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

[abolt18]

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anyone interviewing on 10/4 and would like to split a room? just message me

I won't split a room, but as I mentioned above, I'm staying at the Courtyard Marriott in Plantation and coming late so I'll share a cab there if you'd like (their shuttle service doesn't run that late).

 

[selttiks288]

Anyone interviewing on 8/28 worried about hurricane Isaac?

Nah it looks like its going to hit the gulf coast. We're just going to get stuck with crappy rainy weather. I think last year they rescheduled an interview date because of a hurricane. They deal with this every year, in sure if there was something to worry about they would let us know.

 

[MedPR]

Nah it looks like its going to hit the gulf coast. We're just going to get stuck with crappy rainy weather. I think last year they rescheduled an interview date because of a hurricane. They deal with this every year, in sure if there was something to worry about they would let us know.

Thanks. I emailed them yesterday and they said to just keep watching the weather, but they plan on being there 🙂

Is anyone else staying at the Hampton Inn in Fort Lauderdale/Plantation?

 

[selttiks288]

Thanks. I emailed them yesterday and they said to just keep watching the weather, but they plan on being there 🙂

Is anyone else staying at the Hampton Inn in Fort Lauderdale/Plantation?

I'm planning on it. I just need to actually book it. I need to call and ask them about their shuttle times. Do you happen to know them?

 

[Napoletana1007]

I know you guys are all partying it up post interview in fort lauderdale, drinking umbrella drinks, but can someone fill us in on how the interviews went please 🙂

 

[psychgirrrl]

I know you guys are all partying it up post interview in fort lauderdale, drinking umbrella drinks, but can someone fill us in on how the interviews went please 🙂

+1

pretty please?

 

[MedMike]

Anyone know when the interview day ends? Need to plan flight back

 

[Whistle]

I know you guys are all partying it up post interview in fort lauderdale, drinking umbrella drinks, but can someone fill us in on how the interviews went please 🙂

It was a great experience for me. Two faculty to one student. Both general and file specific questions. Only about 15 minutes. The current students were awesome. All of them were so helpful and had great personalities. We also got to "experience NSU as a student" where they let us try the simulation lab and take blood pressure/listen to the lung of a standardized patient (actor). Really advanced as far as technology goes and it seems like their students are top priority. The dean was great too and came after we ate lunch. I just felt bad for the undergrad showing us around the main campus after because we all looked so tired/relaxed after the day, and didnt have a ton of questions for her, and she was so bubbly. She did a good job though.

 

[Napoletana1007]

15 minutes?!? Wow!! Did anyone get any ethics questions?

 

[Whistle]

15 minutes?!? Wow!! Did anyone get any ethics questions?

Everyone's is 15 minutes, but it didn't feel too short to me. I didn't get any ethics questions

 

[psychgirrrl]

Everyone's is 15 minutes, but it didn't feel too short to me. I didn't get any ethics questions

Can you be more specific about what types of questions they asked?

Did they ask about any of your weaknesses? How were the interviewers? Were they professors?

That's kind of awesome that they let you "experience NSU as a student".

 

[DC1987]

II!

Secondary received 7/25/12
Secondary Completed 8/8/12
Interview Invite 8/23/12
Scheduled Interview for 10/4/12

 

[MedMike]

What time did the interview day end?

 

[MedPR]

I'm planning on it. I just need to actually book it. I need to call and ask them about their shuttle times. Do you happen to know them?

I don't know them, but I did call them and I remember thinking that their shuttle schedule was acceptable for my needs (airport to hotel, hotel to interview, interview to airport). Give them a call, they're very friendly. 954-382-4500

Anyone know when the interview day ends? Need to plan flight back

When I called them back on 8/6 they told me that a flight out at 4pm would be cutting it close. I think my departure is around 430pm though.

 

[BNHWC2009]

Are you guys nervous?

If you get hungry at all, I recommend stashing some of the crackers they have in the jars where you will be waiting for your interview. I think they're amazing. 👍

Lunch was pretty good for us last year. A lot better than what some of the other schools offered... but that in no way had a role in my decision to come here 😉

Hope you guys enjoy your interview day!

Ahhh, I wish I would have read this beforehand... I was sooo hungry by the time they gave us lunch! My stomach was growling during my interview! lol!

 

[BNHWC2009]

I know you guys are all partying it up post interview in fort lauderdale, drinking umbrella drinks, but can someone fill us in on how the interviews went please 🙂

+1

pretty please?

