Nova or PCO

[eheaps]

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I posted this in the optometry forum but got 0 replies 🙁 So maybe I will post in here and get some replies...

I got into Nova and PCO and am still having a hard deciding between the two. I've read a lot of people have looked beyond Nova because of the alleged rumors that it's program has a few struggles over 10 years ago. I know PCO is a more prestigious school but in the end an OD is an OD. I'm from NJ, so it's a big change in south Florida, as Philly isn't as much of a change. Nova is a little cheaper but it's almost negligible after flights home, etc. I was favorably impressed with both schools but am having trouble choosing one. Any opinions to sway me in either direction? Will PCO be more challenging with the accelerated curriculum? I'm leaning toward Nova but for some reason I'm still not entirely convinced that's the right decision.

 

[yanksfan422]

hey dude,

i already sent u a mesage. but just to follow up on your post here. i really like nova, and for one of the same reasons u do...location. i am from upstate new york and i was looking for a little change as well. ft. lauderdale was cool and the school seemed pretty good. the rumors just did me in though. i couldnt take a chance. also, most of their externship sites are in florida. do u plan on practicing in florida? or are u going to return to the northeast. networking is important during your externships. pco has over 160 sites around the country and has up to five rotations. im not trying to make nova sound bad, but i personally did not want to be a part of a program that had rumors flying around it. it sucks too because i would of loved to live in south florida. i was real excited about it. but career-wise, pco was better for me as i had a wider variety of where to network and the school is very prestigious. but no matter what, things will work out fine for you. best of luck kid!

 

[eheaps]

Thanks again man. My thinking was that if I were to go to Nova, I would probably stay in that area. Whereas if I went to PCO, I would like to practice relatively close to home (nothern NJ). The other thing is that I've heard A LOT about these rumors surrounding Nova and from the facts that I know they never actually lost accredidation, they were under review and were asked to change a few things. The catcher is that this happened over ten years ago. The program is still young, at 20 years, but is maturing.

My thought process has come to that I would like to go to Nova but the opinions that I've been getting about their program is holding me back a little. And being from the northeast all the ODs I've talked to were from SUNY or PCO, so nobody really knows what goes on there for sure. I have to decide by Wednesday, and as of now I think I'm leaning Nova. But there's still a few days to reconsider.

Any other input?

 

[yanksfan422]

i think where ever you go you will get a good education. there are pros and cons for every school. you just have to wiegh the differences and decide what is best for your career, lifestyle, wants, desires....etc. i had a tough time deciding, but i am now really happy i decided to go to PCO. Good Luck! let me know

 

[eheaps]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have made my decision and will be going to NOVA in the fall. Thanks for everyone's help, it was a tough choice, and I know I'm turning a good school down, but I'm confident that I will get a great education at Nova and be able to enjoy myself throughout my experiences there!

 

[Pre Opt Student]

I've read alot of your posts and I really think that you made the right decision. You were clearly leaning towards nova this whole time and you obviously had that "gut" feeling for a reason. I think if you went to PCO, you would always have wondered how NOVA would have been different. Also, rumors are rumors - I went to nova for an interview and thought the program and the school looked great. I wouldnt base my decision on what people on these forums have to say - but based on what you saw in the school yourself when you went down there.

I might be going to nova this fall so maybe we will be classmates! 🙂

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

I think you should ALWAYS go with your gut instinct. I wish I would have gone with mine and I wouldn't be in the situation I am in today. Stick to your vibes and goodluck =)

 

[Pre Opt Student]

What happened?

 

[eheaps]

I've read alot of your posts and I really think that you made the right decision. You were clearly leaning towards nova this whole time and you obviously had that "gut" feeling for a reason. I think if you went to PCO, you would always have wondered how NOVA would have been different. Also, rumors are rumors - I went to nova for an interview and thought the program and the school looked great. I wouldnt base my decision on what people on these forums have to say - but based on what you saw in the school yourself when you went down there.

I might be going to nova this fall so maybe we will be classmates! 🙂

Yes, thanks for your feedback, that's pretty much exactly how it went. I felt all along that I would end up at Nova, and that's how it's ending. I'm very excited and look forward to starting (I'm not looking forward to my last undergrad semester (class-wise anyway)).

If you do end up at Nova I look forward to meeting you!

DrSpontaneouz - what happened with you?

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Well I should have made more rational decisions (ie; not moving with significant other) but I definitely was miserable in the cold, dark city (Chicago). I like sunshine and warm weather throughout most of the year which makes me happy and more motivated. I am originally an east-coaster and plan to stay that way from now on. I am starting again from scratch, but hey..you live and you learn!