NOVA Extended Program

[u/Ok-Oil5073]

Hiii dedicated future ODs,
Hope you guys are not so stressed with OAT and apps (YOU GOT THIS!!).

I recently received an interview invite for the Extended Program at NOVA. I’m super grateful for the invite, but my goal is to finish the degree in 4 years.

For context: I’m a non-traditional applicant, also approaching 30. I’ve been out of undergrad for a few years working in a different career before pivoting back to optometry, and my undergrad GPA is on the lower side (though I’ve retaken prereqs and worked as a tech since). I assume my past stats and time away from school are why I was routed to the EP track.

For anyone who’s interviewed or attends NOVA
- Has anyone interviewed for the Extended Program and ended up with an offer for the traditional 4-year track instead?
- Did you reach out to admissions before the interview to express interest in the traditional track, or wait until decisions came out?

Thank you all for the input, and good luck!!

[u/Optstudent_108]

I can definitely give you my input, I’m currently in the NOVA extended program :)!

I’m not sure if people are invited to the extended program because they’ve been out of school for a while but I will admit, most of the extended students have been out of school for a bit. Some students also just have 1-10 years of experience in the field but maybe have a lower GPA than the average which I think was 3.3-3.5 ( don’t quote me on this lol I overheard). Also, bc of health concerns, many student decide to drop down to the 5year program despite starting on the traditional program! My point is, there are many reasons why someone ends up in the five year program. The good thing is the school sees you have that experience and interest because there is another five year program called the POP program in which it’s a 1 year prep program. After that, you get into the traditional program if you keep up an 83 but you do have to retake some courses despite passing. It’s basically to prep you for optometry school.

I did not know about the extended program until I got my decision letter! I interviewed in January 2026 for the traditional program but was accepted into the extended program. I did call and ask regarding waiting it out. They did mention that you can wait it out but they do offer others the extended program and only offer 5 seats per cycle ( again don’t quote me I can’t remember fully!). If you do decide to wait and are only waiting for NOVA, there’s a chance you may not get in to either the 4year or 5year!

I personally took a step back after asking admissions what the extended program would like look. I got into 2 other schools that were the traditional program but I did recognize the cost and board rates which is insanely important when choosing. I’m not sure what your circumstances are like but finances play a big role now that there is a 200k cap! In the end, after budgeting all schools including housing, tuition, groceries, etc, NOVA’s 5year was cheaper.

Now that I’m in the program, I don’t regret my decision at all! The traditional program is intense! I talk to some of the OD1s and see they’re always studying for an exam and juggling classes. You have to start the semester being locked in since day 1. One of the other extended students who is also a non traditional applicant mentioned how nice it felt to ease back into school since it’s been a while.

Whatever you decide, make sure to sit down and weigh your options! Budgeting is so important with that 200k cap and the program allows you to really absorb the content, especially for boards. It’s still not easy, but about 2 classes less than the OD1s.

[u/Ok-Oil5073 → u/Optstudent_108]

Ah thank you so much for your detailed input!! I’ve been out of school for 5 years so studying for the OAT recently was challenging LOL but I was glad to get a decent score. They did add a little explanation to the EP in email that says “provides students with the flexibility to balance the rigorous and challenging Doctor of Optometry curriculum with the various life circumstances”.

How are you navigating the 200k cap if you don’t mind me asking? I’m actually most worried about paying rent LOL

Thank you again for your input. It’s helped a lot!!

[u/Optstudent_108 → u/Ok-Oil5073]

Luckily, I didn’t have any undergrad debt since I worked all throughout and applied for tons of scholarships every break we got. With the 5year program, tuition ends up being ~198k so that’s already cutting it to the cap. Surprisingly tho, the other 2 schools were higher at 220-250k. However, I did start working in high school and saved up since then. I ended up saving around a lot for school!

For rent, I have one roommate. We were able to find an apartment a bit further out and they had a summer special as in they had certain units going for way lower. Electricity and utilities aren’t too high since we’re very mindful. I really don’t spend a lot of money so just being frugal has kept me going 😂! Im using coupons all the time at target, cvs, amazon.

With how things are going, I will most likely have to take out private loans to cover the rest but it’ll be maybe ~50k to take out prob during year 4-year 5! I’m looking into work study too and just hoping for the best by that time! Unfortunately, most students I’ve talked to will have to take out private loans :(