NSU-COM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

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Ok, so here's my brief NSU review for those who are interested.

The first thing we did upon arrival was meet in a conference room where we all waited for the last guy to come in for about 15 minutes or so. First thing I noticed was how talkative/friendly everyone was. It was awesome getting to know everyone on our own and just cracking jokes/having a good time. Then we watched a semi-dated video with the famous dean and his handlebar mustache, followed by a speech from one of the adcom members.

Then we got split up in two groups where one went for a tour and the other stayed back to interview. I went on the tour first and it was amazing. Our tour guides were brutally honest about everything and didn't feel the need to sell the school at all. They told us about the bad things (which there were few) without reservations and that made a big impact on me because it really showed how happy they were and that they had nothing to hide or play up. What I really liked was they have this system of breaking down the pretty big class into like 5-6 'families' or something where each one sticks together does a lot of the academic stuff together. It's a really smart idea and apparently each 'family' (forgot the actual term) becomes tight-knit a la Harry Potter and Griffindor/Slytherin/etc. One of my tour guides was part of the Burns family and he was sporting a shirt with Burns on the back and I just thought that was pretty cool and fun.

We toured the facilities and the usual stuff and then went back to do our interviews. The interview was 2 on 1 open file and was really short - only about 20 minutes. They told us to forget all of our rehearsed answers and be honest so they could just get to know us personally. I think they're just looking to see if we fit their mold of a social/personable/passionate person to go with the numbers. One thing I really liked about the school is that they have like dozens of SCHOOL-SPONSORED international trips to places all over the world. It's really established and the fact that its not run completely by students makes it seem more legitimate to me as compared to international trips other schools have.

Then we went up for lunch and had a really nice personalized lunch in another conference room with sandwiches and wraps. The whole day we had students with us answering questions and just chatting with us, the lunch was no different. Then we had another serious speech by one of the vice-deans who broke down the whole Nova experience from start to finish with all the nitty-gritty details of the program. It seemed the whole staff really understood that we'll be getting accepted to a lot of places and to look deep down and choose where we would really be happy and not just go to a school thats all numbers driven with no personality or chance to develop non-academically.

Then we were let go and had the opportunity to take some shuttles to tour the rest of the campus if we wanted to.

The main thing I liked about Nova is that I feel like its a place where I WANT to be and where I'll ENJOY studying for two or more years. I really believe you'll be the best student you can if you enjoy where you are. There's so many things to do around campus it's awesome, I would love to explore the place as a med student. I also liked how my tour guide said after midterms everyone gets together and hits south beach or something at night to celebrate. I just cant help but think how much I'd WANT to get to exam days knowing south beach is waiting for me after lol. Also our interview group was just awesome, we all had a great time and grew together and I almost wanted to get everyone's numbers at the end to keep in touch. It would be great if we all got accepted and a lot of us ended up attending together.

Anyways, that's about it, I'm really hoping for an acceptance now 👍

Nice summary, man. I'm glad to hear that you liked it so much. The "family" groups sound like a nice way to bolster some friendly competition. It's probably great for sporting events as well.

Now I'm even more excited to interview here.
 
I'll be flying into FLL at 6:20AM that day from the West Coast, and I was planning to go straight to NSU from there. Is there any chance I can call that Comfort Suites shuttle and have them take me to NSU (i.e., will they want to verify my information before sending over the shuttle)?

It's a long shot, but if not, I'll take the taxi. Thanks!

Well I'm flying in from LAX, (if u really are from LA we might be on the same flight) and I'm renting a car. Hit me up with like 5 bucks or something and I'll be glad to give you a ride 😀... My flight back is later on that afternoon at 4:45.

I just got the interview invite this morning and they said that was the ONLY interview slot available. I was lucky enough to have an excellent rapport with one of my old professors that he wrote me a letter of recommendation (to fulfill my Liberal Arts requirement) today. Talk about short notice and everything falling into place for me. Let's just hope I'm that "lucky" during my interview.
 
So ALL the interview dates for this year are filled and they are having people on waiting lists until people cancel. They aren't sure if they will add more dates or add dates for next year.

I just found out MORE NSU interview dates are opened in late September and a lot more dates are available every week in October. For those who have later interview dates, you may try to call them soon to reschedule. Good luck all. 🙂
 
Ok, so here's my brief NSU review for those who are interested.

The first thing we did upon arrival was meet in a conference room where we all waited for the last guy to come in for about 15 minutes or so. First thing I noticed was how talkative/friendly everyone was. It was awesome getting to know everyone on our own and just cracking jokes/having a good time. Then we watched a semi-dated video with the famous dean and his handlebar mustache, followed by a speech from one of the adcom members.

