PBA vs NOVA ...

[Wo0o0T19]

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I would love to hear people's thoughts on this comparison... I know a lot of you Floridians have been on both interviews and I would love to hear what lead you towards one school and away from the other ... 😕

Thanks !!

 

[LRPHARM]

Honestly, I liked PBA much better then NOVA. I felt that the professors and students at PBA were closer and much more friendly. I think I would have a better pharmacy experience at PBA. I think some people get turned off by the religion but, I feel that it isnt pushed down ur throat if u aren't very religious... thats the impression I got from the current PBA students. I think that the only draw back for PBA is the PRICE!!!

 

[OCizzle]

I did two years of my undergrad in FAU's Davie campus (which is literally next door from Nova's main campus) and I live 10 minutes away from PBA, so I'm pretty familiar with both schools. Like the above poster mentioned, my experiences at PBA have been much more enjoyable than at Nova. To be honest, out of the 5 schools I was considering, Nova made the worst impression.

 

[Wo0o0T19]

Thank goodness I really appreciate the feed back ... To be honest I just fell in love with PBA and wanted to know if maybe I just had a good experience that day or if it was really all that I thought it was... I feel as if it is most definitely more of a close knit family and that the instructors really want you to come out knowing your stuff and as an overall quility pharmacist... I agree with what you said I feel the only reason you wouldnt choose PBA over Nova is if you don't like the religion aspect which I for one am a fan of... I also agree with the price issue... but I almost feel sometimes you have to put price aside for the value of the education or the comfort in being at a school you feel happy at?

 

[LRPHARM]

I feel the same way.... its 4 years that you have to be at this school so you want to be happy but, in that same breath I went to LECOM interview and, they really woke me up on the financial aspect of the skool. I felt like to go to PBA its just taking out more loans but, according to LECOM everything u take out is tripled by the time you pay it back. I mean I just feel like you really need to think about it.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

The loans are an issue, but Nova and PBA are similar in pricing... of course Nova is a little cheaper, but it's not a huge difference as you would see when comparing the other Florida schools. Nova and PBA are the most expensive in Florida I think. I go to Nova for grad school now, and I've visited PBA and I feel the same. I like the atmosphere at PBA (friendly students, staff, etc). The religion thing is not a big deal either... I mean it's there and it is obvious that it's a Christian school, but I feel like the students and staff are more caring because of it... they don't try to convert you or anything.

As far as the loans... I would go to a more expensive school if I knew it was very well known and prestigious and I was going to get a top notch education, but if the schools are similar in "ranking" (whatever that means) and location, etc... then yeah maybe the less expensive school will play a part in your decision. Pricing isn't a big factor in my decision though... I care more about going to a school that I will love being at for 4 years.

 

[OCizzle]

Tinkerbell nailed it IMO. The differences between Nova and PBA aren't big enough to justify going to one school over the other. Simply ask yourself where you'd rather spend the next 4 years of your life.

 

[LRPHARM]

I guess.... it is a big factor for me because I am from MIA so I could commute from home to NOVA but, I would have to rent an apartment in West Palm..... but, to each there own...... 😀

 

[Tinkerbell22]

I guess.... it is a big factor for me because I am from MIA so I could commute from home to NOVA but, I would have to rent an apartment in West Palm..... but, to each there own...... 😀

Well that makes a difference then... I didn't know you already lived in Miami. I used to live in Miami myself, but I moved to Plantation to be closer to Nova because I couldn't see myself doing the drive (south Florida traffic ). I remember someone else saying they were going to take the metro/train or something all the way to PBA and stay in Miami to save money though so people do commute all the time.

Some PBA students commute from Ft Lauderdale so I'm assuming some Nova students commute from Miami too. I personally would pick whatever place you think you will be the happiest/get the most out of your education. If that means living at home, then go for Nova... but if you like PBA more then I think it would be worth the decision to move... you can always get a roommate, but the cost of living in south Florida does make it tempting to stay at home.

 

[Wo0o0T19]

So lets say we take money completely out of the equation... anybody know key differences in the programs offered at each?

 

[fenderbiz]

I would stay away from religious schools, but if you don't have an issue with that, then it's no problem.
Keep in mind that you will be learning science.

 

[junior5384]

I heard that PBA interviewees were asked if they are willing to convert, and they do require you to attend their chapel on a regular basis or you will not graduate. So, if you are not Christian (or not religious) and don't want to be required/forced to attend their services, then PBA probably would not be a good idea for you. It just depends on the person.

 

[coral407]

To be honest, out of the 5 schools I was considering, Nova made the worst impression.

same here. Had interviews at 5 schools and I felt the same way.