Overall it was a really good day!

For those of you asking about the Hampton Inn Plantation, that's where I stayed and I had a good experience. Their shuttle will basically pick you up whenever you want, you just have to call them to let them know you're ready. They're really nice and helpful 🙂

Here's the run-down of the interview day:

When we got there we did introductions and they talked a little bit about the school. Then they broke us up into two groups and half of us did interviews and half of us took a tour with current second years. They were super helpful and made the tour fun. We interviewed with two people (I think mine were both profs). Each interview was about 15 minutes. They basically just asked a few normal questions (why medicine? why DO? why this school?). After that we practiced taking blood pressure on a few volunteer "patients" and listened to heart rhythms on the patient simulators. Next we had lunch and the dean (who seems pretty awesome) came in to talk with us. Lastly, we took a tour around the whole campus (it was a lot bigger than I thought!) but at that point I was so tired I don't really remember that much of it...

Here's my advice:
1. Bring snacks! or stash some of the little cracker/cookie things they have. You don't get lunch until 1 and by that time I was starving! lol
2. Relax. It really is a pretty fun day if you let it be 🙂
3. Everyone is really helpful and honest so speak up if you have any questions

Good luck!!! 🙂

 

[dudeliness]

Overall it was a really good day!

For those of you asking about the Hampton Inn Plantation, that's where I stayed and I had a good experience. Their shuttle will basically pick you up whenever you want, you just have to call them to let them know you're ready. They're really nice and helpful 🙂

Here's the run-down of the interview day:

When we got there we did introductions and they talked a little bit about the school. Then they broke us up into two groups and half of us did interviews and half of us took a tour with current second years. They were super helpful and made the tour fun. We interviewed with two people (I think mine were both profs). Each interview was about 15 minutes. They basically just asked a few normal questions (why medicine? why DO? why this school?). After that we practiced taking blood pressure on a few volunteer "patients" and listened to heart rhythms on the patient simulators. Next we had lunch and the dean (who seems pretty awesome) came in to talk with us. Lastly, we took a tour around the whole campus (it was a lot bigger than I thought!) but at that point I was so tired I don't really remember that much of it...

Here's my advice:
1. Bring snacks! or stash some of the little cracker/cookie things they have. You don't get lunch until 1 and by that time I was starving! lol
2. Relax. It really is a pretty fun day if you let it be 🙂
3. Everyone is really helpful and honest so speak up if you have any questions

Good luck!!! 🙂

I don't know if you would have noticed or not, but would you say it seems like a very family friendly environment? I ask this tongue in cheek, realizing that inherently med school is hard on families. I just ask because I met another family guy like me today who just interviewed at NSU and he said the dean was making comments like that choosing a med school was more important than choosing a wife because you could always divorce your wife. I understand the humor, and reality, of comments like that, but just curious how "family friendly" the environment there is.

 

[DolFAN]

I'm so confused!

So I applied before a coworker of mine, I better stats than that person yet they have been invited for an interview and I havent heard squat. I'm freaking out.

 

[Napoletana1007]

Could you please clarify ... Is it two 15 minute interviews with two faculty separately or just 1 interview with 2 faculty at the same time ... Thanks in advance, your comments are extremely helpful.

 

[BNHWC2009]

I don't know if you would have noticed or not, but would you say it seems like a very family friendly environment? I ask this tongue in cheek, realizing that inherently med school is hard on families. I just ask because I met another family guy like me today who just interviewed at NSU and he said the dean was making comments like that choosing a med school was more important than choosing a wife because you could always divorce your wife. I understand the humor, and reality, of comments like that, but just curious how "family friendly" the environment there is.

That wasn't something I was specifically looking for, but thinking back I'd say it's family friendly... That was my first interview so I honestly don't have much to compare it to, but one of our tour guides was married and it seemed like he was really happy there. He was talking about a group they have for families that he and his wife are a part of. I wouldn't put too much stake in the comment from the dean. He definitely has big personality and got a lot of laughs. I think that he was probably just making a joke. I don't think that comment was a reflection of the school by any means. Hope that helps!

 

[BNHWC2009]

Could you please clarify ... Is it two 15 minute interviews with two faculty separately or just 1 interview with 2 faculty at the same time ... Thanks in advance, your comments are extremely helpful.

Sure 🙂 It's one 15 interview with 2 faculty.

 

[Napoletana1007]

That's awesome! Thanks!

