Nova's "28 average MCAT" ?

[studentp0x]

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I don't understand how the average is 28 when one of the files on there makes it seem like being <28 makes you uncompetitive as well as the constant word out that nova wants a higher mcat. There has to be a significant number of people getting in with 24-27 to offset the people with 29-32+...

 

[orangeman25]

Don't go with what "it seems like". Novas average is 28 and that's what it is. You don't need above that but obviously it would be a cushion to have.

 

[gocougs339]

I don't know a lot about NOVA but MCAT averages for a school can be deceiving. Usually accepted people with lower MCAT scores have ties to a school or the area the school is in. Some schools have barely any regional bias, some have a strong region bias, it depends on the school and their mission. Since NOVA is in sunny Florida, I can imagine they get a lot of OOS applicants from people with MCATs right around their average that they eventually reject.

In other words, they take the cream of crop of the OOS applicants and accept people with lower MCATs that have strong ties to the area or who are from the state. Higher tier in-state applicants will usually apply to other in-state MDs as well and take the those acceptances, leaving in-state spots to be filled by people with lower stats.

 

[user3]

I don't understand how the average is 28 when one of the files on there makes it seem like being <28 makes you uncompetitive as well as the constant word out that nova wants a higher mcat. There has to be a significant number of people getting in with 24-27 to offset the people with 29-32+...

truth be told, I have to agree with you. There were plenty of people accepted there with 24-26 MCAT's and average GPA's. Even more people with high 20's and average GPA's. Many here will act like NSU is crazy difficult to get into and has really high averages, but the facts have yet to prove this. (Yes, lots of strong people were rejected this year but plenty were accepted with very plain-Jane stats).

 

[BestDoctorEver]

truth be told, I have to agree with you. There were plenty of people accepted there with 24-26 MCAT's and average GPA's. Even more people with high 20's and average GPA's. Many here will act like NSU is crazy difficult to get into and has really high averages, but the facts have yet to prove this. (Yes, lots of strong people were rejected this year but plenty were accepted with very plain-Jane stats).

But that does not change the fact that their average is 28... @gocougs339 gives a good explanation. If one is OOS, your mcat score got to be right up there... NOVA can measure up to any mid tier MD in term of clinical rotations.

 

[NeuroLAX]

It is imperative that you apply early to NSUCOM. Even if you have solid stats, if you apply late... there simply might not be any room even if you manage to snag a late interview. Some people with solid stats apply MD, don't hear anything for one reason or another, start to panic, add on DO schools too late, and then get stuck with having to reapply because they didn't play the game to their advantage.

 

[nilbog]

A few people I interviewed said they had <28 and were worried, and I know some of them got in! Just make sure to apply early and make sure the rest of your application is strong. NSUCOM's a great school.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I don't understand how the average is 28 when one of the files on there makes it seem like being <28 makes you uncompetitive as well as the constant word out that nova wants a higher mcat. There has to be a significant number of people getting in with 24-27 to offset the people with 29-32+...

Or more likely is that most students are 27 to 29 with exceptions found at both the lower and higher end.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Also I think it is worth considering that nova has a large dual program with its undergrad. The average used to be 24 to get in with dual but now it's 26. Still I bet this effects stuff because of the auto accepts.

 

[HeronsBeak]

Applied early, received interview invite early August, accepted with 27, 3.5/3.3 OOS. Just my n=1. I had a few things that I really liked about their program that connected to my background and made sure that came across in the interview, that was probably the most important aspect of pushing my "average" numbers above other "average" interviewees.

 

[da Vincis World]

But that does not change the fact that their average is 28... @gocougs339 gives a good explanation. If one is OOS, your mcat score got to be right up there... NOVA can measure up to any mid tier MD in term of clinical rotations.

Fact? ..... Where are we getting all of these facts? I see these "averages" posted all the time. Where do they come from? Funny they are typically whole numbers.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Fact? ..... Where are we getting all of these facts? I see these "averages" posted all the time. Where do they come from? Funny they are typically whole numbers.

It's in their website...

 

[darklordzzz]

It's in their website...

is this the average they report as "average of all scores of those students that they admitted" or "average of all scores of the students that enrolled finally at the end" since most of them say matriculate, an admitted student is counted as one that will matriculate in the school, but he/she can withdraw admission offer and go to somewhere else ????????

 

[da Vincis World]

It's in their website...