 

[PharmTech8241]

I liked them both...I felt a little bit more welcomed at PBA but $30,000 for a school that's not even ranked is ridiculous...You're better off going to Mercer with that price tag...I'm not bothered by the religion at all...I know Nova is not that cheap either but I live closer to Nova so I would save more money there...And I know Nova has a reputation of setting up their applicants with laid back interviewers if they want you in the program and drill sergeants if they don't wont you in the program...it's messed up but so is life

 

[Wo0o0T19]

I feel you on the being more welcomed thing... I find it slightly off that NOVA is a private school that cost a lot of money and they email you interview invites... It just seems so blah ... and not private and Elite like... I mean they are private it cost a lot to go there , you would think they would try and act that way ... Mostly because I find it much more exciting to get a call then an email ... This process is a HUGE deal for all of us... Step up your game lol

 

[Tinkerbell22]

I liked them both...I felt a little bit more welcomed at PBA but $30,000 for a school that's not even ranked is ridiculous...You're better off going to Mercer with that price tag...I'm not bothered by the religion at all...I know Nova is not that cheap either but I live closer to Nova so I would save more money there...And I know Nova has a reputation of setting up their applicants with laid back interviewers if they want you in the program and drill sergeants if they don't wont you in the program...it's messed up but so is life

A lot of accepted students say they had drill sergeants too though... I personally know someone in real life who used to be on their adcom and they just have a very different style there in my opinion. It just bothers me that more and more students are complaining about the way they handle things. Being from south Florida is not an excuse to be mean to people. I honestly didn't even apply because they were literally rude to me when I tried to get information. That is not creating a very good reputation in my opinion. I don't understand... all of the other schools (ranked or not) are at least cordial, if not down right friendly, helpful, and extremely caring whether they think they "want" you there or not.

It doesn't even seem like they care about attracting the best and the brightest if students are starting to be put off by the impressions that they've gotten.

 

[PharmTech8241]

lol I guess I'm the only one who had a good experience with them...but I understand what you mean about the whole south florida attitude thing tinkerbell...I guess b/c applied early they didn't have anything to do at the time so they always got back to me quickly when I had a question and were nice about it...lol...I emailed tracy yesterday and she got back to me in an hour but it looks like the general consensus is saying that Nova really needs to work on their people skills...lol

 

[Tinkerbell22]

lol I guess I'm the only one who had a good experience with them...but I understand what you mean about the whole south florida attitude thing tinkerbell...I guess b/c applied early they didn't have anything to do at the time so they always got back to me quickly when I had a question and were nice about it...lol...I emailed tracy yesterday and she got back to me in an hour but it looks like the general consensus is saying that Nova really needs to work on their people skills...lol

Oh yeah I definitely feel you on the applying early! That is one thing that people stressed when I was considering schools to apply (for Nova in particular). I don't know what it is honestly... maybe they just get too busy during certain parts of the year? Who knows... it was the first school I visited since I went to college in Miami so at first I was under the impression that professional schools just tried to intimidate you... lol

 

[coral407]

A lot of accepted students say they had drill sergeants too though

yep got accepted and had drill sergeants. Also, the other people at the school kind of turned me off too. I interviewed at a distance campus, the campus shared a building with a tv station, I wasn't really sure exactly where the classroom I was suppose to go to was so I asked two people that I saw outside that worked there and they kind of giggled, pointed in the direction I should go and one of them said "if you are going to be in pharmacy school you should be able to figure it out" 🙄

 

[Tinkerbell22]

yep got accepted and had drill sergeants. Also, the other people at the school kind of turned me off too. I interviewed at a distance campus, the campus shared a building with a tv station, I wasn't really sure exactly where the classroom I was suppose to go to was so I asked two people that I saw outside that worked there and they kind of giggled, pointed in the direction I should go and one of them said "if you are going to be in pharmacy school you should be able to figure it out" 🙄

Somehow... in retrospect (or just my 23 years of living here) that doesn't actually surprise me though. lol

 

[quimicosoy]

Very interesting views... I have not gone to these campuses, but it seems like they are the same... How different would be Nova or PBA to FIU, any one knows? Money is a big issue with this economy...

I am an FIU student...👍

 

[PharmTech8241]

yep got accepted and had drill sergeants. Also, the other people at the school kind of turned me off too. I interviewed at a distance campus, the campus shared a building with a tv station, I wasn't really sure exactly where the classroom I was suppose to go to was so I asked two people that I saw outside that worked there and they kind of giggled, pointed in the direction I should go and one of them said "if you are going to be in pharmacy school you should be able to figure it out" 🙄

I interviewed at the main campus and had no drill sergeants...lol...I had a really nice lady and a laid back dude...The interview felt more like a convo to me...I don't know it could of been the fact that I'm a pretty boy with swagger set on a 100 trillion that made the interview go good for me...lol

 

[Tinkerbell22]

Very interesting views... I have not gone to these campuses, but it seems like they are the same... How different would be Nova or PBA to FIU, any one knows? Money is a big issue with this economy...

