How to Decide Between Two Veterinary Colleges

Since fewer than half of those who apply to veterinary school in the United Sates gain acceptance, being in a position to choose between two schools is commendable.  It can also be difficult.  While you may be tempted to choose based on rank alone, this will not ensure happiness or success.  Instead, take into account finance, your learning needs and your career goals to decide on the best veterinary program for you.

• Consider the cost.  With student loan debt at an all time high, this is very important.  Veterinary school is expensive, and the loans you take out as a student will have a lot of impact on your future lifestyle.  If you have the opportunity to attend a school at which you can pay instate tuition, weigh this heavily. When looking at your schools, consider tuition costs, cost of living and other expenses.  Also, consider the availability of financial aid at each school. 


• Understated your learning style.  Some veterinary schools, such as Cornell University and Western University, have programs that rely heavily on problem based learning.  This means that students work in small groups and learn through discussion and discovery.  Some other schools use problem based learning to a lesser extent and rely more heavily on lectures.  When you consider your choices, take your own learning style into account.  If you like working in groups, you will want a program with a stronger problem based learning emphasis.  If you learn better on your own, a more traditional, lecture heavy program might be a better choice for you.


• Think about your goals.  You will be able to obtain a thorough veterinary education at any accredited school, but some schools are stronger in specific areas than others.  For example, if you want to do research, consider the school, such as the University of Pennsylvania, with a lot of opportunities for student research.  If you are interested in zoo medicine, choose a school, such as Louisiana State University, with a well-known program in this area of study.


• Talk to current students, and visit each school.  Getting a firsthand look at a school and talking to current students is the best way to determine if a program is a good fit for you and your goals.