Then we got split up in two groups where one went for a tour and the other stayed back to interview. I went on the tour first and it was amazing. Our tour guides were brutally honest about everything and didn't feel the need to sell the school at all. They told us about the bad things (which there were few) without reservations and that made a big impact on me because it really showed how happy they were and that they had nothing to hide or play up. What I really liked was they have this system of breaking down the pretty big class into like 5-6 'families' or something where each one sticks together does a lot of the academic stuff together. It's a really smart idea and apparently each 'family' (forgot the actual term) becomes tight-knit a la Harry Potter and Griffindor/Slytherin/etc. One of my tour guides was part of the Burns family and he was sporting a shirt with Burns on the back and I just thought that was pretty cool and fun.

We toured the facilities and the usual stuff and then went back to do our interviews. The interview was 2 on 1 open file and was really short - only about 20 minutes. They told us to forget all of our rehearsed answers and be honest so they could just get to know us personally. I think they're just looking to see if we fit their mold of a social/personable/passionate person to go with the numbers. One thing I really liked about the school is that they have like dozens of SCHOOL-SPONSORED international trips to places all over the world. It's really established and the fact that its not run completely by students makes it seem more legitimate to me as compared to international trips other schools have.

Then we went up for lunch and had a really nice personalized lunch in another conference room with sandwiches and wraps. The whole day we had students with us answering questions and just chatting with us, the lunch was no different. Then we had another serious speech by one of the vice-deans who broke down the whole Nova experience from start to finish with all the nitty-gritty details of the program. It seemed the whole staff really understood that we'll be getting accepted to a lot of places and to look deep down and choose where we would really be happy and not just go to a school thats all numbers driven with no personality or chance to develop non-academically.

Then we were let go and had the opportunity to take some shuttles to tour the rest of the campus if we wanted to.

The main thing I liked about Nova is that I feel like its a place where I WANT to be and where I'll ENJOY studying for two or more years. I really believe you'll be the best student you can if you enjoy where you are. There's so many things to do around campus it's awesome, I would love to explore the place as a med student. I also liked how my tour guide said after midterms everyone gets together and hits south beach or something at night to celebrate. I just cant help but think how much I'd WANT to get to exam days knowing south beach is waiting for me after lol. Also our interview group was just awesome, we all had a great time and grew together and I almost wanted to get everyone's numbers at the end to keep in touch. It would be great if we all got accepted and a lot of us ended up attending together.

Anyways, that's about it, I'm really hoping for an acceptance now 👍

Thanks for taking the time out of your day to write the review dude! The school sounds awesome, and I can't wait to visit.
 
Nice summary, man. I'm glad to hear that you liked it so much. The "family" groups sound like a nice way to bolster some friendly competition. It's probably great for sporting events as well.

Now I'm even more excited to interview here.

Thanks for taking the time out of your day to write the review dude! The school sounds awesome, and I can't wait to visit.


For sure, I pretty much wrote that for you two. Hope you guys have a good interview and get accepted 🙂
 
got my acceptance letters in the mail today : )) NOVA hear i come 😀
 
Well I'm flying in from LAX, (if u really are from LA we might be on the same flight) and I'm renting a car. Hit me up with like 5 bucks or something and I'll be glad to give you a ride 😀... My flight back is later on that afternoon at 4:45.

I'm on VA 338, so I'm definitely up to pitch in for the rental car to NSU! My return flight leaves at 6:55, so I think I can just go back with you to Ft. Lauderdale airport and just stay there until then. Let me know if that works, we can go PM if you want.

Thanks!
 
For sure, I pretty much wrote that for you two. Hope you guys have a good interview and get accepted 🙂

Thanks buddy. I'm sure you'll get an acceptance email within the next couple weeks!
 
hey guys!!! this is probably a stupid question but i'm wondering, did you call up your doctors and ask them when they graduated from medical school or did you kind of guess at when they graduated?

thanks!
 
hey guys!!! this is probably a stupid question but i'm wondering, did you call up your doctors and ask them when they graduated from medical school or did you kind of guess at when they graduated?

thanks!

Look online, there are plenty of databases that have doctor information with their ratings.
 
Look online, there are plenty of databases that have doctor information with their ratings.

