NSU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

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Jumping on the interview bandwagon here! w00t w00t!

Heading down there October 1st... now to book a flight.
 
Good luck to everyone interviewing! If anyone has any questions about the area or would like to meet up for dinner or something the night before....let me know!
 
Just wondering if you guys have heard anything about this.
I talked to someone in admissions about 2 months ago and they told me that the average MCAT score for last years entering class was a 27..and that this year they are only considering applicants with a 27 or higher on their MCAT..that people lower than a 27 won't be considered. I got the secondary and wasn't going to fill it out because I only got a 25. I called admissions again today to clarify and someone there said that this isn't true. Has anyone else heard anything like this? Has anyone gotten an interview yet with a score lower than a 27?

Just seeing if it is worth my while to fill out the secondary. Thanks!
 
Always apply anyway. I can tell you that is a little off because I didn't have a 27 on the MCAT and I am enjoying studying for an upcoming biochem test now!! Just apply, those are just numbers and I can tell you that just because someone did stellar on everything doesn't mean they will be at the top of the med school class. Fill it out and get it turned in quick to be considered. Its a silly reason not to apply.
 
Just wondering if you guys have heard anything about this.
I talked to someone in admissions about 2 months ago and they told me that the average MCAT score for last years entering class was a 27..and that this year they are only considering applicants with a 27 or higher on their MCAT..that people lower than a 27 won't be considered. I got the secondary and wasn't going to fill it out because I only got a 25. I called admissions again today to clarify and someone there said that this isn't true. Has anyone else heard anything like this? Has anyone gotten an interview yet with a score lower than a 27?

Just seeing if it is worth my while to fill out the secondary. Thanks!
If someone in admissions said it isnt true, Id take their word for it. Fill the damn thing out. Its an easy secondary and your MCAT score is close enough.
 
ok thanks for the advice. I will get it done and turn it in and keep my fingers crossed...
 
Just wondering if you guys have heard anything about this.
I talked to someone in admissions about 2 months ago and they told me that the average MCAT score for last years entering class was a 27..and that this year they are only considering applicants with a 27 or higher on their MCAT..that people lower than a 27 won't be considered. I got the secondary and wasn't going to fill it out because I only got a 25. I called admissions again today to clarify and someone there said that this isn't true. Has anyone else heard anything like this? Has anyone gotten an interview yet with a score lower than a 27?

Just seeing if it is worth my while to fill out the secondary. Thanks!

Fill out the secondary.

It was determined by a few of the people in my society (after speaking with leslie from administration) that they want to keep the average for next years class around the same as our class...aka 27.

the admissions office can be pretty unorganized and you'll often times get a lot of different information from various people...But other than that Nova is great (minus gross anatomy...too many details and information😕)
 
Just wondering if you guys have heard anything about this.
I talked to someone in admissions about 2 months ago and they told me that the average MCAT score for last years entering class was a 27..and that this year they are only considering applicants with a 27 or higher on their MCAT..that people lower than a 27 won't be considered. I got the secondary and wasn't going to fill it out because I only got a 25. I called admissions again today to clarify and someone there said that this isn't true. Has anyone else heard anything like this? Has anyone gotten an interview yet with a score lower than a 27?

Just seeing if it is worth my while to fill out the secondary. Thanks!

There was an earlier post about this waaaay back, and it was debunked by a current student at that time as well. Fill it out bro, takes like 20 minutes.
 
I have a 25 MCAT, 3.8 total GPA, and 3.7 sGPA. I was complete 8/19, but i guess since my MCAT is not at the 27 threshold, I wasn't granted an interview as quickly. Does any one with lower than a 25 MCAT have an interview yet? I talked to admissions and they said to be "competitive" you have to have a 27 but I sure hope that doesn't mean if an applicant doesn't have a 27 you immediately toss their application aside.
 
I have a 25 MCAT, 3.8 total GPA, and 3.7 sGPA. I was complete 8/19, but i guess since my MCAT is not at the 27 threshold, I wasn't granted an interview as quickly. Does any one with lower than a 25 MCAT have an interview yet? I talked to admissions and they said to be "competitive" you have to have a 27 but I sure hope that doesn't mean if an applicant doesn't have a 27 you immediately toss their application aside.

Step 1: Learn what average means.

Step 2: Realize you were complete on Wednesday, there have been 2 business days between then and now.
 
