WSU vs. Michigan State

[juggling-zebra0831]

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Hi all! I am reaching out to see if can get some input and general advice. OOS non-traditional student from PA with interests spanning internal medicine, ER, one health and possibly mixed practice. Originally committed to Michigan State but yesterday was extended offer from WSU off waitlist. This is my 2nd cycle. For context, last cycle was waitlisted at Michigan State (15 seats off from being pulled before class closed) and denied everywhere else. Was mentally prepared to attend Michigan State since only outright acceptance and honestly never thought would be in position where fortunate enough to have and explore options.

Here's my thoughts. I am open to any insights, words of wisdom, etc. ya'll can provide. To be fair, I probably have more info on Michigan State than WSU just because of being waitlisted last year so those who have more info on WSU's curriculum would love to hear from you 🙂 Also, under tight deadline where have to let WSU know my decision by this upcoming Tuesday.

I'm really torn guys because I love both of these schools but realize can only go to one. I was very careful about schools I selected when applying and chose schools that I could only see myself at. Trying to stay level-headed too about this too with cost, etc to help my future self out 😭😍

Michigan State
Pros:

• Smaller class
• Closer to home; know people who have attended
• More urban setting with convenient mass transit, activities always going on, etc.
• 2.5 years of didactics, 1.5 years of clinics
• Emphasis on problem-based, case-based, hands-on learning with flipped classroom and systems-based curriculum so able to learn in context
• One of the largest national clinical/diagnostic caseloads
  • Known for it's world renown diagnostic laboratory (provides learning material for case examples), one-health focus, Big 10 Alliance school with plethora of opportunities for research
  • 1 of 4 CVMs to have veterinary nursing program so vet students/nursing students have opportunity to work/learn from each other
  • Number one study abroad program with funding to support international opportunities
  • Brand new dairy facility with new herd of cattle
  • Ability to get experience in hospital from day one w/paid opportunities and skills lab to get hands-on learning experiences
• Currently have been awarded $5k merit scholarship that would offset costs for first year
• Rabies vaccine is covered by health insurance school offers

Cons:

• Crime reported by neighborhood scout is higher
• No way to establish/qualify for in-state tuition
• Cost of living is slightly higher
• Concern for maintaining accreditation and/or enter probationary status based on historically low NAVLE rates
• Curriculum is changing for class of 2028 and class of 2029 so in essence would be entering as "guinea pig" class

WSU
Pros:

• Safer location
• Able to establish residency and qualify for in-state tuition after the first year so HUGE long-term savings (~estimated $60-80k)
  • Would allow for more flexibility post-graduation to pursue internships, residency, travel, etc.
• Cost of living is lower
• NAVLE rates historically have been very high despite school having few minor deficiencies
• State of the art simulation-based skills lab with diverse array of models to practice on
• Modified pass/fail curriculum
• Big/little system where paired with upperclassman to help you out
• Veterinary teaching hospital accessible for all 4 years of study
• Emphasis on shelter medicine, one health

Cons:

• Huge coast to coast cross country move with no family, friends, acquaintances, etc. and more difficult to make visits back home due to prohibitive distance/travel costs
• Would be forfeiting deposit to Michigan State if accepted but no deposit for accepting offer from WSU
• Rural/remote setting
• 3 years of didactics, 1 year of clinics
• More traditional curriculum that teaches by disciplines vs. systems
• Rabies vaccine is not covered by school
• No formal dual degree programs

 

[supershorty]

Able to establish residency and qualify for in-state tuition after the first year so HUGE long-term savings (~estimated $60-80k)

This is your answer right here. Especially in the current political climate, where no one knows what will happen with student loans. Minimize your debt as much as possible.

 

[JaynaAli]

This is your answer right here. Especially in the current political climate, where no one knows what will happen with student loans. Minimize your debt as much as possible.

Retweet.

It may be a little stressful to move across the country on a shorter notice, but it’s worth it for the savings on your loans. I always advocate for going to the cheapest school, but I think it’s even more important now that we know there are proposals that to do away with/limit gradplus loans. Hopefully those don’t pass but do your future self a favor today and do everything you can to minimize your loans. A lot of that other stuff on your pro/con list is neat in a “gee whiz” kind of way, but I seriously doubt will have anywhere near the impact on your education as you’re thinking. Reducing costs (or enduring unneeded increased costs) will affect your life for years, especially if federal loans for grad school are changed and there’s no options but being wealthy or private loans in the next year or two.