NSU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[linkDO]

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if your flying into FLL it is literally a 10 min drive from airport to school. very easy.

the last part of the day is always a campus wide tour and is optional so not a big deal to skip. just drive/walk around the day before if you really wanna see the campus.

- -
who all interviewed today? howd it go?

 

[linkDO]

I graduated several years ago from MSU with a degree in Human Biology-Physiology. I started a career in health care administration but hated the paperwork. I had originally wanted to apply to med school but bc of financial and family pressure decided against it. This summer I took the MCAT with 2-3 days of studying while I was post op from a procedure on my shoulder (basically I didn't study very much since I was on pain killers). I got a 28 (I was surprised. I hadn't studied that material since AP classes in HS with the exception of orgo). I started a Respiratory Therapy program after I realized I needed to be involved with patient care (couldn't stand any more paper work), but the technician role of an RRT was not entirely satisfying. I knew I would not be happy with my career until I was a physician. My undergrad GPA was a 3.0 but I now have a high 3.9 (in the resp program) but with only a couple semesters under my belt. I have excellent employer and DO recommendations, but I don't have any natural science or liberal arts recommendations. I had a couple but they are now 4-6 years old and worthless. I have several letters from the respiratory care program I am in but I don't know if they will take them. I am hoping to get in for next fall but I'm not sure if I can, applying this late. I know if I apply next year the grades from the Respiratory Program, in combination with those from the MPH program (online through NOVA's school of osteopathic medicine) I start in Jan will be enough to get me in. My overall GPA is 3.2 but I have 80 credits of 300-400 level science courses (I'm hoping that will help). I did poorly in my undergrad bc I worked 40-100 hours a week and graduated with 2 majors in 3.5 years. It was stupid. I refused to take out loans and my grades suffered for it. I did finance my entire education have no debt or loans. I have a good job, a nice car, and a 2 story 2000 sq ft house, in a nice neighborhood (but not the best GPA).
I have been working in healthcare for 5 years, and can get a half dozen DO's to write me letters if I need them. Does anyone have any input on whether they think it is possible for me to get in for next fall? I have everything done except my personal statement (2/3's of the way done), I'll turn my finished app in Monday. Also if I study (for more than a couple days) I'm fairly confident I could get in the 30's on the MCAT. Should I bother taking it again? Next year my new grades should let me get in. NOVA's average matriculate has about a 24.8 MCAT score, so I'm not sure its worth studying and paying to take it again (the MCAT), when next year my grades and scores should get me in. Also next year I will be able to get a recommendation from a professor in the MPH program at NOVA to write me a letter so I should be all set in that area.
Any input would be helpful,

NOVA 2014 hopeful

Your mcat is fine. to be honest i dont think they will care about your respiratory program or MPH thru the Nova Osteopathic Program (why do this now!? you can do it during med school).... but the higher recent GPA def helps show your improvements.

biggest thing - you CANT get accepted without actually applying through AACOMAS. so finish your PS already and apply! its really late in the cycle to just be starting this. in which case maybe youd want to spend the winter and spring preparing your application, LOR, and MCAT again if you think you can do better. but this would be for 2015 class, not 2014.

ps - what does your good job, nice car, nice 2000 sq foot home have anything to do with your application?

 

[Always Hopeful]

How do the current students stomach 40,000+ dollars in tuition a year? Are there any opportunities for scholarships?
I heard there are some threads that discuss this, so feel free to direct. Thanks!!

 

[sonofva]

congratulations to those accepted! there is a NSUCOM 2014 facebook group that just got started if you are interested in meeting some of your future classmates.

 

[PurgrubMed]

The online webpage says my user ID and Pin are invalid. I thought I had remembered someone on this thread having this problem as well. What should I do?

 

[MSUSpartan642]

The online webpage says my user ID and Pin are invalid. I thought I had remembered someone on this thread having this problem as well. What should I do?

Mine worked fine but there is never any useful information on Webstar.

 

[spence]

The online webpage says my user ID and Pin are invalid. I thought I had remembered someone on this thread having this problem as well. What should I do?

When you go to webstar.nova.edu make sure you are clicking on "Admissions" and not "Enter Secure Area". The "Enter Secure Area" is for current students and not applicants.

