Nova Southeastern University- College of Osteopathic Medicine Frequently Asked Questions:

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Nova Southeastern University- College of Osteopathic Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a limit on how many letters of recommendation I can submit it?
No, feel free to submit in as much letters as you like.
Please note that the system will only update the first letters received that meet the
requirements in Webstar. If you want to know if any extra letters were received, you can
contact the admissions call center.
When can I submit my application?
The Nova Southeastern University DO applications are available on June 1st it is suggested
that you apply as early as possible.
Can I submit my application before you have received my MCAT scores?
Yes, please note that your application will not be complete for review until those scores are
on file.
When the committee reviews the MCAT, do they take the highest of each subsection
or look at the most recent score?
The committee does review your scores in each section but they look at your highest most
recent overall score.
How can I find out the status of my application or if documents are received?
Go to WebSTAR (http://webstar.nova.edu)
Click Admissions
Enter your NSU online application login and PIN
View the status of your application or documents received
If you have issues reviewing this information online, you can contact the admissions
call center at 954-262-1101 or 1-877-640-0218. They are available 24/7.
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I received a waiver from AACOMAS, can I have my secondary application fee waived
also?
If you've received a waiver from AACOMAS, then we will process one for you here. The
process is indicated below:
Complete your AACOMAS application
Complete your NSU application (you must pay the $50 application fee).
AACOMAS will send a list of all applicants that they have waived the application
fees for to the admissions office.
If your name is on the list, it gets forwarded to the Bursars office to reverse the
NSU application charge off of your account.
Depending on when the list is received from AACOMAS, this can take 60 days
(estimation) to process your credit.
Once you have a credit, you can contact the Bursars office at 954-262-5200 and they
will advise you on the timeframe when you will receive the funds.
I am reapplying from last year, can you use that application?
No, since we are beginning a new cycle you would have to resubmit another application.
What is the committee looking for in an application?
Below are some of the things that the committee of admissions reviews when they are
considering an applicant for an interview; it is in no particular order.
Community service and volunteer work- the amount of hours is not as relevant
as what you do. They like to see that you have medical experience such has
shadowing a doctor or volunteering in a hospital. They like to see how involved
you are in the community.
Science courses and grades-what you took and how well you did in the course.
Letters of recommendation-make sure that the letters are strong and signed or
on letterhead (they will not be considered if they are not).
MCAT score-the average score is a 28. If for whatever reason you cannot make
that score or above, then it is suggested that you submit as much information as
you can to enhance your application i.e. publications, additional letters of
recommendation, etc.
The minimum GPA requirements are to have at least a 3.0 in your science as well
as your cumulative GPA.
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How will I know that my application is complete for the committee of admission
to review?
Once we have your AACOMAS, NSU Application and MCAT on file your application will
begin to be reviewed by the committee. If you have letters of recommendation on file at the
time then the committee will review those documents as well.
How long does it take to review my application?
This time frame can differ depending on when you submit it your application and when
interviews are conducted. The latest you will receive communication regarding your status
can be in March (please note this is tentative).
When and how will I be notified about an interview?
If the committee decides to select your application for an interview, they will notify the
admissions counselor. The counselor would then immediately send you an email invitation
inviting you in for an interview.
Is the MCAT a requirement for admissions?
Yes, your application will not be reviewed by the committee of admissions without one.
Please note: This is also needed if you want to transfer into NSU-COM.
Do you have a minimum MCAT score requirement?
No, we do have an average MCAT score which is a 28.
Do you take January MCAT’s?
It is not recommended that you take your MCAT in January (it takes 30 days for the
university to receive your MCAT scores). There is a slim possibility that we will receive
your scores by the March 1st admissions deadline.
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I do not have a competitive MCAT, what should I do?
Submit in as much information as you can to enhance your application, you can submit the
following but it’s not limited to:
Extra letters of recommendation, research or publications documents
Do you accept international students?
Yes, we do as long as they meet the requirements for the program.
If you want more information regarding the process for international applicants please
contact the Office of International Affairs department below:
Phone Number: (954) 262-7240 or 800-541-6682, ext. 27240
Email: intl@nova.edu
What is considered a competitive GPA (includes science and cumulative)?
A competitive GPA’s for the DO program can start at 3.4 for science, non science and
cumulative.
How does Nova calculate my GPA if I’ve taken courses at numerous institutions?
Nova does not calculate GPA’s; this is done when you submit your information in
through AACOMAS. If you have any questions regarding this process please contact
AACOMAS at 301-968-4190.
Do you accept community college credits or online courses?
