STUCK between UAB and NOVA!

[OPTPIT]

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I am stuck between NOVA and UAB and I feel as if I am thinking myself in circles. I cannot seem to make this decision. I know that there was a previous thread for this same "stuck" position.

However, I have been offered a scholarship to go to UAB which brings the price down to about the same as NOVA. I have been told that UAB has a harder curriculum and better clinical experience. I was unable to see the clinics when visiting NOVA, therefore I have nothing to compare UAB's clinic to.

I interviewed with NOVA in November and immediately got that warm fuzzy feeling. I interviewed with UAB in February and again received that same warm fuzzy feeling. I could see myself living in either areas. I think generally UAB would make me happier because of the small class size, but I think I would be happier living in Florida.

I realize that I am using poor grammar and talking in circles even in this post... welcome to my head! 😕

HELP!!

Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

 

[emtwannabe]

Go where you could see yourself after school, if it's living in FL then go for it. NOVA I have heard is a great program. Go where you would be happiest living, good luck on your decision. Let us know what you decide.

 

[123eyez]

Go with your gut feeling! You might also want to look into how much housing will cost in Florida and Alabama. If you like small classes you might want to go with UAB. Some of NOVA's classes are combined with students from other professions and can be quite large.

 

[EyeThinkICan]

I am stuck between NOVA and UAB and I feel as if I am thinking myself in circles. I cannot seem to make this decision. I know that there was a previous thread for this same "stuck" position.

However, I have been offered a scholarship to go to UAB which brings the price down to about the same as NOVA. I have been told that UAB has a harder curriculum and better clinical experience. I was unable to see the clinics when visiting NOVA, therefore I have nothing to compare UAB's clinic to.

I interviewed with NOVA in November and immediately got that warm fuzzy feeling. I interviewed with UAB in February and again received that same warm fuzzy feeling. I could see myself living in either areas. I think generally UAB would make me happier because of the small class size, but I think I would be happier living in Florida.

I realize that I am using poor grammar and talking in circles even in this post... welcome to my head! 😕

HELP!!

Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

I am deciding which optometry school to go to now for the class of 2017. I have been accepted to SCO, UAB, NOVA, and SUNY. I'm really stuck between UAB and NOVA and was wondering where you ended up going and why? I was given a contract seat at UAB so the price is also similar to NOVA. I love both schools, but I would like living in FL better than Alabama. However, I have heard that UAB is a more difficult school to get into and so I know that it must have a better reputation. I also feel like UAB is a little more hands-on with their students and the administration/faculty seems closer to the students at UAB. Nova is so much larger and doesn't feel as "homey," but the HPD building was great (with the cafeteria, lecture halls, etc) and I could really see myself going to school there too. I really do love both schools and just can't decide! Any advice from anyone would be very mu appreciated! Thanks!

 

[q1we3]

I am 1st year UAB student and I can tell you UAB is one the most rigorous optometry schools.

They are very strict and expect each student to get As like no problem.
There are no audio recordings for most of the lectures
Attendance is mandatory
7 classes which include online course were you memorize articles and write exams, no instructor
unnecessary papers and presentations
no breaks, classes in summer for the first year
classes with dental students who have less courses than us

Its like going through military training they will straighten very kink out your mind, soul, and body. You will be a memorizing machine in few weeks. We have 5 exams next week, going 2-3 quizzes/exams a day becomes a norm. I haven't left my study table in 2 days besides eating and showing. Be prepared for that.

 

[EyeThinkICan]

I recently posted about NOVA vs UAB, and considering that you're a first year at UAB I was hoping that you could give me some more info. Are there any positives at UAB? Did you apply to any other schools/ what made you choose UAB? Where do most students live? Anything else about UAB that you want to share would be great! Thanks. I'm having a difficult time making my decision.