Yeah...most states have a physicians directory on their state website as that info is supposed to be public record... they usually list where they went to school, where they completed their residency, what licenses they have, when their license expires, and if they were involved in any lawsuits. It also usually lists their contact information. I used the New York site to find a DO to shadow...it was pretty helpful
 
Yeah...most states have a physicians directory on their state website as that info is supposed to be public record... they usually list where they went to school, where they completed their residency, what licenses they have, when their license expires, and if they were involved in any lawsuits. It also usually lists their contact information. I used the New York site to find a DO to shadow...it was pretty helpful

this worked!!! thanks! i cant believe i didnt think of this loll turns out my guestimated years were kind of close!
 
Hi Everyone,
So I feel really dumb right now, but I just noticed the 'Non-science faculty member' letter requirement for NSU. I interviewed there on 9/23, and I have fallen in love with the school, but I don't have this letter! I e-mailed Ms. Rondino at the admissions office to see what can be done about this...but I was just wondering, anyone else in the same boat? I am a non-traditional applicant, and I could e-mail one of my professors from undergrad with whom I took sociology and got an A, but that was YEARS ago...any feedback would be great.

Thanks!
~Tarun
 
just got the email and ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 interviewed on 9/14
it is good news that thye send the decision in almost 1 week time.
3.3 cgpa , 3.1 sgpa, 27 mcat : )
thanks for sharing this. It is a great help.
thanks again.
Hi Everyone,
So I feel really dumb right now, but I just noticed the 'Non-science faculty member' letter requirement for NSU. I interviewed there on 9/23, and I have fallen in love with the school, but I don't have this letter! I e-mailed Ms. Rondino at the admissions office to see what can be done about this...but I was just wondering, anyone else in the same boat? I am a non-traditional applicant, and I could e-mail one of my professors from undergrad with whom I took sociology and got an A, but that was YEARS ago...any feedback would be great.

Thanks!
~Tarun
all the best.
try to contact your undergrads and send the letter.
 
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Hi Everyone,
So I feel really dumb right now, but I just noticed the 'Non-science faculty member' letter requirement for NSU. I interviewed there on 9/23, and I have fallen in love with the school, but I don't have this letter! I e-mailed Ms. Rondino at the admissions office to see what can be done about this...but I was just wondering, anyone else in the same boat? I am a non-traditional applicant, and I could e-mail one of my professors from undergrad with whom I took sociology and got an A, but that was YEARS ago...any feedback would be great.

Thanks!
~Tarun
My experience a couple years ago was months after being accepted I was told I needed to have that letter. I had 3 science letters, but they wouldn't budge on the nonscience letter issue. It didn't matter what the letter said, they needed it to check off a box in their system to allow me to matriculate (not a logical policy). So after you are accepted, contact all your old nonscience professors, explain the situation, and ask(beg) them to write you a letter, someone is bound to be understanding. It can be the most generic mediocre letter, you just need to get a letter into the office. They aren't going to rescind an acceptance because the letter wasn't glowing.

Disclaimer: Don't send a mediocre letter before you have an acceptance in hand. Also, this is based off of my experience a couple of years ago.
 
Hey, thanks Redrumi!

I'll take your advice...I guess that means they accept without the requirement though? If I get in, I think I'll probably matriculate, so worse case, I wouldn't mind even taking some liberal arts class in the Spring and get a letter from the prof...as long as they admit before they see the letter 🙂


My experience a couple years ago was months after being accepted I was told I needed to have that letter. I had 3 science letters, but they wouldn't budge on the nonscience letter issue. It didn't matter what the letter said, they needed it to check off a box in their system to allow me to matriculate (not a logical policy). So after you are accepted, contact all your old nonscience professors, explain the situation, and ask(beg) them to write you a letter, someone is bound to be understanding. It can be the most generic mediocre letter, you just need to get a letter into the office. They aren't going to rescind an acceptance because the letter wasn't glowing.

Disclaimer: Don't send a mediocre letter before you have an acceptance in hand. Also, this is based off of my experience a couple of years ago.
 
so i know that some people have asked about this before and commented on it and the general consensus is that the number of MD schools you applied to doesnt make a difference in whether or not you get an interview/accepted. but i'm paranoid.... i was just making my MD and DO lists and this year i am applying to 3 do and 18 md and last year i only applied to 12 md schools. basically i've learned that i just want to be a physician and i would be honored to be an osteopathic physician and i would love to go to NOVA but is my extremely lopsided application count going to hurt me? also, i'm not putting on the md schools that i applied to last year but didnt apply to this year... is that a bad idea? i guess im just really frightened to actually submit my application and get laughed at by the school... i know this is probably me being over dramatic but does anyone have numbers as skewed as mine and still gotten interviewed/accepted?
 