I am an FIU student...👍

I'm a little confused... do you mean just the physical appearance of the campus or the schools in general? You can't really compare FIU to Nova pharmacy or PBA pharmacy because FIU doesn't have a pharmacy school, but as for the physical "look" of the campus I guess you could say they are kind of similar. I mean, most buildings in south Florida look similar anyway... palm trees around, concrete, etc... FIU I think has a more "modern" artsy look around campus and PBA has more interesting architechture, plus it's very new. Nova looks more professional, but all three schools have relatively new buildings I think. I don't really know how to explain it. haha Nova pharmacy is in the low 20,000's for Florida resident tuition (even though it's private), and PBA is like 28,000 or something like that. FIU is of course a state university so it is much cheaper for undergrad.

I interviewed at the main campus and had no drill sergeants...lol...I had a really nice lady and a laid back dude...The interview felt more like a convo to me...I don't know it could of been the fact that I'm a pretty boy with swagger set on a 100 trillion that made the interview go good for me...lol

South Florida is full of 'pretty boys with swagger'. lol

 

[OCizzle]

And I know Nova has a reputation of setting up their applicants with laid back interviewers if they want you in the program and drill sergeants if they don't wont you in the program...it's messed up but so is life

Actually my interview at Nova wasn't so bad, and not as inquisitive as other schools. I was interviewed by a man and a women in their 50s. The guy, who asked me most of the questions, was kinda awkward, and seemed to belong more in a research lab than screening for candidates.

I guess my experience at Nova was lackluster because it felt like they didn't even want us there. Most of my time was spent sitting in a char waiting for something. The student that gave us the tour didn't seem to care much about anything, and mostly made us walk around. Nice hallways I guess. Nobody bothered to talk to us about the school or the pharmacy program, and the pharmacy section of their website is just as vague too. How hard is it to write more than one sentence on your mission statement? No speeches, no presentations, no student panels, no snacks, no anything. Just sitting around waiting, and then some more waiting. Sure, the folder was nice, but not THAT nice.

I'm sure Nova is a good school, and this one experience is in no way reflective of the quality of their pharmacy program. But they need to realize that first impressions and providing good service are important, especially in the pharmacy field. I mean, these guys you're interviewing are potentially going to be your students, and be 100K short when they're done. At least show them you care.

 

[junior5384]

I interviewed at Nova (WPB campus). I had 3 professors interview me, and they, along with all of the other faculty, staff and students I met were all very friendly. The interviewers were trying not to show much emotion in either direction, but that is actually what interviewers are supposed to do.

In addition, I received a call to offer me an interview at Nova and then emailed with possible dates since I was driving and didn't have my calendar with me. So, it seems that I had quite a different experience that many of you.

 

[Moni526]

I am going to be honest with my opinions. There are pros and cons with both schools.

I feel that PBA is becoming a school that is more focused on the older applicants; the people who are working professionals. I know this is the case because this is where my dad went. He had a great experience there, but he was in the BS program, not pharmacy. The campus is RIGHT on the beach and the enviornment is neat, but I feel where it is located, students can get distracted easily. (You step out the campus and you are at City Place which is shops, restaurants, and clubs)

As for NOVA (WPB), the class size is smaller, which I would prefer. Some students may not like the idea of the satellite system Nova uses, but their technology is state-of-the-art. Nova made us feel like family already when we went for the interview and the students were very enthuiastic about their school and really seemed to love it.

I have had the opportunity to work with students from both schools. The PBA students were much more lazy and distracted at work, while the Nova students worked hard and were really interested in learning new things (I work in a compounding pharmacy). The PBA students do not get much respect in the workforce around here because of this; they come off as lazy and prissy. A pharmacist that works with me was in PBA's first graduating pharmacy class. She teaches there now, and said the staff goes to conventions and things for pharmacy. She said the Nova staff are brilliant, some of the smartest people she had ever met.

That is just my experience with both schools. They're both good schools. But for me the decision was easy; PBA is more expensive and Nova has been around longer. The dean of a school that I interviewed at said if we were faced with the choice of a few acceptances of schools, go with the one that is more established and has been around longer. Nova was my choice. 😀

 

[PharmTech8241]

lol I know I'm one of many in SouthFlo tinkerbell but its hard to mimic my swag

 

[Wo0o0T19]

Thanks for your honesty Moni... then again I would love for UF to contact us as well hahaha!

Also in response to Pharmtech... I am concerned about such swagger... I mean if you are so unique I don't think you would have to talk about its awesomeness?!

 

[PharmTech8241]

Thanks for your honesty Moni... then again I would love for UF to contact us as well hahaha!

