NSU-COM Discussion Thread 2011-2012

[xajtx]

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My dawg Ilikefood has explained quite nicely what goes on here at Nova. I'll further elaborate on what he's said. Rural rotations in Sept and Oct suck big time. If you were going to do primary care, it won't matter, all you need to do is pass and you are in. Specialties such as Anesthesia and EM won't be a problem either. However, if you are looking to do surgery or surgical subspecialties, you're totally ****ed. Surgery as a DO means as many audition rotations as you can. Most DO programs will not interview you if you didn't rotate, hence more audtions means more interviews. For those of you who don't know anything about audition rotations, in the DO surgery world, they start around July and go till end of october to mid november. To have sept/october for rurals blows if you were doing surgery. I have heard the same about DO Rads programs they they want you to rotate through. Just keep this in mind if you are looking in to any of these fields.

As for curriculum, M1 year is hard but very doable. M2 year is definitely harder, especially with the stress that comes with board studying. Anatomy department is awesome, so is Micro. Physio dept sucks, some D-bags teaching that course. The OPP guru Boesler is awesome. There are some bull**** classes you will have to sit through. Attendance is not an issue as long as you are passing all your classes, mine was probably less than 5%. **** hits the fan in spring of M2 year.

I am currently at Broward, I have seen some crazy pathology, Broward is a county hospital with loads of indigent patients. Most residents are great, some residents are POS and are on a power trip and need a reality check. 65 hour work week is about a normal work week at Broward. My OB/Gyn weeks were 90+ hours. I haven't even gotten to surgery yet.

Nova's push to pump out primary care docs is very real. I am interested in surgery and have already discussed this with the clinical ed department. They look at me like I am from some other planet. They will try and do everything they can to make sure you go Primary care. Expect no help whatsoever from the clinical Ed department if you are going for specialties.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about Nova, I declined my interviews at DMU and KCUMB once I got accepted here, stupid stupid stupid. If you can weather the winter up north, those schools are much better, many more resources. I was waitlisted at CCOM and a couple of MD schools, had any of those panned out, I wouldn't be attending NSUCOM.

DarkHorizon,

Why do you say that for specialties such as anesthesia and EM, rural rotations in September or October won't matter?

 

[iLOVEdogs08]

ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got the email yesterday morning! Good luck everyone!

 

[ziprasidone1]

ACCEPTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got the email yesterday morning! Good luck everyone!

You were notified of your acceptance via email? Actually?

 

[Chyea]

Does anyone know if they will rescind an acceptance if I did not take one of the courses I said I planned on taking on my aacomas app?

I was planning on retaking Calculus I in the fall and taking Calculus II in the spring. I couldn't afford it b/c of apps but I will be retaking in the Spring, I just won't have time to take Calc II.

 

[jdsargen]

Does anyone know if they will rescind an acceptance if I did not take one of the courses I said I planned on taking on my aacomas app?

I was planning on retaking Calculus I in the fall and taking Calculus II in the spring. I couldn't afford it b/c of apps but I will be retaking in the Spring, I just won't have time to take Calc II.

As long as it was not a pre-req, no.

 

[Booster]

DarkHorizon,

Why do you say that for specialties such as anesthesia and EM, rural rotations in September or October won't matter?

I think he is saying this because some specialties do not "require" you to do audition rotations through their programs in order to be considered for a spot in their residency program. However, certain specialties (as DarkHorizon has pointed out) like surgery, often require their applicants to have rotated through their program on one of their elective rotations during their 4th year to be considered for a residency spot. This usually goes for some of the more competitive specialties.

Edit: Also, you submit your applications for interviews at residency programs by September/October, so rotating through the programs of your choice should be done before then...and if you have your rural rotations taking up most of your time before Sept/Oct, then you are unable to do an "audition" rotation through some of the programs of your interests.

 

[xajtx]

I think he is saying this because some specialties do not "require" you to do audition rotations through their programs in order to be considered for a spot in their residency program. However, certain specialties (as DarkHorizon has pointed out) like surgery, often require their applicants to have rotated through their program on one of their elective rotations during their 4th year to be considered for a residency spot. This usually goes for some of the more competitive specialties.

Edit: Also, you submit your applications for interviews at residency programs by September/October, so rotating through the programs of your choice should be done before then...and if you have your rural rotations taking up most of your time before Sept/Oct, then you are unable to do an "audition" rotation through some of the programs of your interests.

Thanks, Booster!

 

[brownboy21]

Hi to all. New to SDN. I am excited for my interview, which is this month. I really want to see what NOVA has to offer me.

 

[tomba27]

Hi guys, I'm curious to how long it usually takes after your secondary application is shown as complete to be granted an interview (if it happens)?

 

[xajtx]

As long as it was not a pre-req, no.

