Nova vs. AZCOM

[snoopaloop12]

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I have been accepted to both schools and need to decide between them soon. I felt pretty comfortable at both schools, making my decision difficult. I'd like to hear from Nova and AZCOM students: are you happy at your school? what are rotation sites like? Also anyone else that interviewed at both schools, which do you like better? Thanks everyone!

 

[DrWily]

Flip a GD Coin.

They're both great schools. AZCOM is more expensive, but is in Arizona (i.e. great weather all the time, cept it gets hot with dry heat). NSU is in Florida where you get hit with hurricanes and sh~t with humid heat in the summer.

Where do you want to practice? AZCOM has rotation sites almost everywhere due to linkage with CCOM. NSU's primarily in the Southeast. Both will make you a doctor. Pick where you want to go based on cost and location.

I picked AZCOM and didn't even attend my NSU interview because I want to stay in the Southwest.

 

[munchymanRX]

I have been accepted to both schools and need to decide between them soon. I felt pretty comfortable at both schools, making my decision difficult. I'd like to hear from Nova and AZCOM students: are you happy at your school? what are rotation sites like? Also anyone else that interviewed at both schools, which do you like better? Thanks everyone!

Got into both, didn't attend AZCOM due to it being more expensive. The location isn't a huge barrier to where you practice, if you're willing to live in the southeast for a little while. Most people go all over the country for fourth year rotations anyhow, since its mostly electives.

Most people tend to match into FL residencies here because, well....they're from florida and that's where they apply predominantly. Not going to be the case for me, I think.

 

[Juice9]

So the tuition at AZCOM IS higher than NSU but when you factor in the cost of living you will probably end up paying a little less. Using the budget sheets provided at the NSU and CCOM interviews (I didn't get one at AZCOM but the tuition at AZCOM is lower than CCOM, and the cost of living in Glendale is noticeably lower than Downers Grove) for students living off campus the total expected budget at CCOM is $82,249 (remember AZCOM should be slightly less than this) while the expected budget for NSU is $85,917 (non-florida resident; for Florida residents its $80,046). Granted there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount you spend on room and board, plus from what I hear you probably won't need nearly as many books or supplies as the budget allots for.

In this situation I think you're best off going where ever you got the best vibe at your interview. Good luck maybe WILY and I will be seeing you in Arizona in July

 

[munchymanRX]

So the tuition at AZCOM IS higher than NSU but when you factor in the cost of living you will probably end up paying a little less. Using the budget sheets provided at the NSU and CCOM interviews (I didn't get one at AZCOM but the tuition at AZCOM is lower than CCOM, and the cost of living in Glendale is noticeably lower than Downers Grove) for students living off campus the total expected budget at CCOM is $82,249 (remember AZCOM should be slightly less than this) while the expected budget for NSU is $85,917 (non-florida resident; for Florida residents its $80,046). Granted there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount you spend on room and board, plus from what I hear you probably won't need nearly as many books or supplies as the budget allots for.

In this situation I think you're best off going where ever you got the best vibe at your interview. Good luck maybe WILY and I will be seeing you in Arizona in July

For what it's worth, those budgets are usually huge overestimations so that you can get the maximum amount of loans if you need them. This year my total COA will be around 66k, accounting for living by myself in south florida. The key is formulating a realistic budget for yourself and sticking to it.


Oh yeah, and Nova pays for all your textbooks and some of your board prep materials. Thought I'd throw that in there.

 

[bhavik]

What is the tuition of AZCOM? I've tried looking for it on their website but no luck.

 

[DrWily]

Tuition alone is like 51k.

 

[group_theory]

Quick question (that I honestly don't know the answer to)

Back when I was a medical student (ha! a long time ago), it was known among some residency program directors that AZCOM clinical rotations were its weak spot, and it was possible to go through all of 3rd and 4th year without doing any significant inpatient rotations. When I was a 4th year student on interviews, I met a few fellow AZCOM interviewees who confirmed that it was possible not to have inpatient experience (some even said you have to try hard to get inpatient experience but it was possible).

Do you know if this clinical rotation issue been fixed? (since they have expanded their class size)

 

[Juice9]

For what it's worth, those budgets are usually huge overestimations so that you can get the maximum amount of loans if you need them. This year my total COA will be around 66k, accounting for living by myself in south florida. The key is formulating a realistic budget for yourself and sticking to it.


Oh yeah, and Nova pays for all your textbooks and some of your board prep materials. Thought I'd throw that in there.

As i am aware, I would assume MWU's is an overestimate as well. like i said outside of tuition the costs associated with attendance are not strict. Though I am interested in your point about books, on that sheet i got my numbers from it said tuition for non-residents was somewhere around $44000 ( i dont have it right in front of me), but books and supplies were an additional $8900 on top of that

 

[munchymanRX]

As i am aware, I would assume MWU's is an overestimate as well. like i said outside of tuition the costs associated with attendance are not strict. Though I am interested in your point about books, on that sheet i got my numbers from it said tuition for non-residents was somewhere around $44000 ( i dont have it right in front of me), but books and supplies were an additional $8900 on top of that

Cost for books: included in tuition

Cost for supplies/clubs: about 1200 in total (your diagnostic kit and everything)

Books/supplies= 1200.