Also in response to Pharmtech... I am concerned about such swagger... I mean if you are so unique I don't think you would have to talk about its awesomeness?!

wouldn't we all love for you UF to contact us...it seems everbody is waiting for them... and I was just putting it out there...stop hating...jk lol...where have you been accepted so far?

 

[Moni526]

Thanks for your honesty Moni... then again I would love for UF to contact us as well hahaha!

Also in response to Pharmtech... I am concerned about such swagger... I mean if you are so unique I don't think you would have to talk about its awesomeness?!

You're telling me! UF is stringing us along...

 

[Namishin]

I'm going to interview at PBA and already did my interview at Nova so I'll give my impression.

The interview dates are many at Nova so our interview group was just me + 2 others. They had snacks out (juice and cookies) but no one touched it. Who's thinking of snacks right before their interview?

The fabled long wait time I expected did not happen on my visit. We waited perhaps one extra minute for the 3rd interviewee to arrive and they started us on the tour asap. The two students leading the tour were really enthusiastic about the school and made the student body seem really close.

For my actual interview, there were two professors who could not have been much older than mid-30s at most. They were really nice and laid back but ~90% of the interview was me being drilled on my transcripts (gpa > 3.4, pcats > 80). I walked away feeling pretty bad.

 

[PharmEXP]

i interviewed at the main campus and had no drill sergeants...lol...i had a really nice lady and a laid back dude...the interview felt more like a convo to me...i don't know it could of been the fact that i'm a pretty boy with swagger set on a 100 trillion that made the interview go good for me...lol

lol!

 

[miamifl]

Tinkerbell nailed it IMO. The differences between Nova and PBA aren't big enough to justify going to one school over the other. Simply ask yourself where you'd rather spend the next 4 years of your life.

It's 24K difference over the 4 yrs, Nova is 24K a year, PBA is 30K. That's about a corolla ...lol, I loved PBA, but yeah it is considerably more expensive

 

[miamifl]

Well that makes a difference then... I didn't know you already lived in Miami. I used to live in Miami myself, but I moved to Plantation to be closer to Nova because I couldn't see myself doing the drive (south Florida traffic ). I remember someone else saying they were going to take the metro/train or something all the way to PBA and stay in Miami to save money though so people do commute all the time.

Some PBA students commute from Ft Lauderdale so I'm assuming some Nova students commute from Miami too. I personally would pick whatever place you think you will be the happiest/get the most out of your education. If that means living at home, then go for Nova... but if you like PBA more then I think it would be worth the decision to move... you can always get a roommate, but the cost of living in south Florida does make it tempting to stay at home.

Yup, that's me, i'll be commuting almost 4 hrs everyday. That'll make the bulk of my daily study time...hopefully

 

[miamifl]

I heard that PBA interviewees were asked if they are willing to convert, and they do require you to attend their chapel on a regular basis or you will not graduate. So, if you are not Christian (or not religious) and don't want to be required/forced to attend their services, then PBA probably would not be a good idea for you. It just depends on the person.

nope, it not required to attend their chapel, or even be Christian. At my interview I saw students from a lot of nationalities and backgrounds, and they specifically make it clear that you don't have to be Christian to attend the school. If i'ts a "plus" behind the curtains, well that's another story, but they don't openly shove religion on you or require you to do anything religion related

 

[meldacon]

I recently had an interview at PBA and at Nova (WPB). I fell in love with PBA, the religious aspect doesn't phase me, in fact I think it would be better for me in some ways. I had drill sergeants at Nova and walked out feeling pretty bad. The students who gave the tour said that they will do that to you to see how you handle pressure, so in that respect I feel okay about it. Besides, if they didn't want you then why would they invite you for an interview? I still haven't heard back from either though (fingers crossed). I have an interview with Mercer this Friday, and just received a wait-listed email from UF and that interview is in June. Right now I feel like I'm in Limbo...

As for deciding between PBA vs. Nova, PBA left a far better impression and right now money isn't an issue. If it's meant to be, then it will work out. Nova annoyed me in that they say professionalism is their biggest value, yet they failed to show a high level of it while I was visiting. Regardless, Nova still appears to be a great school, and it is where a pharmacist I know graduated from and he never has a bad thing to say about it.

 

[Dzapateiro13]

I liked them both...I felt a little bit more welcomed at PBA but $30,000 for a school that's not even ranked is ridiculous...You're better off going to Mercer with that price tag...I'm not bothered by the religion at all...I know Nova is not that cheap either but I live closer to Nova so I would save more money there...And I know Nova has a reputation of setting up their applicants with laid back interviewers if they want you in the program and drill sergeants if they don't wont you in the program...it's messed up but so is life

well even those student who get accepted get drilled!!! Take it from me I felt like it took forever and that I was not gonna get accepted but I did. They were a bit...better yet extremely rude during the interview and it felt more like an interrogation. I guess they try to see how you can handle pressure but I think its a bit too much.