Nova Southeastern Univ (NSU-COM) Discussion Thread 2012 - 2013

[zoner]

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Interviewed here yesterday. Figured I would post my thoughts about the school and interview as I always do 🙂


Interview day: It was mentioned earlier but I guess I'll just repeat it again here so future interviewees don't have to look through the thread too far back. After a welcome speech, you're split into two groups. One tours first and the other interviews first. Personally, I thought that this interview was the "hardest" out of the ones I've been to. I put it in quotes because I kind of felt like I was being grilled by my interviewers but in a nice way, so it wasn't really that bad. I wasn't asked any of the standard questions except maybe 'why NSU'. Everything else was specific to me or my application. Time flew by since it only lasted 15-20 minutes. Oh yeah, and eat a huge breakfast. Everyone was starving by the time it was lunch (around 1).

Area: The area around the school is great, and I was told my a current student that everything you need is conveniently located close to the school. So if you want to get something to eat, there are food places everywhere around the school and in the school. If you need to go to the pharmacy, it's across the street. If you need groceries, you only need to go down the street a little bit. The area is safe too, and not to mention it's less than 30 min from the beach. Also, the weather here is amazing. We're in the middle of December and it's in the 80's here! We don't even get that in socal! The only thing that some people may find annoying is the high humidity, but I like humid weather so, eh.

School: There's no question. It's awesome. I was extremely impressed throughout the interview day. I highly suggest that everyone takes the optional tour that's after the lunch. If you do, you'll get to see the rest of the campus with the awesome gym and huge library. I don't think I've ever seen a library that big in my life. Or a gym that big lol. The whole school pretty much looks like some kind of resort. I definitely got a younger vibe at NSU compared to schools like AZCOM, and that really appealed to me. I think it's awesome that you get placed in a society (similar to Houses in Harry Potter), and that they're like your family. The current students also talked about how close knit everyone in the class is despite there being 200+ students. I also judge a school a lot on the current students, and the ones we met yesterday were super friendly and helpful! Oh yeah, and we were told that the incoming class gets ipads 😀. The only thing with the tour was that they couldn't show us the anatomy lab, so I'll have to look into that on my own.

After both groups did the interview, the current med students taught us how to listen to the heart and lungs, and take the bp of a standardized patient. One of the physicians (I'm assuming faculty) also came in and talked to a group of us while we were standing around one of those robotic 'patients'. The doctor then had the guy behind the computer program different situations, and we could use the steths they let us borrow to listen to the heart and lungs. It was really cool to hear the wheezing noise as the 'patient' breathed, and being able to compare the left and right lungs to see if one or both of the lungs were compromised. The physician also talked us through a bunch of hypothetical situations- ex: the pt was in an accident and had carbon around his mouth/nose and burn marks -> prob had smoke inhalation -> damaged his upper airways -> program dummy so we can hear what that would sound like. None of my other interviews did anything like this and I was seriously just blown away. My group also went into a classroom and got to put on these stethoscopes with a box at the end and listen to the 'heart' as a med student changed the rate and condition of the 'patient' (not sure what class this was for). That was also awesome!

That's all I could think of for now. If I remember something I'll add it on but for now I need to get ready and pack up to catch my flight back to CA. If I get accepted, there's a very good chance that I'll withdraw my acceptance at AZCOM to attend NSU. Man I hope I get in. Woo!

tl;dr - epic.

YEAYIE, Neko, I am so glad you had a good time there,,, I told you that part about blessing in disguise because I had the most difficult time deciding between this school and you know what other school!

There is however, one downside to this school which is that there is a tiniest possibility that all your 4th year core rotations can be scheduled back to back during the 1st half of the 4th year. And I have talked to some alumni who were pissed like hell because they were the ones that got shafted.

Yeah, I am freezing my ass off here in LA. It's like 50 something and I have my down jacket on right now. It is freaking FREEZING today! And DRY as a bone

It is super cool about IPAD. Although I was really interested in getting Samsung Windows Tablet PC that is suppose to come out next year.