 

[Optoed]

Tuition alone is like 51k.

I'm not sure if $51K is the updated tuition rate for 2012-2013. I know the current tuition figure from Nova is for 2011-2012 and the last time I checked, they haven't issued the rates yet for 2012-2013. For NSU, there was a 7-8% average annual increase in tuition for the past 5 years. I'm most likely going there...so fingers CROSSSED that they won't make the 11-12% hike again...

If anyone who attended an interview recently (or will interview in the near future) at NSU, it'll be worthwhile to question them about this.

 

[Juice9]

I'm not sure if $51K is the updated tuition rate for 2012-2013. I know the current tuition figure from Nova is for 2011-2012 and the last time I checked, they haven't issued the rates yet for 2012-2013. For NSU, there was a 7-8% average annual increase in tuition for the past 5 years. I'm most likely going there...so fingers CROSSSED that they won't make the 11-12% hike again...

If anyone who attended an interview recently (or will interview in the near future) at NSU, it'll be worthwhile to question them about this.

My post above has the tuition for NSU, Azcom is just over 50K

 

[randomusername]

Quick question (that I honestly don't know the answer to)

Back when I was a medical student (ha! a long time ago), it was known among some residency program directors that AZCOM clinical rotations were its weak spot, and it was possible to go through all of 3rd and 4th year without doing any significant inpatient rotations. When I was a 4th year student on interviews, I met a few fellow AZCOM interviewees who confirmed that it was possible not to have inpatient experience (some even said you have to try hard to get inpatient experience but it was possible).

Do you know if this clinical rotation issue been fixed? (since they have expanded their class size)

These days we're all required to do a month of ward-IM during MS3 and can apply for ward-based rotations in FM, peds, surgery, and (I want to say) psych and maybe ob/gyn.

 

[munchymanRX]

Just FYI for prospective nova students. Although this is likely the case for most schools, you can expect your tuition to increase between 3-6% per year, as this is the approximate rate of inflation, which varies year by year. Schools, as with many businesses, will adjust their rates accordingly.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Azcom hands down. Mainly because I don't like hurricanes and am afraid of snakes, especially giant ones that can eat my children and kill me. But I have no input on the schools themselves.

 

[snoopaloop12]

Aren't there snakes in Arizona? haha

 

[yellowperil]

Aren't there snakes in Arizona? haha

we do have snakes, but you rarely see them unless you are in the desert.

 

[Loudster]

we do have snakes, but you rarely see them unless you are in the desert.

But when are you not in the desert

 

[fletchffletch]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=861542

 

[xajtx]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=861542

Haha, that poster was me, and for the OP, I ended up choosing AZCOM. They're both great schools, but I ultimately hope to practice in southern CA and was assigned rotations in L.A., so I thought AZCOM's rotations would give me a great opportunity to network. In addition to that, I prefer AZCOM's testing schedule to NSU's. I would rather be tested every week than have the pressure of performing super well on a few exams that make up your entire course grade, but that's just me. With AZCOM's system, I feel that you get to test your understanding of the material and address any errors in your understanding early on because of the frequent exam schedule. I've been told that professors hold review sessions after every exam and go over each test question so students can see where they went wrong. Overall, I personally felt that AZCOM had a more academically supportive environment, and the impression I got when I interviewed was that they are very focused on producing high board scores. When I was asking people on this forum for advice, the consensus seemed to be that NSU offers better clinical rotation sites but AZCOM has a stronger pre-clinical curriculum. Although I really wanted ward-based rotations, I figured that the Step 1 score was still the most important factor in obtaining a competitive residency, and it is possible to obtain ward-based rotations by going through the department head. (We can also do plenty of ward-based rotations fourth year). Also, I wasn't too crazy about the mandatory rural rotations requirement at NSU, and if you're in the L.A. track, you get an elective rotation third year. In the end, performing well on Step I and proximity to home were the most important factors for me. It really depends on your own personal preferences. Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Next GenRacing]

I am in the exact same boat, and my deposit is due at NSU tomorrow. I change my mind by the day and the past week by the hour. I think that both schools had amazing programs, and pleasant enough weather for a Utah native. I really wasn't seriously considering AZCOM, but it was fairly close to home and my mom really wanted me to apply. After interviewing it quickly raised to a serious consideration. At both schools I saw happy students, and the interviewers were interested in knowing ME. I also got the feeling that both schools place emphasis on the students, this is huge to me.