 

[dudeliness]

I wouldn't put too much stake in the comment from the dean. He definitely has big personality and got a lot of laughs. I think that he was probably just making a joke. I don't think that comment was a reflection of the school by any means. Hope that helps!

That's kind of what I thought. Thanks for the reply.

 

[kgpremed11]

Wow this school is already doing Interviews How much of a chance does someone who applies late have here? I will not be able to finish the secondary app until at least 10/7.

What chance do I have?

SGPA 3.45
GPA 3.37

MCAT 290

URM Black male

 

[dudeliness]

Wow this school is already doing Interviews How much of a chance does someone who applies late have here? I will not be able to finish the secondary app until at least 10/7.

What chance do I have?

SGPA 3.45
GPA 3.37

MCAT 290

URM Black male

I'd say it's worth applying. Any reason in particular you know you can't do the secondary until October? Do you not have it yet? If I remember, NOVA's secondary was pretty simple. Get that sucker sent in!

 

[MedPR]

Weather seems to be holding up. I guess I'm still going on Tuesday.

 

[psychkub]

Man! I was complete here on 7/16 and I haven't heard anything from this school.

 

[angldrps]

This school's admission department really needS to improve. Last week, I called to ask them if I was complete. The lady tells me they don't have my letters. I tell her that I had called about a week ago and the person I spoke to told me they already have my letters. So, the lady puts me on hold then comes back and tells me that they have my letters and I am under review. At this point I am wondering if she even bothered to check my file before she gave me her first answer. Whatever, so now I was thinking I am FINALLY under review. Nope, just my luck as I get an email on Friday saying I have outstanding items. WHAT?!!😱. It gets worse as my online portal say everything is marked received except for transcript, which I was told I could ignore. WHAT IS GOING ON?!

 

[411309]

Wow this school is already doing Interviews How much of a chance does someone who applies late have here? I will not be able to finish the secondary app until at least 10/7.

What chance do I have?

SGPA 3.45
GPA 3.37

MCAT 290

URM Black male

you could get into DO school easily with those stats and MD.

 

[MedPR]

This school's admission department really needS to improve. Last week, I called to ask them if I was complete. The lady tells me they don't have my letters. I tell her that I had called about a week ago and the person I spoke to told me they already have my letters. So, the lady puts me on hold then comes back and tells me that they have my letters and I am under review. At this point I am wondering if she even bothered to check my file before she gave me her first answer. Whatever, so now I was thinking I am FINALLY under review. Nope, just my luck as I get an email on Friday saying I have outstanding items. WHAT?!!😱. It gets worse as my online portal say everything is marked received except for transcript, which I was told I could ignore. WHAT IS GOING ON?!

Could be a problem with your letters.. perhaps they aren't signed or aren't on letterhead.

I personally have had no problems with their admissions department. I've contacted them both by phone and by email and they have always been helpful.

 

[selttiks288]

Grr. Just got an email that my flight could be cancelled here on Monday. I think the worst part is I can't even talk to admissions about it until after the weekend.

 

[kgpremed11]

you could get into DO school easily with those stats and MD.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. I applied last year and didn't get in. But, I only applied MD. I didn't even get into one of the HBCU schools. I think people really over estimate the URM effect.

 

[MedPR]

Grr. Just got an email that my flight could be cancelled here on Monday. I think the worst part is I can't even talk to admissions about it until after the weekend.

Southwest called and suggested I change my flight.. I ignored it. Going on Monday morning as planned.

 

[selttiks288]

Southwest called and suggested I change my flight.. I ignored it. Going on Monday morning as planned.

Ditto. Hopefully they'll throw us into Thursdays interview if worst comes to worst.

 

[UVU Guy]

This school's admission department really needS to improve. Last week, I called to ask them if I was complete. The lady tells me they don't have my letters. I tell her that I had called about a week ago and the person I spoke to told me they already have my letters. So, the lady puts me on hold then comes back and tells me that they have my letters and I am under review. At this point I am wondering if she even bothered to check my file before she gave me her first answer. Whatever, so now I was thinking I am FINALLY under review. Nope, just my luck as I get an email on Friday saying I have outstanding items. WHAT?!!😱. It gets worse as my online portal say everything is marked received except for transcript, which I was told I could ignore. WHAT IS GOING ON?!

Hey I have had a similar experience. You only need to send in the transcript if you get accepted. I called and was told to send mine in as well and after I did I called again to speak with one of their academic advisers to ask what was going on and she told me that I really didn't need to send it in unless I got an II first. I have given up on this school because my online portal still doesn't show that I have anything sent in yet the academic adviser has assured me twice now that my file is complete. I think in this case this is where they have too many employees and it is not to their benefit. Why have the people if they don't know what they are talking about.

