NSU-COM Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[NSU14]

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I would think you will be fine if you get an MCAT score in the upper 20's, the numbers only get you to the interview... then you have to do the rest.

good luck

 

[NeuroAP86]

anyone from the dec 1st interview hear anything from the admission office? I know its only been like 1.5 weeks

 

[idoc2014]

I am wondering what a typical first year day as an MSI at Nova looks like. As in what time does class start/end everyday?

 

[djd2187]

I am planning to apply for next cycle. 3.2 cGPA, 3.4 sGPA , RN ,non-traditional, no ECs yet. What mcat score do I need in order to have a decent chance for NSU-COM?

you should definitely aim for as high you can get it to be - so 45 🙂 But honestly, I think about 27 is definitely a good score for Nova. And I would apply to wide range of schools, do and md - do not limit yourself.

 

[DoctorDiag]

The typical day at NSUCOM goes pretty standard. Classes start at 8:00 am and you're in Steele Auditorium (the one they showed you at interviews) till Noon. Then you get an hour break for lunch and then on Mondays you usually have another class block from 1-5. Tuesdays you're done at noon and then you get to go work at a Doctor's office from 1 - 5. Wed/Thurs you have labs all afternoon, and then the first semester we were done on Fridays at Noon, but this coming Winter term we have classes till 3:00 or 4:00 most Fridays. Some students are assigned to work at their Doctor's offices on Friday afternoons as well.

Then we all escape for dinner and then either come back to HPD, go to the Alvin Sherman Lib, or fill up the few Starbucks around NSUCOM to study. Bedtime is like, 1:00 - 2:00 am for most, though we wish it were earlier! Hope this helps!

I am wondering what a typical first year day as an MSI at Nova looks like. As in what time does class start/end everyday?

 

[linkDO]

The typical day at NSUCOM goes pretty standard. Classes start at 8:00 am and you're in Steele Auditorium (the one they showed you at interviews) till Noon. Then you get an hour break for lunch and then on Mondays you usually have another class block from 1-5. Tuesdays you're done at noon and then you get to go work at a Doctor's office from 1 - 5. Wed/Thurs you have labs all afternoon, and then the first semester we were done on Fridays at Noon, but this coming Winter term we have classes till 3:00 or 4:00 most Fridays. Some students are assigned to work at their Doctor's offices on Friday afternoons as well.

Then we all escape for dinner and then either come back to HPD, go to the Alvin Sherman Lib, or fill up the few Starbucks around NSUCOM to study. Bedtime is like, 1:00 - 2:00 am for most, though we wish it were earlier! Hope this helps!

i agree with everything but the bedtime. im passed out by 11-12 all semester. and i usually took a 2-3 hour break after classes ended that day before studying again. weekends are great study days

right now during this insanity of finals though i could be pushing 14 hours a day on avg of studying. but thats not an avg day during the semester

 

[SpeedyDoc]

anyone from the dec 1st interview hear anything from the admission office? I know its only been like 1.5 weeks

Nothing yet...I am hoping to hear something before Christmas though. It would make a perfect ending to a year of hard work. 🙂

 

[beachblonde]

i agree with everything but the bedtime. im passed out by 11-12 all semester. and i usually took a 2-3 hour break after classes ended that day before studying again. weekends are great study days

right now during this insanity of finals though i could be pushing 14 hours a day on avg of studying. but thats not an avg day during the semester

I'm in bed by 11:30 each night, and am keeping up a pretty nice GPA right now (not to brag, but just to say that yes it can be done with getting plenty of sleep each night). There's no need to be scraping by on only a few hours of sleep each night. That's a good way to ruin your health, feel like crap, and pack on the pounds. 😱

 

[CardioPlus]

Just wanted to let everyone know, I just sent in the letter, declining my seat for the class of 2014... so there will be one more spot for you guys 🙂. Great school tho and good luck to all of you waiting to hear back!!!

 

[NK1Positive]

Hey did anybody get COMLEX level 1 pass rates from NSU during the interview?

 

[mrsmith]

Hey did anybody get COMLEX level 1 pass rates from NSU during the interview?

I asked it at the end of my interview (one of my interviewers was the administrator over Medical Education). I was told "over 90% pass rate the first time, and near 100% pass rate between the first and the second time".

 

[NK1Positive]

I asked it at the end of my interview (one of my interviewers was the administrator over Medical Education). I was told "over 90% pass rate the first time, and near 100% pass rate between the first and the second time".

Alright cool, thanks for the info.!

 

[BaBooligan]

I don't mean to ruffle any feathers. I understand that Nova is an established institution that churns out a lot of great physicians and has some really awesome residency matches. However, I wanted to know why this was seen as one of the best DO schools when the COMLEX passing rate is kind of low. I mean, 90% is good... but there's a lot of schools with passing rates around 95%, 94% and even 100%. I'm just curious as to why Nova is seen as such a great institution when it's passing rate isn't very competitive.

