Ohio State University vs Clemson?

<p>Hi guys! I'm currently a junior in high school and have a life long dream of becoming a veterinarian. I'm looking at several schools right now, but I keep coming back to OSU and Clemson. There's just something about both of these schools that have me hooked. As far as my personal background, I'm a pretty good student. I have a 4.2 GPA, take the most challenging courses my school has to offer, am regionally recognized in JSA, and am very involved in my school and my community. From what I take it, this should be enough to earn me a pretty decent chance of getting into both of these schools. But this is where the hard part lies! The two schools are so different!! As far as OSU, I like the fact that I could technically stay there for grad school (this is HUGE considering there are only 28 domestic DVM schools). I also like the fact that there is a ton to do because the school is located in the city. MOST importantly however, I like the idea of qualifying for so much in scholarship money. I'm out of state for both schools, but at OSU I would be able to attend for practically in-state cost. However, I'd rather not go to school in such a cold place/ to such a large school. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE the idea of going to a big football school- I'm just not sure I can handle OSU big. As far as Clemson, I REALLY love the idea of being in the south. The general atmosphere of the area attracts me more, as do the attitudes of the people. I'm an avid runner so I like the idea of being able to comfortably run around campus all year round. I also really am drawn to the exposure their pre-vet program offers with large animals. And I really enjoy the pride that the school has, and how involved they are with all sports- even intramural ones! And of course, the smaller (but not small) size of the school seems almost perfect for me. However, I am sort of torn because Clemson really does not seem to have much to do on campus and the closest city is 40 minutes away. And perhaps the bigger problem would be the cost. It's not clear that I would qualify for any money and if that proves to be true, tuition would be twice as high as that at OSU.
Sorry for this post being so lengthy, but any opinions on what school seems like a better match for me would be incredible and much appreciated!
Thank you!!</p>

<p>The University of Alabama might offer you the best of both worlds, or at least being in the South plus big time football. Check out these out of state scholarships at 'Bama:
<a href=“http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html”>http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The vet school in the state of Alabama is in Auburn, however. Since they are football rivals, that could be a bit tense. However, you could consider Auburn for undergraduate. Not as generous with scholarships as 'Bama, but might match OSU. Take a look here:
<a href=“http://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/freshman.html”>http://www.auburn.edu/scholarship/undergraduate/freshman.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I live in Columbus, and yes it is bitterly cold. You will not do much outdoor running in January and February. Actually, there is not all that much to do here. Columbus is a typical boring Mid-West city. Cincinnati is far more interesting, for example. Let me be BLUNT… Ohio State football sucks the oxygen out of everything else here. It really is the only thing that anybody cares about. 'Bama is pretty rabid too, but that is to be expected on campus and in such a small city as Tuscaloosa. But in a large city like Columbus, there should be other topics besides football. There aren’t.</p>

<p>A lot of people do not like the remoteness of Clemson. I have never been there, but somehow I keep hearing about folks being surprised that it is the middle of nowhere.</p>