 

[djd2187]

How do the current students stomach 40,000+ dollars in tuition a year? Are there any opportunities for scholarships?
I heard there are some threads that discuss this, so feel free to direct. Thanks!!

I am pretty sure its mostly loans, because NOVA seems like its on the cheaper side of most osteopathic schools or even allopathic schools for that matter (excluding you own state school). I know I am picking NOVA over another school (WVSOM: 50,000 for tuition) because of yearly tuition. I am pretty sure there aren't scholarship opportunities but you can do a extra research year. If you decide to do the extra research year, the school will pay for your final two years. There are programs that people commit themselves to such as army, navy, serving underprevilaged areas so they can pay for your tuition as long as you commit to serve them after residency and specialization.

 

[linkDO]

I am pretty sure its mostly loans, because NOVA seems like its on the cheaper side of most osteopathic schools or even allopathic schools for that matter (excluding you own state school). I know I am picking NOVA over another school (WVSOM: 50,000 for tuition) because of yearly tuition. I am pretty sure there aren't scholarship opportunities but you can do a extra research year. If you decide to do the extra research year, the school will pay for your final two years. There are programs that people commit themselves to such as army, navy, serving underprevilaged areas so they can pay for your tuition as long as you commit to serve them after residency and specialization.

Just like the research scholarship there is an OPP scholarship. In both of them you do a fellowship year between 2nd and 3rd year...then finish your 3rd and 4th years with free tuition. I think there's 2 research scholarships and maybe 5-8 OPP each year. You apply in the Fall of your second year.

 

[JediZero]

ps - what does your good job, nice car, nice 2000 sq foot home have anything to do with your application?

It means he has stuff to sell so that he can afford to pay tuition. 😛

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Just like the research scholarship there is an OPP scholarship. In both of them you do a fellowship year between 2nd and 3rd year...then finish your 3rd and 4th years with free tuition. I think there's 2 research scholarships and maybe 5-8 OPP each year. You apply in the Fall of your second year.

Is this available at all schools? This sounds like a pretty sweet deal 🙂

 

[p30doc]

How do the current students stomach 40,000+ dollars in tuition a year? Are there any opportunities for scholarships?
I heard there are some threads that discuss this, so feel free to direct. Thanks!!

tuition is something like 32k/yr if you are instate and 37k/yr if you are out of state, which isn't that bad compared to 50k+/yr tuition at some other schools. Nova gives you a lot of latitude in your living expense allowance, which i greatly appreciate!

 

[nikon]

Negative. It's just a bad pitch for "why do you want to be a doctor". 😀

It means he has stuff to sell so that he can afford to pay tuition. 😛

 

[MarieMarie]

I'm not going to bother finishing CCOM's secondary because of tuition. Makes Nova seem very reasonable 🙂 What is cost of living in Ft Lauderdale like?

 

[Thomas Hearns]

I'm not going to bother finishing CCOM's secondary because of tuition. Makes Nova seem very reasonable 🙂 What is cost of living in Ft Lauderdale like?

Fairly high... but probably a little less or around the same as Chicago? A lot more than Des Moines, and less than LA 🙂

 

[Booster]

I'm not going to bother finishing CCOM's secondary because of tuition. Makes Nova seem very reasonable 🙂 What is cost of living in Ft Lauderdale like?

Don't know what the exact prices of apartments around NSU are, but I live 30 minutes away in a nice apartment complex. My 2 bed/2 bath is 1350 a month, and I expect the area around Nova to be about the same, perhaps a hundred less. A one bedroom can be anywhere from 800-1100 a month, depending on amenities and size. Gas is 2.59/gal regular right now. If that will give you a rough idea.

 

[p30doc]

Don't know what the exact prices of apartments around NSU are, but I live 30 minutes away in a nice apartment complex. My 2 bed/2 bath is 1350 a month, and I expect the area around Nova to be about the same, perhaps a hundred less. A one bedroom can be anywhere from 800-1100 a month, depending on amenities and size. Gas is 2.59/gal regular right now. If that will give you a rough idea.

