NSU-COM Discussion thread 2008-2009

[umean2tellme]

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My acceptance letter says that I have to pay 950.00 deposit by December 15th.

 

[tourniquet1963]

so, my interview at NSU sucked. The second i walked through the door, this female interviewer grills me for not having a DO letter and how that if i want to be accepted to their school that i would need this letter and how my file isnt complete without it (im thinking WTF.. b/c i wouldnt have applied had they required this letter).. so i told her, "oh getting a letter from a DO shouldnt be a problem, i work among various physicians, so i'm sure i can get a DO letter, but i do have an MD letter.. is that not enough".. and she's like no it isnt!.. so then, one of the male inetrviewers intervened and said, well actually it might be enough.. and he stepped out to verify that indeed my MD letter is good enough.. (that shut her up).. but then she goes to tell me how can i KNOW i want to be a DO without shadowing bla bla bla (btw, i didnt shadow an MD either.. i work along side doctors (in all fields) everyday for the past 5 years, plus volunteering)...

anyway.. i dont even remember speaking and be given a chance to sell/explain myself. And i dont like how this "interview" lasted only like 10-15 minutes.. I flew out there.. took time off from work.. for a mere 15 minutes of their time.. and they didnt even interview me properly.. what happened to asking questiong about who i am, what i do, my experiences... It was my first interview, so perhaps my expectations were too high.

 

[Yoyomama88]

does anyone know the cheapest way to get from ft. lauderdale airport to NSU....how much would a cab cost? Is there a shuttle of some sort?

 

[melv55]

does anyone know the cheapest way to get from ft. lauderdale airport to NSU....how much would a cab cost? Is there a shuttle of some sort?

My cab fare from NSU to FLL airport came to $28.00... and no I don't think there was a shuttle service

 

[Yoyomama88]

so thats just one way, is 28 dollars? Or was that roundtrip...that sucks.

 

[MossPoh]

so thats just one way, is 28 dollars? Or was that roundtrip...that sucks.

I highly doubt that is roundtrip. That is pretty cheap. Taxis are expensive for long distances. I've had 45 dollar cab fairs multiple times.

 

[MossPoh]

anyway.. i dont even remember speaking and be given a chance to sell/explain myself. And i dont like how this "interview" lasted only like 10-15 minutes.. I flew out there.. took time off from work.. for a mere 15 minutes of their time.. and they didnt even interview me properly.. what happened to asking questiong about who i am, what i do, my experiences... It was my first interview, so perhaps my expectations were too high.

Never expect anything from interviews. Some do that and some don't. I'm sorry you had a crappy experience but many interviews only last a few minutes longer. Mine lasted almost 30 there, but that is because I directed the interview and we got into an intellectual conversation about implementing technologies into the healthcare field and what not.

 

[DrMidlife]

so, my interview at NSU sucked.... It was my first interview, so perhaps my expectations were too high.

I had a similar experience: it seemed like my presence at my own interview was optional. I wasn't asked any questions. The interviewers had a vigorous discussion about a random non-medical issue while I smiled and nodded. I left thinking that the only outcome of my interview was that they could check off the box that says "candidate has bathed, responds to stimuli, and doesn't drool."

I got in though.

 

[wongb18c]

so, my interview at NSU sucked. The second i walked through the door, this female interviewer grills me for not having a DO letter and how that if i want to be accepted to their school that i would need this letter and how my file isnt complete without it (im thinking WTF.. b/c i wouldnt have applied had they required this letter).. so i told her, "oh getting a letter from a DO shouldnt be a problem, i work among various physicians, so i'm sure i can get a DO letter, but i do have an MD letter.. is that not enough".. and she's like no it isnt!.. so then, one of the male inetrviewers intervened and said, well actually it might be enough.. and he stepped out to verify that indeed my MD letter is good enough.. (that shut her up).. but then she goes to tell me how can i KNOW i want to be a DO without shadowing bla bla bla (btw, i didnt shadow an MD either.. i work along side doctors (in all fields) everyday for the past 5 years, plus volunteering)...

anyway.. i dont even remember speaking and be given a chance to sell/explain myself. And i dont like how this "interview" lasted only like 10-15 minutes.. I flew out there.. took time off from work.. for a mere 15 minutes of their time.. and they didnt even interview me properly.. what happened to asking questiong about who i am, what i do, my experiences... It was my first interview, so perhaps my expectations were too high.