so i know that some people have asked about this before and commented on it and the general consensus is that the number of MD schools you applied to doesnt make a difference in whether or not you get an interview/accepted. but i'm paranoid.... i was just making my MD and DO lists and this year i am applying to 3 do and 18 md and last year i only applied to 12 md schools. basically i've learned that i just want to be a physician and i would be honored to be an osteopathic physician and i would love to go to NOVA but is my extremely lopsided application count going to hurt me? also, i'm not putting on the md schools that i applied to last year but didnt apply to this year... is that a bad idea? i guess im just really frightened to actually submit my application and get laughed at by the school... i know this is probably me being over dramatic but does anyone have numbers as skewed as mine and still gotten interviewed/accepted?

i applied to approx 23 MDs and 8ish DOs. I got in and they did not even ask a question about it. Just be honest
 
it is good news that thye send the decision in almost 1 week time.

thanks for sharing this. It is a great help.
thanks again.

all the best.
try to contact your undergrads and send the letter.

Thanks man, I appreciate it
 
For all those who just got accepted, we have until Dec 14 to send back the "DO intent to enroll form" that was attached to the acceptance email with the deposit right? Even though the acceptance email said "Please return the intent to enroll form as soon as possible". I know im probably being paranoid but I'm just so excited to have been accepted to NOVA I don't want to make any mistakes!!
 
It seems like the acceptance rates have been quite high so far! (is it because it's early in the interview cycle or do they generally accept a high percentage?)

Has anyone not been accepted post interview yet?
 
I just found out MORE NSU interview dates are opened in late September and a lot more dates are available every week in October. For those who have later interview dates, you may try to call them soon to reschedule. Good luck all. 🙂

shoot i already bought my flight in december... boo.
 
It seems like the acceptance rates have been quite high so far! (is it because it's early in the interview cycle or do they generally accept a high percentage?)

Has anyone not been accepted post interview yet?

They seem to interview only those they really like. I was at the first interview and EVERYONE there was very qualified and some had ridiculous credentials and experiences. There were 2 lawyers and one had an MBA. There were multiple Hopkins and Ivy Leaguers. And they do fill their class on a first served basis. They only admitted something like 7 people after Christmas last year(or so they told us). So if you are a good applicant and they like you it seems you will get in as long as the class isnt full yet.
 
Anyone else interviewing this Thursday (Sept. 30)? I'm sooo excited!! 😍
 
hey guys, so I know I'm a little late still filling out secondaries but I had to wait on the MCAT score (as so many of us do). anyway, this might sound silly but what did you guys take "level of responsibility to mean" - or I guess really my question is...how do you answer that one? I mean obviously my supervisor job had more responsibility than being an office assistant, but I wasn't sure exactly what it is they are looking for here. Also, does research count as healthcare experience? I saw someone else ask if anyone wrote any descriptions for these things but did not see any answers. Any answers/opinions would be much appreciated!!!

Thanks 🙂
 
For all those who just got accepted, we have until Dec 14 to send back the "DO intent to enroll form" that was attached to the acceptance email with the deposit right? Even though the acceptance email said "Please return the intent to enroll form as soon as possible". I know im probably being paranoid but I'm just so excited to have been accepted to NOVA I don't want to make any mistakes!!


anybody? sorry for being paranoid
 
hey guys, so I know I'm a little late still filling out secondaries but I had to wait on the MCAT score (as so many of us do). anyway, this might sound silly but what did you guys take "level of responsibility to mean" - or I guess really my question is...how do you answer that one? I mean obviously my supervisor job had more responsibility than being an office assistant, but I wasn't sure exactly what it is they are looking for here. Also, does research count as healthcare experience? I saw someone else ask if anyone wrote any descriptions for these things but did not see any answers. Any answers/opinions would be much appreciated!!!

Thanks 🙂

"Level of responsibility" was from the health care experience question, correct? I filled this out so long ago I forgot what the questions were (since they weren't long essays and just basic info). If it was, I just stated what my role was in my job and what tasks I was assigned to do, as those were my "responsibilities". If this was a general job question, then I just said what duties I fulfilled in that position and if I oversaw anyone. That's how I would suggest answering that question.

In terms of research, clinical research with patient interactions would qualify has a "health care" experience IMHO. Basic bench research or translational research most likely wouldn't, but you should talk about it elsewhere since it does have a vitally important role in health care, medicine, and science, but it isn't particularly a "health care" experience, which I interpret as them asking if you've had any clinical experience, since they want to know if you've been exposed to the profession as the primary role of a physician is clinical work, unless of course you are applying DO/PhD or seeking some sort of public health/policy type role.

