NSU-COM Discussion thread 2008-2009

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webstar will be updated first (mine was week and a half after interview). then a couple days later you'll receive an email. then another couple days youll get an acceptance packet in the mail.

thanks for posting the pics! they were great.
 
I'm sure it would be an interesting discussion. I would definately go if I were in the area then.
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Ft. Lauderdale (Davie), FLA. - The Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences will host an evening with Jack Kevorkian, M.D., the controversial physician who assisted his patients in committing suicide.

Kevorkian will speak on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the University Center on NSU's Davie campus. As part of the college's Distinguished Speakers Series, Kevorkian will speak on "Assisted Suicide" and the "Right to Die",corresponding with the college's 2008-2009 academic theme of "Life and Death."

Kevorkian's first assisted suicide was in 1990, when his "suicide machine" was used by a 54-year-old woman in Portland, Oregon, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. In September 1998, Kevorkian videotaped an assisted suicide in which he, not the patient, pressed the switch to initiate his device's lethal intravenous drip. Soon after the video aired on the CBS's 60 Minutes, Kevorkian was arrested for first-degree murder. In March 1999, he was convicted of second-degree murder, served eight years in prison, and was released in June 2007.

After his release from prison, Kevorkian promised to no longer assist in any suicides. However, he continues to advocate for the decriminalization of assisted suicide and serves as a vocal proponent of a person's right to choose suicide when faced with terminal illness.

Kevorkian graduated from the University of Michigan's medical school in 1952 and began his career as a pathology specialist studying terminal disease. His experiences with terminally ill patients eventually brought him to the conclusion that there existed a human "right to die" and that a doctor's choice to aid in a terminally ill patient's suicide could be considered an ethical one. Kevorkian later designed a machine which would allow patients to trigger an intravenous drip of an anesthetic to induce sleep and then coma, followed by an agent that would stop the patient's heart.

The College of Arts and Sciences' annual academic themes, frame co-curricular programs and experiences, and play an important role in realizing NSU's mission to prepare students for rich professional careers and active citizenship. Throughout the 2008-2009 academic year, students examine the relationship of life and death within social, scientific, legal, religious, political, and artistic contexts. As part of this analysis, they explore how life and death are discussed and defined and how our cultural expectations and beliefs regarding the human life cycle form all of our experiences. Previous academic themes have included explorations of "Good and Evil" and "Identity".

Kevorkian's lecture is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required for admission.

Tickets are available beginning Jan. 5 through the college's Office of the Dean, located on the second floor of the Mailman-Hollywood Building on NSU's main campus in Davie or by calling (954) 262-8236. For more information, visit www.undergrad.nova.edu/articles/dss/jackkevorkian .
 
I just have to post and say its actually -2 here in Cincinnati. I am dying to just run down to South Florida right now!! I am so ready to go down there and join you guys!

-2 seems warm. In Calgary (Canada) we just went through 2 weeks of -15.

Florida seems liek a different world now.
 
Thought maybe I'd share a few pics of the trip for future interviewees. This is from my interview at NSU-COM back in December and I was blown away - both from the school and location!

Thank you so much for those pics I keep looking at them telling myself I will be warm soon! haha. It is 0 degrees out right now. 🙁
 
Yea, even compared to where I am in north florida it is nice. Supposed to get around 15 tonight here, which is frustrating because it means I need to wear real shoes instead of sandals.
 
For those of you that just interviewed with me (1/13)... what does your status say? I have had issues with my status so I want to make sure it's correct. As of now it just says 'invited for interview.' Thanks!
 
I interviewed on 01/06/09. I just called Ellen and she said that the decision should be up by tuesday or wednesday this week coming up. I guess they are closed for holidays tomorrow and monday (makes sense).
 
For those of you that just interviewed with me (1/13)... what does your status say? I have had issues with my status so I want to make sure it's correct. As of now it just says 'invited for interview.' Thanks!

you're a bit premature to expect anything this soon. even if the committee met the day after your interview the earliest to see an update will probably be the 19th. and that's if theyre on the ball.
 