After reading that post I'm a little concerned, because I'm in the same situation as you are and do NOT have a DO letter. I do have 2 MD letters. I hope I don't get bombarded with the same attitude and questions that you did. I'm also taking time off from work and I'm flying from NY.. I'm starting to doubt if my 211 dollar plane ticket is worth the 15 min's.

Btw, is there anyone else here that flew from NY to FLL for their interview? What did you pay for your round trip ticket? I shopped around and my total came out to be 211 dollars (jet blue), I find that very expensive, but it was the cheapest I could find. I thought oil prices went down.........

 

[melv55]

so thats just one way, is 28 dollars? Or was that roundtrip...that sucks.

oh, that was just one way! Sorry I didn't specify

 

[schussboarder]

so thats just one way, is 28 dollars? Or was that roundtrip...that sucks.

Are you planning on staying at a hotel the night before? The hotel I stayed at had a free shuttle service that shuttled me from the airport to the hotel, then from the hotel to the school, and did the same on the way back. All of this was included in my stay so I didn't have to pay anything for a taxi. If you do plan on using a hotel, I'd try to find one that has this service.

 

[e p i c]

Are you planning on staying at a hotel the night before? The hotel I stayed at had a free shuttle service that shuttled me from the airport to the hotel, then from the hotel to the school, and did the same on the way back. All of this was included in my stay so I didn't have to pay anything for a taxi. If you do plan on using a hotel, I'd try to find one that has this service.

But you can't cruise for chicks in a shuttle. That's why I recommend renting a car. That's my plan.

 

[anon y mous]

My cab fare from NSU to FLL airport came to $28.00... and no I don't think there was a shuttle service

$28? Wow! It really isn't that far. You could rent a car for less than the cost of the round trip of that. I finally got my invite!! How long do each of the interviews last.

Does NOVA hold interviews on specific days?

 

[anon y mous]

Are you planning on staying at a hotel the night before? The hotel I stayed at had a free shuttle service that shuttled me from the airport to the hotel, then from the hotel to the school, and did the same on the way back. All of this was included in my stay so I didn't have to pay anything for a taxi. If you do plan on using a hotel, I'd try to find one that has this service.

That's great information; which hotel was that?

Are there any students who put up interviewees?

 

[p30doc]

After reading that post I'm a little concerned, because I'm in the same situation as you are and do NOT have a DO letter. I do have 2 MD letters. I hope I don't get bombarded with the same attitude and questions that you did. I'm also taking time off from work and I'm flying from NY.. I'm starting to doubt if my 211 dollar plane ticket is worth the 15 min's.

Btw, is there anyone else here that flew from NY to FLL for their interview? What did you pay for your round trip ticket? I shopped around and my total came out to be 211 dollars (jet blue), I find that very expensive, but it was the cheapest I could find. I thought oil prices went down.........

I don't have a DO letter and haven't shadowed a DO, they didn't beat me up over it. I wouldn't worry. Also 211 from ny to florida is about the best price you will find.

 

[skiracr456]

So I received that letter last friday that people were getting duplicates of saying I was invited for an interview. I called on Friday and left a message with Sarah and I still haven't heard back. I had exam today and then I had to go vote so I didn't have a chance to call back again. Is it rude to call again even though I haven't heard back?

Also, if this interview invite really is legit. Where would people recommend staying at? I do not want to spend too much money on a hotel room but I don't want a shady place either. I have never been down to this area of Florida before but I have heard really nice things about it. What should I be clued in about? Are there any fun things to do in the area?

 

[FourMoreYears]

So I received that letter last friday that people were getting duplicates of saying I was invited for an interview. I called on Friday and left a message with Sarah and I still haven't heard back. I had exam today and then I had to go vote so I didn't have a chance to call back again. Is it rude to call again even though I haven't heard back?

Just call back each day. You can leave a message every other day, but I wouldn't leave one with each call. After reading this forum for the last 2 cycles, it appears things get done much faster if you talk to them live. Call call call and call again.

 

[avervisal]

I called Sarah around 2:00 CST and got through without any trouble. Set up the interview, and then e-mailed Ellen for a confirmation. Sarah mentioned that NSU does interviews on Tuesdays, Thursdays and a couple Fridays, but not on the week of Thanksgiving.

I'm personally planning on staying at a friend's place who's at NSU right now, but I think I'm going to rent a car because I'm pretty sure we're going out the night I fly in. I noticed too that cabs can get to be pretty expensive. I just landed in Phoenix earlier today, and am staying in a hotel in Glendale, and a one-way trip was $70. Luckily, I rented a car (and got a nice one too!).