I am too bit worried about the anatomy lab. I hope it's not too bad since they didn't show us that to our group.

Funny, my interview was so easy. It was like an interview mill. Good luck Necko. Since you had the interview it most likely mean you are in! Would love to see another socal face there. There are already a handful on F/B page. It definitely is a different culture than what we are used to over here. BTW, did you catch the red eye over there? I found that red eye was real time saver since it really only take 2 hour earth time to get back to LA.

Lets keep our fingers crossed.

 

[angldrps]

Interviewed here yesterday. Figured I would post my thoughts about the school and interview as I always do 🙂


Interview day: It was mentioned earlier but I guess I'll just repeat it again here so future interviewees don't have to look through the thread too far back. After a welcome speech, you're split into two groups. One tours first and the other interviews first. Personally, I thought that this interview was the "hardest" out of the ones I've been to. I put it in quotes because I kind of felt like I was being grilled by my interviewers but in a nice way, so it wasn't really that bad. I wasn't asked any of the standard questions except maybe 'why NSU'. Everything else was specific to me or my application. Time flew by since it only lasted 15-20 minutes. Oh yeah, and eat a huge breakfast. Everyone was starving by the time it was lunch (around 1).

Area: The area around the school is great, and I was told my a current student that everything you need is conveniently located close to the school. So if you want to get something to eat, there are food places everywhere around the school and in the school. If you need to go to the pharmacy, it's across the street. If you need groceries, you only need to go down the street a little bit. The area is safe too, and not to mention it's less than 30 min from the beach. Also, the weather here is amazing. We're in the middle of December and it's in the 80's here! We don't even get that in socal! The only thing that some people may find annoying is the high humidity, but I like humid weather so, eh.

School: There's no question. It's awesome. I was extremely impressed throughout the interview day. I highly suggest that everyone takes the optional tour that's after the lunch. If you do, you'll get to see the rest of the campus with the awesome gym and huge library. I don't think I've ever seen a library that big in my life. Or a gym that big lol. The whole school pretty much looks like some kind of resort. I definitely got a younger vibe at NSU compared to schools like AZCOM, and that really appealed to me. I think it's awesome that you get placed in a society (similar to Houses in Harry Potter), and that they're like your family. The current students also talked about how close knit everyone in the class is despite there being 200+ students. I also judge a school a lot on the current students, and the ones we met yesterday were super friendly and helpful! Oh yeah, and we were told that the incoming class gets ipads 😀. The only thing with the tour was that they couldn't show us the anatomy lab, so I'll have to look into that on my own.

After both groups did the interview, the current med students taught us how to listen to the heart and lungs, and take the bp of a standardized patient. One of the physicians (I'm assuming faculty) also came in and talked to a group of us while we were standing around one of those robotic 'patients'. The doctor then had the guy behind the computer program different situations, and we could use the steths they let us borrow to listen to the heart and lungs. It was really cool to hear the wheezing noise as the 'patient' breathed, and being able to compare the left and right lungs to see if one or both of the lungs were compromised. The physician also talked us through a bunch of hypothetical situations- ex: the pt was in an accident and had carbon around his mouth/nose and burn marks -> prob had smoke inhalation -> damaged his upper airways -> program dummy so we can hear what that would sound like. None of my other interviews did anything like this and I was seriously just blown away. My group also went into a classroom and got to put on these stethoscopes with a box at the end and listen to the 'heart' as a med student changed the rate and condition of the 'patient' (not sure what class this was for). That was also awesome!

That's all I could think of for now. If I remember something I'll add it on but for now I need to get ready and pack up to catch my flight back to CA. If I get accepted, there's a very good chance that I'll withdraw my acceptance at AZCOM to attend NSU. Man I hope I get in. Woo!

tl;dr - epic.

This is like music to my ears😛. Keeping fingers crossed for you!

 

[Dmr6186]

iPads 😀 Thanks for the update and hope you can join us!

 

[Ravizzle]

iPads 😀 Thanks for the update and hope you can join us!

An Android fan, but nonetheless really excited for iPads!