Yes, as long as the class is from a regionally accredited college/university. This information
can obtain this information from the intuition.
Do you prefer credits taken from Nova Southeastern University?
There is no preference, as long as you take the courses from a regionally accredited school.
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How do I apply for the DPM to DO track?
Complete the DO online application, there is a question that asks “Are you applying
for Advanced Standing based on a previously earned Podiatry, Dental, or other First
Professional Degree?” indicate “Yes”. This is what will be reviewed to see if you’re
interested in the program.
A nonrefundable application fee of $50
Official transcripts from the registrars of all colleges and universities attended
Two letters of evaluation from doctors of podiatric medicine, at least one of whom is
a faculty member of the podiatric residency program you are enrolled in
A letter of evaluation from a physician
The deadline date for submitting the application and all supporting documents to NSUCOM is March 1. All documents should be sent to the above address.
For additional information regarding this process, please contact Leonard A. Levy, DPM,
MPH at levyleon@nova.edu
Some Potential Benefits for Podiatric Physicians Acquiring the NSU-COM DO Degree
and Obtaining an Unrestricted Practice License
Expanded knowledge and skills in performing physical examinations.
Added knowledge and skills as well as a license to manage the growing
number of podiatric patients with concurrent medical problems.
Potential to perform physical examinations for other podiatric physicians in
hospitals that require a fully licensed physician to do so or that limit the
privileges of podiatric physicians in this area of patient assessment. Such dually
trained podiatric physicians (DPM/DO) also have a better understanding of the
stresses of podiatric surgical procedures on a patient than those physicians
without such podiatric medical knowledge.
Potential added attractiveness of DPM’s with a DO to managed care
organizations.
Potential added benefit in the process of acquiring hospital privileges at those
institutions that still restrict privileges for DPM’s.
Added confidence by some patients, especially those with concurrent health
problems.
Avoid borderline issues regarding the legal scope of podiatric medical
practice. For example, the DPM/DO would be able to perform surgery in
anatomic areas in which they have received training but are restricted by state
statute. Currently, DPM graduates of podiatric residency programs may have
been trained to do ankle surgery or perform amputations. However, they may
not have the legal right to do so in those states that prohibit this type of
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intervention. Similarly, there would not be an issue concerning patients who
may have skin, soft tissue lesions, or bony conditions that are partly above
whatever the anatomic line is for the legal scope of practice for DPMs in the state
one practices.
Potential to enhance relationships with DO’s and MD’s to a greater degree
including increased ability to receive referrals from them.
Eligibility for membership in the American Osteopathic Association and the
American Medical Association.
Graduate of an American medical school from a program approved by an
American medical association (i.e., American Osteopathic Association).
Eligible for higher pay than DPM’s from the various federal services ( i.e.
military, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, Department of
Veterans Affairs)
Eligible for a number of insurance packages only available from certain
medical organizations to licensed MDs or DO’s.
Potentially eligible for higher reimbursement from managed care
organizations that discriminate against non-MD’s/DO’s for the same procedures
/services performed.
Enhanced opportunity for student loan forgiveness (tax free) when practicing
in underserved areas
How do I apply for the DO/DMD program?
Students must be accepted by the college they applied to in order to be considered for the
D.O. /D.M.D. Dual Degree Program. Upon acceptance to the respective college, students
expressing an interest in the D.O. /D.M.D. Dual Degree Program will be contacted and
invited to interview.
Only a select number of motivated students who have attained the highest academic
standards and embody the spirit of this collaborative initiative will be considered.
You need to complete either the MCAT or DAT test.
Can I see where recent graduates place?
Yes, please follow the below steps:
Go to http://medicine.nova.edu
On the far left hand side, Click on “Alumni Affairs”
Under Alumni Affairs, choose “Recent Graduate Placement”
Whether your goals lie in primary care or a specialty, you’ll have more choices than your
MD school counterparts. Only graduates of DO schools can participate in both allopathic
and osteopathic residencies.
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What hospitals do the students do their rotations at?
Please visit the below website for a list of core clinical rotation sites.
http://medicine.nova.edu/do/clinical_rotation.html
How much does the program costs?
Tuition and fees vary each year for the program. If you want to check the latest costs,
please visit the below link or call 954-262-3380.
http://medicine.nova.edu/do/admissions/tuition_fees.html
Where can I get more information about housing?
You can contact housing or visit their website below.
Campus Housing
Phone: 954-262-7052
Email: housing@nova.edu
Website: http://www.nova.edu/studentlife/oncampus.html