I interviewed on 01/06/09. I just called Ellen and she said that the decision should be up by tuesday or wednesday this week coming up. I guess they are closed for holidays tomorrow and monday (makes sense).

Thank you for checking. I also interviewed on the 6th and was getting anxious to hear something!
 
Thank you for checking. I also interviewed on the 6th and was getting anxious to hear something!

Lucky number slevin eh?

I named my ipod shuffle the "Kansas City Shuffle"
 
you're a bit premature to expect anything this soon. even if the committee met the day after your interview the earliest to see an update will probably be the 19th. and that's if theyre on the ball.


I spoke to Ellen today. She said there should be a decision on the 23rd
 
Hi,
I have till the 25th post a deposit. I am just wondering is it ok if I pay on Friday the 23rd and send the papers in mail? Or do they need every thing by the 25th?
 
Hi,
I have till the 25th post a deposit. I am just wondering is it ok if I pay on Friday the 23rd and send the papers in mail? Or do they need every thing by the 25th?

Not sure about paying the deposit by snail mail... But you CAN pay the deposit online and its updated by the next business day. On Webstar you'll see your status change to "Deposit received."
 
Not sure about paying the deposit by snail mail... But you CAN pay the deposit online and its updated by the next business day. On Webstar you'll see your status change to "Deposit received."
Yes, I plan to pay online but I think there is a letter I need to sign and send. My Q was about the letter.
 
Pretty sure all they care about is the deposit really. Also, you can email Ellen the letter of intent and other documents. I was also facing the deadline and she let me just email it to her.
 
Did anyone figure out how to find the orientation information and documentation that was mentioned in Ellen's email?
 
Pretty sure all they care about is the deposit really. Also, you can email Ellen the letter of intent and other documents. I was also facing the deadline and she let me just email it to her.

Thanks!
 
Did anyone figure out how to find the orientation information and documentation that was mentioned in Ellen's email?

My guess is that they have not uploaded the information yet. I checked the documents and links in the group and there is nothing there yet.
 
hey,

does anyone know about how long it takes to get a decision back? i just interviewed at lecom-b and was told they'd have a decision by tues......i'm supposed to interview at NOVA on jan 29 and PENDING acceptance at lecom-b i'd need to make a decision by feb 3......sooo just wondering what the thoughts are in terms of how filled the class is/how long it takes to get a response/any suggestions people have for me.

thanks!!!
 
That question has probably been asked about 10 times on this thread. A week or two but if you want a more detailed explanation read through the thread. They even answered the question not too long ago.
 
If you need a decision sooner, I would talk to Ellen after you interview. It is a special circumstance and admissions people are usually helpful when you are up against deadlines like that. Email is the best way to contact her. Good luck!
 
Hi can those who interviewed at NSU give a detailed description of their interview exp?? How are about their facilities, faculties, pass rate, atmosphere etc. Thanks
 
Hi can those who interviewed at NSU give a detailed description of their interview exp?? How are about their facilities, faculties, pass rate, atmosphere etc. Thanks
It might be most helpful for you to check out the interview feedback (on the menu bar, medical -> school interview feedback). There's a compilation of interview information there; message me if you want more info.
 
All the new applicants that are just getting their interviews now have a huge disadvantage because all the questions they have been asking are questions that we had months ago. Please don't be scared off because people aren't answering your questions. Just try to look back through the thread or do a search.

Those of you that have already had your questions answered try to be nice to all those that are still nervous and preparing for their interview. Just remember what it was like to be in their shoes. I know some people may be getting sick of answering the same questions over and over again but isn't that the point of these forums. So people can ask questions openly and get them answered.

Well sorry for my rant, I just think we all need to take a step back and a deep breath.
 
