eurotrash, Hey! My impression of NOVA and LECOM was that the schools and the areas are practically *complete* opposites. My little laundry list of pros and cons is as follows:
LECOM
-PROS:
1. I applied for the problem based learning format and feel that it would be a unique way to learn medicine.
2. I like the Northeast and Erie would be a great place to continue my current hobbies (hiking, backpacking/camping, skiing (hope to learn), and kayaking).
3. I'm coming from a small college, so the smaller school atmosphere (which, I know, is expanding) would make me more comfortable.
4. Everyone was very friendly, particularly the other candidates, on interview day and it felt like I was hanging out with friends.
5. I like that the school is growing and there will be new facilities for 2006 class. Also, I like that laptops are required and classrooms have hook-ups.
6. The vast number of rotation sites.
7. The cost of living means less loan money needed
-CONS:
1. I've heard winter is really rough.
2. The reputation - it seems like its referred to as a school people attend if they didn't get in anywhere else.
3. The relocation necessary during 3rd/4th years
NOVA
-PROS:
1. The reputation/recognition
2. Early clinical exposure
3. Rotations in the FTL/Miami area probably provide a great deal of variety and diversity
4. Beautiful facilities - interior and exterior
5. Enthusiastic students/open-door policy of faculty
6. OMM fellowships
7. Amra's NSUCOM class of 2006 website and the response of prospective and current nova students
8. Scuba diving (the Keys...(sigh))
-CONS:
1. Living in FTL is gonna be a lot more expensive than life in Erie, PA. And, my car insurance is going to go up almost $300/year
2. All the HPD students in the same bldg. might mean difficulty gaining access to study rooms, resources. Basically, I find the size of the HPD intimidating, but I can get over it.
3. Higher crime rates in FTL than Erie.
4. Interview day - NONE of the candidates talked together until after it was all over and then everyone went their seperate ways.
5. (This isn't really against the school, but I'll put it here anyway.) I called to find out I was accepted, but my acceptance letter is MIA - apparently it's been lost in the mail. That truly bites.
Anyway, that's what I've come up with and I realize it may vary drastically from other people's opinions. I've been told that school is what you make of it and it really doesn't matter where you go. I've also been told that reputation is vital for obtaining a competitive residency. (of course, reputation reflecting training and quality of students)
Also, I sent my deposit to LECOM ($1500!!)and I'm trying not to let that sway my decision. I'll make my mind up sometime... 🙄
Does anyone else have any input or disagree with anything I've listed?
-Melissa 🙂