 

[shah90]

I am deciding which optometry school to go to now for the class of 2017. I have been accepted to SCO, UAB, NOVA, and SUNY. I'm really stuck between UAB and NOVA and was wondering where you ended up going and why? I was given a contract seat at UAB so the price is also similar to NOVA. I love both schools, but I would like living in FL better than Alabama. However, I have heard that UAB is a more difficult school to get into and so I know that it must have a better reputation. I also feel like UAB is a little more hands-on with their students and the administration/faculty seems closer to the students at UAB. Nova is so much larger and doesn't feel as "homey," but the HPD building was great (with the cafeteria, lecture halls, etc) and I could really see myself going to school there too. I really do love both schools and just can't decide! Any advice from anyone would be very mu appreciated! Thanks!

I'm a first year at Nova and I love it. My class is a bit large - ~100 students but we're all super friendly and get along great. We all have our own groups of close friends but so far, everyone has been very nice and generous - sharing their own study guides, class notes, etc. The professors/faculty are amazing - super nice. We do share anatomy with the dental class but it's cool because you get to meet people in other programs. We also are one of the few optometry schools that use full cadavers in anatomy lab (because we have a DO school, along with dental, pharm, ot, pt, nursing, and many more). We do have a dress code - scrubs or clinic attire. So far, I love it here.

A few reasons I went with nova: everyone is so friendly, really like having classes with other professions, loved the city/beach being so close, the weather is amazing - it's always summer 🙂 and I absolutely loved the campus - especially since it was apart of a undergrad campus so it doesn't feel so secluded.
But I would chose the school you can see yourself at - you will be there for the next 4 years. Congrats on getting into optometry school and good luck with your decision!

 

[csandova]

I'm a first year at Nova and I love it. My class is a bit large - ~100 students but we're all super friendly and get along great. We all have our own groups of close friends but so far, everyone has been very nice and generous - sharing their own study guides, class notes, etc. The professors/faculty are amazing - super nice. We do share anatomy with the dental class but it's cool because you get to meet people in other programs. We also are one of the few optometry schools that use full cadavers in anatomy lab (because we have a DO school, along with dental, pharm, ot, pt, nursing, and many more). We do have a dress code - scrubs or clinic attire. So far, I love it here.

A few reasons I went with nova: everyone is so friendly, really like having classes with other professions, loved the city/beach being so close, the weather is amazing - it's always summer 🙂 and I absolutely loved the campus - especially since it was apart of a undergrad campus so it doesn't feel so secluded.
But I would chose the school you can see yourself at - you will be there for the next 4 years. Congrats on getting into optometry school and good luck with your decision!

It's crazy how one person's positive can be another person's negative. Im not crazy about Nova precisely because I don't like the idea of having class with other professions nor do I like scrubs. Also, at Nova you only get 6 months of externships (2 different ones) whereas other schools have you do externships your entire 4th year. I also already live in Florida so the weather and the beach are nothing new to me, but I think subconsciously I just want to move somewhere else. Something that I do love about Nova is that they use full cadavers. Also Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is a very diverse place with very diverse people. I imagine you would see all kinds of ocular disorders in the clinic. I've already had a couple of acceptances this cycle and I'm strongly considering canceling an interview that I have at Nova in a few weeks. Realistically, if I get in I don't think I would want to go there.

I agree with what was said above, you need to chose where you can see yourself for the next 4 years. People can only help give you pros and cons about each school, but the rest is up to you. I visited SCO last year and I felt right at home the minute I got there. I have my interview there at the end of the month so I'm praying it goes well.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[EyeThinkICan]

Thanks everyone so far for your opinions do far! I believe the externship at nova is a 6 month in-house externship and then a 6 month out of house externship (which can be divided into two 3 mo externships if you want).

I would love to keep hearing more opinions, I am still very torn btwn the two schools!

 

[csandova]

Are you definitely chosing between UAB or Nova or do you have other options? Also, I've read in other posts that an important factor in choosing a school is how much debt you will be in. Pick the one where you will be happier and have less debt.