 

[sonofva]

I don't mean to ruffle any feathers. I understand that Nova is an established institution that churns out a lot of great physicians and has some really awesome residency matches. However, I wanted to know why this was seen as one of the best DO schools when the COMLEX passing rate is kind of low. I mean, 90% is good... but there's a lot of schools with passing rates around 95%, 94% and even 100%. I'm just curious as to why Nova is seen as such a great institution when it's passing rate isn't very competitive.

Reported COMLEX pass rates, as with match lists, kind of have to be taken with salt. It is hypothetically possible for a school to have a 100% pass rate, but for each student to only pass by 1 point. Even though these stats aren't great, a school can still make themselves look good by reporting 100% pass rate...NSUCOM is seen as a great institution because it is well established and associated with a major university, which is somewhat of a rarity in the DO system.

 

[NK1Positive]

I was just curious as to what they were. I was by no means judging the school based on comlex pass rates. To be honest they mean nothing to me; I plan on taking the USMLE and going the ACGME route...

 

[BaBooligan]

How can a school just state they have a 100% passing rate? I'm sure there is a verification system that goes with stating pass rates.

I also think based on a school's COMLEX scores, you can kinda of gauge how well students will perform on the USMLE... so it would help to care what the school's COMLEX pass rate and avg is. They are definitely not two mutually exclusive exams. I mean, they cover a lot of the same material even if COMLEX is more anatomy based and USMLE is more biochem based. They still cover all topics of med school.

 

[sonofva]

sorry. what i was trying to say is that pass rate for comlex or usmle isnt as useful a statistic as median score. even if a school is at 100% pass, it doesnt mean much if everyone is just barely passing.

 

[NK1Positive]

sorry. what i was trying to say is that pass rate for comlex or usmle isnt as useful a statistic as median score. even if a school is at 100% pass, it doesnt mean much if everyone is just barely passing.

I agree. Also, what about those schools that do the pre-screen comlex test?

Anyway, COMLEX or USMLE pass rates, at least to me, are irrelevant. Who cares how well the school prepares you for the comlex. If you do nothing but rely on your school to prepare you, you will do horrible... Self-study is the way to go. My university, the University of Minnesota did a *****y job preparing me for the MCAT because every basic science course is "research based". They try to make you good researchers etc. I relied on EK books for the MCAT on my own time... Sure I only got a 30 but it's still an alright score...

 

[BaBooligan]

What is the average COMLEX score for Nova?

Well, of course I wouldn't depend 100% on the school to prepare me for the boards. I mean, that is just tomfoolery. However, i do expect them to educate me... and i think that can be reflected in scores. It may not be a perfect association, but one does exist.

 

[linkDO]

also something to consider is that some schools will not allow you to sit for boards until you have passed a practice exam.

so they make sure everyone CAN pass before they allow them to even try to take the test. this increases their pass ratings by weeding out the ones who would have failed the first time. tricky.

 

[linkDO]

my general outlook on it: the difference between a 92 to a 95 percent passing rate is nothing. the curriculum at every school is there as a guide but YOU still have to do the work. if you fail one of the boards its not going to be the schools fault, it'll probably be yours. so choosing between small differences in passing rates was never an issue to me. step 1 pass rates change between schools every year since everyone is right around 90-95%

nova has a average to high step 1 pass rate, and step 2 scores are always amongst the best in the country (usually top 3 dr boesler says). nova is also giving students more prep for the boards by giving out a full set of USMLE Kaplan books at the start of M1 year and then you have classes with a USMLE/COMLEX teacher throughout 2nd year to prepare.

 

[NK1Positive]

nova is also giving students more prep for the boards by giving out a full set of USMLE Kaplan books at the start of M1 year and then you have classes with a USMLE/COMLEX teacher throughout 2nd year to prepare.

We get a set of kaplan books beginning M1? wow I didnt know that.

 

[beachblonde]

my general outlook on it: the difference between a 92 to a 95 percent passing rate is nothing. the curriculum at every school is there as a guide but YOU still have to do the work. if you fail one of the boards its not going to be the schools fault, it'll probably be yours. so choosing between small differences in passing rates was never an issue to me. step 1 pass rates change between schools every year since everyone is right around 90-95%

qft. so long as you are going to a US medical school, pass, and put in the work, you're probably going to pass.

and good luck getting a school to tell you their avg score for any exam. they don't typically like to share that information.

 

[Emo378]

Preparing for my interview tomorrow morning...hope all goes well.

 

[p30doc]

We get a set of kaplan books beginning M1? wow I didnt know that.

Yea its quite a stack, also we have access to kaplan lectures as well from the get go.

 

[BaBooligan]

Nova's first class is around 230; however, I (was bored...) counted the residency matches for the most recent match and only counted 171. Does that mean the remaining 59 dropped out or didn't place?

 

[elektroshok]

Withdrew acceptance yesterday - good luck to everyone trying to get in here!

 

[obeachbabe21o]

Hey guys,

I've been complete at Nova for a while now and I called them last week to find out what's going on with my application. They said that it was still pending, but all my documents were there.

How long does it take for them to get to interviews? I feel like I've been waiting a while 🙁

 

[djd2187]

Nova's first class is around 230; however, I (was bored...) counted the residency matches for the most recent match and only counted 171. Does that mean the remaining 59 dropped out or didn't place?

