Nova vs Minnesota

[yuppers]

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Alright, I need some help right now. This really complicated so I just going to give some basics....
I want to go to Nova because I liked so many aspects of the school (chair issue worries me, but keep attacking the problem and it is getting better). Also, I eventually want to practice in the southeastern area of the US.
However, I am getting some family pressure to go Minnesota so I remain close.
Both schools are great and price isn't a factor since both schools will put me 350ish+ in the hole.
This is becoming a stressful situation since I hope to get full support from my family, and I want to make this decision quickly.
Thanks in advance.

 

[HopefulDent]

nova... it simply the ****

 

[Badgerfaithful]

Tough choice. I interviewed at both schools, and I would prefer Minnesota. But Nova is a nice school too, and the weather is a whole lot better in winter! I would say if you're going to practice in that area of the country, or even in Florida, Nova may be the better choice.

 

[yuppers]

Tough choice. I interviewed at both schools, and I would prefer Minnesota. But Nova is a nice school too, and the weather is a whole lot better in winter! I would say if you're going to practice in that area of the country, or even in Florida, Nova may be the better choice.

Congrats on the UCLA w/ dean's scholarship!
Why do you prefer UMN?

 

[SuperTank]

Alright, I need some help right now. This really complicated so I just going to give some basics....
I want to go to Nova because I liked so many aspects of the school (chair issue worries me, but keep attacking the problem and it is getting better). Also, I eventually want to practice in the southeastern area of the US.
However, I am getting some family pressure to go Minnesota so I remain close.
Both schools are great and price isn't a factor since both schools will put me 350ish+ in the hole.
This is becoming a stressful situation since I hope to get full support from my family, and I want to make this decision quickly.
Thanks in advance.

If you're eventually going to move far away from your family anyway, you might as well do it now, because it will make you happy. To stay close to your family is only going to delay it. I think you should do what YOU want to do, your family should understand.

 

[2014orbust]

Nova

 

[sfrice80]

If I were you, I would go with Nova and it seems like your top choice, plus I think it reallys sets you up well to settle down in the SE United States. The weather is just unquestionably better, patient pool is really good and more reliable then a lot of schools. They have a gorgeous campus and there is a strong interdisciplinary medical feel since all medical professions are on one campus and you take courses with pharm, med, opt, etc... I thought the faculty and dean were pretty awesome there as well. Lastly, Nova takes their boards after the first year, which has its pros and cons but overall, I would probably prefer. Its going to suck for that first year but at least you get them done and out of the way first year. Im pretty much explaining everything I loved about their school! Good luck with your decision! Hopefully I get your Nova or Minnesota spot! lol

 

[yuppers]

If I were you, I would go with Nova and it seems like your top choice, plus I think it reallys sets you up well to settle down in the SE United States. The weather is just unquestionably better, patient pool is really good and more reliable then a lot of schools. They have a gorgeous campus and there is a strong interdisciplinary medical feel since all medical professions are on one campus and you take courses with pharm, med, opt, etc... I thought the faculty and dean were pretty awesome there as well. Lastly, Nova takes their boards after the first year, which has its pros and cons but overall, I would probably prefer. Its going to suck for that first year but at least you get them done and out of the way first year. Im pretty much explaining everything I loved about their school! Good luck with your decision! Hopefully I get your Nova or Minnesota spot! lol

To add to Nova's awesomeness, Nova is fully digitized, more clinically focused, has more modern equipment, etc, etc. Boards after the first year would have a lot more pros than cons for me...... yeah Nova is clearly my top choice.
The issue is trying to please my family and trying to do what I feel is right for me.🙁😕
Never know, you could still end at the same school is me.

 

[Ryltar]

I interviewed there, and chair availability seems to still be a serious problem. I talked to several D4s there, and they all said that they had problems when they schedule patients, and then are unable to treat them because there's no chair available. They also mentioned that they have "chair lotteries" where they draw names from a hat for chairs. Another downside is that one building is shared between medical students, dental students, optometry students, etc.

On the bright side, there are plenty of externships available to fulfill clinical requirements. Preclinically, Nova seems extremely good. The sim lab and the virtual simulation center are both state of the art. Also, the environment is very laid back and collegial.