Would they rescind an acceptance if at the time of application, I put that I plan to volunteer at XYZ until I start school at NSU August 2012 and stop volunteering there? I'm probably completely paranoid but just wanted to make sure...

 

[Booster]

Would they rescind an acceptance if at the time of application, I put that I plan to volunteer at XYZ until I start school at NSU August 2012 and stop volunteering there? I'm probably completely paranoid but just wanted to make sure...

I would imagine that they "could" take away your acceptance if you committed to participating in volunteer work on your application and did not complete that prior to entering school...however, I do not see that actually happening

 

[rjelalam]

Hey guys! Ive been a long time reader and I literally just got my MCAT score from the 9/1 test. 27M with a SCI 3.59 Non-SCI 3.71 CUM 3.64. Sending in all my secondaries tomorrow. What do you guys think about my chances?
Thanks!!

 

[DrRadtech]

Interviewing 12/15! It's my first interview invite so far, I was complete 10/3. I'm slightly worried about being forced to do rural rotations during audition rotation time because I'm fairly certain I will want to specialize; guess I'll just check the school out and see what it's like. I'm excited for this interview as it will be the first week after a brutal fall semester ends and will also be my first visit to Florida (I'm a Michigander)!

 

[komikos]

Hey guys! Ive been a long time reader and I literally just got my MCAT score from the 9/1 test. 27M with a SCI 3.59 Non-SCI 3.71 CUM 3.64. Sending in all my secondaries tomorrow. What do you guys think about my chances?
Thanks!!

You have a solid chance at getting an interview. My scores are kind of similar to you and your gpa is slightly higher than mine. What did you score in each section of ur MCAT? Was it balanced?

 

[mtromer13]

Hi to all. New to SDN. I am excited for my interview, which is this month. I really want to see what NOVA has to offer me.

Congrats! I submitted my primary today. Does it help if the doc you shadowed is a clinical instructor at NSU-COM? Just curious if it makes a difference or not.


ALso I haven't received my secondary yet, will nova only accept snail mail LORs from interfolio? I'd like to send it in before I get the secondary, is this a bad idea?

 

[mtromer13]

Congrats! I submitted my primary today. Does it help if the doc you shadowed is a clinical instructor at NSU-COM? Just curious if it makes a difference or not.


ALso I haven't received my secondary yet, will nova only accept snail mail LORs from interfolio? I'd like to send it in before I get the secondary, is this a bad idea?

oh to answer my own question, electronically submitted. And should probably wait to receive an ID # or something. Sorry just so excited to apply!!! yay!!!!

 

[rjelalam]

You have a solid chance at getting an interview. My scores are kind of similar to you and your gpa is slightly higher than mine. What did you score in each section of ur MCAT? Was it balanced?

11V/8PS/8BS
Have you gotten an interview yet? I see your in GA, i hope I get some love from PCOM-GA!

 

[IDFsoldierboy]

anybody just get an email about an "experience day"...they made it seem like this is in lieu of doing an interview and mentioned that its for outstanding applicants and gives you a chance to audit a class...anybody know anything about this?

 

[xajtx]

Has anyone else noticed that for Nova's match lists, they only list about 170 students? What happened to the remaining 50?

Also, anyone happen to know NSU's average COMLEX and USMLE Step 1 scores?

 

[heroes31]

anybody just get an email about an "experience day"...they made it seem like this is in lieu of doing an interview and mentioned that its for outstanding applicants and gives you a chance to audit a class...anybody know anything about this?

Although I had a traditional interview at NSU, from what I've heard from fellow classmates it basically means your accepted. You just have to show up, dress professionally, and follow along with the day's activities (I think you sit in on a class, have like a mini lesson in suturing (I could be wrong),info sessions and other stuff like that). As long as you don't do something really stupid to make yourself look bad, your in. Congrats!

 

[IDFsoldierboy]

Although I had a traditional interview at NSU, from what I've heard from fellow classmates it basically means your accepted. You just have to show up, dress professionally, and follow along with the day's activities (I think you sit in on a class, have like a mini lesson in suturing (I could be wrong),info sessions and other stuff like that). As long as you don't do something really stupid to make yourself look bad, your in. Congrats!

oh wow thanks...and here I was thinking they forgot about me lol (I was complete like a month and a half-2 months ago) 😛 🙂

 

[zoomzoom123]

Although I had a traditional interview at NSU, from what I've heard from fellow classmates it basically means your accepted. You just have to show up, dress professionally, and follow along with the day's activities (I think you sit in on a class, have like a mini lesson in suturing (I could be wrong),info sessions and other stuff like that). As long as you don't do something really stupid to make yourself look bad, your in. Congrats!