Exactly.

So is this..... "A minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 is required." Think that's the case with every one of their hundreds of students?

 

[BestDoctorEver]

is this the average they report as "average of all scores of those students that they admitted" or "average of all scores of the students that enrolled finally at the end" since most of them say matriculate, an admitted student is counted as one that will matriculate in the school, but he/she can withdraw admission offer and go to somewhere else ????????

I think it is matriculated students since they say 'class of 2017'.
http://medicine.nova.edu/do/admissions/index.html

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Exactly.

So is this..... "A minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 is required." Think that's the case with every one of their hundreds of students?

I wish DO schools had something like the MSAR... By the way, I am not a NSU student. I am just familiar with the school since I used to live very close and worked as a RN at a couple of hospitals their students do their rotations.

 

[da Vincis World]

I wish DO schools had something like the MSAR... By the way, I am not a NSU student. I am just familiar with the school since I used to live very close and worked as a RN at a couple of hospitals their students do their rotations.

I see these averages talked about way too much in these forums. I'm just worried that premeds are using all these "averages" when deciding what schools to apply to.... they should not. If you are at all competitive for DO schools just apply to all of the schools that you are interested in attending.

 

[darklordzzz]

I see these averages talked about way too much in these forums. I'm just worried that premeds are using all these "averages" when deciding what schools to apply to.... they should not. If you are at all competitive for DO schools just apply to all of the schools that you are interested in attending.

I think it is matriculated students since they say 'class of 2017'.
http://medicine.nova.edu/do/admissions/index.html

an admitted student that later withdrew the offer is still considered class of 2017. just wondering when the school do all these averages lolz

 

[darklordzzz]

I see these averages talked about way too much in these forums. I'm just worried that premeds are using all these "averages" when deciding what schools to apply to.... they should not. If you are at all competitive for DO schools just apply to all of the schools that you are interested in attending.

sry for double reply since this is the only number we have if we dont use them to cut down schools what else we have? for ex touro ny and touro california have 30.8 and 30.4 MCAT these numbers told me not to apply with my 27 MCAT

 

[user3]

I see these averages talked about way too much in these forums. I'm just worried that premeds are using all these "averages" when deciding what schools to apply to.... they should not. If you are at all competitive for DO schools just apply to all of the schools that you are interested in attending.

I have been trying to get more people here to grasp the idea that below average =/= not competitive. Even schools with the highest averages accept a decent chunk of people with MCAT's 3-4 points below their averages.

 

[darklordzzz]

I have been trying to get more people here to grasp the idea that below average =/= not competitive. Even schools with the highest averages accept a decent chunk of people with MCAT's 3-4 points below their averages.

i appreciate all ur enthusiasm trying to push people to shoot for the best user3 the beast of sdn

 

[da Vincis World]

sry for double reply since this is the only number we have if we dont use them to cut down schools what else we have? for ex touro ny and touro california have 30.8 and 30.4 MCAT these numbers told me not to apply with my 27 MCAT

Those numbers should not be used for that. Cut down schools based on location or attendance requirements.
If you are not interested in those schools then don't apply but don't let those 30s scare you off if that is really somewhere you'd like to go. Tons of people at both those schools with 27 or less.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Those numbers should not be used for that. Cut down schools based on location or attendance requirements.
If you are not interested in those schools then don't apply but don't let those 30s scare you off if that is really somewhere you'd like to go. Tons of people at both those schools with 27 or less.

If their mcat average are really 30+, I will not go as far to say 'tons of people at both schools with 27 or less'.

 

[da Vincis World]

If their mcat average are really 30+, I will not go as far to say 'tons of people at both schools with 27 or less'.

Tons was the wrong word.... Perhaps lots or many is more appropriate. Either way, letting these "averages" drive application decisions is a horrible idea.

I find it very hard to believe that a schools MCAT average has truly increased 3.8pts(14%)* in the past 5 years when the overall mean MCAT has only risen 0.5pts(<2%).

*This according to Touro-ny's demographics pages.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Tons was the wrong word.... Perhaps lots or many is more appropriate. Either way, letting these "averages" drive application decisions is a horrible idea.

I find it very hard to believe that a schools MCAT average has truly increased 3.8pts(14%)* in the past 5 years when the overall mean MCAT has only risen 0.5pts(<2%).

*This according to Touro-ny's demographics pages.