So they confirmed we getting them for sure? I interviewed a few weeks ago and they said they were in talks...

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[crappyjones123]

For those of you wanting android tablets - iPads retain their market value especially well. Even after being opened and used. If you really want some android tablet, sell the iPad and buy the android tablet. Nothing to fret over.

 

[Ravizzle]

For those of you wanting android tablets - iPads retain their market value especially well. Even after being opened and used. If you really want some android tablet, sell the iPad and buy the android tablet. Nothing to fret over.

Well I have an Android tablet already. And I believe iPad has more medical apps. At my interview they mentioned doing exams on iPad instead of scantron so I assume the school issued tablet would be required if that is indeed implemented.

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[crappyjones123]

Damnit. That foils my plan to sell it and buy more things I don't need.

 

[naare0602]

I called to inquire about my status and the lady said that I should receive an interview invite in my email. Still no email...should I call again or maybe I misunderstood her. I don't want to be a pain in the *** ....any advice??

 

[Ravizzle]

Damnit. That foils my plan to sell it and buy more things I don't need.

I'm not certain. Just speculating.

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[Ravizzle]

I called to inquire about my status and the lady said that I should receive an interview invite in my email. Still no email...should I call again or maybe I misunderstood her. I don't want to be a pain in the *** ....any advice??

No harm in calling again.

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[crappyjones123]

What ^ said

 

[MedPR]

I'm surprised they didn't send out reminders to pay the deposit (due today). Oh well.

 

[selttiks288]

They called me today just go over with me what they had and didn't have.

 

[crappyjones123]

Regarding the testing on iPads...what if

1. The network goes out?
2. iPad breaks?
3. iPad gets stolen?
4. Temporarily stops working during the test?
5. The testing software has a glitch and kicks people out and then kids are frantically trying to log back in?
6. Student forgets to charge iPad.

I don't see how the iPad outweighs the advantages of a paper test being answered on a scantron with a pencil. Just because there is a fancier way of doing things doesn't mean it is better.

 

[Dmr6186]

Regarding the testing on iPads...what if

1. The network goes out?
2. iPad breaks?
3. iPad gets stolen?
4. Temporarily stops working during the test?
5. The testing software has a glitch and kicks people out and then kids are frantically trying to log back in?
6. Student forgets to charge iPad.

I don't see how the iPad outweighs the advantages of a paper test being answered on a scantron with a pencil. Just because there is a fancier way of doing things doesn't mean it is better.

Pretty sure I heard some schools like UMDNJ-SOM do all their tests on the school-issued laptop. The students said you just better remember to charge your computer or you are SOL. But the students haven't had any complaints about the system. I suppose having everything done electronically helps the grading process be much quicker. Just like with LECOM, you better have your ID to get in to take your exam. Just extra stuff to remember.

I suppose you can just raise your hand if something happens during the test lol. But I see what you're getting at.

 

[NekoBeats]

Good luck neko

Thanks dude!

YEAYIE, Neko, I am so glad you had a good time there,,, I told you that part about blessing in disguise because I had the most difficult time deciding between this school and you know what other school!

There is however, one downside to this school which is that there is a tiniest possibility that all your 4th year core rotations can be scheduled back to back during the 1st half of the 4th year. And I have talked to some alumni who were pissed like hell because they were the ones that got shafted.

Yeah, I am freezing my ass off here in LA. It's like 50 something and I have my down jacket on right now. It is freaking FREEZING today! And DRY as a bone

It is super cool about IPAD. Although I was really interested in getting Samsung Windows Tablet PC that is suppose to come out next year.

I am too bit worried about the anatomy lab. I hope it's not too bad since they didn't show us that to our group.

Funny, my interview was so easy. It was like an interview mill. Good luck Necko. Since you had the interview it most likely mean you are in! Would love to see another socal face there. There are already a handful on F/B page. It definitely is a different culture than what we are used to over here. BTW, did you catch the red eye over there? I found that red eye was real time saver since it really only take 2 hour earth time to get back to LA.

Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Thanks zoner!