3290 applications, 672 interviewed, 571 accepted, 245 enrolled

 

[IDFsoldierboy]

3290 applications, 672 interviewed, 571 accepted, 245 enrolled

that wasnt what he was referring to...he was responding on my email which wasnt an interview invitation but in lieu of an interview day it was an experience day

 

[zoomzoom123]

that wasnt what he was referring to...he was responding on my email which wasnt an interview invitation but in lieu of an interview day it was an experience day

ok...well i was just letting you know what "as long as you don't do something really stupid to make yourself look bad, your in. Congrats!" meant in numerical terms

 

[tcritty]

oh wow thanks...and here I was thinking they forgot about me lol (I was complete like a month and a half-2 months ago) 😛 🙂

Wait, just so I have this correct, what is the difference between this and typical interview days? I received the same email. Will we not have a technical interview? I was thinking they happened to call all their interviews "experience days"? (Why not give interviews an good name?).

 

[heroes31]

Wait, just so I have this correct, what is the difference between this and typical interview days? I received the same email. Will we not have a technical interview? I was thinking they happened to call all their interviews "experience days"? (Why not give interviews an good name?).

First let me say that the chances of being accepted at NSU after receiving an interview are very good. As the previous poster noted the numbers are very positive.
Now in regards to the interview, there are 2 types of interview days. The regular interview, which is what I had, and the "experience day".
The regular interview you interview with 2 faculty members, get a tour of the campus, and have a talk with the dean. Again the odds of being accepted after a traditional interview are probably around 75%. If they offer you an interview it means they really like you and as long as you are yourself, honest, know a little about osteopathic medicine, and can adequately explain why you are interested in medicine and patient care you should get an acceptance.
The experience day is as I described before. From my understanding there is no formal interview. Instead faculty members kind of "observe" you go through the day's activities. Again if you don't do something stupid to make yourself look bad you are pretty much guaranteed to get an acceptance.
Hope this helps!

 

[rjelalam]

Is there an email address anyone has been able to get a reply from? I am trying to see if my file is complete. Thanks

 

[flakpilot]

Is there an email address anyone has been able to get a reply from? I am trying to see if my file is complete. Thanks

Me too! I'm trying to find a phone number or something to call and check but can't find anything..on my status page it says all the documents were received but that's it...

 

[alex0388]

Me too! I'm trying to find a phone number or something to call and check but can't find anything..on my status page it says all the documents were received but that's it...

I emailed [email protected] and received a response within 1 day, and an interview invite the next day. Calling didn't really help me out much.

 

[rjelalam]

I emailed [email protected] and received a response within 1 day, and an interview invite the next day. Calling didn't really help me out much.

Thanks! Hopefully that will be the case for me, also!

 

[AP gooner]

I interviewed here last week but I am currently completing my organic chem requirement (will be done in December). Will I get an acceptance/rejection/WL soon or will I be on hold until December??

 

[DrWily]

If you got an interview, it means they're good with your stats. Pre-reqs just have to be finished before you matriculate. I expect you to hear back soon.

 

[jso89]

I interviewed here last week but I am currently completing my organic chem requirement (will be done in December). Will I get an acceptance/rejection/WL soon or will I be on hold until December??

I believe the admissions committee meets once every couple weeks to go over files and make acceptances/rejections/WL's so it all depends how soon they have their next meeting but you will probably hear from them once that happens. Good luck!

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

When does Nova's interview season end? I'm worried that I'm really pushing the limit timewise because I haven't been verified (started processing on 9/15).

Should I be worried yet?

 

[barhhb]

i just updated my aacomas info, i have a 3.53 sci gpa (3.6 overall) and 28 mcat (10 bio 10 ps 8 verbal) so should i wait til next cycle to apply early or apply now?

 

[rjelalam]

I have a question about my application summary on webstar. I tried to email someone, but no reply yet. On anyone's application summary under MCAT scores, where it says NOTE, does it have a score listed? Mine currently says "Planned Date for MCAT -9/2011". So I am assuming that means they have not received my score yet?

Thanks

 

[zoomzoom123]

@Tebow Who knows? I would constantly check with administration to make sure they receive everything, but i don't think your stats would hold you back. i was accepted with similar stats, but i applied early and was in the third group to interview
@barhhb just do it and see what happens. if nothing, do it again early next year. what have you got to lose? like i said, i got in with those stats
@rjelalam their webstar program kinda sucks. i would talk to someone over the phone

If we're accepted, all we have to do is either withdraw or pay by $1250 by Dec 15th, correct? We dont need to send a "i accept your acceptance" letter or anything like that, right?

 

[PsP for real]

i just updated my aacomas info, i have a 3.53 sci gpa (3.6 overall) and 28 mcat (10 bio 10 ps 8 verbal) so should i wait til next cycle to apply early or apply now?

Go now! Your above their class average in every section. I'm sure that you would be fine and would get some interviews some places. I have pretty much the same stats and have gotten 8 DO interviews and 2 MD interviews with the same stats. Is it late? Getting there. Push it out and get some interviews.