I know what average means... but when others are receiving interview invites within two days of being complete, you begin to wonder what route your ap takes as a "noncompetitive" applicant (if your ap goes under another review much later, and such). I'm just wondering if someone with a noncompetitive MCAT received an interview yet.
 
I know what average means... but when others are receiving interview invites within two days of being complete, you begin to wonder what route your ap takes as a "noncompetitive" applicant (if your ap goes under another review much later, and such). I'm just wondering if someone with a noncompetitive MCAT received an interview yet.

Your MCAT is a little on the lower side but you have to remember that a 2 day turnaround between secondary submission and interview invite is somewhat rare, no matter what the school. It is the luck of the draw, who is reviwing apps at a certain time, etc. Who knows. Plenty of VERY competitive people have to wait just as long as most do in order to receive invites. Also, you only submitted it 3 days ago.

I have a number of invites already including NSU & I am a competitive applicant (well, in my opinion!!) and I never got an invite anywhere close to as fast as 2 days.
 
I know what average means... but when others are receiving interview invites within two days of being complete, you begin to wonder what route your ap takes as a "noncompetitive" applicant (if your ap goes under another review much later, and such). I'm just wondering if someone with a noncompetitive MCAT received an interview yet.
I certainly hope my experience (and others like me) aren't making you think twice about your chances! I'm a little shocked everything happened so quickly for me as well. Give it time, I don't see any reason why they would invite you for an interview.
 
I know what average means... but when others are receiving interview invites within two days of being complete, you begin to wonder what route your ap takes as a "noncompetitive" applicant (if your ap goes under another review much later, and such). I'm just wondering if someone with a noncompetitive MCAT received an interview yet.
Eh I wouldn't worry about who is getting the 2 day turnaround these days🙂 As droogdoc mentioned, it is the luck of the draw, whoever happens to be reviewing the apps at the time.

I think that for even the competitive applicants who applied and sent in secondaries waay early (i.e. back in June/July), the wait was much longer b/c the office staff/adcoms weren't even looking at the submitted apps until their current incoming students finished orientation week. At least that's what one school told me when I called to inquire about my status.

Hang in there!
 
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Did you guys list all the school you are applying to? I actually don't feel comfortable listing them all.
 
I did, all 30 MD and 5 other DO schools. Didn't hurt me one bit.
 
the we only accept a 27 and higher rumor is bullsh*t. for all applicants - dont believe it!!
the admissions department wants the average around 27 but will not count you out with a 25, 26, etc. the secondary is fast, just fill it out and go for it
 
Please do not be nervous average means some are higher and some are lower. If you have the money go and fill out the secondary it is one of the easiest ones. Your stats are good. You are competitive maybe you want get an inveite asap but within the cycle. Good luck.
 
I have a question how was their interview at this school, and what was focused on? Was ist an all dya interview? I want to schedule my interview but I am nervous.
 
I have a question how was their interview at this school, and what was focused on? Was ist an all dya interview? I want to schedule my interview but I am nervous.


I just scheduled my interview today for 9/15. It was very easy, and they will email you the itinerary afterward. They also email you a parking pass to print out and other material. The itinerary says the interview lasts from 9am to 2:30pm.
 
Thanks for the answer, Good Luck is this your first interview?

I just scheduled my interview today for 9/15. It was very easy, and they will email you the itinerary afterward. They also email you a parking pass to print out and other material. The itinerary says the interview lasts from 9am to 2:30pm.
 
What does OPP, and IGC mean please?
Thanks
 
OPP = Osteopathic Practice and Principles and IGC = Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum (you shadow physicians).
 
it sure is. nova is the only DO application i have completed so far. is this yours as well? i am excited because i get to see nova every week when i drive by it for work. i have friends who go there and love it. the campus is really nice and the people seem great. we will see though. keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for an acceptance. good luck to you as well on your interview.

Thanks for the answer, Good Luck is this your first interview?
 
I'm extremely confused because I just tried to log onto WebSTAR to check my application status and my account seems to have disappeared! I double checked my username and password like 5 times and then tried to "obtain" them by entering my social security number and bday, and it basically told me my account doesn't exist! I'm pretty sure I'm overthinking it, but I have a huge fear that this is their way of rejecting me?! I would think they would at least send a letter or something... Has anyone else had this problem? I'm going to call tomorrow to find out what's going on.

