Nova vs UMDNJ

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V1987

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Hi everyone!

So I'm in a little bit of a predicament... I was accepted to nova a few months ago and wait listed at umdnj at around the same time. Since then, I've prepared myself for making the exciting big move to florida and have paid the major deposits to hold my spot there.

I felt that I've come to terms with the fact that I wouldn't move off the wait list this year at umdnj and have been really looking forward to going to nova. I just got a call however, from umdnj today offering me a spot into their program! Although I feel that I've made some major steps with grounding myself at nova(deposits) , I'm still finding it hard to make a final decision. I'm wondering what some of you would do under these circumstances. Im originally from the northeast and would like to end up back here for residency. Any advice is appreciated!
 
How much is the deposit to hold your spot at NOVA? Sry, not trying to be nosy but I think if the deposit is not that much then you should try to see which school fits you more and let you be happy.
 
gmcguitar4 said:
Cheaper school.
Click to expand...

The deposit is nothing in the grand scheme of things. If you can still get in state tuition after your first year at umdnj, then Jersey would be the clear winner. Umdnj is probably the better school, but nova is fine.
 
I'd choose UMDNJ over Nova. The main thing UMDNJ-SOM has against it right now is the fact that it is moving to Rowan. I assume that this will not affect the ability for students to get in state tuition after the first year but you should call them to confirm.
 
Cheaper school = UMDNJ not to mention it is in your home state AND connected to many solid residency programs. Seems like a win win win to me.

Survivor DO
 
survivordo said:
Cheaper school = UMDNJ not to mention it is in your home state AND connected to many solid residency programs. Seems like a win win win to me.

Survivor DO
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Hi guys sorry if my post confused you but I'm not from New Jersey; I'm about a 5 hr drive away.

I agree, fees should be the least of my worries; I am attracted to the strong residency programs that umdnj offers but I was also attracted to nova's integration of clinical experience from the first year, it's rural experience requirements and international medical opportunities; I'm interested in primary care and would love to integrate these factors into my education. Would it be valid to say that I could still have a good chance at getting into a good residency in the northeast if I chose Nova? New York/ Boston/DC would be ideal.

As for distance from loved ones, It bothered me a lot at first but I now feel that a cheap plane ticket(~$100) that would get me home in 3-4 hours from Florida feels similar to a 5-6 hour train ride from Stratford that costs a little less

More advice from current/former students at both programs? Thanks for everyone's input so far!!
 
If you're not from Jersey, just go to FL. You're mentally hyped to head down south, and if you switch now, I feel like you're going to regret it. The one exemption to this would be if UMDNJ has been your dream school for a few years.
 
I'd go to UMDNJ/ Rowan. It's an established name and instate tuition after the first year.
 
serenade said:
I'd go to UMDNJ/ Rowan. It's an established name and instate tuition after the first year.
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Nova is very well established and has great residency positions. Just like the OP mentioned, Nova has very good clinical rotations and provides students with an excellent education.
 
Vinny said:
Nova is very well established and has great residency positions. Just like the OP mentioned, Nova has very good clinical rotations and provides students with an excellent education.
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UMDNJ will give all of that for what? ~15-20k cheaper every year after year one. This not to mention that attending a public DO program has a lot of Pros including access to research opportunities that Nova is only now beginning to invest in, as well as potentially better access to more academic facilities in the UMDNJ/ Rowan/ Rutgers System.
 
V1987 said:
Would it be valid to say that I could still have a good chance at getting into a good residency in the northeast if I chose Nova? New York/ Boston/DC would be ideal.
Click to expand...

Probably not. You kind of have to go to nycom or touro if you want new York, at least the good programs in NYC. You'd probably be fine with albany, buffalo or rochester programs coming from nova.

Boston does not like DOs at all it seems.

DC and Baltimore would be do able.

Philadelphia would be possible, but pcom takes a lot of the DO spots in the city.

Some places in Virginia, like VCU, would probably take you.
 
Last edited:
V1987 said:
Hi guys sorry if my post confused you but I'm not from New Jersey; I'm about a 5 hr drive away.

I agree, fees should be the least of my worries; I am attracted to the strong residency programs that umdnj offers but I was also attracted to nova's integration of clinical experience from the first year, it's rural experience requirements and international medical opportunities; I'm interested in primary care and would love to integrate these factors into my education. Would it be valid to say that I could still have a good chance at getting into a good residency in the northeast if I chose Nova? New York/ Boston/DC would be ideal.

As for distance from loved ones, It bothered me a lot at first but I now feel that a cheap plane ticket(~$100) that would get me home in 3-4 hours from Florida feels similar to a 5-6 hour train ride from Stratford that costs a little less

More advice from current/former students at both programs? Thanks for everyone's input so far!!
Click to expand...

NSU-COM graduates are accepted to both NY and DC programs, but I couldn't tell you about quality because I am not very knowledgeable on which programs are considered excellent vs good vs decent, etc. NSU-COM graduates do match into the NYCOM system and other NY programs. But as others have said, it's probably better to go to school in that area.

I agree with cliquesh's post, as well as serenade's mention of research. Nova is finally investing more into research, but that is still in the very near future. Still, there are several other medical schools in the South Florida area that you can look into for research. There are a lot of hospitals in the area and NSU-COM is well established within the SoFL community. I believe UMDNJ-SOM is only 3 years older than NSU-COM.
 
Davie/Miami >> that festering ****hole known as New Jersey.
 
UMDNJ = OMG so much snow!
NOVA = OMG so much heat and humidity!

You can't go wrong with either. During med school you are not going to have a ton of free time to worry about things like going to the beach, either in Jersey or Florida. Pick the school that is closest to your support system and that you feel most comfortable with. Only you can answer which one is the best for you.
 
Thank you everyone for your advice! Throughout this whole decision process I've maintained a stronger interest in attending NSU so that's where I'll be! It was helpful to hear everyone's input; Can't wait for this fall!
 
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