<p>My D got accepted to both of these schools, but only received a merit scholarship at Allegheny. She is a CA resident, so she will get in-state tuition. In the end, the tuition is about the same when one factors in the scholarship, but the question I have is which one is the better school for my D? Which one will give her her best chance at becoming a veterinarian? Also, which one will prepare her best for graduate school? Allegheny is small (2100 students) and UC Davis is huge (30,000 students). Her intended major is Biological Science at Allegheny and Animal Biology at UC Davis. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Pre-Vet? Davis, Cornell, Cal Poly SLO would be great choices. I thought Allegheny is more of a liberal arts school… but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>Although Allegheny has an excellent science program, I can’t speak on the pre vet program. But I feel the comparison UC Davis just isn’t there, completely opposite schools in size etc. Have you visited Allegheny yet, because that should be another huge consideration, small town, harsh winters etc.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies. To compare both schools is like comparing apples to oranges in a sense that one is a small LAC and the other one is a world renown research university. However, both schools offer a very rigorous animal biology or biological science program, respectively, that will most likely lead to grad school. A concern that creeps up is the fact the CA is experiencing severe budget woes that are affecting all colleges and universities across the state resulting in fewer class offerings, which makes graduating in four years a bit challenging. According to US News College Ranking and Review, UCD has a 52% 4-year graduation rate and Allegheny has 72%. It is tempting to choose UCD because of it’s stellar reputation, but then again, I don’t want to be just another number. And with Allegheny, it is small enough that I don’t have to fight for my classes, may have a better relationship with my professors, and probably graduate in four years. Perhaps, I should make a pro/con list?</p>
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<p>I’m guessing this is mostly because of the large number of engineering students at UC Davis. It shouldn’t be too difficult to graduate in 4 years if you come in declared. If you come in with AP units, your pass time will be soon enough that you should be able to get the classes you need.</p>