Another frustrating thing is that I've been calling to check on the status of my application for the last week (I sent in my secondary and LORs exactly a month ago) and they keep saying they still haven't had a chance to download my letters of rec from Interfolio but for me to call back in a few days to check again. grrrr!😡
 
try not to get frustrated, and keep calling. Its funny when you least expect it they will send you an interview invite.🙂 It will only get easier


I'm extremely confused because I just tried to log onto WebSTAR to check my application status and my account seems to have disappeared! I double checked my username and password like 5 times and then tried to "obtain" them by entering my social security number and bday, and it basically told me my account doesn't exist! I'm pretty sure I'm overthinking it, but I have a huge fear that this is their way of rejecting me?! I would think they would at least send a letter or something... Has anyone else had this problem? I'm going to call tomorrow to find out what's going on.

Another frustrating thing is that I've been calling to check on the status of my application for the last week (I sent in my secondary and LORs exactly a month ago) and they keep saying they still haven't had a chance to download my letters of rec from Interfolio but for me to call back in a few days to check again. grrrr!😡
 
My first as well. i did research there while I was in graduate school, and the DO I shadowed is a clinical prof there so I have worked with the students there. I am excited too because it is a great school.
it sure is. nova is the only DO application i have completed so far. is this yours as well? i am excited because i get to see nova every week when i drive by it for work. i have friends who go there and love it. the campus is really nice and the people seem great. we will see though. keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for an acceptance. good luck to you as well on your interview.
 
I am sorry I forgot to say thank you I wish you good luck also👍👍😉
it sure is. nova is the only DO application i have completed so far. is this yours as well? i am excited because i get to see nova every week when i drive by it for work. i have friends who go there and love it. the campus is really nice and the people seem great. we will see though. keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for an acceptance. good luck to you as well on your interview.
 
What hotel is everyone staying at for their interview? The long list on the NSU website is a little overwhelming! Anyone from the area have suggestions?
 
thank you i always feel special when someone replies. Anyone has advice on how to prepare for this interview. Since I am a teacher I have other teachers doing mock ones with me. Do you think I need to read the autobiography of AT Still.


same difference, i think last year nova called it omm this year they decided to call it opp for whatever reason
 
OMM - ostepathic manipulative medicine
OPP - osteopathic principles and practice

They just feel that OPP is a broader term. so in essence OMM is a part of OPP.
 
thank you i always feel special when someone replies. Anyone has advice on how to prepare for this interview. Since I am a teacher I have other teachers doing mock ones with me. Do you think I need to read the autobiography of AT Still.

Unless its for pleasure, no. They will ask you who he is, what kind of doctor he was, and why he started osteopathic medicine. Other than that they dont expect anything else from you. He truely is a unique person so it would be a good thing to read on the side though.
 
Thanks is the interview open or close file and on average how long does it take for a decision after your interview. I did buty the book and started reading it I was up to the part when he was in the civil war then I lost the book


Unless its for pleasure, no. They will ask you who he is, what kind of doctor he was, and why he started osteopathic medicine. Other than that they dont expect anything else from you. He truely is a unique person so it would be a good thing to read on the side though.
 
I got an interview with NSU later in September, I was wondering if anyone had any input on what kind of questions the adcom will asks. I heard that they accept a little over 70 percent of the people who they interview. I would be really disappointed if I wind up in the 30 percent who don't make it. Any input on what the interview is like would be helpful. I saw the interview advice video on youtube, dressing nicely and appearing well groomed are obvious but what are the most difficult questions that I would be asked?
 
I got an interview with NSU later in September, I was wondering if anyone had any input on what kind of questions the adcom will asks. I heard that they accept a little over 70 percent of the people who they interview. I would be really disappointed if I wind up in the 30 percent who don't make it. Any input on what the interview is like would be helpful. I saw the interview advice video on youtube, dressing nicely and appearing well groomed are obvious but what are the most difficult questions that I would be asked?

Here's some general advice that should prove helpful on all interviews: go to the medical tab at the top, then the school interview feedback. Read feedback on past interviews - it's a helpful way to find not only the common questions, but also information on lodging, planes, etc.