 

[Blondiechick919]

It's crazy how one person's positive can be another person's negative. Im not crazy about Nova precisely because I don't like the idea of having class with other professions nor do I like scrubs. Also, at Nova you only get 6 months of externships (2 different ones) whereas other schools have you do externships your entire 4th year. I also already live in Florida so the weather and the beach are nothing new to me, but I think subconsciously I just want to move somewhere else. Something that I do love about Nova is that they use full cadavers. Also Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is a very diverse place with very diverse people. I imagine you would see all kinds of ocular disorders in the clinic. I've already had a couple of acceptances this cycle and I'm strongly considering canceling an interview that I have at Nova in a few weeks. Realistically, if I get in I don't think I would want to go there.

I agree with what was said above, you need to chose where you can see yourself for the next 4 years. People can only help give you pros and cons about each school, but the rest is up to you. I visited SCO last year and I felt right at home the minute I got there. I have my interview there at the end of the month so I'm praying it goes well.

Good luck with your decision!!

Just to clarify a little, our entire 4th year is spent in clinic, just like every 4th year school. Nova just happens to have 5 different clinics that the school itself runs which I believe we get assigned to from July to December. While this is technically not an "externship" you are still having 8 hours of patient contact a day and the clinics here see A LOT of diverse patient contact. SoFLa is very diverse. The next 6 months we split up into different sites from Florida to China.

If your #1 pet peeve is the scrub thing, I wouldn't let it bother you. Honestly, it makes it super easy to get dressed in the morning and by the 3rd week or so we all wear flip flops and Tshirts. As long as we have the pants on nobody seems to care. Ad we only have interdisciplinary classes first year (basic sciences) Anatomy first semester and neuro anatomy 2nd semester. But the time we get to 2nd year we are deep into Opto related classes that aren't relevant to other programs.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[csandova]

Just to clarify a little, our entire 4th year is spent in clinic, just like every 4th year school. Nova just happens to have 5 different clinics that the school itself runs which I believe we get assigned to from July to December. While this is technically not an "externship" you are still having 8 hours of patient contact a day and the clinics here see A LOT of diverse patient contact. SoFLa is very diverse. The next 6 months we split up into different sites from Florida to China.

If your #1 pet peeve is the scrub thing, I wouldn't let it bother you. Honestly, it makes it super easy to get dressed in the morning and by the 3rd week or so we all wear flip flops and Tshirts. As long as we have the pants on nobody seems to care. Ad we only have interdisciplinary classes first year (basic sciences) Anatomy first semester and neuro anatomy 2nd semester. But the time we get to 2nd year we are deep into Opto related classes that aren't relevant to other programs.

Good luck with your decision!!

Thanks for the clarification!! Ive been to a few of Dr. Bacigalupi's presentations and so I've built my opinion based on things he has said. It's always different hearing it from a student's perspective though 🙂

 

[EyeThinkICan]

Are you definitely choosing between UAB or Nova or do you have other options? Also, I've read in other posts that an important factor in choosing a school is how much debt you will be in. Pick the one where you will be happier and have less debt.

I have been accepted to SUNY, SCO, Nova, and UAB. I turned down interview at PCO, new school in MASS, and Houston.
SCO was an amazing school, but I was not crazy about the city of memphis, and I don't see myself being happy living there for 4 years.
I actually like the scrubs/uniforms at Nova. I thought it looked very professional and medical-oriented.
So, my top 2 are UAB and Nova. Money-wise it will be about the same because I was given a contract seat at UAB, so the money isn't a concern or deciding factor.
I know that UAB is well-known and prestigious school, however I am concerned that the work-load seems too difficult. In the end I know we all come out with the same degree and I guess I feel like, "why make it harder on myself than it needs to be." I did like UAB's clinic and school though also, and could see myself there. However, the location of FL seems much nicer, and I also liked that the HPD building was so big/new with a cafeteria, coffee place, library etc. I also liked the "campus-feel" at Nova more than at UAB.