 

[yuppers]

I interviewed there, and chair availability seems to still be a serious problem. I talked to several D4s there, and they all said that they had problems when they schedule patients, and then are unable to treat them because there's no chair available. They also mentioned that they have "chair lotteries" where they draw names from a hat for chairs. Another downside is that one building is shared between medical students, dental students, optometry students, etc.

On the bright side, there are plenty of externships available to fulfill clinical requirements. Preclinically, Nova seems extremely good. The sim lab and the virtual simulation center are both state of the art. Also, the environment is very laid back and collegial.

Yeah, like I said previously the chair issue is a factor, but some Nova students said the several off-site clinics are a big help. I was also told that getting chairs was not a problem unless you wanted to the last moment.

 

[ucla2134]

I interviewed there, and chair availability seems to still be a serious problem. I talked to several D4s there, and they all said that they had problems when they schedule patients, and then are unable to treat them because there's no chair available. They also mentioned that they have "chair lotteries" where they draw names from a hat for chairs. Another downside is that one building is shared between medical students, dental students, optometry students, etc.

On the bright side, there are plenty of externships available to fulfill clinical requirements. Preclinically, Nova seems extremely good. The sim lab and the virtual simulation center are both state of the art. Also, the environment is very laid back and collegial.

Chair issues is the only thing that concern me at Nova. But you cannot beat the weather and the school is so beautiful. I feel like i am going on vacation there.

 

[yuppers]

Chair issues is the only thing that concern me at Nova. But you cannot beat the weather and the school is so beautiful. I feel like i am going on vacation there.

Did you make a decision yet?

 

[DentineIce]

Yuppers where are you from? I dont know why you would go to Minnesota over Florida?!?! unless it was your in state school and it would save you tons of money! you might be able to get more studyin done at Minnesota with nothing else to do but stay inside!

 

[Babnik]

NOVA has the best looking girls :😛😀

 

[sfrice80]

NOVA has the best looking girls :😛😀

Lol...this is definitely probably true!

 

[yuppers]

Yuppers where are you from? I dont know why you would go to Minnesota over Florida?!?! unless it was your in state school and it would save you tons of money! you might be able to get more studyin done at Minnesota with nothing else to do but stay inside!

I currently live in WI, but I lived in the SE region before. True location is not even comparable. The issue is that my family wants me to go to Minnesota even though I prefer Nova. Just unnecessary stress.

 

[ucla2134]

Did you make a decision yet?

Case for me😀. Having our own operatory in 3rd and 4th year(don't have to fight for chair) along with our own secretary who schedule and keep charts my patients (also bringing me coffee at 8 am😛) are big pluses me. 4 years of dental is already enough stress, i need those things to make my life a little easier.

But the weather in Ohio along with Cleveland location is not good compare to Nova. But i figure i will study most of the time hahah.

If you are a guy, go to Nova. The ladies there are fineeeee. Unfortunately, i am a girl lol

 

[SuperTank]

Lol...this is definitely probably true!

Lol, definitely probably... thanks for the laugh 🙂

 

[yuppers]

Case for me😀. Having our own operatory in 3rd and 4th year(don't have to fight for chair) along with our own secretary who schedule and keep charts my patients (also bringing me coffee at 8 am😛) are big pluses me. 4 years of dental is already enough stress, i need those things to make my life a little easier.

That sounds good, but I think it would be a good experience to have some of those responsibilities as a student. The PBL/hybrid really scared me away.

 

[Badgerfaithful]

Congrats on the UCLA w/ dean's scholarship!
Why do you prefer UMN?

I think part of the reason I prefer UMN is that I'm a Midwest guy at heart. But I really liked some of the newly updated facilities..the large virtual sim lab etc, even though I realize Nova has nice facilities too.. but that's more because it's a pretty new dental school, established i think in 1997. I really don't think you can go wrong with either school. Minneapolis has some damn hot girls too, trust me, I've been with one for three years haha. 🙂 I lived in Wisconsin for 22 years so weather's not really a concern, but I can understand how it can play a part as well.

 

[yuppers]

I think part of the reason I prefer UMN is that I'm a Midwest guy at heart. But I really liked some of the newly updated facilities..the large virtual sim lab etc, even though I realize Nova has nice facilities too.. but that's more because it's a pretty new dental school, established i think in 1997. I really don't think you can go wrong with either school. Minneapolis has some damn hot girls too, trust me, I've been with one for three years haha. 🙂 I lived in Wisconsin for 22 years so weather's not really a concern, but I can understand how it can play a part as well.