As per the specific NSU interview, mine was probably on the harder end of the interviews I participated in (CCOM, KCOM, AZCOM, SOMA). They started by first calling me out on my weakest point - they told me blankly it was a weakness. They then asked me to defend it. Come prepared and you won't do poorly; I didn't give a BS answer, and got in two weeks later. Check the individual feedbacks for more specific questions (I know I posted my interview....); I have to go study :laugh:

Edit:
I just wanted to add that it was also valuable, for me, to read Gevitz' "The D.O.'s", or at least skim through part of it. It really gives you a better idea of what you're getting into, and also gives you some material for the "Why are you interested in becoming an osteopathic physician?" questions that are all so common.

Cheers!
 
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Thanks



Here's some general advice that should prove helpful on all interviews: go to the medical tab at the top, then the school interview feedback. Read feedback on past interviews - it's a helpful way to find not only the common questions, but also information on lodging, planes, etc.

As per the specific NSU interview, mine was probably on the harder end of the interviews I participated in (CCOM, KCOM, AZCOM, SOMA). They started by first calling me out on my weakest point - they told me blankly it was a weakness. They then asked me to defend it. Come prepared and you won't do poorly; I didn't give a BS answer, and got in two weeks later. Check the individual feedbacks for more specific questions (I know I posted my interview....); I have to go study :laugh:

Edit:
I just wanted to add that it was also valuable, for me, to read Gevitz' "The D.O.'s", or at least skim through part of it. It really gives you a better idea of what you're getting into, and also gives you some material for the "Why are you interested in becoming an osteopathic physician?" questions that are all so common.

Cheers!
 
these are the youtube videos made by Nova and Dr Robert Hasty (he is kinda a big deal here at nova)

http://www.youtube.com/user/drrobhasty

they offer some good advice. also definitely read those interview feedbacks mentioned above from davis749. If you're still not prepared something could be wrong with you.
 
so i just got talked to one of the admissions counselors and they told me that at this time they are not interviewing anyone below a 27 right now but they might later on in the cycle... this sucks😳
 
so i just got talked to one of the admissions counselors and they told me that at this time they are not interviewing anyone below a 27 right now but they might later on in the cycle... this sucks😳

They're trying their hardest to bump up stats. Seriously - if schools didn't require DO/physician letters, I bet they could bump up GPA's by .1 and MCATs by 1. I'm still waiting for my secondary - was released on the 27th. LECOM-B and PCOM already sent me a secondary... how long does it usually take w/ NSU? It's my #1 choice. 3.8/29 and I'm going gung-ho for it.
 
so i just got talked to one of the admissions counselors and they told me that at this time they are not interviewing anyone below a 27 right now but they might later on in the cycle... this sucks😳

I had a strong feeling that was the situation. That really sucks. I hope they start looking at others sometime soon...
 
I have an interview at Nova on Sept. 3rd. I saw that someone who interviewed on 8/27 already posted Interview Feedback, but they listed their interview as "In a Group" and said that everyone in the "interview session" was asked a particular question.

Has Nova now changed to group interviews?
 
I am sorry where did u c the post of an interview that occurred 8/27


I have an interview at Nova on Sept. 3rd. I saw that someone who interviewed on 8/27 already posted Interview Feedback, but they listed their interview as "In a Group" and said that everyone in the "interview session" was asked a particular question.

Has Nova now changed to group interviews?
 
Nevermind DUH!!! the post is in the interview section I found it
 
I did a group interview for my current job, which was not an enjoyable experience. Speaking in front of people was the issue, however, I walked out that day feeling like the management knew nothing more about me because of the limited amount of questions and constrained time allotted to answering each. Maybe the interview at Nova will be executed better, but I am a little bummed to hear it's not one-on-one.
 
I agree I did a practice mock with two prof and i was so nervous i was sweating in an ac room. But obviously you are good because you got the job.

I did a group interview for my current job, which was not an enjoyable experience. Speaking in front of people was the issue, however, I walked out that day feeling like the management knew nothing more about me because of the limited amount of questions and constrained time allotted to answering each. Maybe the interview at Nova will be executed better, but I am a little bummed to hear it's not one-on-one.
 
I did a group interview for my current job, which was not an enjoyable experience. Speaking in front of people was the issue, however, I walked out that day feeling like the management knew nothing more about me because of the limited amount of questions and constrained time allotted to answering each. Maybe the interview at Nova will be executed better, but I am a little bummed to hear it's not one-on-one.


Well, why I posetd the question was to see if anyone could verify if the interview is group, because the person who posted on the feedback site may have made a mistake as well. They listed the interview as being only 25 minutes. A little short for a group.
 
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