Hmm I didn't know about the rotations problem. The students that we talked to were all first years I think. Someone asked them something rotations related and the student said they're not sure because they're only a first year haha. I'll look into it some more if I get in.

Yeah dude, it's so cold here! When I walked out of LAX I had to put a jacket on for the first time in like 4 days

And what is this red eye you speak of?

This is like music to my ears😛. Keeping fingers crossed for you!

Haha thanks, the weather was amazing! I'm sure you would have liked it. I only wish I checked out the beach before I left, but I barely made it on time to my flight!

 

[Ravizzle]

Regarding the testing on iPads...what if

1. The network goes out?
2. iPad breaks?
3. iPad gets stolen?
4. Temporarily stops working during the test?
5. The testing software has a glitch and kicks people out and then kids are frantically trying to log back in?
6. Student forgets to charge iPad.

I don't see how the iPad outweighs the advantages of a paper test being answered on a scantron with a pencil. Just because there is a fancier way of doing things doesn't mean it is better.

The test softwares have been used at other med schools. I believe it downloads the test so don't need network during the test.

As for not charging that's the students problem same as forgetting ur scantron. I think med students are responsible enough to remember that much.

The other points are very legitimate concerns. Especially glitches, freezes etc..

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[MedPR]

Regarding the testing on iPads...what if

1. The network goes out?
2. iPad breaks?
3. iPad gets stolen?
4. Temporarily stops working during the test?
5. The testing software has a glitch and kicks people out and then kids are frantically trying to log back in?
6. Student forgets to charge iPad.

I don't see how the iPad outweighs the advantages of a paper test being answered on a scantron with a pencil. Just because there is a fancier way of doing things doesn't mean it is better.

Simulates (somewhat) boards, which are computerized. 1, 2, 4, and 5 are all similar concerns (just as you had during your MCAT). 3, and 6 are on you.

 

[NeuroLAX]

Regarding the testing on iPads...what if

1. The network goes out?
2. iPad breaks?
3. iPad gets stolen?
4. Temporarily stops working during the test?
5. The testing software has a glitch and kicks people out and then kids are frantically trying to log back in?
6. Student forgets to charge iPad.

I don't see how the iPad outweighs the advantages of a paper test being answered on a scantron with a pencil. Just because there is a fancier way of doing things doesn't mean it is better.

Agreed, but a computerized test could save time, both during the examination and afterward with grade analysis. Just think about how much time it takes you to manually bubble in a scantron over the course of the examination versus typing your name or clicking on an answer choice (hmm... sounds familiar doesn't it?) and moving onto the next question. Just curious... Would you rather have taken the MCAT on a scantron? 😀

Pretty sure I heard some schools like UMDNJ-SOM do all their tests on the school-issued laptop. The students said you just better remember to charge your computer or you are SOL. But the students haven't had any complaints about the system. I suppose having everything done electronically helps the grading process be much quicker. Just like with LECOM, you better have your ID to get in to take your exam. Just extra stuff to remember.

I suppose you can just raise your hand if something happens during the test lol. But I see what you're getting at.

While Nova is very reasonable with every day dress code options, you better be sure that you're in dress code for exams. Trust me, you don't want to be that guy/girl. That's all I have to say about that.

And what is this red eye you speak of?



Haha thanks, the weather was amazing! I'm sure you would have liked it. I only wish I checked out the beach before I left, but I barely made it on time to my flight!

Red eye is the flight you take when it's already midnight or later.

Some of my classmates went to the beach this week since we finished finals on Wednesday. Not sure how good it was, though, considering how overcast it has been the past few days.

 

[premed159]

What makes this school a top choice for some of you?

 

[selttiks288]

What makes this school a top choice for some of you?

In short: location, quality of rotations, early clinical exposure and the fact that I felt like the school was a great fit for me when I interviewed. The students and faculty were all amazing.

 

[zoner]

In short: location, quality of rotations, early clinical exposure and the fact that I felt like the school was a great fit for me when I interviewed. The students and faculty were all amazing.