 

[csandova]

I have been accepted to SUNY, SCO, Nova, and UAB. I turned down interview at PCO, new school in MASS, and Houston.
SCO was an amazing school, but I was not crazy about the city of memphis, and I don't see myself being happy living there for 4 years.
I actually like the scrubs/uniforms at Nova. I thought it looked very professional and medical-oriented.
So, my top 2 are UAB and Nova. Money-wise it will be about the same because I was given a contract seat at UAB, so the money isn't a concern or deciding factor.
I know that UAB is well-known and prestigious school, however I am concerned that the work-load seems too difficult. In the end I know we all come out with the same degree and I guess I feel like, "why make it harder on myself than it needs to be." I did like UAB's clinic and school though also, and could see myself there. However, the location of FL seems much nicer, and I also liked that the HPD building was so big/new with a cafeteria, coffee place, library etc. I also liked the "campus-feel" at Nova more than at UAB.

Congrats on all of your acceptances! SUNY was my dream school growing up. Sadly I can't afford to live there 🙁 I'm the opposite of you when it comes to Memphis, I LOVED the city, the jazz, the art, the history/Civil Rights movement, the FOOD! I learned so much when I was there, I can definitely see myself there. But it sounds to me like you're leaning more towards Nova 🙂 Both schools are great schools, but would you rather live in Ft. Louderdale/Miami or in Birmingham? Whatever you decide, you will be successful anywhere. Good luck and let us know what you decide! 🙂

 

[Blondiechick919]

I have been accepted to SUNY, SCO, Nova, and UAB. I turned down interview at PCO, new school in MASS, and Houston.
SCO was an amazing school, but I was not crazy about the city of memphis, and I don't see myself being happy living there for 4 years.
I actually like the scrubs/uniforms at Nova. I thought it looked very professional and medical-oriented.
So, my top 2 are UAB and Nova. Money-wise it will be about the same because I was given a contract seat at UAB, so the money isn't a concern or deciding factor.
I know that UAB is well-known and prestigious school, however I am concerned that the work-load seems too difficult. In the end I know we all come out with the same degree and I guess I feel like, "why make it harder on myself than it needs to be." I did like UAB's clinic and school though also, and could see myself there. However, the location of FL seems much nicer, and I also liked that the HPD building was so big/new with a cafeteria, coffee place, library etc. I also liked the "campus-feel" at Nova more than at UAB.

I can't speak for UAB since I didn't apply there, but I'm not sure that any one schools curriculum is "so much harder" than anywhere else. one student said that on here, and you can't make those kind of statements unless you have gone to every school and we all know that's impossible. As far as our workload, its no free ride. trust me. we have at least 1 exam per week. The first week of exams (4 weeks in) we had 4 exams and a quiz in 6 days. If money is not the issue, also consider where you would consider staying after school. A lot of clubs like to connect you with jobs. Residencies, and such in the same state since it benefits the school to keep the grads close.

I know it's superficial, but ill mention it. People come here for the weather, and the average high here lately is 87 (early October) and I'm still studying at the pool and beach, and Yes, I do get work done.

 

[EyeThinkICan]

I can't speak for UAB since I didn't apply there, but I'm not sure that any one schools curriculum is "so much harder" than anywhere else. one student said that on here, and you can't make those kind of statements unless you have gone to every school and we all know that's impossible. As far as our workload, its no free ride. trust me. we have at least 1 exam per week. The first week of exams (4 weeks in) we had 4 exams and a quiz in 6 days. If money is not the issue, also consider where you would consider staying after school. A lot of clubs like to connect you with jobs. Residencies, and such in the same state since it benefits the school to keep the grads close.

I know it's superficial, but ill mention it. People come here for the weather, and the average high here lately is 87 (early October) and I'm still studying at the pool and beach, and Yes, I do get work done.