More people know about DO tbh. I mean I started out in 2008-2009 and that's when this site started getting packed.

SDN has done more to make DO mainstream than the AOA.

 

[AORiverContra]

I think the problem with just looking at the "average MCAT" is that figure averages both URM and non-URM students, as well as in state and out of state students. So if you are an Asian OOS then it would make sense for them to want you to have a 30+. It would be nice if they released a breakdown by ethnicity and geographic status, but I don't think we have those figures, do we?

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

More people know about DO tbh. I mean I started out in 2008-2009 and that's when this site started getting packed.

SDN has done more to make DO mainstream than the AOA.

Haha strangely true enough! I met my first DO while shadowing a PA in the ER. It was like... oh ok, so there are two types? And then I went like 6 months without thinking about it again. Then I came on here, tried shadowing a couple DOs and found its a sweet gig.

 

[da Vincis World]

More people know about DO tbh. I mean I started out in 2008-2009 and that's when this site started getting packed.

SDN has done more to make DO mainstream than the AOA.

While I agree with the statement about SDN....enrollment in DO schools is up almost 5k seats in those 5 years. This enrollment inflation would have been working against that average mcat.

Either way, using these self reported mcat and GPA "averages" to determine what schools to apply to is a fools game.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

While I agree with the statement about SDN....enrollment in DO schools is up almost 5k seats in those 5 years. This enrollment inflation would have been working against that average mcat.

Either way, using these self reported mcat and GPA "averages" to determine what schools to apply to is a fools game.

true enough, I wouldn't surprised if in theory the same applicant applied different years would end up in vastly different schools and have vastly different outcomes.

 

[darklordzzz]

I think the problem with just looking at the "average MCAT" is that figure averages both URM and non-URM students, as well as in state and out of state students. So if you are an Asian OOS then it would make sense for them to want you to have a 30+. It would be nice if they released a breakdown by ethnicity and geographic status, but I don't think we have those figures, do we?

on the CIB for DO, it has break down by ethnicity and geographic, the difference is only 1 point between different races so yea.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

on the CIB for DO, it has break down by ethnicity and geographic, the difference is only 1 point between different races so yea.

African Americans actually have around a 3.2/22 average. Which is understandable because with higher stats they have a relatively decent shot at MD.

 

[NontradCA]

NOVA sucks.

Because they alternate listed me.

 

[NontradCA]

African Americans actually have around a 3.2/22 average. Which is understandable because with higher stats they have a relatively decent shot at MD.

Yup. I was told this by a couple of people who interviewed me. And that's also why they were eager to give me scholarships. But, state supported schools care more about this.

I think admissions for med schools is ridiculous all around.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Yup. I was told this by a couple of people who interviewed me. And that's also why they were eager to give me scholarships. But, state supported schools care more about this.

I think admissions for med schools is ridiculous all around.

Pretty much, the application process in my opinion is a good enough reason to avoid the career than anything else I've dealt with so far.

 

[NontradCA]

Pretty much, the application process in my opinion is a good enough reason to avoid the career than anything else I've dealt with so far.

Well yea, the general grandstanding and self important ranting of the profession is stupid. I was just at an essentially worthless ceremony where our dean talked up the profession so much. That's all good and nice, but how can you justify a physician being special nowadays? Look at the lack of respect, encroachment and ridiculous debt. The feat at the end does not justify the arduous journey. It's just taking care of people you look down upon. The process from top to bottom is in need of humbling.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Well yea, the general grandstanding and self important ranting of the profession is stupid. I was just at an essentially worthless ceremony where our dean talked up the profession so much. That's all good and nice, but how can you justify a physician being special nowadays? Look at the lack of respect, encroachment and ridiculous debt. The feat at the end does not justify the arduous journey. It's just taking care of people you look down upon. The process from top to bottom is in need of humbling.

Lol have you ever stepped out of your bubble and seen the "respect" and "ridiculous debt" of other professions?

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Pretty much, the application process in my opinion is a good enough reason to avoid the career than anything else I've dealt with so far.

Then go find another career. Put your money where your mouth is.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Then go find another career. Put your money where your mouth is.

Haha, someone's a bit sour today.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

African Americans actually have around a 3.2/22 average. Which is understandable because with higher stats they have a relatively decent shot at MD.

More like 3.3+ and 23.08 (iirc)...

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Haha, someone's a bit sour today.

