I just got an Interview Invite from here, although Im debating whether I should attend. I have already been accepted to LECOM-B, and paid the deposit, I like the school a lot. I have been waiting on NOVA for a while, but I also see the tuition is like 53k!! which is almost 20,000 dollars more than LECOM-B. Cost of living in NOVA is more expensive than LECOM. Is 100k+ debt worth it? How do I justify the cost, especially if I would be content in doing Primary care.
Congratz on the II. I am waitlisted from LECOM-B so maybe if you choose NOVA, i might grab the spot. But in all seriousness, this is a tough decision that I was kinda hoping to see myself in. This is kinda my pro/con list for both and maybe it can help a little. it's pretty subjective, I might add.
PRO - LECOM
Very low tuition which is a huge positive
Independence for rotations ( could go both ways but for me it's a plus )
Board Scores
PBL ( for me personally )
Match
Pretty established
CON - LECOM
The school seems unwelcoming. Idk how important that is for you. Very cold-feeling.
Administration is kinda up in the air about rotations. I asked MSII's who were there and they said they don't know how rotations are going to be assigned really for our incoming classes since they are kinda switching policies.
Everyone loves Bradenton, I think it ****ing sucks personally. It's clean but there's nothing to do. Beaches are nice but I've grown up on beaches my whole life so it's boring to me if there are no waves. I have a friend who lives on Lakewood Ranch Blvd and he said all there is to do is go shooting and that's about it.
No research really
PRO - NOVA
Great school, established.
Undergraduate campus as well so there is more life to it.
Rotations are set in stone for you so less worrying on your part.
Students match well and not all in Primary Care
Board scores are great
Attire is scrubs with coat - kinda cool imo
Hospitals associated with school (I think)
CON - NOVA
I don't know there curriculum but I THINK its mandatory attendance ( think lecture style )
Extra tuition money. I think ~$80,000 in the long run
I think the area sucks dick. I heard it's not the best but you're still in Ft. Lauderdale which is kind of a party town
Mandatory rotations means less elective time for you in case you decide you don't want to pursue Primary Care
Things I Think Shouldn't Matter
Dress Code / Administration 'Feel' - honestly who gives a ****. you are in med school. Your success depends on intrinsic values anyway, not this petty ****.
Tuition - yeah it's gonna add up but there are thousands of Docs before you who handled it and there are thousands after that will as well)
Things I Think Should Matter
Rotations. For LECOM, if you want to pursue something non-primary care, you're gonna have to get after it. And you are going to have to compete with others for it. For NOVA, it's kinda set in for you so less on you.
Curriculum. This is super important. A good COMLEX / STEP 1 will do more than you realize. Pick the curriculum that will allow you to fit in
BEST and excel as well as give you adequate STEP 1 study material/time.
Happiness. Where do you see yourself fitting in more, and happier with the atmosphere.
What I Would Pick For Me
I think LECOM B > NOVA for me. Rotations isn't much of an issue IF I can set up my own. I like the cold, strict feel of the school. Great scores. Location is closer to home. And i think PBL is very interesting. I'm much more independently driven.
Ask yourself these questions. And give me a LECOM B spot
I kid, Good luck with your decision!