 

[alex0388]

First let me say that the chances of being accepted at NSU after receiving an interview are very good. As the previous poster noted the numbers are very positive.
Now in regards to the interview, there are 2 types of interview days. The regular interview, which is what I had, and the "experience day".
The regular interview you interview with 2 faculty members, get a tour of the campus, and have a talk with the dean. Again the odds of being accepted after a traditional interview are probably around 75%. If they offer you an interview it means they really like you and as long as you are yourself, honest, know a little about osteopathic medicine, and can adequately explain why you are interested in medicine and patient care you should get an acceptance.
The experience day is as I described before. From my understanding there is no formal interview. Instead faculty members kind of "observe" you go through the day's activities. Again if you don't do something stupid to make yourself look bad you are pretty much guaranteed to get an acceptance.
Hope this helps!

Do you by chance know roughly how many applicants are invited for experience day vs. traditional interview?

Hmm, well either way acceptance rate is relatively high! Can't wait till my interview next month!! Anyone else interviewing Nov. 15??

 

[cici269]

I really want to get in here! My app should be complete end of October. At this point in the cycle, is there still a good chance for an interview and lots of spots still to fill?

Thanks and good luck!

 

[heroes31]

Do you by chance know roughly how many applicants are invited for experience day vs. traditional interview?

Sorry I have no idea. But do your best and you should be fine! Good luck!

 

[Optoed]

Does any one know how often M1/M2s are tested at NSU? I've heard of other schools testing their students on a weekly basis (which is awesome...cause I'm a big procrastinator).

---------------------------
Regarding tuition, I did a little projection for OSS tuition & Fees for 4 years.

At 8% annual increase, the total is 205K.
At 10% annual increase, the total is 212K.

Next goal in life - debt free by 33? gahhhh....

 

[xajtx]

Does any one know how often M1/M2s are tested at NSU? I've heard of other schools testing their students on a weekly basis (which is awesome...cause I'm a big procrastinator).

---------------------------
Regarding tuition, I did a little projection for OSS tuition & Fees for 4 years.

At 8% annual increase, the total is 205K.
At 10% annual increase, the total is 212K.

Next goal in life - debt free by 33? gahhhh....

From what I've heard the testing schedule changes every year. A student I spoke with had tests every Monday M1 starting October. M2 was 4 hour integrated midterms and then a week of finals spread out between the subjects. But it does change from year to year.

I think weekly tests would be a good thing too. It forces you to stay on top of things and in case you don't do well on one, you have plenty of opportunities to do well on others.

 

[mo7964]

From what I've heard the testing schedule changes every year. A student I spoke with had tests every Monday M1 starting October. M2 was 4 hour integrated midterms and then a week of finals spread out between the subjects. But it does change from year to year.

I think weekly tests would be a good thing too. It forces you to stay on top of things and in case you don't do well on one, you have plenty of opportunities to do well on others.

So this year, we have 3 tests for biochem, physio and anatomy. And two tests for histology and OPP. However, histo and OPP have both written portions and practical portions.

We had a "integrated test" in the beginning of the year, I think it was after the first 3 weeks. That covered biochem, physio and anatomy, and was about 10 questions from each course. However, that accounted for only about 5% of our grade , so it's not something to worry about.

Good luck on your interviews. Make sure you know why you are applying to a DO school, that's something that they care about

 

[MedMusclez]

Just withdrew from my interview on Oct. 18th. If someone is fast, they can snatch it up. Good luck to all applicants!

 

[Optoed]

it just dawned on me how much NSU's tuition has skyrocketed. SDN's stats says 32K for OSS http://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/nsu-com

This must have been just a few years ago.

This year, they're at 45K, by the time we start next year, it'll be >50K?

For those who have attended interviews, did they quote tuition for 2012-2013?

 

[alex0388]

Just withdrew from my interview on Oct. 18th. If someone is fast, they can snatch it up. Good luck to all applicants!

YAYY i just switched mine from 11/15 to 10/18. thanks a bunch 🙂

 

[xajtx]

it just dawned on me how much NSU's tuition has skyrocketed. SDN's stats says 32K for OSS http://www.studentdoctor.net/schools/school/nsu-com

This must have been just a few years ago.

This year, they're at 45K, by the time we start next year, it'll be >50K?

For those who have attended interviews, did they quote tuition for 2012-2013?

Assuming the information the operator gave me was correct, tuition for the 2012-2013 school year will be $44,545. Tuition increases concerned me too; I'm not sure how much we can anticipate for it to increase in the coming years.

 

[MedMusclez]

YAYY i just switched mine from 11/15 to 10/18. thanks a bunch 🙂

No problem! Best of luck to you! 🙂

 

[alex0388]

No problem! Best of luck to you! 🙂

Thanks! Same to you