👍

In combination NSU was perfect in all of these qualities.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[premed159]

In short: location, quality of rotations, early clinical exposure and the fact that I felt like the school was a great fit for me when I interviewed. The students and faculty were all amazing.

What do you mean by quality of rotations? I'm asking because I am highly interested in Nova, and I'm just trying to find out more about it. I want to be sure about it if I'm going to incur such massive debt to go there. I'm asking friends, mentors, and the general premed community for their thoughts.

 

[zoner]

What do you mean by quality of rotations? I'm asking because I am highly interested in Nova, and I'm just trying to find out more about it. I want to be sure about it if I'm going to incur such massive debt to go there. I'm asking friends, mentors, and the general premed community for their thoughts.

Look up Broward Gen Hospital and look at how close it is to the school. For me this was their number one selling point. I like big cities and I wanna eventually work with urban population and this was the only DO school in a swarm climate (with beautiful beaches) that had such set up. What this also means is that you don't have much driving to do during your clinical years. Unlike many other DO school and some MD schools that don't have their own hospitals, you don't have to worry about moving around for every rotation nor driving around like hell. I just hate driving and this was eventually what came down my choosing this school. There are other MANY great things about this school and only ONE bad thing. If you read my previous post, you can find out what that one disadvantage is.

there is also larkin community hospital (teaching hospital) which added many many AOA residencies which I think started this year

I think schools like lecom in Bradenton will also be great school however the clinical years are not as convenient as schools like Nova or CCOM

 

[selttiks288]

What do you mean by quality of rotations? I'm asking because I am highly interested in Nova, and I'm just trying to find out more about it. I want to be sure about it if I'm going to incur such massive debt to go there. I'm asking friends, mentors, and the general premed community for their thoughts.

You can look at their rotation sites on their website. Also, I'd really recommended joining the Facebook group of you haven't. There are multiple current med students on there that can probably answer many of your questions more accurately that we can.

They've been a great resource for a lot of people trying to decide between NSU and other schools.

 

[DolFAN]

Look up Broward Gen Hospital and look at how close it is to the school. For me this was their number one selling point. I like big cities and I wanna eventually work with urban population and this was the only DO school in a swarm climate (with beautiful beaches) that had such set up. What this also means is that you don't have much driving to do during your clinical years. Unlike many other DO school and some MD schools that don't have their own hospitals, you don't have to worry about moving around for every rotation nor driving around like hell. I just hate driving and this was eventually what came down my choosing this school. There are other MANY great things about this school and only ONE bad thing. If you read my previous post, you can find out what that one disadvantage is.

there is also larkin community hospital (teaching hospital) which added many many AOA residencies which I think started this year

I think schools like lecom in Bradenton will also be great school however the clinical years are not as convenient as schools like Nova or CCOM

Oh my friend....as a native south floridian let me assure you that you will be doing plenty of driving. Nothing is close to anything, everything is very spread out, traffic sucks and the drivers suck even more.

That being said...I love south florida and wouldn't trade it for anything. NSU is my #1 choice.

 

[crappyjones123]

Oh my friend....as a native south floridian let me assure you that you will be doing plenty of driving. Nothing is close to anything, everything is very spread out, traffic sucks and the drivers suck even more.

That being said...I love south florida and wouldn't trade it for anything. NSU is my #1 choice.

I live about 40 minutes north of Nova and will NOT be commuting. I left at 7:45am for the 9am interview. Was still 13 minutes late.

Not doing that for the next 2 years.

Be prepared to drive all over the place. Things are "close" and drive times are not the same as perhaps in NJ/NY where one takes 1.5 hours to get across 14 miles. It is not that bad but if 595 is down to 1 lane (the construction has been going on for like 2 years now) and its rush hour, be prepared to be sitting in your car for a long long time.

 

[zoner]

.

 

[zoner]

Um... I live in LA, wanna compare driving? I drive 50 min to go 5 miles for work. Anywhere is heaven compared to here.

