Ask questions about this school. Answers use aggregated data and are subject to error.
👋Hi there! How can I help?
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 21% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 191 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional8–8.9 Very Good7–7.9 Good6–6.9 Mixed< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (91%)
Negatively (9%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (49%)
Good (23%)
Average (26%)
Poor (3%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interviews to be laid-back and conversational, with friendly faculty and staff creating a welcoming atmosphere. Suggestions included preparing questions in advance, ensuring to express key points early on, and being ready to engage in dialogue during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Have lots of questions prepared beforehand for student panel, and faculty members
The school is beautiful, the location is my ideal. The school staff are absolutely accommodating and pleasant. The school curriculum, and overall feel just wasn't for me. Seems a bit too "hectic" for me. I wish there was a better word, because it isn't really "hectic" I just felt that the inter disciplinarian approach might not be the best for me.
I declined my acceptance. The interviewers assumed incorrectly that they knew more about the company I work for in another state than I did. I wasn't happy with the number of students that fail after first year and the policies that accompany it. Some people love it, I wasn't one of them.
Arrived at approx. 9:15 and met with the admissions director. She talked with us for about 45 min. about the curriculum, mainly going over the classes we would take over the next 4 years. Then we were all interviewed. Afterwards, Dr. Wu talked about research opportunities, and then we took a tour of the clinic and part of the campus. The student ambassadors came in next and took us on another tour of the rest of the campus and we ate lunch. We were able to ask them any questions we had at this time as well. Afterwards, we met with the admissions director briefly once more to discuss financial aid, and that was the end of the day!
Only really got asked two questions. Make sure you say all the key points about yourself that you want to say in the first questions because they may not ask you more. Overall experience was great, absolutely fell in love with the school. Had my doubts because I read some negative things about NSU on SDN but it really seems like a great school.
We had a campus tour, financial workshop, discussion with the asistant dean, and individual interviews. The staff was very friendly and helped keep everyone calm.
I think the school is great. Just be prepared to asked questions that you usually don't find Novas website. I would recommend writing them down because during the interview I had more questions I wanted to ask, but nervousness got to me and I forgot some questions. The whole process was from 2:30pm to 7:30pm for me, which included a financial aid workshop, meeting with the dean, tour of the school, Q&A with the optometry students, and finally the 2 on 1 interviews.
I was very nervous even though the interviewers were very friendly. the questions they asked were very simple and there were no surprises. They made the interview feel more like a conversation rather than ME just answering their questions. They expected me to ask then questions as well...any question
The interview was very relaxed and conversational. The interviews talked about their program a lot, so it was not a bunch of questions fired at me. Basically, know why you want to be an optometrist and you should be fine.
It was really laid back. The faculty members are very friendly and helpful. Everyone was interviewed, we had luch with the asst. dean, we met with fin. aid, and we took a tour of the school.
I really enjoyed the interview. Fran and Jessie at admissions were so helpful and nice-which really does make a difference. The interview makes my decision to choose a school that much harder because I thought I was set on a school already.
It was very relaxed and stress-free. Everyone made me feel comfortable and were saying that they were there for me. All the students were encouraging and helpful. Fran is very nice and helpful! The interview was with two faculty members and it was almost like a conversation.
NSU-Nova-COMP interviews are an average of 26 minutes, with an average of 1.9 interviews. 66% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 6% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about managing stress levels, experiences in group projects, explaining medical concepts to different audiences, reasons for choosing optometry over other medical fields, ethical scenarios like witnessing cheating, and personal motivations for pursuing optometry as a career. Some responses indicate an MMI format with questions about transitions to optometry school, weaknesses identified by friends, and specific optometric experiences, possibly subject to a nondisclosure agreement.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Students said most interesting question asked at Nova Southeastern University College Of Optometry discussed a variety of topics including explaining the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists to 11-year-olds, handling patients who cannot afford medication, choosing between schools if accepted to all, and their interests outside of work or study. Some responses hinted at an MMI format with nondisclosure requirements, while others highlighted typical interview questions about career motivations, study habits, and personal characteristics.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
When you are not working or studying what do you like to do?