 

[MossPoh]

$28? Wow! It really isn't that far. You could rent a car for less than the cost of the round trip of that. I finally got my invite along with Bradenton, all on the same day!! I was going to try to both on the same trip. Is this feasible? What is the best way as far as transportation, timing, etc. I do have to fly there. How long do each of the interviews last.

Does NOVA hold interviews on specific days?

Don't get caught up in thinking rental cars are super cheap. I thought the same thing and don't have the rental fee for being under 25....I still got hit with a lot of fees. Gas, taxes and other miscellaneous fees build up real fast. I still find it easier though

 

[schussboarder]

That's great information; which hotel was that?

Are there any students who put up interviewees?

It was the comfort suites in davie....literally 5 min from the campus. They didn't give me a discount even though I mentioned that I was interviewing, but if you are a AAA member they'll give you some money off. It ended up costing $89 for the night but it was really worth it because of the free shuttles to and from the airport and school.

 

[p30doc]

Don't get caught up in thinking rental cars are super cheap. I thought the same thing and don't have the rental fee for being under 25....I still got hit with a lot of fees. Gas, taxes and other miscellaneous fees build up real fast. I still find it easier though

if you book online with orbitz or priceline, it tells you the total cost of the rental upfront with no hidden fees, i've rented 4 cars through those means and haven't had a surprise fee yet..

also those calling struggling to schedule an interview, I emailed them to schedule and they responded within 30 mins, give email a shot too..

 

[anon y mous]

It was the comfort suites in davie....literally 5 min from the campus. They didn't give me a discount even though I mentioned that I was interviewing, but if you are a AAA member they'll give you some money off. It ended up costing $89 for the night but it was really worth it because of the free shuttles to and from the airport and school.

Thanks!!

 

[anon y mous]

if you book online with orbitz or priceline, it tells you the total cost of the rental upfront with no hidden fees, i've rented 4 cars through those means and haven't had a surprise fee yet..

also those calling struggling to schedule an interview, I emailed them to schedule and they responded within 30 mins, give email a shot too..

cool! I'm trying to arrange two for the same trip. How do I go about doing this? What if one doesn't have availability the day before or after the other. Do I tell them i'm trying to do two for one or is that bad?

 

[schussboarder]

Thanks!! Their website says:

Welcome to the Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport-West, a Davie hotel near Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

The Comfort Suites® Ft. Lauderdale Airport-West is centrally located just four miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and only six miles from the Port Everglades cruise port. This Davie, FL hotel offers free roundtrip transportation to the airport from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. The hotel also offers free transportation to the Port Everglades cruise port (drop off only), with arrangements made in advance. The Greater Fort Lauderdale - Broward County Convention Center is located 15 minutes east of the hotel.
The Sawgrass Mills outlet mall, Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood, BankAtlantic Center and Dolphin Stadium are all within eight miles of this Davie, FL hotel. Neighboring cities include Plantation, Weston, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. Just 15 minutes east of the hotel you will find Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the shops at Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk, the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Florida Beach and many other sandy beaches.
The campuses of Nova Southeastern University, H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and McFatter Technical Center are nearby.

But it doesn't say free transportation to NOVA. How did yopu arrange that? What times do they go? Do you arrange it in advance? Thanks!

When I called, the lady at the front desk said that they provided transportation to NOVA complementary. All I had to do was call 15 min in advance to when I wanted to leave or get picked up.

 

[DocHas]

Anyone else interviewing on November 12th?

I have my first interview on the 11th at LECOM Bradenton and then I'm at NOVA the following day. I just got my interview invite a couple of days ago. I e-mailed requesting the 12th, explaining I'd already be in FL. I was really surprised when they said sure, especially given the relatively short notice.

Also, anyone know of a *cheap* hotel in the area? I'll have a car at my disposal so it doesn't need to be super close to the school.

A silly question, but one I agonize over. For girls, if wearing a suit to your interview, what kind of shoes should you wear? How much heel is too much heel? Socks or no socks (for pants suit)? Hose? I'm pretty inexperienced at dressing myself in business/professional and am somewhat fashion handicapped as it is.

 

[MossPoh]

if you book online with orbitz or priceline, it tells you the total cost of the rental upfront with no hidden fees, i've rented 4 cars through those means and haven't had a surprise fee yet..

also those calling struggling to schedule an interview, I emailed them to schedule and they responded within 30 mins, give email a shot too..