Thanks for your input! I plan on moving back to my home state after school and working at a friend's practice which isn't in either FL or AL. I would just assume since the enter GPA and OAT scores are higher for UAB and since their class size is so small that it is a much more selective process, leading to a more prestigious school of optometry.

Thanks everyone for all of the replies! please continue with them!

 

[q1we3]

Last year only 36 people graduated out of the UABSO program. Classes usually start with 46 so 22% failure rate.
Biggest positive about UAB is once you make it through you can take pride in only being handful of people that made it through and the most knowledgeable OD graduate compared to other schools. Ask instructors who have taught at multiple schools they know what I am talking about.

 

[Blondiechick919]

Last year only 36 people graduated out of the UABSO program. Classes usually start with 46 so 22% failure rate.
Biggest positive about UAB is once you make it through you can take pride in only being handful of people that made it through and the most knowledgeable OD graduate compared to other schools. Ask instructors who have taught at multiple schools they know what I am talking about.

I would go insane being in classes with the same 40 people for 4 years, but that's just me 🙂

Too close for comfort, you start to remember everyone's personal business!

 

[EyeThinkICan]

Last year only 36 people graduated out of the UABSO program. Classes usually start with 46 so 22% failure rate.
Biggest positive about UAB is once you make it through you can take pride in only being handful of people that made it through and the most knowledgeable OD graduate compared to other schools. Ask instructors who have taught at multiple schools they know what I am talking about.

Are there any positives about UAB? Does anyone who goes there like it? or have anything great to say about the school?
Also, are there any negatives to Nova? (besides what was said about the uniforms and multidisciplinary class-- because these things don't bother me).

 

[nicmc]

Are there any positives about UAB? Does anyone who goes there like it? or have anything great to say about the school?
Also, are there any negatives to Nova? (besides what was said about the uniforms and multidisciplinary class-- because these things don't bother me).

Yes, there are plenty of positives. No offense, but I feel that the first year on this post is being a little over-dramatic. Yes, UAB is going to kick your butt, but it is most certainly not impossible. Yes, there are a few people in first and second year that fail a year. However, I know that I am getting an excellent education. I have been to several meetings and met other Optometry students over the past few years from other schools. We do seem to study more/have more things going on, but I wouldn't say that I know what other schools are really like. Another thing to consider is, if you want to go to into private practice in the south, there are still a lot of people who see NOVA as an inferior school. UAB is kind of king down here, so to speak as far as prestige or reputation, although I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to SCO and feel like I could have been happy there as well. Obviously, it's not going to matter where you went if you go commercial. Yes, 40 people is a small class size, but after the first year, there are a lot of different schedules so that you don't see everyone as often as you think. We take classes in the medical school with the dental kids, and honestly probably learn way too much detail for an Optometrist to know, but I am still glad I chose UAB. Like I said before, I feel like I am getting an excellent education. Best of luck in your decision.

 

[q1we3]

We take classes in the medical school with the dental kids, and honestly probably learn way too much detail for an Optometrist to know, but I am still glad I chose UAB. Like I said before, I feel like I am getting an excellent education. Best of luck in your decision.

That's my point, be ready to work extra hard and it will be worth it in the end. Main reason I chose UAB because how medically oriented the curriculum is and its integration with medical and dental school. Compare the number of patient encounters between UAB and NOVA, Alabama has lot of sick people especially relating to the eye. More you see those patients better trained you will be. Does NOVA curriculum has injection? cadavers for anatomy? look for these types of things in the curriculum to make your decision.

 

[EyeThinkICan]

That's my point, be ready to work extra hard and it will be worth it in the end. Main reason I chose UAB because how medically oriented the curriculum is and its integration with medical and dental school. Compare the number of patient encounters between UAB and NOVA, Alabama has lot of sick people especially relating to the eye. More you see those patients better trained you will be. Does NOVA curriculum has injection? cadavers for anatomy? look for these types of things in the curriculum to make your decision.