I pay 1260/mo for a 3/2 ~1300sqft new appliances, completely remodeled with a lake view in Plantation (nicest area around Nova imo).

 

[Booster]

I pay 1260/mo for a 3/2 ~1300sqft new appliances, completely remodeled with a lake view in Plantation (nicest area around Nova imo).

well there you go. that sounds like a great deal. i know the 2 bed/2 bath i live in is about 1300 sq feet also so it is about the same (more or less) money per sq ft. how far is your drive to nova?

 

[p30doc]

well there you go. that sounds like a great deal. i know the 2 bed/2 bath i live in is about 1300 sq feet also so it is about the same (more or less) money per sq ft. how far is your drive to nova?

It is ~3-4 miles, it takes a little less than 10 mins to get to school. From my apt door to parking then swiping in at steele is usually 15 minutes total.

 

[123165]

I pay 1260/mo for a 3/2 ~1300sqft new appliances, completely remodeled with a lake view in Plantation (nicest area around Nova imo).

Because of this, I am starting to lean towards kcom. Apartments go for 400$ a month including all utilities. You can find houses easily for $50k. I am trying to convince myself about nova, but I also plan on practicing in the midwest. I am trying to find a reason for nova here.

 

[Thomas Hearns]

Because of this, I am starting to lean towards kcom. Apartments go for 400$ a month including all utilities. You can find houses easily for $50k. I am trying to convince myself about nova, but I also plan on practicing in the midwest. I am trying to find a reason for nova here.

Why?

 

[123165]

Why?

Why am I dissuaded, or why am i looking for reasons?

I really loved Nova, and it is easy to forget your gut reactions. I am trying to make sure I am not leaning toward kcom because it is fresher in my mind.

The highest COA on Nova was 80k as I can tell, can any students comment on how much of it they end up using?

KCOM is a little closer to 65k, so i could end up saving ~60k.

This is a big decision for me, KCOM vs NOVA

 

[Thomas Hearns]

Why am I dissuaded, or why am i looking for reasons?

I really loved Nova, and it is easy to forget your gut reactions. I am trying to make sure I am not leaning toward kcom because it is fresher in my mind.

The highest COA on Nova was 80k as I can tell, can any students comment on how much of it they end up using?

KCOM is a little closer to 65k, so i could end up saving ~60k.

This is a big decision for me, KCOM vs NOVA

Why are you looking for reasons, was my question.


It sounded like you really liked the midwest, so I was just curious. They both seem like really good schools

 

[CardioPlus]

Why am I dissuaded, or why am i looking for reasons?

I really loved Nova, and it is easy to forget your gut reactions. I am trying to make sure I am not leaning toward kcom because it is fresher in my mind.

The highest COA on Nova was 80k as I can tell, can any students comment on how much of it they end up using?

KCOM is a little closer to 65k, so i could end up saving ~60k.

This is a big decision for me, KCOM vs NOVA

The COA at Nova is no where close to 80k!! lol the tuition alone is 40k OSS... I just got back from my Touro-NY interview and the COA there is 65k, and that includes living in NYC, which is one of the most expensive places to live, way more than Fort Lauderdale or the Midwest. Any Nova med students wanna estimate the cost of living for us??

 

[millepora]

How do they notify you if your accepted or not? They said it doesn't hurt to check you online status, but when I try to look it has no status updates just secondary info. Don't you just log into the secondary application?

 

[gocatgo]

How do they notify you if your accepted or not? They said it doesn't hurt to check you online status, but when I try to look it has no status updates just secondary info. Don't you just log into the secondary application?

NSu notifies via WebStar-- Their decisions get updated on WebStar after the adcom and dean sign off on the letters. But sometimes a few people have found out by calling the admissions office to inquire about their status (I'm not recommending this btw, just something I noted on these threads).

 

[123165]

The COA at Nova is no where close to 80k!! lol the tuition alone is 40k OSS... I just got back from my Touro-NY interview and the COA there is 65k, and that includes living in NYC, which is one of the most expensive places to live, way more than Fort Lauderdale or the Midwest. Any Nova med students wanna estimate the cost of living for us??

I am giving the maximum allowable loan, which (per last year's thread sourced on webstar) is 80k.

