Looking at those who have been accepted in this forum it doesn't appear like this is the method. Of course I'm admitting to MDApps stalking, but we're not looking at the low GPA 30 MCAT crowd. That would be me.
People here have other acceptances as well so I was actually curious to see whether the people who have posted their acceptance are planning on attending Cooper or if they have their sights set on another school, or what?
I've been accepted to Cooper as well as one other school so far (EVMS). I will have a total of 6 interviews and anticipate being accepted to at least 1 other if not more. However, Cooper is still my top choice (unless my last two interviews blow me out of the water).
Pros:
1) Small class of 50 = much more specialized education, as well as all of the attention from faculty focused on you succeeding. You will not be one of a class of 170 who is "just another med student"
2) As was said above, they are really looking for students who resonate with their mission, so if you don't resonate, then don't bother applying because (a) they'll see through that if you're lying and won't accept you, or (b) you won't be a good fit for the school, meaning that you will do better somewhere else.
3) Their facilities will be BRAND-spankin' new. Plus, the cadaver lab is on the top floor of the new building with new air circulating every 30 seconds, so we'll be able to breath during lab (yay!)
4) They have restructured the 3rd and 4th years of medical school in a unique and (in my opinion) improved manner--they have grouped certain clerkships together to facilitate a highly improved understanding of longitudinal care. For example, the medicine and surgery clerkships have been grouped together to allow for a full overview of one's treatment where you can actually continue to care for the patient post-surgery in the medicine-context after having participated in their surgery. This fluidity in education really excites me and ultimately I think it will train me to become a better doctor than other clerkship schemes.
5) Though it is a new school, they have been training RWJMS 3rd and 4th year students for the past 20-30 years (I'm not sure of the actual number), so they already have an excellent teaching reputation which, in a way, counters the argument that a new school without a reputation will make things more difficult during residency placement.
6) There are others but I just can't think of them right now. If you are interested in going here, these are definitely some of the best advantages.
Cons:
1) As it is a new school, financing is always somewhat of a worry. However, it is a state-funded school, so I don't think there will be issues if they begin to deplete their budget. However, anyone who has feedback on this is welcome to add it!
2) Camden can be dangerous. However, you don't hear people saying this stuff about NJMS (in Newark) or other places which are also dangerous. Besides, many medical schools are in impoverished areas due to the fact that (a) the greatest difference can be made in these places and (b) in many respects, they are some of the best places to learn medicine and how to care for the underserved and to learn how to deal with many of the most hindering insurance problems.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the facilities, the state-of-minds of the faculty (very innovative teaching ideas and very focused on teaching the best medicine they can), and of course, Cooper Medical Center is one of the best hospitals in the state.
I have said most of what I know here, but if anyone has any other questions you're more than welcome to PM me. Also, because people will probably ask, 31P, 3.72cGPA, 3.80sGPA.
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