WSU VS Mizzou (Both OOS)

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austin_haller72

Full Member
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Hello,

I got pulled off the Mizzou waitlist last week and was planning on attending due to the low tuition costs, but today I was accepted into WSU and I am conflicted on what I should do. I have not had the opportunity to visit either campus, but I have plans to visit Mizzou next week (I likely will be unable to visit WSU). From what I can tell WSU has a much higher NAVLE pass rate and seems overall higher rated, however, I was accepted as part of the cooperative agreement with Bozeman so I would spend the first year in Montana and then the rest of the time is WSU.

Does anyone have any experience with this cooperative program? Can anyone attest to what life is like at WSU? Whatever information anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated!
 
I'm a first year at WSU and can try my best to answer what questions you might have though I can't speak into Bozeman experience and don't know much about Mizzou outside of it being 2+2 program (unless things have changed from time I did my research lol). If you go back in WSU Class of 2030 thread, a few of us made some posts regarding what "day in the life" looks like here that I recommend you check out but you are free to dm me.

As far as my experience here, I really cannot emphasize enough how much the faculty and staff really care about your mental health and wellbeing. Like its dead week here, and counseling made us "mental health wellness bags" with face mask, snacks etc. Vet school of course is what you make it at the end of the day but WSU does really good job of offering opportunities to you early on. We get principles of surgery class (i.e., learn how to scrub in, suture, etc.) in our first year which from my understanding is pretty unheard of at most other institutions. We are known for our clinical simulation lab (facilities have been updated as of few years ago)...you can pretty much practice anything from here's how to do basic closure and ligatures to walk yourself through whole spay/neuter or practice ultrasound/endoscopy in simulated environment with peer instructors available too. Also have wildlife rehabilitation center, plethora of clubs and activities to tailor your interests to, top-tier research institution, time-slip positions at VTH available and you can shadow across virtually most departments when you start. The only downside that you prob have heard others talk about is the campus is in a fairly rural area...like we are located next to University of Idaho but Pullman by itself is pretty small. For me that was a big change coming from metropolitan city with access to buses, trains etc. but it was worth it because of the difference in cost. We do get pretty great sunsets, star-gazing etc. for what it's worth lol

Both schools will prepare you well. Our NAVLE rates are high but imo I would look at trends at the end of the day. The only thing I would prob put stock in is the cost especially rn with changes to loan borrowing rules and BBB. Starting at Bozeman from my understanding means you will be paying for OOS tuition at WSU for first 2 years before you can file for residency application to get in-state tuition (it is easy to qualify from what I understand). You'll want to also factor in cost of move from wherever you are too and cost of living too.

Hope this helps! Congrats and best of luck to you in your decision!
 
I replied to your comment in the WSU 2030 thread, but just wanted to say I'm also from California and have really enjoyed my time at WSU so far! Feel free to ask any specific questions you have and I'll do my best to respond quickly (but like the other poster said we have finals this week and next)
 
just because you will have to move out from where you will be in the beginning + waiting 2 years to apply for in-state tuition at WSU makes Mizzou much cheaper in the long run (you can get in-state tuition after 1st year and you won't have to move out again). The NAVLE pass rate at both institutions is higher than national average, so I don't think that should be a deciding factor.