Alright, so I've been reading and digging, hoping and praying, to find the information that I need on here. Everyone seems so helpful and it seems like a great group to help me with my problem. What is your problem? you might ask yourself well here it is:
I've been accepted into both OKSU and KSU. . . I love them both. (the last clause is my problem)
So, what I need is to know the cons of these schools. The bad things. The dirt. The nitty gritty that no one likes to talk about because quite frankly NO ONE is talking about them.
Indulge your gossiping side and help me out please, I have a tough decision to make.
Thank you for your time
OK is cheaper - all you need to know!
I also looked into KSU and loved it, so hopefully this helps, although for me, a lot of it came down to the money. I really liked KSU, but just didn't feel that the things I liked were worth another 10K+ a year.
Our facilities are a little out of date, but they are working on improving that. Flat screens in the current second year classroom, new outlets going in, a new building in the works, new flooring in the LA hospital, new paint, practically brand new small animal ICU. Plus we've got MRI/CT. One is new, one is upgraded, I just can't remember which is which right now!
Just to add to the schooling stuff- 99% of our lectures are video recorded, which is a wonderful thing for going back and playing catch up, re-listening to profs who talk fast, etc.
Look into case loads for what you want to do - I feel like our hospital has been pretty slow for a while, although it's picking back up now. That's more a factor of the economy though, and KSU might be facing similar problems.
Are you an Equine person? Our Equine dept. will likely be undergoing some changes, as we've lost a few clinicians, one is retiring, one on maternity leave, etc. Not sure what the plan is, but I'm a little worried that it might impact elective offerings and such. Not sure I'd classify that as a negative, but it is something to be aware of as things might be changing. Then again, I'm nearly positive they'll have it all sorted out by the time you get around to equine electives!
From what I saw of KSU, I liked their town marginally more than Stillwater. More of a selection for stores/food/etc. (They had a Target!!). Stillwater is growing though- we are getting an Olive Garden, Joann Fabrics, and a few other stores in the next few months. OKC is a pretty easy drive when I want good food and amazing shopping- 45 min to an hour depending on where you are heading, so I get down there every few weeks. Grocery stores in Stillwater are horrible, another reason to head down to OKC. We've got a nice little farmers market though, so I spend a good deal of time at that, plus the few (overpriced) natural/organic/speciality stores in town. Cost of living here is very reasonable, easy to find decent housing, even with pets. I have a little house that I love, just a few blocks from the vet school.
If you are not a religious person, be aware you will be in the Bible belt. Lots of talk about Jesus, and I'm constantly shocked at the number of churches that go door to door. I'm at the point where I run and hide when I see people in suits/dresses heading towards my door. Most of our professors are good at staying professional but there are a few who seem to inadvertantly push their beliefs at you. There's always some stupid law trying to be passed and it basically all centers around religious beliefs, IMO, and most of it seems to be trying to limit womens rights. Pisses me off, but hasn't actually affected me yet.
Oh! big con! Our school color is bright orange and I think it's hideous
To be perfectly honest, that's about all I can come up with for dirt. I do like the school, although for an east coast girl, the town leaves a little to be desired
There are a couple other Okies who frequent the boards, both in-staters, so they might have a little to add as well.
If you haven't already, you should definitely come visit the school and see the town for yourself. I'd be happy to show you around once you are out here. If you have any specific questions about OK, feel free to ask!
