun, dun, dun, another one bites the dust. I finished my interview today and it really wasn't that bad. Just stay calm and try to have a conversation with them. It makes it a little less scary. Good luck to those who still have to interview!

 

[98cats]

Whew. I'm glad the interview is over. I was so nervous. The tour of the hospital was pretty awesome though. It made me really excited.

 

[cloverbug]

Anyone going to the mixer tonight and not mind giving me a ride so I don't have to take a cab for the 3rd time? It gets expensive.

 

[Hollista]

Is there an essay portion of interview? Looking at the SDN previously asked interview questions for WSU they have a couple that say "this was the essay question".... Just trying to be fully prepared for Friday!!! 🙂 any last words of wisdom?

 

[cloverbug]

Is there an essay portion of interview? Looking at the SDN previously asked interview questions for WSU they have a couple that say "this was the essay question".... Just trying to be fully prepared for Friday!!! 🙂 any last words of wisdom?

You'll do great, don't stress! There's no essay anymore. It's just talking to them about specific questions relating to your interests.

 

[Chkntree4]

Is there an essay portion of interview? Looking at the SDN previously asked interview questions for WSU they have a couple that say "this was the essay question".... Just trying to be fully prepared for Friday!!! 🙂 any last words of wisdom?

No there ain't a dang essay haha. So no worries there. Also it's really chill. At no point during my interview on Monday did I feel like I was getting grilled nor did they ask me anything uncomfortable or tough.

 

[lailanni]

Is there an essay portion of interview? Looking at the SDN previously asked interview questions for WSU they have a couple that say "this was the essay question".... Just trying to be fully prepared for Friday!!! 🙂 any last words of wisdom?

I think they got rid of that? I dunno, maybe someone more recent can chime in.

If for some reason they still have one, don't let it get to you. I don't think it actually counted for much. Maybe it was just a way of keeping everyone somewhat occupied 😉 It was usually a common topic that was opinion based (my essay question was ethics of cat declawing), so it's not like they wanted you to list vaccine components or describe the Krebs cycle.

Edit: y'all type faster than me! I'm glad the essay portion is gone! I still think they never really looked at those anyway...

 

[yogapony]

Loved the hospital. Really excited, but if they do accept me, I'm going to have a really tough decision to make....

 

[Hollista]

Thanks guys!!! I did a mock interview today at my undergrad, good thing I did I rambled a bit on the open ended questions!! You know the "tell me about yourself" question!! Lol! She gave me some awesome pointers so I think I'm good now! I'm flying out tom and interview Friday!!! Yay!!!!

 

[Allie26]

So can any WSU students provide a pro/con list for going there? I read through the thread where they have some but I would like some additional opinions.
Is there anything you feel your university does better than others? Anything you feel is a bit lacking?

Granted I am only a first year, but almost everything I have seen at WSU has been positive. Specifically, as Abney said WSU really tries to foster a community environment where people aren't competing but working together. For example, every year the week before class everyone meets for 3 days at a big camp on a river for COLE. It was a great experience to meet all of your classmates and start to get to know them before class starts. Also, if you're planning on starting out in Utah, don't be scared that you wont be accepted when you make your way back to Pullman your third year. This year they created groups that combined Utah students with Pullman students (so Abney was in my awesome group 🙂 ) and I know that at least in our group, the Pullman students can't wait be reunited with their Utah group members.

As well, I have been really impressed with the professors so far. They have all been very helpful and genuinely concerned about making you a amazing veterinarian and not so much about what you rank in the class. I also have experience with the technicians and clinicians in the hospital as I interned there as an undergrad and worked in anesthesia, and I can say that they are some of the most caring and genuine people you will ever meet. WSU has a very open policy on who can be at the teaching hospital and even encourage you to start spending time there your first semester as you have to take a class where you spend 2 hours observing a rotation. The one thing that concerns me about WSU is that the city is fairly small so they sometimes don't have as many cases at the hospital as I would like. I don't personally have any experience with lack of cases as I am only a 1st year, but I have been in the clinic where some rotations seem to consistently lack cases for the 4th years.

 

[anesthtc]

Granted I am only a first year, but almost everything I have seen at WSU has been positive. Specifically, as Abney said WSU really tries to foster a community environment where people aren't competing but working together. For example, every year the week before class everyone meets for 3 days at a big camp on a river for COLE. It was a great experience to meet all of your classmates and start to get to know them before class starts. Also, if you're planning on starting out in Utah, don't be scared that you wont be accepted when you make your way back to Pullman your third year. This year they created groups that combined Utah students with Pullman students (so Abney was in my awesome group 🙂 ) and I know that at least in our group, the Pullman students can't wait be reunited with their Utah group members.

As well, I have been really impressed with the professors so far. They have all been very helpful and genuinely concerned about making you a amazing veterinarian and not so much about what you rank in the class. I also have experience with the technicians and clinicians in the hospital as I interned there as an undergrad and worked in anesthesia, and I can say that they are some of the most caring and genuine people you will ever meet. WSU has a very open policy on who can be at the teaching hospital and even encourage you to start spending time there your first semester as you have to take a class where you spend 2 hours observing a rotation. The one thing that concerns me about WSU is that the city is fairly small so they sometimes don't have as many cases at the hospital as I would like. I don't personally have any experience with lack of cases as I am only a 1st year, but I have been in the clinic where some rotations seem to consistently lack cases for the 4th years.

Awesome thanks. It's good to hear the culture there is a strong point.
Do you know how many people exercise the option to become a Washington resident? And is there any word on what is going to happen with the tuition? I was reading about some tuition changes being considered in Washington's state legislature and it looks like the tuition recently spiked by quite a bit. Is there rumor of 60-70k OOS tuition in the future like for Colorado?

 

[Abnerrs]

I haven't heard that rumor. But granted I'm in Utah. But I think we would get the spike too and I haven't heard anything.


Aaaahhhh! Allie! I think I'm going to be a mentor at COLE (here, since in an ambassador I should get first pick) and I wanna see you! We can go have a beer or whatever! 😀

 

[dydrmr01]

Whew!!! So I had no idea there would be 4 interviewers instead of 2 for the Idaho people!

 

[Lab Vet]

How'd the OOS/ID resident interviews go, everyone?