 

[MedPR]

I wouldn't be so sure about that. I applied last year and didn't get in. But, I only applied MD. I didn't even get into one of the HBCU schools. I think people really over estimate the URM effect.

Factual statistics don't lie, good sir.

According to this, you were among the only 16.7% of AA applicants with your stats who didn't matriculate. What does that show? That there are more weaknesses in your application besides your stats.

https://www.aamc.org/download/157594/data/table25-b-mcatgpa-grid-black.pdf

According to this, black matriculants have the lowest average GPA, second lowest average MCAT, and second lowest average LizzyM.

https://www.aamc.org/download/161696/data/table19.pdf

 

[angldrps]

Hey I have had a similar experience. You only need to send in the transcript if you get accepted. I called and was told to send mine in as well and after I did I called again to speak with one of their academic advisers to ask what was going on and she told me that I really didn't need to send it in unless I got an II first. I have given up on this school because my online portal still doesn't show that I have anything sent in yet the academic adviser has assured me twice now that my file is complete. I think in this case this is where they have too many employees and it is not to their benefit. Why have the people if they don't know what they are talking about.

I would understand if they told me on phone that they have everything but my online portal wasn't updated as this just means they haven't got to my file yet. BUT, its the email on outstanding items they sent me is what is frustrating me the most especially since my online portal says they have everything and on the phone they tell me the same. 😡

edit: next time i call, i am also going to ask to speak to an academic adviser.

 

[MedPR]

Ditto. Hopefully they'll throw us into Thursdays interview if worst comes to worst.

I've been following the storm pretty closely and it seems like it's continuing to track westward toward the gulf. I don't think Fort Lauderdale will get hit with anything but some wind and rain. I'd rather reschedule mine for a later date that pay for 2 more nights in a hotel with terrible weather afoot. Then again, if the airports are closed and I'm stuck there anyway, I'd gladly reschedule for Thursday 😀

 

[angldrps]

Could be a problem with your letters.. perhaps they aren't signed or aren't on letterhead.

I personally have had no problems with their admissions department. I've contacted them both by phone and by email and they have always been helpful.

I doubt it as the same letters were sent to other schools and I have had no problems with them. Also, the online portal indicates the name of my LOR writers, and the date when my LORs were recieved. I take this to mean that my LORs have been uploaded to my file. But, you bring a good point that I will ask about when I call on Monday.

 

[selttiks288]

I've been following the storm pretty closely and it seems like it's continuing to track westward toward the gulf. I don't think Fort Lauderdale will get hit with anything but some wind and rain. I'd rather reschedule mine for a later date that pay for 2 more nights in a hotel with terrible weather afoot. Then again, if the airports are closed and I'm stuck there anyway, I'd gladly reschedule for Thursday 😀

I'm following with NOAA because I think they're the most reliable. The news just hypes everything up. Either way they say Monday will be some showers and winds in the 20s. I'm feeling more confident that we're going to be good.

 

[kgpremed11]

Factual statistics don't lie, good sir.

According to this, you were among the only 16.7% of AA applicants with your stats who didn't matriculate. What does that show? That there are more weaknesses in your application besides your stats.

https://www.aamc.org/download/157594/data/table25-b-mcatgpa-grid-black.pdf

According to this, black matriculants have the lowest average GPA, second lowest average MCAT, and second lowest average LizzyM.

https://www.aamc.org/download/161696/data/table19.pdf

I never said minorities didn't get in with lower stats. I said people blow it out of proportion. What are you trying to prove with this post? I sure people have all seen and thought about those numbers before. Minorities face an uphill battle with med school admissions you will never have to experience. A lot of us are born into poverty and attend the worst public schools in America, only to get to college and have to compete with people who went to good schools, private schools, and have successful parents. The people who set the standards for med school admissions seem to understand this, but a lot of applicants can't. Im not saying all minorities are poor or everyone in the majority is rich, but minorities tend to be a lot more disadvantaged.

 

[MedPR]

I never said minorities didn't get in with lower stats. I said people blow it out of proportion. What are you trying to prove with this post? I sure people have all seen and thought about those numbers before. Minorities face an uphill battle with med school admissions you will never have to experience. A lot of us are born into poverty and attend the worst public schools in America, only to get to college and have to compete with people who went to good schools, private schools, and have successful parents. The people who set the standards for med school admissions seem to understand this, but a lot of applicants can't. Im not saying all minorities are poor or everyone in the majority is rich, but minorities tend to be a lot more disadvantaged.