According to the country that you have born, and the current country that you are living now, do you think that moving to Florida as the third place, is challenging?
None were unexpected. But the most interesting thing would have to be when they started to break down my essay and we went through the questions they had about my essay.
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN), doing mock interviews, practicing with family and friends, and researching common interview questions. They also reviewed their application materials, school website, and engaged in self-reflection to feel confident and ready for the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Youtube mock interviews, review website, research interviewers
I read over my Nova essays as well as my optomcas essay. I looked over all of the equipment I've had experience with and exactly why and how they're used (a little unnecessary but I was nervous). I chatted with one of the doctors I've shadowed about some current optometry issues and I also researched this forum to help prepare myself for the general type interview questions.
Students said most difficult question asked at Nova Southeastern University College Of Optometry discussed a variety of topics, with frequent mentions of MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and questions about knowledge of optometric laws, ethical dilemmas like witnessing cheating, and reasons for choosing the school. Some students also mentioned questions related to personal strengths and weaknesses, academic trends, patient scenarios, and career goals in optometry and healthcare.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Is there anything specific you would like me to tell the admissions committee on your behalf?
They were all very straightforward. But the most difficult question would have to be to explain the primary roles of opticians, optometrists, and opthalmologist. And to describe how optometrists work with opthalmologists.
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the organization and communication from the school, the friendly and supportive faculty and staff, the beautiful campus and modern facilities, the multidisciplinary setting, and the positive and welcoming atmosphere. Many highlighted the personalized attention, engaging interactions with current students and faculty, and the integration with other health professions divisions as standout features of their experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Organization, the email they send you days before contains detail schedule of the day and the names of the interviewers so it's easy to do research on them beforehand
Great curriculum, great program, top board scores, wonderful staff, students are grounded/friendly, amazing weather, professional yet relaxed atmosphere at HPD, fun all-around day! Really enjoyable lunch with Dr. B. Guy's a killer
The school tour was a lot of fun, the students giving it were so nice and they introduced us to a lot of professors and other students along the way. Fran, who coordinates the whole thing was so nice and supportive the entire day. The interviewers were two faculty members who kept the interview very conversational and calmed my nerves.
The infrastructure that the school has for both academic and non-academic aspects of life for students. The campus itself has a very relaxing feeling and everything is very well kept.
The facilities were nice, not run down like some of the other schools. Also the staff was very friendly and there is a free campus shuttle. I also liked the multidisciplinary aspect.
Curriculum, amount of time that is spent in the clinic (beginning 2nd year), interactions with other health professions on campus, the amount of community service the school does during the year.
The facilities at Nova were really amazing. Everyone I met there, including students, faculty and staff, were extremely enthusiastic and accommodating. Fran and Dr. Reich were very helpful and are very nice people.
I loved the beautiful campus! Everyone was very nice, and the optometry students were very helpful! They stayed back for a while and answered any questions we had and helped us stay calm before our interviews. The facilities were very new and nice.
The facilities were all nice and new. The faculty and students were really positive and supportive. I came into the interview very nervous and after meeting with faculty and talking with the students they made me feel a bit better about my interview.
The facilities are amazing. The fact that some of the classes are taken with Dental of medical students is a positive thing. EVERYONE just couldnt wait to help us or give us hints on what to say or do to make our interview better.
The facilities were unreal. The people were all extremely friendly-very welcoming environment. Also the fact that the optometry school is part of a larger health professions division was a plus. There will be a ton of different students to interact with.
The facilities were unbelievable. All students were extremely enthusiastic and genuine to help in what ever way they could. The school of optometry is also integrated with other health professions schools i.e. dentistry, medicine etc.
The facilities are brand new and all the students were really friendly. The school is unique in that there are other health professional students around that also take classes with the optometry students.
