Actually, that's a good question because you are making me re-think my initial response.
By environment I was referring to the "climate of positivity/camaraderie" among the students, but I think that many schools could claim that they have that as well. Of course, very few schools have that bond PLUS a short drive to the beach...but that should not be why you choose one school over another.
Personally, I would have been a fool to not leave Ohio, and the shift in temperatures is one of the biggest reasons I have no regrets about doing so. My Saturdays were spent studying by the pool (it's a bit too chilly now) and you see innumerable beautiful females every day. Compare that to students who are up to their neck in snow for months at a time. It is much easier to maintain a positive attitude here despite any hardships.
Doogie makes a good point though. I have heard from an NSU M2 that by having the "Health Professions Division," some of our academic departments are spread too thin, and it is therefore difficult to tailor to each Profession's respective board exam.
I agree. More needs to be done about this
For example, BioChem is taught to the Med, Dental, Pharm, (etc?) classes by the same 4 teachers. I'd be lying if I said I was thrilled with our BioChem department, and I really don't think I am "adequately prepared" for the boards.
Plenty of students graduate from NSU and go on to happy and successful careers, so this place is clearly not as disastrous as some would have you believe.
I find myself constantly standing up for my school because of how much potential it has. I'll repeat what I said in another thread: it would be remarkably easy for this school to be one of the best in the country.
Keep an eye on the NSU class of 2008 and 2009 threads. Myself and others always have honest accounts to give. If you feel pressured to make a decision on where to attend...I'd honestly say to pay deposits at both schools. You have way more time to decide than you realize, and the extra cash spent is just a drop in the bucket in the long run.
NS