Oh I booked it with them. Those places can't tell you how much you will drive or the cost of filling up the tank of gas, or if you are in particularly a unfriendly driving area and want some insurance. It ended up being about 150 dollars more than anticipated at one location because of mileage and then 70 at another because of mileage. The hidden fees are all driving based. Orbitz was also off on the tax at one location, but that was only 6 or 7 bucks different. If you are driving all of an hour total then it won't make a difference. I tend to drive around the area a lot and went through at least a tank of gas twice.

I still prefer rental cars, but only if you are there for more than a day. Otherwise I think it is just better to use shuttles and a taxi. Less hassle.

 

[melv55]

Anyone else interviewing on November 12th?

I have my first interview on the 11th at LECOM Bradenton and then I'm at NOVA the following day. I just got my interview invite a couple of days ago. I e-mailed requesting the 12th, explaining I'd already be in FL. I was really surprised when they said sure, especially given the relatively short notice.

Also, anyone know of a *cheap* hotel in the area? I'll have a car at my disposal so it doesn't need to be super close to the school.

A silly question, but one I agonize over. For girls, if wearing a suit to your interview, what kind of shoes should you wear? How much heel is too much heel? Socks or no socks (for pants suit)? Hose? I'm pretty inexperienced at dressing myself in business/professional and am somewhat fashion handicapped as it is.

At NSU last week, I wore (with a pants suit) about 2-3 inch heels with no socks or hose. Most girls wore similar heels, if not higher ones. I think the only girls wearing hose were the ones in skirt suits. In the actual interview though you are at a table, so the interviewers can't see your feet anyway!🙂

 

[p30doc]

Oh I booked it with them. Those places can't tell you how much you will drive or the cost of filling up the tank of gas, or if you are in particularly a unfriendly driving area and want some insurance. It ended up being about 150 dollars more than anticipated at one location because of mileage and then 70 at another because of mileage. The hidden fees are all driving based. Orbitz was also off on the tax at one location, but that was only 6 or 7 bucks different. If you are driving all of an hour total then it won't make a difference. I tend to drive around the area a lot and went through at least a tank of gas twice.

Ahh, all my rentals have been unlimited mileage, I drive around a lot too. I never buy the opitional insurance, my normal car insurance provides coverage for rental and also my credit card provides extra rental coverage as well. Also I never prepay for the tank of gas because that is always a rip off, I fill it myself before returning it. But ya I can see how it can end up being more than expected.

 

[p30doc]

cool! I'm trying to arrange two for the same trip. How do I go about doing this? What if one doesn't have availability the day before or after the other. Do I tell them i'm trying to do two for one or is that bad?

Schools are usually accommodating and understand that traveling for students is expensive. I wouldn't hide the fact that you are trying to lump two interviews into one trip.

 

[em73837]

I know its getting late in the cycle ... but is it too late to submit a secondary to NOVA? Any advice/opinions?

 

[blssbaby]

when did you received your acceptance?

 

[detroitdo]

so, like a few others i got the duplicate email and after a few calls and emails i got a response saying

"Your file will be reviewed during the next Council of Admissions meeting and a decision will be posted."

I'm not sure what that means though do they still want me to show up for the scheduled interview i have on this upcoming tuesday???

ahhh this school

 

[blssbaby]

My acceptance letter says that I have to pay 950.00 deposit by December 15th.

when did you receive your acceptance?

 

[AMEHigh]

so, like a few others i got the duplicate email and after a few calls and emails i got a response saying

"Your file will be reviewed during the next Council of Admissions meeting and a decision will be posted."

I'm not sure what that means though do they still want me to show up for the scheduled interview i have on this upcoming tuesday???

ahhh this school

Yeah what is the deal with admissions here? I've sent everything in atleast a month ago, but haven't heard anything or no updates on the online page. Didn't someone in a previous post say they often lose/forget stuff? I faxed AND mailed my signature page in twice. I hope they have it!

Should I just sit around and wait? I've tried calling and emailing. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[FourMoreYears]

Yeah what is the deal with admissions here? I've sent everything in atleast a month ago, but haven't heard anything or no updates on the online page. Didn't someone in a previous post say they often lose/forget stuff? I faxed AND mailed my signature page in twice. I hope they have it!

Should I just sit around and wait? I've tried calling and emailing. Any advice? Thanks!