Lol have you ever stepped out of your bubble and seen the "respect" and "ridiculous debt" of other professions?

Then go find another career. Put your money where your mouth is.

What is going on today AlbinoHawk DO? You are one of the members who is always nice here... By the way, I like your avatar...

 

[NontradCA]

Lol have you ever stepped out of your bubble and seen the "respect" and "ridiculous debt" of other professions?

What are you trying to say here?

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

What is going on today AlbinoHawk DO? You are one of the members who is always nice here... By the way, I like your avatar...

It unintentionally sounded mad when I was trying to make serenade reconsider his point. Sorry guys.

 

[NontradCA]

It unintentionally sounded mad when I was trying to make serenade reconsider his point. Sorry guys.

It's a valid point. The admissions process is filled with BS (ECs for instance). Many people who apply get rejected (which sucks), and then are discouraged from trying again. So it does happen, that they don't apply again, like you suggested. It's rather low to flame someone who would take the rejection of this process and still continue on to more applications cycles. It's an admirable quality.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

It's a valid point. The admissions process is filled with BS (ECs for instance). Many people who apply get rejected (which sucks), and then are discouraged from trying again. So it does happen, that they don't apply again, like you suggested. It's rather low to flame someone who would take the rejection of this process and still continue on to more applications cycles. It's an admirable quality.

If you give up on your dream based on something being "hard," maybe it wasn't really your dream. I didn't "flame" serenade. If he really believes it's a good reason not to try, why keep going?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

If you give up on your dream based on something being "hard," maybe it wasn't really your dream. I didn't "flame" serenade. If he really believes it's a good reason not to try, why keep going?

Nah, I got you. You still sounded sour tho 😛.

 

[studentp0x]

It's a valid point. The admissions process is filled with BS (ECs for instance). Many people who apply get rejected (which sucks), and then are discouraged from trying again. So it does happen, that they don't apply again, like you suggested. It's rather low to flame someone who would take the rejection of this process and still continue on to more applications cycles. It's an admirable quality.

ECs are good cause they help level the playing field between the extreme nerds and normal people. 🙂

 

[chizledfrmstone]

ECs are good cause they help level the playing field between the extreme nerds and normal people. 🙂

I know someone who totally BSed their ECs because they had connections and people vouched for them through LORs.

It's getting more and more competitive to have impressive ECs because people BS a lot.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

Tons was the wrong word.... Perhaps lots or many is more appropriate. Either way, letting these "averages" drive application decisions is a horrible idea.

I find it very hard to believe that a schools MCAT average has truly increased 3.8pts(14%)* in the past 5 years when the overall mean MCAT has only risen 0.5pts(<2%).

*This according to Touro-ny's demographics pages.

I was compiling stats before and there is definitely some weird stuff going on.

I'm starting to get the feeling some schools are taking the best scores from each subsection and counting them as a set for the averages.

When I was collecting data for COMLEX 1 scores there was 1 school that proudly displayed higher than national average score. 3 months later they posted another number after everyone took the test. It was lower than the average. It was buried deep on the website.

Honestly I just don't care anymore. I'm accepted and I'm going to do the best I can.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

I was compiling stats before and there is definitely some weird stuff going on.

I'm starting to get the feeling some schools are taking the best scores from each subsection and counting them as a set for the averages.

When I was collecting data for COMLEX 1 scores there was 1 school that proudly displayed higher than national average score. 3 months later they posted another number after everyone took the test. It was lower than the average. It was buried deep on the website.

Honestly I just don't care anymore. I'm accepted and I'm going to do the best I can.

All these schools are trying to make themselves look like the Harvard of DO schools. In the end, who really cares? As long as the school has solid clinical affiliations and prepares the students well, these matriculant stats really don't matter much. They may even make a better impression on prospective students if they had more transparent admissions standards and stated what they're looking for.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[user3]

I was compiling stats before and there is definitely some weird stuff going on.

I'm starting to get the feeling some schools are taking the best scores from each subsection and counting them as a set for the averages.

When I was collecting data for COMLEX 1 scores there was 1 school that proudly displayed higher than national average score. 3 months later they posted another number after everyone took the test. It was lower than the average. It was buried deep on the website.

Honestly I just don't care anymore. I'm accepted and I'm going to do the best I can.

Do you think allo schools do this as well then? Keep in mind the official msar only states accepted and not matriculant averages