Not sure what you are laughing about. Maybe the school is overshooting it (which they should), but I am doubting they overshoot by 10k plus
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=643924&page=5
I cannot find anyone to comment on the actual COA, so this is all I have to go on.

 

[doggydog1]

has anyone lived in the on campus housing?

in regards to the school...how is the curriculum structured, as far as test frequency, pass/fail, and honors are concerned?

 

[CardioPlus]

I am giving the maximum allowable loan, which (per last year's thread sourced on webstar) is 80k.

Not sure what you are laughing about. Maybe the school is overshooting it (which they should), but I am doubting they overshoot by 10k plus
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=643924&page=5
I cannot find anyone to comment on the actual COA, so this is all I have to go on.

sry, i just thought that 40k for cost of living was reallllllyyyy high lol... I agree, they probably grossly exaggerate in case people want to take out that much and live on the not so conservative side... I was just thinking that if Touro-NY gives you about 30k for room, board, transportation, personal costs, laptop, books, supplies, etc.. i couldn't imagine needing more than 25K in Fort Lauderdale

 

[p30doc]

sry, i just thought that 40k for cost of living was reallllllyyyy high lol... I agree, they probably grossly exaggerate in case people want to take out that much and live on the not so conservative side... I was just thinking that if Touro-NY gives you about 30k for room, board, transportation, personal costs, laptop, books, supplies, etc.. i couldn't imagine needing more than 25K in Fort Lauderdale

It is up to 40k/yr that you can take out for the cost of living which is really really nice, basically it gives you the freedom to choose how you want to live during med school. For me this is a plus. You only need to borrow what you will need to live for the year. I took out the full amount for the first year, I figured having a bunch of extra money would be better than having too little. You can always just pay it back towards the loan at any point if you find yourself with a ton of extra money that you would prefer not to have in loans. I was waitlisted at USF and worried actually if I was accepted how I would be able to afford to live on their cost of living allowance, they only allowed something like a little less than 12k/yr for cost of living!

 

[ILikeFood]

It is up to 40k/yr that you can take out for the cost of living which is really really nice, basically it gives you the freedom to choose how you want to live during med school. For me this is a plus. You only need to borrow what you will need to live for the year. I took out the full amount for the first year, I figured having a bunch of extra money would be better than having too little. You can always just pay it back towards the loan at any point if you find yourself with a ton of extra money that you would prefer not to have in loans. I was waitlisted at USF and worried actually if I was accepted how I would be able to afford to live on their cost of living allowance, they only allowed something like a little less than 12k/yr for cost of living!

Don't you have a biochem test to study for?

 

[123165]

It is up to 40k/yr that you can take out for the cost of living which is really really nice, basically it gives you the freedom to choose how you want to live during med school. For me this is a plus. You only need to borrow what you will need to live for the year. I took out the full amount for the first year, I figured having a bunch of extra money would be better than having too little. You can always just pay it back towards the loan at any point if you find yourself with a ton of extra money that you would prefer not to have in loans. I was waitlisted at USF and worried actually if I was accepted how I would be able to afford to live on their cost of living allowance, they only allowed something like a little less than 12k/yr for cost of living!

How is your budget working out, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[123165]

sry, i just thought that 40k for cost of living was reallllllyyyy high lol... I agree, they probably grossly exaggerate in case people want to take out that much and live on the not so conservative side... I was just thinking that if Touro-NY gives you about 30k for room, board, transportation, personal costs, laptop, books, supplies, etc.. i couldn't imagine needing more than 25K in Fort Lauderdale

I am totally with you here. 25k seems just about right.

 

[droogdoc]

I am giving the maximum allowable loan, which (per last year's thread sourced on webstar) is 80k.

Not sure what you are laughing about. Maybe the school is overshooting it (which they should), but I am doubting they overshoot by 10k plus
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=643924&page=5
I cannot find anyone to comment on the actual COA, so this is all I have to go on.

Nova is one of the few D.O. schools, maybe the only one, I have looked at that actually takes into consideration that people have different situations and may need more than the average person. I actually applaud Nova for setting it so high. Obviously, in my opinion, there is NO WAY IN HELL someone should need $80K a year! BUT....in case the sky falls, at least it is there.