Yes, Nova does do injections (because they are on the boards I believe) and they also use full cadavers in anatomy lab.
I will most likely be joining a private practice with several doctors, and I have already spent a good amount of time there working with a friend. It will not mater where I get my degree in the end, as long as I am a great doctor. I think I can get a good education at both schools, and I think a lot of it has to do with what you put into the school and classes. However, I know that UAB is more difficult to get into and much more selective, so that must be for a reason!

 

[q1we3]

If city is important to you, Birmingham might not be what you are looking for. South just has a different vibe about it.

 

[EyeThinkICan]

If city is important to you, Birmingham might not be what you are looking for. South just has a different vibe about it.

I don't mind the south or birmingham, I just think there's more to do in FL. However, my main concern at this point is that UAB will be a lot more difficult, and in end the I will get the same degree regardless of where I choose to go, so why work harder than I need to? The material is hard enough as it is.

 

[q1we3]

I don't mind the south or birmingham, I just think there's more to do in FL. However, my main concern at this point is that UAB will be a lot more difficult, and in end the I will get the same degree regardless of where I choose to go, so why work harder than I need to? The material is hard enough as it is.

One more thing since there are only 40 something students there are many professors who like to give short answer/essay type questions on exams, not many exams to mark. If the class has 100 something students they are less likely to give written questions. If you prefer multiple choice more than written you are better off at NOVA.

 

[EyeThinkICan]

One more thing since there are only 40 something students there are many professors who like to give short answer/essay type questions on exams, not many exams to mark. If the class has 100 something students they are less likely to give written questions. If you prefer multiple choice more than written you are better off at NOVA.

hmm thats interesting... idk which one I really prefer

 

[nicmc]

hmm thats interesting... idk which one I really prefer

Most tests still consist of entirely multiple choice. The tests that do have short answer/essays have only a few- usually less than 20% of the exam score.

 

[Blondiechick919]

Are there any positives about UAB? Does anyone who goes there like it? or have anything great to say about the school?
Also, are there any negatives to Nova? (besides what was said about the uniforms and multidisciplinary class-- because these things don't bother me).

Nova does have some negatives, every school does.

One is the "mandatory attendance policy". It's annoying since a lot of people are not auditory learners and a lot of our first year classes are basic sciences rather than optometry based. This makes it extremely easy to lose focus and play on Facebook instead. Not every teacher "takes attendance", in fact, almost none do, but they make it very clear that if they notice a large amount of people skipping they can send around a sign in sheet or give a pop quiz, etc.

Some people may find the dress code a burden, personally I don't mind at all, it makes it easier to get dressed in the morning. My only peeve is that the Greys Anatomy brand I like discontinued the surgical green color we have to wear and I only have a few sets of scrubs that fit me right 🙁

I don't know how other schools do exams, but we have had about 1-2 per week, rather than a bunch of midterms now and a bunch of finals later. I don't know which is worse. I'm sure both have pluses and minuses, but an exam every Monday at 8 am makes it hard to make weekend trips home if that's your prerogative.

Never been to Alabama, but the culture of South Florida is UNMATCHABLE. There's a reason why a lot of hiphop artists mention this town a lot, and this comes from somebody who grew up half in New York and the other half in DC. the nightlife here is unbelievable. The beaches-amazing. It's 88 degrees and mid October. I plan on keeping my tan until Christmas. (That was a positive, oh well!)

Hope this helps!

 

[EyeThinkICan]

Thanks everyone! My only big question is still: How much harder is UAB than other schools? What makes it SO much harder? and Why should I work that much harder?

 

[q1we3]

Thanks everyone! My only big question is still: How much harder is UAB than other schools? What makes it SO much harder? and Why should I work that much harder?

Looks like this is the only thing that is bothering you about UAB. If that is true then don't worry too much, just keep up with the material and you will be fine. Pick the school that you think will train you the best.