Advice on Schools

[HopefulMed777]

I was accepted to go to UF to finish my undergrad degree, and I was accepted to Nova Southeastern. I was also guarenteed admission at Nova's DO school. I will hold an associate degree after this semester, but I was still eligible to apply because I did it at the same time that I earned my high school diploma. I have scholarships for both schools and would only have to pay around 3,000 a year to go to either. Right now I'm leaning towards Nova because of the program I was accepted to and small class size. Not sure if UF is the better option, as it is better know. Please give me your opinions. Also, are there any long-term implications of where you choose to complete undergrad with regards to which medical schools will accept you?

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[drgweeds]

I personally would go to UF, which is a heavy weight institution and can set you up with more opportunities and resources. But there’s also nothing wrong with being a big fish in a small pond. So if you go to nova, do your best and apply where you can, if it falls flat, then at least you have NOVA in the bag.

 

[jtd2081]

In my opinion go Nova all the way. You have a medical school acceptance...I am not sure why this is even a conversation. Take the acceptance and run with it my friend. Medical school is not a fun application process and costs thousands of dollars.

 

[DelayedGratification]

I will also recommend Nova. If you excel with your GPA and MCAT you can apply anywhere you want.

 

[700825]

How are you as a test taker? If you're a super strong test taker (and a motivated student) I would say go to UF as it will situate you better to apply to top tier MD schools later. However, if you're of more average test taking ability I would go NOVA. If you do good on the MCAT you could still apply out and have a chance at MD schools, but if things did not work out well you'd have the guaranteed acceptance at NOVA to fall back on.

 

[HopefulMed777]

@pmlmu13 I consider myself a good test taker. My SAT was in the 94th percentile (although not indicative of how I would score on the MCAT). Is it worth going to UF and risking no acceptances (I've hear horror stories)? Could you answer to how well-known either Nova or UF is in the medical community (if at all)?

 

[700825]

@pmlmu13 I consider myself a good test taker. My SAT was in the 94th percentile (although not indicative of how I would score on the MCAT). Is it worth going to UF and risking no acceptances (I've hear horror stories)? Could you answer to how well-known either Nova or UF is in the medical community (if at all)?

I would say that as long as you keep your GPA, volunteer, take advantage of the research opportunities available at UF, and prepare properly for the MCAT you should be a competitive applicant.

As for reputation, a medical school faculty could answer this better than me, but I would view UF as a very solid allopathic school and Nova as a decent osteopathic school. In general, USMD>>USDO>>US IMG when it comes to match prospects for competitive specialties or competitive programs in less competitive specialties.