Yes you do sit around and wait. You can call to make sure everything was received. I did this. It took a couple of weeks of sporadic calling to get someone live to confirm my application was complete. They hardly ever update the online page so don't go by that. In terms of waiting for an interview, it should come if your stats are somewhat similar to the people who have gotten one so far. The 10+ pages in this forum is filled with examples.

The admissions department is slower than watching coal turn into diamonds. BUT from what I gather from other students and those who post on these forums is this is not reflective of the osteopathic program.

Hang in there.....your time will come.

 

[skiracr456]

I was invited for an interview. How long does it take after the interview to hear whether or not you were accepted?

 

[Ryan**]

It was the comfort suites in davie....literally 5 min from the campus. They didn't give me a discount even though I mentioned that I was interviewing, but if you are a AAA member they'll give you some money off. It ended up costing $89 for the night but it was really worth it because of the free shuttles to and from the airport and school.

How did you get it for that price? It seems like it's listed for $129 on their website. It's on Davie Rd in Davie?

 

[schussboarder]

How did you get it for that price? It seems like it's listed for $129 on their website. It's on Davie Rd in Davie?

They give discounts for AAA members

 

[waitwhat]

I got my secondary today....finally, I know...was recently verified though. Anyway, I'm trying to figure this WebStar junk out. I'm not sure where I get the secondary at......I clicked "Retrieve my WebStar ID"....am I not seeing some thing here?

Anyone care to help?

 

[ILikeFood]

Finished my NSU secondary...I think?

Does the application go from "submitted" to "processed" within 1-2 days? Because when I click on the application link under "submitted" I can't see all the data I entered. I only see my name, address, program I applied to, etc. The basics.

I sent in my LORs and my signature page. Am I forgetting anything?

 

[ILikeFood]

I got my secondary today....finally, I know...was recently verified though. Anyway, I'm trying to figure this WebStar junk out. I'm not sure where I get the secondary at......I clicked "Retrieve my WebStar ID"....am I not seeing some thing here?

Anyone care to help?

The email should take you to a webpage. Click on NSU Application, click on Admissions, Register a New Account, Start a New Application.

 

[DocHas]

Schools are usually accommodating and understand that traveling for students is expensive. I wouldn't hide the fact that you are trying to lump two interviews into one trip.

I already had my LECOM Bradenton interview scheduled for the 11th and didn't get my invite for Nova till Nov. 2. I explained the situation and asked if I could have the 12th and they replied with an okay straight away.

I really don't think they'll judge you for having other interviews, especially in the same area.

 

[beachblonde]

I already had my LECOM Bradenton interview scheduled for the 11th and didn't get my invite for Nova till Nov. 2. I explained the situation and asked if I could have the 12th and they replied with an okay straight away.

I really don't think they'll judge you for having other interviews, especially in the same area.

They were very accommodating when I made a similar request. Wins them points in my book! Just call and ask, more than likely they'll be happy to set up a time to make your life easier.

 

[singinfifi]

So we had another group of interviewees today pop into our lecture hall.

You wanna know what's weird? Having a person that's interviewing take a picture of your lecture...with flash...

Very strange.

Anywho, good luck everybody 🙂

 

[p30doc]

you wanna know what's weird? Having a person that's interviewing take a picture of your lecture...with flash...

lol!

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

does anyone know the cheapest way to get from ft. lauderdale airport to NSU....how much would a cab cost? Is there a shuttle of some sort?

If you are staying at a hotel, make sure you pick a hotel that has a free shuttle to and from the airport and to and from NSU. I stayed at the Amerisuites which has been converted to a Hyatt on W. Broward Boulevard. I'm not sure if they still do that nowadays.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

So we had another group of interviewees today pop into our lecture hall.

You wanna know what's weird? Having a person that's interviewing take a picture of your lecture...with flash...

Very strange.

Anywho, good luck everybody 🙂

Funniest thing ever!

 

[MossPoh]

Sounds like a very respectful person. Sometimes I don't understand why they bother with even showing lecture halls. They all look the same to me now.

 

[waitwhat]

The email should take you to a webpage. Click on NSU Application, click on Admissions, Register a New Account, Start a New Application.

Whoa. Super simple......ummm I feel a little sheepish. Thanks for the help!

 

[singinfifi]

Funniest thing ever!

Just hanging out in anatomy class (omg. THANK GOD WE HAVE CONNOVER BACK) and all of a sudden, this flash goes off. i look by the door and there's a group of interviewees and one of them is looking at a camera.

It took me a second to figure out exactly what had just transpired.

Ok. Back to cardio physiology for me.