Nova vs CUSOM

[TurtleyReady4Med]

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Dear Humans,

I have been lucky enough to be accepted to two schools that I am very interested in attending and would like your input. For some background, I am a VA native who is currently interested in specializing in psychiatry.
Nova:
Pros:
>Great location
>Super Friendly Vibe
>Well-established school
>OMM program well-developed
Cons:
>Really expensive (estimated 100k all together)
> Very packed class schedule with little freedom 9-5pm
CUSOM:
Pros:
>Extremely technological up-to-date SIM lab
>Love North Carolina
>Tuition is 30K Cheaper
>Has possibility of 3rd/4th year near coast
> Would be interested in permanently living here
Cons:
> Suit/tie dress code
> All mandatory classes
> Middle of no-where
> Newer School
Thoughts? I would love to hear some of your opinions on how to choose between the two because I think they are both excellent programs!

 

[Blanky]

Cost versus the mandatory attendance and dress code.

 

[harkas]

I think the consensus is usually NOVA is the better school, but what do you mean by "very packed schedule with little freedom 9-5"? Is that mandatory classes?

A typical week for CUSOM has mandatory classes 9-5 M-W with 2 1-hr breaks and then Th/F are half days. Some weeks have less class than this. CUSOM is also not in the middle of nowhere as it's 30 minutes outside of Raleigh but I get what you mean.

As a future psychiatrist, start getting used to suit/tie. SDN is full of young pre-meds who seems to berate schools that require this but it's about time we grow up and look like adults as we'll be handling people's lives.

 

[TurtleyReady4Med]

Thanks @harkas . The packed class schedule is 9-5pm M-F at Nova with 10 minute breaks every two hours, and lunch breaks. Lectures are not mandatory, but if few people show up the lecturers shut off the recording devices. I am also used to suit and tie from doing a research position, it is just nice to wear non-formal clothes.

 

[TurtleyReady4Med]

Honestly leaning towards CUSOM since it is cheaper and closer to family. Thoughts?

 

[lifeisharddood]

CUSOM, in the end you're going to be a doctor, prevent as much student debt as possible!

 

[TurtleyReady4Med]

I ended up choosing CUSOM!!