I hope that helps and good luck!
 
anybody? sorry for being paranoid

from their prospective student .pdf:

"applicants accepted prior to November 15 will have until December 14 to pay this acceptance fee. applicants accepted between November 15 and February 16 will have 30 days, and those accepted between February 16 and april 15 will pay the combined acceptance fee and deposit of $2,000 within 30 days after their acceptance. anyone accepted on april 16 or later will pay the combined acceptance fee and deposit of $2,000 within 14 days after his or her acceptance."

These dates are also the policy dates suggested by AACOM.
 
Good luck everyone!
 
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Sin should be about done in an hour. Let us know what you thought when you get back man.
 
"Level of responsibility" was from the health care experience question, correct? I filled this out so long ago I forgot what the questions were (since they weren't long essays and just basic info). If it was, I just stated what my role was in my job and what tasks I was assigned to do, as those were my "responsibilities". If this was a general job question, then I just said what duties I fulfilled in that position and if I oversaw anyone. That's how I would suggest answering that question.

In terms of research, clinical research with patient interactions would qualify has a "health care" experience IMHO. Basic bench research or translational research most likely wouldn't, but you should talk about it elsewhere since it does have a vitally important role in health care, medicine, and science, but it isn't particularly a "health care" experience, which I interpret as them asking if you've had any clinical experience, since they want to know if you've been exposed to the profession as the primary role of a physician is clinical work, unless of course you are applying DO/PhD or seeking some sort of public health/policy type role.

I hope that helps and good luck!

level of responsibility was asked for both work experience and health care. thanks for the reply, it helped a lot!! 😀
 
My guess is that Sin likes it 🙂

I interviewed with sin actually...then we had a beer at FLL afterwards hahaha.. the school is awesome,the interview is super super quick. just be yourself and you'll be fine,u have to remember that the interviewers are your advocates...my flight is about to take off so ill post a "fuller" reply later 🙂
 
would either of the following be considered liberal arts?

accounting
law
microecon
macroecon
business info systems

thanks,
 
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What's up guys! I'll post more when I get back to LA tonight, but the school was awesome!
 
Anyone interviewing on october 12?

I'm looking forward to the interview and checking out the school. Glad to hear all the positive reviews so far!
 
I interviewed with sin actually...then we had a beer at FLL afterwards hahaha.. the school is awesome,the interview is super super quick. just be yourself and you'll be fine,u have to remember that the interviewers are your advocates...my flight is about to take off so ill post a "fuller" reply later 🙂


when you say you 'interviewed with Sin' do you mean it was a group interview?
 
would either of the following be considered liberal arts?

accounting
law
microecon
macroecon
business info systems

thanks,

Econ works Mine was from my antitrust and sports economics professor
 
when you say you 'interviewed with Sin' do you mean it was a group interview?

Its not a group interview. They interview everyone by themselves. Like everyone else said the interview is very relaxed and you really dont need to stress too much about it. Easier said than done though I guess.
 
when you say you 'interviewed with Sin' do you mean it was a group interview?


heroes is right,its 2 interviewers at once open file. they dont, however, have access to your file. they have 3 "teams" of interviewers at once.
 
heroes is right,its 2 interviewers at once open file. they dont, however, have access to your file. they have 3 "teams" of interviewers at once.

oops i meant letters...they have definitely looked at your file tho (this is what happens when you take the red eye and get only 2 hours of sleep on the plane😛)
 
oops i meant letters...they have definitely looked at your file tho (this is what happens when you take the red eye and get only 2 hours of sleep on the plane😛)


That's really strange... I would rather they have access to my letters... Oh well...
 
Sin should be about done in an hour. Let us know what you thought when you get back man.

My guess is that Sin likes it 🙂

You're right VT, the school was freaking awesome and I liked it a lot. I'm not really sure what to say, but I pretty much feel the same as Mega in his review.

The interview was so chill, but I was pretty nervous so I definitely didn't do my best. I just hope I get accepted :xf:

Anyways, off to bed. I'm tired...

I interviewed with sin actually...then we had a beer at FLL afterwards hahaha.. the school is awesome,the interview is super super quick. just be yourself and you'll be fine,u have to remember that the interviewers are your advocates...my flight is about to take off so ill post a "fuller" reply later 🙂

How was your flight back dude?
 
You're right VT, the school was freaking awesome and I liked it a lot. I'm not really sure what to say, but I pretty much feel the same as Mega in his review.

The interview was so chill, but I was pretty nervous so I definitely didn't do my best. I just hope I get accepted :xf:

Anyways, off to bed. I'm tired...


I'm sure it went well and that acceptance will be coming any time now. 😉
 
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