Haha... sounds like you need some help deciding what school too.

 

[fsddsms]

I interviewed there, and chair availability seems to still be a serious problem. I talked to several D4s there, and they all said that they had problems when they schedule patients, and then are unable to treat them because there's no chair available. They also mentioned that they have "chair lotteries" where they draw names from a hat for chairs. Another downside is that one building is shared between medical students, dental students, optometry students, etc.

On the bright side, there are plenty of externships available to fulfill clinical requirements. Preclinically, Nova seems extremely good. The sim lab and the virtual simulation center are both state of the art. Also, the environment is very laid back and collegial.

I heard the same during my tour and from a D4 friend that goes there right now, which is why I'm hesitant to put in my deposit. The tropical paradise resort look of the school, weather, location, and hot girls are so dang hard to pass up too. I remember during my interview that some of the patients being treated were hot too lol.

 

[yuppers]

The chair problem within the school is concerning. However, if there are plenty of opportunities in the off-site clinics and externships to fulfill the requirements should it be that big of an issue? I mean as long as you can fulfill the requirements, get lots of experience, and strive to become the best dentist you can then is there really an issue?

 

[ucla2134]

yubbers, look like your heart set on Nova. I am a big believer go whenever make you happy. Gluck at Nova

 

[sfrice80]

Agreed, I think you are answering your own question when you post responses. Go through and read all of your answers and I think it becomes pretty clear. Sometimes you gotta do whats right for you and your family aren't the ones who have to spend 4 years in that school. Plus, who doesnt want to come visit in FLA?! I would go with Nova if I were you.

 

[jroque3313]

Im forced with a similar decision....except its between Nova and Creighton in Omaha NE : /

There are so many factors riding on this decision I can feel you confusion. I hope to commit to a school by the end of the month.....just make a pros and cons for both and ask yourself where you see yourself in 10 years....hope that does the trick lol easier said than done I know I know it would be tight if we both decide Nova....who knows only time well tell good luck mate

 

[yuppers]

yubbers, look like your heart set on Nova. I am a big believer go whenever make you happy. Gluck at Nova

Agreed, I think you are answering your own question when you post responses. Go through and read all of your answers and I think it becomes pretty clear. Sometimes you gotta do whats right for you and your family aren't the ones who have to spend 4 years in that school. Plus, who doesnt want to come visit in FLA?! I would go with Nova if I were you.

Yeah, you guys are right... thanks for making it clearer for me. Now just got to break it to the fam.

 

[sfrice80]

Let us know how it goes...

 

[yuppers]

Let us know how it goes...

Well do.

 

[HopefulDent]

Hey, I'm happy to see you have made up your mind on what you want to do... its a tough descision... but nova has always been one of my top choices... I think it puts me in an environment where I think I will be happiest making it possible to perform the best that I can. I think if you will be happier there, you will probably do the same.

 

[yuppers]

Let us know how it goes...

Well, talked to the family and they took it surprisingly well for the most part. So that makes me feel much better.


Also just a quick question if anyone knows: what is Nova's specialization rate?

 

[HopefulDent]

When i was at the interview they said roughly 33% specialized or did a GPR/AEGD. Yuppers if you go we will be in the same class haha....

 

[sfrice80]

Well, talked to the family and they took it surprisingly well for the most part. So that makes me feel much better.


Also just a quick question if anyone knows: what is Nova's specialization rate?

Thats awesome! Prolly cuz they want to visit you in florida! Have you made up your mind for sure now or just one step closer?

 

[yuppers]

Thats awesome! Prolly cuz they want to visit you in florida! Have you made up your mind for sure now or just one step closer?

It does take off some of the burden. Haha yeah... I think they trying to image what a Christmas would be like in Florida.
One big step closer, but I am pretty much there. The only thing on my mind is where I can truly get the best clinical education (this is my ultimate goal). I know Nova is a more clinically focused school, but I keep thinking back to the chair issue and if it will hamper by clinical skills.

 

[Futuredds2010]

NOVA has the best looking girls :😛😀

And guys!! lol😉👍

 

[Futuredds2010]

Hey, I'm happy to see you have made up your mind on what you want to do... its a tough descision... but nova has always been one of my top choices... I think it puts me in an environment where I think I will be happiest making it possible to perform the best that I can. I think if you will be happier there, you will probably do the same.

I totally agree 👍😎