My list of pros/cons

NSU
Location- out of my comfort zone (ultimately give me a more diverse population and expierence)
Tuition- Cost is about 6k a year less
Class cohort split into 10 groups- This was something I heard at the interview and makes the large class size less of a turn off (supposedly you will have 23 in a group and go through everything together)
Rotation sites- from what I hear NSU has one of the best (if not the best) rotation sites.
No emissions testing for cars- I have a heavily modified car that is tricky to get to pass inspections

Cons
Smaller morman population (I'm a single guy looking for a wife with similar standards)
Cost of living- rent will most likely be 300-400 more/month
Cost to travel home
Less conducive to family life

AZCOM
Pros
Closer to home- higher morman population
Cheap golf
Cheaper cost of living
Rotation sites in LA
Scholarship possibility to pay for last 3/5 years of school (Im sure very competitive but the chance is there)
Tons of simulators
Sweet OMM lab


Cons
Tuition- 50K is pretty steep
Less desirable rotation sites
Emissions inspections
Campus was nice but doesn't compare to NSU

This is just how im thinking, i would def like to keep hearing what people think. Im prob gonna put a deposit down at NSU knowing i may potentially walk away from it.

 

[Optoed]

I'm in a similar situation as well and I'm going with NSU. It was a tough decision though..

Cost - I think the overall cost of education comes to about the same. You'd expect to pay more for rent at NSU and more for tuition at AZCOM. Note also that NSU has been raising their tuition at 8-12%/yr for the past few years and AZCOM at 5%/yr. The tuition rates I was quoted for during my interview have not been updated for 2012-2013.

1) basic sciences - I've heard different things from NSU students. It may not be as good as AZCOM's, but it is a close second.
- NSU's 2nd year curriculum is system based, which is more similar to how boards are tested. The school also distributes board prep material starting at M1.

2) rotation sites - As previously mentioned, NSU does have more solid rotations. It will not require much moving around where as you for sure will have to move around for AZCOM.
- however, NSU does require the 2 month rural rotations. There is a possibility that these rotations may interfere with your schedule of audition rotations. I'm shooting for primary care, so I don't think it'll be too big of a problem.

3) weather - high humidity vs. dry heat. Location: the thought of being closer to the ocean is soothing, however polluted it may be, haha. At the risk of hurricanes too.
4) Other - I actually really like the uniform policy at NSU...it makes my life simpler =)
I'm quite interested in Geriatrics and NSU has a strong orientation in that field.

I am in the exact same boat, and my deposit is due at NSU tomorrow. I change my mind by the day and the past week by the hour. I think that both schools had amazing programs, and pleasant enough weather for a Utah native. I really wasn't seriously considering AZCOM, but it was fairly close to home and my mom really wanted me to apply. After interviewing it quickly raised to a serious consideration. At both schools I saw happy students, and the interviewers were interested in knowing ME. I also got the feeling that both schools place emphasis on the students, this is huge to me.

My list of pros/cons

NSU
Location- out of my comfort zone (ultimately give me a more diverse population and expierence)
Tuition- Cost is about 6k a year less
Class cohort split into 10 groups- This was something I heard at the interview and makes the large class size less of a turn off (supposedly you will have 23 in a group and go through everything together)
Rotation sites- from what I hear NSU has one of the best (if not the best) rotation sites.
No emissions testing for cars- I have a heavily modified car that is tricky to get to pass inspections

Cons
Smaller morman population (I'm a single guy looking for a wife with similar standards)
Cost of living- rent will most likely be 300-400 more/month
Cost to travel home
Less conducive to family life

AZCOM
Pros
Closer to home- higher morman population
Cheap golf
Cheaper cost of living
Rotation sites in LA
Scholarship possibility to pay for last 3/5 years of school (Im sure very competitive but the chance is there)
Tons of simulators
Sweet OMM lab


Cons
Tuition- 50K is pretty steep
Less desirable rotation sites
Emissions inspections
Campus was nice but doesn't compare to NSU

This is just how im thinking, i would def like to keep hearing what people think. Im prob gonna put a deposit down at NSU knowing i may potentially walk away from it.

 

[Juice9]

I'm in a similar situation as well and I'm going with NSU. It was a tough decision though..

Cost - I think the overall cost of education comes to about the same. You'd expect to pay more for rent at NSU and more for tuition at AZCOM. Note also that NSU has been raising their tuition at 8-12%/yr for the past few years and AZCOM at 5%/yr. The tuition rates I was quoted for during my interview have not been updated for 2012-2013.

1) basic sciences - I've heard different things from NSU students. It may not be as good as AZCOM's, but it is a close second.
- NSU's 2nd year curriculum is system based, which is more similar to how boards are tested. The school also distributes board prep material starting at M1.

2) rotation sites - As previously mentioned, NSU does have more solid rotations. It will not require much moving around where as you for sure will have to move around for AZCOM. [/B]
- however, NSU does require the 2 month rural rotations. There is a possibility that these rotations may interfere with your schedule of audition rotations. I'm shooting for primary care, so I don't think it'll be too big of a problem.

3) weather - high humidity vs. dry heat. Location: the thought of being closer to the ocean is soothing, however polluted it may be, haha. At the risk of hurricanes too.
4) Other - I actually really like the uniform policy at NSU...it makes my life simpler =)
I'm quite interested in Geriatrics and NSU has a strong orientation in that field.

How do you figure with this?

 

[Optoed]

How do you figure with this?

It was based on feedback I received from current students during my interview. I guess I shouldn't be too absolute on this. It depends on which core rotation you choose..and how much you're willing to commute.