Kevon is right. I havent seen anything on here about what the actual COA is for students. But, it depends if the student is on or off campus and what their lifestyle is. Do they make "sacrifices" like not having to have 5000 channels on cable and pay $200/month? Or some outrageous cell phone plan with all the bells and whistles? It depends on the individual. But, if they wouldnt mind, it would be nice to hear from different students in different situations about their COA.

 

[p30doc]

Don't you have a biochem test to study for?

biowat? 😛

 

[Emo378]

Interview invite scheduled for Dec.15!!!!!!!!!

First one.... My top choice.😀

 

[Booster]

how soon did you all receive the financial package after receiving your letter of acceptance? also, did you all receive a letter or was it more like a card? i just got a card sorta thing.

 

[gocatgo]

how soon did you all receive the financial package after receiving your letter of acceptance? also, did you all receive a letter or was it more like a card? i just got a card sorta thing.

😕 I haven't received anything else in the mail after the acceptance letter.

 

[brmed]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if there's anybody canceling their interview scheduled before Nov 27th. My interview was scheduled for Dec 15th and I really needed it to be before Nov 27th because I'm going out of the country to visit mother who is sick. Thank you.

 

[spence]

How long did it take everyone to receive their acceptance letter in the mail after you were accepted? It's been almost two weeks and I haven't received it yet...

 

[ftlaud]

I accidently came across this forum, and since I'm here, thought I'd share my thoughts. I'm an NSU 4th year graduating in May. On my 4th year rotations, I've spoken to students from schools across the nation. No student seems to be happy with their school. With that being said, students in my class are upset with Nova for one reason or another, but relatively speaking, Nova provided an excellent education and they do more for their students than any other school I've seen. They do their best to help you succeed. The rest they leave up to you. If I were to do it again (thankfully I don't!) I'd without a doubt, choose Nova. You'd be fortunate to be accepted. Best of luck to everyone.

BTW: My app was complete in Dec and interviewed in March.

 

[jmanpatsfan]

To those of you who have scheduled interviews, how soon after you got your invitation were you able to schedule a date? I dont suppose its possible to schedule an interview a week after receiving the invitation.

 

[Emo378]

To those of you who have scheduled interviews, how soon after you got your invitation were you able to schedule a date? I dont suppose its possible to schedule an interview a week after receiving the invitation.

I got my Interview invite on Friday and the first available date was Dec 15th.

 

[CardioPlus]

I dont suppose its possible to schedule an interview a week after receiving the invitation.

That would be a negative.. you could possibly ask if there are any cancellations for the next week, slim chance but you never know!... I was notified for my interview on Sept 1st or 2nd and couldn't schedule my interview for any earlier than October 6th.

 

[applying2010]

I got my interview invite September 14 and couldn't get an interview date before October 29.

Anyone else going to be there on Thursday?

 

[faith2]

i received it two days later by certified



QUOTE=spence;8789282]How long did it take everyone to receive their acceptance letter in the mail after you were accepted? It's been almost two weeks and I haven't received it yet...[/QUOTE]

 

[CardioPlus]

How long did it take everyone to receive their acceptance letter in the mail after you were accepted? It's been almost two weeks and I haven't received it yet...

Yeah, I haven't received the letter in the mail either, but I guess NY is a long way from FL... it'll most likely get here this week

 

[spence]

Yeah, I haven't received the letter in the mail either, but I guess NY is a long way from FL... it'll most likely get here this week

Ok, thanks

 

[JediZero]

How long did it take everyone to receive their acceptance letter in the mail after you were accepted? It's been almost two weeks and I haven't received it yet...

Yeah, I'm still here in California waiting on mine, got accepted a week and a half ago... hopefully they sent it to the right address, I moved right after my interview... heh.

 

[LateBl00meR]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if there's anybody canceling their interview scheduled before Nov 27th. My interview was scheduled for Dec 15th and I really needed it to be before Nov 27th because I'm going out of the country to visit mother who is sick. Thank you.

I scheduled mine for October 2, rescheduled for mid-November then cancelled. Hope that helps.