Schools for Financial Aid and Working with Animals

College Search & Selection
1

Hello! I am a rising junior and I have given college quite a bit of thought over the summer to the point where I just feel overwhelmed. Excited–but overwhelmed. I have struggled with creating a college list at first due to confusion on what field I would want to go in, but now I have figured out my criteria and am hoping to create a “rough draft” sort of list so I can begin to plan visits and do some further research. If anyone has any recommendations on schools or what to look for in a school, I would really appreciate it. :slight_smile:

What I’m looking for in a college includes the following:

-Strong biology program with a leaning on animals. I know I want to work with animals, either as a vet or as some kind of researcher. I’d also like the college to offer plenty of hands-on experiences (farms, teaching hospitals, research stations, etc.)
-An extensive study abroad program (both in locations and in offering various lengths of the trip). I would love to travel as a young adult, and through my college seems like a great way to do so.
-A friendly, more left-leaning campus vibe (I’m open to a mixed political scene, but I would like to avoid conservative schools).
-A population of more than 4,000 students.
-A generous school with financial aid opportunities. I’m going to apply for merit scholarships and others that coordinate with things I’m doing outside of school, but the financial aid piece is really important. One of my main goals with college is to leave unburdened by mountains of student loans. And especially if I want to go to vet school, keeping costs low for my undergraduate experience is a must.
-I’m not looking for any particular clubs or activities, and I would prefer to stay in the Midwest, but will definitely travel to live elsewhere if that’s what will serve me best.

As far as what I bring to the table, it’s a bit tricky. Beginning in the second half of my freshman year, my home life has proved challenging. Long story short, for the remainder of my freshman year, it seemed that my parents were on the brink of divorce. There were constant arguments and it kicked my anxiety into overdrive. I was in my guidance counselor’s office crying every day. I was despondent and went off my ADD medication. It was resolved by the end of the summer (there was no divorce mainly due to economic reasons and have visited a marriage counselor since then). During my sophomore year, I was struggling with finding a medication to bring my anxiety levels down to a reasonable place and feel like myself again. That also was resolved by the end of that year. And now my mom has cancer (she’s been getting treatment this summer). The reason this matters is that my grades took a hit. My counselor has assured me that she will include in her letters of recommendation an explanation for what happened. While I had straight As the first semester of my freshman year, the second half of the year I had mostly Bs and a couple As. First half of sophomore year included a couple Bs, an A, and a C. Second half of the year was all As except for a B and a C. I have taken all honors classes and my first AP last year (APUSH, where I got a five on the AP exam). I have not taken the real life ACT yet, but I scored a composite on the Practice ACT of 32 (36 in English, 33 in reading, 33 in science, and 27 in math). I’ve been practicing with math and am hoping to bump up my score a bit. As far as extracurriculars go, I have been involved in my school’s service club for the past two years, have gone on two summer science trips and received extra science credits for those, been volunteering at my local animal shelter. This year, I will also be applying for a volunteer program at a local zoo, participating in a school-based drug prevention program, and becoming a leader in a school-run retreat that promotes positive decision making and peer growth and support (it’s really fun and everyone finds it life-changing). I’m hoping that in my application essays I can go into how, even though I’ve been through a lot, I’ve come out stronger and more resilient. I just hope colleges will be understanding and accepting that I’m not the ideal cookie-cutter applicant. But I do have a lot to offer. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again. Hope you’re having a nice day.

2

What part of the country are you looking into when choosing a college? There are many universities with decent pre-vet programs and vet schools.

3

Well, I’d prefer somewhere in the Midwest, but I’m pretty open as far as location goes. The financial element is really what this all depends on. If I have to go to Hawaii or Canada or over the seas to leave myself in a good place financially, I’ll do it.

4

Your basic problem is that most schools where you can work with animals more diverse than your typical lab rats are going to be state schools which usually do not award much financial aid. Historically these majors have been basically ignored by most private universities. Even Cornell, a private school which does have a fantastic program, houses its animal science program in its state affiliated college (however, out of state students receive generous financial aid if admitted). The few private schools which offer hands on programs tend to be small, mostly extremely conservative, often very Christian schools.

The University of Findlay might be an exception to this rule but I’m not terribly familiar with it. The other school I’m aware of that might break this trend is Tuskegee University but this school, located in rural Alabama, is a historically black college which has recently dealt with serious enrollment challenges.

What is your home state? Will your father be able to contribute anything towards your college? I’m assuming that given your mother’s cancer, her contribution will be $0.

5

I’m from Illinois, and I think my dad got some deal when I was born at U of I that means some of the admission for that college is already paid for (and if I don’t go there, it would be refunded). My dad will definitely be contributing towards my college, there is plenty of money in the bank for this exact purpose, I’m just not sure how much exactly.

Now that I think of it, I thought I had heard that a few private schools (namely Duke, Wash U, and Tufts) have good programs with animals, although not for pre-vet with Duke. Is that accurate?

6
  • Almost all schools have study abroad and if not direct connections, will allow you to go thru another program. I wouldn't make this a priority - investigate possibilities after your other requirements are met.
  • Most campuses will be left of center and unless purposefully seeking a conservative population you are likely to find your people.
  • The most generous schools will typically be the ones where you are in the higher stats of their incoming freshman. You have good stats and your grades are fine. A couple of Cs will be ok, especially as you are in high level classes. Focus on what you love and don't try to pad your resume with lots of activity in Junior and Senior year, more focus in something meaningful to you and a leadership role/work experience is better than lots of clubs.
  • Rhodes college in Memphis will take the time to know your situation and application and your stats are already a fit. They have good aid and strong internship programs for pre-vet, and other pre-professional tracks. And they will know you and help you succeed. A larger school that has a strong pre-vet program is University of Tennessee, UC Davis may also be interesting.
  • I recommend a good look at schools where you will be one of the stronger candidates or at least top 50% (stats wise) going in as you are more likely to have other opportunities - financial, honors programs (typically not more difficult, just more opportunities and focus groups), internships, research ops etc. The schools you mention are very, very strong academically and may add to anxiety vs become a place where you can thrive. They may also be just the right place for you IDK - but consider fit more than where the schools land in any rankings. Getting good grades for pre-vet or pre-med is more important that mediocre grades from a better known school Don't over reach academically if you intend to go on to a graduate program.
  • do a google search on vets, wildlife centers, labs, etc. that are a walkable/commutable distance from a school you may be interested in. You can create your own internship and experience as you fulfill the undergrad requirements.

You have demonstrated that you can do well in tough classes and your test scores are very good. You will do great! Go get 'em!