All the new applicants that are just getting their interviews now have a huge disadvantage because all the questions they have been asking are questions that we had months ago. Please don't be scared off because people aren't answering your questions. Just try to look back through the thread or do a search.

Those of you that have already had your questions answered try to be nice to all those that are still nervous and preparing for their interview. Just remember what it was like to be in their shoes. I know some people may be getting sick of answering the same questions over and over again but isn't that the point of these forums. So people can ask questions openly and get them answered.

Well sorry for my rant, I just think we all need to take a step back and a deep breath.

Agreed
 
Hi can those who interviewed at NSU give a detailed description of their interview exp?? How are about their facilities, faculties, pass rate, atmosphere etc. Thanks

The facilities there are great, the campus is awesome. The interview day was fairly busy. They had a tour and interviews in the morning, lunch and then a talk from the dean.

The students were friendly and all really liked the school and the laid back atmosphere.

NSU has a 95% pass rate on the COMLEX I

Hoppe this helps
 
All the new applicants that are just getting their interviews now have a huge disadvantage because all the questions they have been asking are questions that we had months ago. Please don't be scared off because people aren't answering your questions. Just try to look back through the thread or do a search.

Those of you that have already had your questions answered try to be nice to all those that are still nervous and preparing for their interview. Just remember what it was like to be in their shoes. I know some people may be getting sick of answering the same questions over and over again but isn't that the point of these forums. So people can ask questions openly and get them answered.

Well sorry for my rant, I just think we all need to take a step back and a deep breath.


If this is a school you really want to go to... then do the extra searches, go through this whole forum, read all of the interview feedbacks. Basically, spend some time researching all the tools SDN can give you. 90% or more of your questions have been answered multiple times over and the answers are in very great depth and detail.

If you still have questions past that, then there are LOTS of people here that will help you. I have no problem sharing my knowledge or experiences but when someone asks "What's the COMLEX passing rate?" thats annoying because the answer can be found in dozens of places VERY easily.
 
Hi can those who interviewed at NSU give a detailed description of their interview exp?? How are about their facilities, faculties, pass rate, atmosphere etc. Thanks

To answer the "interview experience" question-

I was in the middle of December, had ~40 people interviewing. They said they had more people interviewing that day than usual. Because of this, it was a little unorganized. They moved me around to several different offices trying to find somewhere for me to interview. The interviewers were very friendly and just wanted to get to know me. No outrageous questions. I really like the health professions building. Has a nice, decent sized library with individual study rooms. Then their main campus library is HUGE and really nice. All the classrooms/lecture halls/labs seemed well kept.

Because all the interviews were taking so long, I did not get to go on the campus tour. Luckily, I had been there before and already knew the campus was amazing beforehand. The lunch hour was great and we had a lot of M2's come in and talk with us. Seemed like very good people and were all happy to be at Nova.

Dr Whitehead does a great job of explaining NSUCOM in a nice impromptu format at the beginning of the day. You'll be nervous since its the beginning of the day, but listen to what he has to say. He gives out a LOT of good info on the school. The dean seems like a great guy as well. He loves to talk with students and get to know them and where they are from.

I posted a response in the "interview feedback" forum as well. Thats where I practiced for my interview questions and the day went very similar to everyone elses experiences that have been posted in there.
 
Hey guys! Haven't been on SDN in a while but I'm heading to FL in about 4 hrs and will be staying for a week. I'm gonna look out for places to live next year so I'll report back once I'm done!
 
Hi can those who interviewed at NSU give a detailed description of their interview exp?? How are about their facilities, faculties, pass rate, atmosphere etc. Thanks

Hey, this is my first post here on this forum. I was accepted to NSUCOM in late November. Definitely looking forward to the warm weather...I've had enough of these subzero temps!

My interview experience is unique. I scheduled to interview on November 21st. When I showed up though, I was told interviews for the osteopathic program were the day before on the 20th. Ellen was great though, she told me to sit tight and she would try getting a few faculty members together to conduct the interview. So, I interviewed with the assistant Dean and another faculty member. The interview was very relaxed, even though I was really flustered at this point.