Applicants were commonly concerned about feeling intimidated or unappreciated during the interview process, particularly at Nova Southeastern University. They also expressed worries about high tuition costs, heavy coursework loads, faculty attitudes, and uncertainties about program quality and outcomes. Suggestions include improving interview experiences, being transparent about costs and curriculum demands, and providing more support and information to alleviate applicant anxieties.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
The interviewer asked why I didn’t retake my OATs when my score was above the average score of matriculated students and essentially made me feel dumb compared to everyone else that was applying.
Three time I was mistaken for coming from another state. People of high authority failed to understand I was from West Virginia, not western Virginia. Also, they try and scare you with the first year coursework, making it seem almost impossible. This interview was the worst of the four I went to. They did not ask me any questions about my file, nor did they take any time to really get to know me, or learn about my passion for optometry. Other schools spent 25-40 minutes with me, whereas at NOVA they asked about four questions, and were done.
The interview was short (not a terrible thing), but I didn't feel like I got to really know the professors well. The tour was also a little crazy b/c there were too many people and the health division building is quite busy (med students, dental, pharmacy etc.)
The failure rate after first year, admin staff giving "around-the-bush" answers to my difficult questions, the good cop/bad cop routine of the interviewers, the added stress level from current students
The dress code and attendance policy, although my tour guides assured me that these were not enforced. And I also noticed that there are almost twice as many classes in the curriculum as another school I am looking at. But the credit hours are about the same, so it should be doable.
NSU is changing some things for the 2007 entering students: NBEO 1 will be taken in the spring of od-3 instead of the end of od-2. The curriculum has more classes than any other school I am applying to-this can be see as good or bad. Mandatory attendance to ALL classes and labs.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interview process would be more relaxed and stress-free than expected, requiring them to showcase their qualities and stand out in a laid-back environment. Additionally, many suggested preparing more questions to show interest and engage with various faculty and students throughout the interview process, emphasizing the importance of being relaxed and not stressing out too much.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Questions are not very in depth so you must find a way to show them your qualities and stand out while answering basic questions
Not to worry as much! Also, be prepared to have a lot of questions! They want to see that you've done your research and are really interested in the school.
To think of a lot more legitimate questions because throughout the whole interview process you will come across many different faculty and students and by the time you get to your 2 on 1 interview you'll already have most of your questions answered.
That all the health sciences programs (dental, optometry, etc.) are in one building and some have basic sciences classes together! The students kept mentioning how the different programs don't interact though.
That it would be so humid and that the hotel shuttle takes about an hour to pick you up from wherever you are, but will drop you off anywhere by the hour.
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants suggested that the admissions office should consider rebuilding processes, conduct more in-depth interviews focusing on various aspects of applicants' experiences, and provide opportunities for direct communication with current students. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining a friendly and responsive approach while potentially reducing the hectic nature of interview days.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Give more in-depth interviews, ask about work experience, extracurriculars, community service. A highly passionate student may be overlooked when only asked the most basic of questions.
None, they did a great job in terms of friendliness and responsiveness. I do recommend the interview day being a little less hectic though. Too many student tour guides. Wanted to ask more questions but it was crazy!
57% interviewees used FLL (FLL)
, with
17% using Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale)
and
4% using ord (ord)
and
4% using Ft. Lauderdale (Ft. Lauderdale)
and
4% using AirTran (AirTran)
and
4% using ft-lauderdale (ft-lauderdale)
and
4% using fort lauderdale airport (fort lauderdale airport)
and
4% using Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport)
.
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.
✈️
81% Airplane
🚗
19% Automobile
🚆
0% Train or Subway
🚲
0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Hampton Inn (average ranking 8.3/10), with some staying at Comfort Suites (average rating 9.5/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Hampton Inn
8.3/10
🏨
Comfort Suites
9.5/10
🏨
Hyatt
10/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (27%)
Faculty member (6%)
Student (67%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
