Temple vs Drexel vs Cooper vs Downstate (waitlist) vs Hackensack (waitlist)

[foreverstudent123]

LKSOM Philadelphia ​

• Pros:
  • Strongest reputation and most established of the schools
  • Collaborative and community-oriented learning environment
  • Good opportunities for competitive specialties
• Cons:
  • ~2 hours from home (being close to family is very important)
  • OOS tuition (~$60K/year)
  • Not particularly drawn to the urban environment

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Drexel University College of Medicine ​

• Pros:
  • Familiar with the area
  • Heard great things about student support and collaboration
  • Match list appears comparable to Temple and Cooper (really great ortho match past few years)
• Cons:
  • No primary teaching hospital
  • Large class size (~300)
  • Slightly farther from home

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Cooper Medical School at Rowan ​

• Pros:
  • Small class size and personalized environment
  • In-state tuition (~$45K/year)
  • Match outcomes appear solid
• Cons:
  • Less nationally recognized than Temple

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Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (Waitlisted — would send LOI)​

• Pros:
  • Closest to home (commutable), strong family/social support
  • Affiliated with a major hospital system
  • Have existing connections and could see myself thriving there
• Cons:
  • Less national recognition
  • Less consistent match outcomes for competitive specialties (e.g., ortho)
  • Required lectures

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SUNY Downstate (Waitlisted — would send LOI)​

• Pros:
  • Closer to home, near friends and extended family in NYC
  • Strong NYC match list (would like to match in NYC or Philly; plan to eventually practice in NJ)
• Cons:
  • Campus felt older; unsure I’d be happy with the learning environment
  • Possibly less well-known than Temple

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Summary / Main Question​

I’m currently leaning toward Temple due to its reputation and broader opportunities, particularly if I pursue a competitive specialty like ortho. However, if I decide on IM with a subspecialty, would choosing Temple over Cooper or Hackensack make a significant difference in residency placement or long-term career?

Would love to hear about the student culture at Temple or any thoughts on balancing fit vs prestige. Thanks in advance!

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[doctorz-5ever-!!]

Personally, I always try to advocate for fit > resources/prestige any day. Both of the latter become negligible if you’re not thriving in an atmosphere best suited for you. Try not to let the outside noise cloud your judgement! Regardless, don’t think you can go wrong with any of these choices. All seem to have ample resources to set you up for success. Hope this maybe helped a little!!

 

[R2D2_]

Sounds like you prefer LKSOM!