The point is that you can move and once you move, you don't have to do much moving around or driving around to different rotation sites.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[premed159]

Look up Broward Gen Hospital and look at how close it is to the school. For me this was their number one selling point. I like big cities and I wanna eventually work with urban population and this was the only DO school in a swarm climate (with beautiful beaches) that had such set up. What this also means is that you don't have much driving to do during your clinical years. Unlike many other DO school and some MD schools that don't have their own hospitals, you don't have to worry about moving around for every rotation nor driving around like hell. I just hate driving and this was eventually what came down my choosing this school. There are other MANY great things about this school and only ONE bad thing. If you read my previous post, you can find out what that one disadvantage is.

there is also larkin community hospital (teaching hospital) which added many many AOA residencies which I think started this year

I think schools like lecom in Bradenton will also be great school however the clinical years are not as convenient as schools like Nova or CCOM

Hahaha, you have way too many posts.

 

[Dmr6186]

Can I just move down here already??? 😛 It's gonna get more difficult to wait to get started as the time to actually start draws closer to like May and June!

 

[zoner]

Oh my friend....as a native south floridian let me assure you that you will be doing plenty of driving. Nothing is close to anything, everything is very spread out, traffic sucks and the drivers suck even more.

That being said...I love south florida and wouldn't trade it for anything. NSU is my #1 choice.

Hey so what do you love so much about Florida? It seems like people either love it or hate it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

 

[crappyjones123]

People hate Florida?

 

[coolingglasses]

People hate Florida?

I've met people that do

 

[ladybug1552]

People hate Florida?

Some people find the humidity a bother and prefer colder weather, believe it or not.

 

[DolFAN]

Hey so what do you love so much about Florida? It seems like people either love it or hate it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using SDN Mobile

I love the weather, the latin culture, the sports teams, the women (they're beautiful) and the food.

There are a lot of things to hate, but not enough for me to want to leave.

 

[zoner]

I love the weather, the latin culture, the sports teams, the women (they're beautiful) and the food.

There are a lot of things to hate, but not enough for me to want to leave.

what's food in Florida like?

 

[NekoBeats]

what's food in Florida like?

I lived in Miami a while back, and one of the things I remember is eating lots of delicious cuban food...

I'm so hungry now

 

[DolFAN]

what's food in Florida like?

I can't speak for the whole of Florida but I can tell you about Miami.

If you're looking for specialty latin food, this is the place to be. We have restaurants that cover all parts of central and south America. We have a very large immigrant population and they've brought their culinary skills to our area which is great.

We also have a variety of other stuff. I've been to many italian, indian and thai restaurants. Some good, some bad, all unique experiences though.

 

[crappyjones123]

Lagranja lunch special for $3.95. Nuff said.

 

[NekoBeats]

Lagranja lunch special for $3.95. Nuff said.

Just googled it and it looks goooooooooood~

 

[crappyjones123]

It's as close as I've come to a freshly cooked hot and tasty meal for an affordable price down here.

 

[naare0602]

I have been complete at NOVA for about 2 months....what is the typical turn around time from a complete status to an II?

 

[crappyjones123]

Varies. I received mine a week after I was complete.

 

[naare0602]

Oh wow....well maybe I will be getting a silent rejection. I thought I was really competitive at this school.

 

[Ravizzle]

If you haven't heard anything, call/email and ask them your app status. That's how I got my ii.

Sent from my Galaxy S2

 

[ladybug1552]

Oh wow....well maybe I will be getting a silent rejection. I thought I was really competitive at this school.

What are your stats? I was complete 9/25 and got an ii 11/26

 

[crappyjones123]

I got an interview invite for LECOM 4 months after I was complete. I thought I had a better chance at LECOM than at nova. December 14th was the deadline for a lot of students to accept their spot. They will have a better idea of how many spots are left to fill. If your stats are competitive, it might just be a waiting game.

 

[crappyjones123]

Oh and check your junk mail filters. That's where I found mine.

 

[naare0602]

What are your stats? I was complete 9/25 and got an ii 11/26

Went complete mid october
MCAT 27
sGPA:3.63
nsGPA:3.75
Cum:3.68
Lots of EC..research..and medically related volunteer work.