CUSOM vs Rowan

[Osteopathic_Warrior]

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So, I've been fortunate enough to be accepted to both schools. I am a NJ Resident so Rowan would be closer to home. Cost is roughly the same. I can also see myself living in both locations. However, when I visited Campbell I absolutely fell in love with the school. I really like how they have those mini mission trips and those weeks off between each block. I know it is a new school and it is hard to judge certain aspects of it since I would be their 3rd incoming class. On the other hand, Rowan is very well-established and has very impressive match lists. I also am interested in taking advantage of all the research opportunities available there. I am so torn between both schools and I really can't decide. Any tips?

 

[user3]

Choose Campbell if you want new school kinks, dress code, and mandatory class attendance.



Rowan, 100%.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Rowan

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

So, I've been fortunate enough to be accepted to both schools. I am a NJ Resident so Rowan would be closer to home. Cost is roughly the same. I can also see myself living in both locations. However, when I visited Campbell I absolutely fell in love with the school. I really like how they have those mini mission trips and those weeks off between each block. I know it is a new school and it is hard to judge certain aspects of it since I would be their 3rd incoming class. On the other hand, Rowan is very well-established and has very impressive match lists. I also am interested in taking advantage of all the research opportunities available there. I am so torn between both schools and I really can't decide. Any tips?

ROWAN!!!! Congrats

 

[DaddyBex28]

Personally, I recommend Rowan. Mostly because of it's reputation and proximity to family/friends. I think having a support system closely is helpful and the fact that Rowan has impressive match lists is a little less worrisome/stressful when it comes time to match.

However, the decision is ultimately up to you and where you feel you would be most comfortable/successful.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

Do you want to stay in NC or do rural medicine? If so, choose Campbell. I want end up in the Raleigh Durham area (college friends are there, it's very start-up friendly if you're interested in entrepreneurship, the schools are great, the cost of living is low), so CUSOM was my top choice. If you have ties to NJ, go with Rowan.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

Choose Campbell if you want new school kinks, dress code, and mandatory class attendance.



Rowan, 100%.

The interview was really impressive. The people conducting the interview looked very closely at my application and asked personalized questions compared to other schools. It really feels like a family.

The breaks between blocks are an added bonus. I'm excited.

 

[user3]

The interview was really impressive. The people conducting the interview looked very closely at my application and asked personalized questions compared to other schools. It really feels like a family.

The breaks between blocks are an added bonus. I'm excited.

The other issues should be dealbreakers though IMO.

But, I do believe that if schools like Campbell, LECOM, WCU, etc. removed mandatory attendance and dress code policies, their admission standards would rise considerably.

 

[hse]

1. state school, 2. rotations
/thread

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

The other issues should be dealbreakers though IMO.

But, I do believe that if schools like Campbell, LECOM, WCU, etc. removed mandatory attendance and dress code policies, their admission standards would rise considerably.

You have every right to feel that way. For me, the dress code doesn't matter (I dressed up for class throughout undergrad - no sweats!), and as far as attendance goes, that's good for my morale. If I don't go to class, I have a hard time staying engaged. Not everyone operates the same way though, understandably.

 

[LuluMed]

So I was accepted to Rowan and Campbell as well. I will totally agree with you that Campbell's interview day was impressive with the attentiveness of the students and faculty, the way they presented everything, and the beautiful new building. Similarly, dress code doesn't bother me too much and I have every intention to go to classes regularly regardless of if it's mandatory or not.

Now with considering the two, make sure you think about 3/4yr rotations as well. Would you rather spend those years building connections and learning at rural NC hospitals or at New Jersey hospitals on either the NJ/SJ track? Also if you didn't get a scholarship to Campbell, Rowan will be cheaper.

Most importantly - if you stay in NJ, you will never have to be without wawa, good hoagies, or the shore (Philly is close too if you're a city person!)

 

[bengalsfan0525]

So I was accepted to Rowan and Campbell as well. I will totally agree with you that Campbell's interview day was impressive with the attentiveness of the students and faculty, the way they presented everything, and the beautiful new building. Similarly, dress code doesn't bother me too much and I have every intention to go to classes regularly regardless of if it's mandatory or not.

Now with considering the two, make sure you think about 3/4yr rotations as well. Would you rather spend those years building connections and learning at rural NC hospitals or at New Jersey hospitals on either the NJ/SJ track? Also if you didn't get a scholarship to Campbell, Rowan will be cheaper.

Most importantly - if you stay in NJ, you will never have to be without wawa, good hoagies, or the shore (Philly is close too if you're a city person!)

I stumbled upon this thread and I have to say you are 100% correct on the importance of Wawa

 

[Peach Newport]

Some people would say "follow your heart." I am not one of those people. Rowan is an excellent, proven school with a solid DO program. In state tuition? Check. Below average Med school debt? Check. Its own teaching hospital? Check. Connections in the New York AND Philadelphia area? Check. State school resources? Check. Legit in house research? Check.

Campbell is a good place. It has a fairly good reputation for a new school. I've heard their rotations are pretty decent.

But personally, IMO (especially as an NJ resident) there's really no contest here.

 

[Mosonik]

There are a substantial number of students from NJ at CUSOM and Im aware of a handful in one class alone that chose it over Rowan, for a variety of reasons... some of which includes in their words "quality of life" that they wanted. I can't speak to it as never having lived in the northeast but after my experience of their shameless use of toll roads, traffic problems and cold winters I can think of a few reasons 🙂
Every school has its strengths and weaknesses but I would say that there is much more that matters than the school itself, regardless of which one, including how happy you will be somewhere. Supportive institutional cultures mean a lot to some people, I count myself among them, and it can mean the difference between surviving and thriving in a very challenging few years of schooling. Just something to consider.
If you have any questions specific to CUSOM, feel free to PM me. I'll give my honest experience.
All the best!

EDIT: Youll also be in the 5th incoming class if admitted just fyi. The first class graduates in spring 2017

 

[cptnjack]

rowan, its just so much more established

 

[IslandStyle808]

LOL Rowan!

There is nothing to think about or extra options to consider.

 

[Waillin]

There are a substantial number of students from NJ at CUSOM and Im aware of a handful in one class alone that chose it over Rowan, for a variety of reasons... some of which includes in their words "quality of life" that they wanted. I can't speak to it as never having lived in the northeast but after my experience of their shameless use of toll roads, traffic problems and cold winters I can think of a few reasons 🙂
Every school has its strengths and weaknesses but I would say that there is much more that matters than the school itself, regardless of which one, including how happy you will be somewhere. Supportive institutional cultures mean a lot to some people, I count myself among them, and it can mean the difference between surviving and thriving in a very challenging few years of schooling. Just something to consider.
If you have any questions specific to CUSOM, feel free to PM me. I'll give my honest experience.
All the best!

EDIT: Youll also be in the 5th incoming class if admitted just fyi. The first class graduates in spring 2017

Do you know this years COMLEX average score and pass percentage for CUSOM?

 

[Mosonik]

I have not heard specifics at this point for the Level 1 for Class of 2018 other than empirically. I know that of those in 2017 regarding Level 2 who have their results, >80% are above 500, >20% above 600, a significant number >700 and Im even told a few 800s. I am also not aware of any PE failures. 2017 probably has some Level 1 information floating in past threads if you dig. Sorry I don't have more specifics but they really only seem to offer that info to lower classes for some reason. A first year might know

EDIT: I believe all class average pass rate are above national averages (but the school could tell you for sure)

 

[Peach Newport]

I just realized this thread is from last year. Whoops.