phishvet
Tufts V'23
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2018
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 27
I am currently planning to pursue aquatic med. UF was always my top choice and when I was waitlisted I did a lot of research into the schools that accepted me and Tufts became the clear choice. I already have long-standing relationships with the New England Aquarium and the Mystic Aquarium and Tufts' program would allow me to spend a couple dozen hours at one or both institutions each semester. I would be returning to familiar weather (for better or for worse, those in MA know what I mean) and near a small support system of family and friends who still live in MA.
However, UF accepted me off of the waitlist earlier this week. Now I'm extremely torn. Everyone hears about the Aquatic Health Cert. at UF and assumes that it must be the best fit for me. Perhaps it still is, however the aspects that give me pause include: I don't plan to settle in FL or the SE United States (in addition to my concerns about networking applicability, many of the courses are focused on tropical species which may not be the most relevant to my future career goals), I don't want to lose the quality of my New England connections (I plan to settle in New England or the Pacific Northwest; though don't get me wrong I plan on pursuing externships in those locations), Gainesville may be better than North Grafton but having Boston and Northampton nearby Tufts are nice, and though I'm extremely independent (moved all the way across the country without knowing a soul and I'm doing fine!) I'm not sure how I'll fare in a state so different from what I'm used to (coming from living in two of the most blue states in the country).
I have heard from those at Tufts that they have much more flexibility in their curriculum (translating into more credits and time for externships) which makes them the best choice.
I have heard form those at UF that the combination of the aquatic health cert. and networking opportunities is unbeatable (and that aquatic med is such a small community that location doesn't make that big of a difference).
I also have no idea where I stand on the whole tracking vs non-tracking difference, as I've heard many arguments in favor of each.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
However, UF accepted me off of the waitlist earlier this week. Now I'm extremely torn. Everyone hears about the Aquatic Health Cert. at UF and assumes that it must be the best fit for me. Perhaps it still is, however the aspects that give me pause include: I don't plan to settle in FL or the SE United States (in addition to my concerns about networking applicability, many of the courses are focused on tropical species which may not be the most relevant to my future career goals), I don't want to lose the quality of my New England connections (I plan to settle in New England or the Pacific Northwest; though don't get me wrong I plan on pursuing externships in those locations), Gainesville may be better than North Grafton but having Boston and Northampton nearby Tufts are nice, and though I'm extremely independent (moved all the way across the country without knowing a soul and I'm doing fine!) I'm not sure how I'll fare in a state so different from what I'm used to (coming from living in two of the most blue states in the country).
I have heard from those at Tufts that they have much more flexibility in their curriculum (translating into more credits and time for externships) which makes them the best choice.
I have heard form those at UF that the combination of the aquatic health cert. and networking opportunities is unbeatable (and that aquatic med is such a small community that location doesn't make that big of a difference).
I also have no idea where I stand on the whole tracking vs non-tracking difference, as I've heard many arguments in favor of each.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
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