Afterwards, I was just grateful that I was able to interview and I thought that would be the end of the day, but Ellen and Dr. Whitehead arranged for me to sit in on a couple of classes. Even in class, a few of the students took time to talk with me and introduce themselves. They were very encouraging. Then, Ellen took me around and gave me a tour of HPD...the facilities are really quite nice I thought and it seems there are just a lot of resources available for the students. They arranged for me to not only have lunch, but also got some students to come talk with me. They were extremely friendly, willing to share their experiences, and made me feel comfortable. They left a great impression on me. 👍

I was given a pass to drive around campus, but I chose to take the trolley instead to see the main library and the recreation complex. While on the trolley, I met a first year medical student. I told him my situation and he took the time to come with me, show me around and tell me about the campus. That was incredibly nice of him. 👍 The rec center and library are really amazing.

Really, the students I met were awesome and easy going. The faculty and administration made my day a great experience.
 
From Ellen Rondino, I emailed her today:

As an " Alternate" candidate, your application will continue to receive careful consideration, and you will be notified of any change in your status as soon as possible.

Applications in this position are not ranked. Therefore we are unable to indicate where any individual stands in regards to being accepted.

Alternate status is neither accepted or denied. You are placed as an alternate status and your application is reviewed again. I hope that answered your question.

My interpretation of this is a waitlist. What are they going to find the second time reviewing your app that they didnt the first time?
 
From Ellen Rondino, I emailed her today:



My interpretation of this is a waitlist. What are they going to find the second time reviewing your app that they didnt the first time?



good question. how are there no ranks either? unbelievable. i found out im on the alternative list today as well. meanwhile i came away from the interview feeling very good about it and got praised from 2/3 interviewers. This was my #1, #2, and #3 choice. meanwhile i got 6 interviews and counting so its not like im begging to just get in anywhere.
 
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My interpretation of this is a waitlist. What are they going to find the second time reviewing your app that they didnt the first time?


there's nothing they will find out in addition to the first time they looked through it.

in reality, it means they like you but need to see how many acceptances they've sent out will actually be accepted by the applicant. i.e. they might send out 200 acceptance this month but only 50 will actually take it.

good luck with the waitlist, i wish you the best.
 
good question. how are there no ranks either? unbelievable. i found out im on the alternative list today as well. meanwhile i came away from the interview feeling very good about it and got praised from 2/3 interviewers. This was my #1, #2, and #3 choice. meanwhile i got 6 interviews and counting so its not like im begging to just get in anywhere.

Most interviewers (about 2/3s) will be pretty nice to you regardless of how you interview. They aren't out to destroy you. They are out to see if you fit what they want. I've had some super nice interviewers that praised everything about me to the point of being uncomfortable and then got waitlisted. We, interviewees, are poor judges of performance.
 
is it possible to get waitlisted based on stats? for example, maybe i was good enough at the interview, but they decided to waitlist me because of my stats.
 
is it possible to get waitlisted based on stats? for example, maybe i was good enough at the interview, but they decided to waitlist me because of my stats.

Yes.

As I understand it: Your interviewers give their recommendation and then the admissions committee reviews your entire file again and makes a decision.

Oh, and then the dean makes the final call and either signs off on you or signs you off.

I think most of the schools work like this.
 
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that's ridiculous. why waste my time of flying me out you know? if i was gonna be wait listed this whole time... shouldn't the point of an interview be to know me as a person.
 
that's ridiculous. why waste my time of flying me out you know? if i was gonna be wait listed this whole time... shouldn't the point of an interview be to know me as a person.


Maybe your interview wasn't impressive enough to overcome the deficit in your stats?

I should make it clear that I have no idea what your interview was like, or how your stats are. I'm just saying there are lots of reasons to get wait-listed.
 
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