When I was at the interview early in august, they told me that the list was incomplete. So, it might not have ever changed from that. If you are worried about attrition rate, someone asked that question during the day and they said about 5 to 6 people drop out for various reasons (usually due to family or sickness).

 

[KG216]

Hey guys,

I've been complete at Nova for a while now and I called them last week to find out what's going on with my application. They said that it was still pending, but all my documents were there.

How long does it take for them to get to interviews? I feel like I've been waiting a while 🙁

Me too...was complete in early September. 👎

 

[MSUSpartan642]

Hey guys,

I've been complete at Nova for a while now and I called them last week to find out what's going on with my application. They said that it was still pending, but all my documents were there.

How long does it take for them to get to interviews? I feel like I've been waiting a while 🙁

Oh its been a real long time for me too. Sept/Octoberish 🙄

 

[CardioPlus]

Hey guys,

I've been complete at Nova for a while now and I called them last week to find out what's going on with my application. They said that it was still pending, but all my documents were there.

How long does it take for them to get to interviews? I feel like I've been waiting a while 🙁

It can vary. My turnaround time between submission and interview invite at Nova was a week, but others longer. Maybe you could send a letter of interest if this is a top school on your list? Never done it myself, but have heard it can get the ball rolling.

 

[DitchDoc73]

Anyone else interviewing tomorrow?

 

[SoCar]

Does it normally take a while to get Nova's secondary? My AACOMAS was verified 11/31 and I received all of my secondaries around 12/3 except for Nova's.

 

[illegallysmooth]

Oh its been a real long time for me too. Sept/Octoberish 🙄

I'm in this boat too. It's chilly. 🙁

 

[DrApple84]

Thank you, Redrumi

 

[SoManyQ]

interview invite!!

 

[TakeMe]

Think I will be withdrawling my acceptance. Good luck!

 

[NeuroAP86]

2+ weeks and counting, hurry up with your decision NSU-COM!!

 

[DitchDoc73]

Was bummed to hear yesterday at my interview that they did not expect to even present any files from yesterday to the adcom for at least 4 weeks. Apparently they are a little behind, and in combination with the holidays it is causing some delays.

 

[call me x]

i am sending in my official acceptance withdrawal today.....i'm pretty depressed about it....i hope someone awesome gets my spot and enjoys the warm weather on my behalf haha

 

[NK1Positive]

how come everyone withdraws from this school...

 

[call me x]

how come everyone withdraws from this school...

for me these were the reasons:
1. my bf goes to school in nj
2. umdnj is a lot cheaper

.....i loved nova and it was really hard to turn it down 🙁

 

[NK1Positive]

for me these were the reasons:
1. my bf goes to school in nj
2. umdnj is a lot cheaper

.....i loved nova and it was really hard to turn it down 🙁

Nice that makes sense! I'll be withdrawing for the exact same reasons (except gf of course) if I get off the waitlist for U of M. lol

 

[sagtig]

Just wanted some feedback about NSU's interview invite turnaround.
I have been complete since November 16th, but haven't heard a peep from them since... for anyone who has received an interview invite recently, when were you complete? Is a 5 week wait normal, or am I most likely rejected?

 

[illegallysmooth]

Just wanted some feedback about NSU's interview invite turnaround.
I have been complete since November 16th, but haven't heard a peep from them since... for anyone who has received an interview invite recently, when were you complete? Is a 5 week wait normal, or am I most likely rejected?

I was complete in late september, and still nothing. Don't feel bad.

 

[DitchDoc73]

Just wanted some feedback about NSU's interview invite turnaround.
I have been complete since November 16th, but haven't heard a peep from them since... for anyone who has received an interview invite recently, when were you complete? Is a 5 week wait normal, or am I most likely rejected?

They told the group of us that interviewed last week to expect that it would be AT LEAST 4 weeks before our files are presented to the adcom. Apparently they are running behind this year with the adcom.

 

[Kramerica]

how come everyone withdraws from this school...

If its any consolation I withdrew apps and an acceptance in favor of Nova. And I can say I'm all the more excited to be in an amazing school in Florida for medical school vs. the 24*F weather and 26 inches of snow outside I am dealing with currently.

 

[p30doc]

If its any consolation I withdrew apps and an acceptance in favor of Nova. And I can say I'm all the more excited to be in an amazing school in Florida for medical school vs. the 24*F weather and 26 inches of snow outside I am dealing with currently.

Right on, the withdraw'ers are definitely missing out. Nova is an awesome place and the weather down here is a wonderful bonus.

 

[djd2187]

If its any consolation I withdrew apps and an acceptance in favor of Nova. And I can say I'm all the more excited to be in an amazing school in Florida for medical school vs. the 24*F weather and 26 inches of snow outside I am dealing with currently.

ha i know what you mean, its below 30 here and about the same amount of snow. However, I am loving it because I have been florida for last 4 months and the humidity really gets to you. But, if its not humid, the weather is absolutely fantastic and I would say people are missing out 🙂