I'm proving that nobody is "overestimating the URM effect".

You fall into grid 3.20-3.39/27-29.
Asian in that grid has a 17.6% chance
White in that grid has a 23.8% chance
Black in that grid has a 83.3% chance
https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

I'd be interested in your reasoning for the statement that people over estimate the URM effect.

 

[dudeliness]

I'm following with NOAA because I think they're the most reliable. The news just hypes everything up. Either way they say Monday will be some showers and winds in the 20s. I'm feeling more confident that we're going to be good.

Yeah over at Bradenton, where they will get hit worse than nova, they were saying for a cat 1 they don't even flinch. I wouldn't worry too much. Lol

 

[MedPR]

Yeah over at Bradenton, where they will get hit worse than nova, they were saying for a cat 1 they don't even flinch. I wouldn't worry too much. Lol

Good to know!

 

[kgpremed11]

I'm proving that nobody is "overestimating the URM effect".

You fall into grid 3.20-3.39/27-29.
Asian in that grid has a 17.6% chance
White in that grid has a 23.8% chance
Black in that grid has a 83.3% chance
https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

I'd be interested in your reasoning for the statement that people over estimate the URM effect.

Dude get a life

If you spent as much time studying as you do trying to start comment wars on the internet maybe you would be in med school by now.

 

[dudeliness]

I doubt it as the same letters were sent to other schools and I have had no problems with them. Also, the online portal indicates the name of my LOR writers, and the date when my LORs were recieved. I take this to mean that my LORs have been uploaded to my file. But, you bring a good point that I will ask about when I call on Monday.

I had problems with nova and my letters. Called due to problems on the portal and they said my letters weren't in. This was BS I knew because my letters had been released on VECollect back in late May, thanks to a crazy pre-med advisor. So I talked with my advisor to double check and sure enough she said they are available to download. Called nova yet again and they said they had my letters. Just call and talk directly to them.

 

[dudeliness]

Dude get a life

If you spent as much time studying as you do trying to start comment wars on the internet maybe you would be in med school by now.

MedPR doesn't start wars on the Internet. He finishes them. 😉

 

[wingardium]

I never said minorities didn't get in with lower stats. I said people blow it out of proportion. What are you trying to prove with this post? I sure people have all seen and thought about those numbers before. Minorities face an uphill battle with med school admissions you will never have to experience. A lot of us are born into poverty and attend the worst public schools in America, only to get to college and have to compete with people who went to good schools, private schools, and have successful parents. The people who set the standards for med school admissions seem to understand this, but a lot of applicants can't. Im not saying all minorities are poor or everyone in the majority is rich, but minorities tend to be a lot more disadvantaged.

I think you'll get in this cycle. 29 MCAT is good. But you should just submit NSU; there are no essays.

I think last year's MD application cycle was really rough, regardless of your URM status. Being a URM is no guarantee of an acceptance, although it does help, but rightly so for the reasons you mentioned. It's tough for you, because if you don't get in, people think you're dumb. If you do get in, people think it's because you're black. But you know what, when you get in, it won't matter what other people think, because what really matters is that your going to be a physician, and you're going to help people. And because of your background and experiences, you're more likely to work in communities that relate to you, and that's what we need. Good luck and don't let haters hate.

 

[kgpremed11]

I think you'll get in this cycle. 29 MCAT is good. But you should just submit NSU; there are no essays.

I think last year's MD application cycle was really rough, regardless of your URM status. Being a URM is no guarantee of an acceptance, although it does help, but rightly so for the reasons you mentioned. It's tough for you, because if you don't get in, people think you're dumb. If you do get in, people think it's because you're black. But you know what, when you get in, it won't matter what other people think, because what really matters is that your going to be a physician, and you're going to help people. And because of your background and experiences, you're more likely to work in communities that relate to you, and that's what we need. Good luck and don't let haters hate.

Thanks for your words of encouragement

 

[MedPR]

Dude get a life

If you spent as much time studying as you do trying to start comment wars on the internet maybe you would be in med school by now.

You said URM effect is overblown. I said I disagree and presented data to support my argument. You begin the insults and then accuse me of trying to start a comment war. 👍

MedPR doesn't start wars on the Internet. He finishes them. 😉

This.