Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 33% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about reasons for choosing a specific school, clinical experiences, handling feedback, ethical dilemmas faced, community service involvement, balancing responsibilities, and personal motivations for pursuing a career in medicine. Some interviews were MMI format, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements, while others focused on experiences with underserved populations, cultural learning, and responses to challenging situations.
If I was in a small group session and another member of the group had an opposing opinion that they presented in an aggressive and unreasonable way, how would I respond?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University discussed a wide range of topics including career aspirations, cultural experiences, ethical dilemmas, personal challenges, and community engagement. Additionally, some respondents mentioned questions related to their specific backgrounds such as being a musician or athlete. It appears that the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the variety of questions asked, and respondents potentially had to adhere to nondisclosure agreements regarding specific question details.
Students said most difficult question asked at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University discussed various scenarios related to leadership, handling criticism, ethical dilemmas, specialty preferences, future goals, and personal reflections. Some respondents mentioned questions about their greatest accomplishments and failures, while others highlighted unexpected inquiries about past experiences and feedback responses.
Tell me about a time when you had to step up into leadership
What did you learn from 'x' experience? (not 'difficult' but required some on the spot reflection about an experience I wasn't expecting to speak about much, but I think it turned out okay! Advice: know your AMCAS work/activities and be prepared to talk about any part of it)
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN), mock interviews, reviewing their application and the school's website, and practicing with friends or family. Many also emphasized the importance of researching the school's mission, values, and specific details, as well as practicing general interview questions and being comfortable discussing their motivation for pursuing medicine.
School website, sdn forum, student feedback, watching videos, practicing with friends. Researched a bit about standardized patient interviews but wasn't necessary. The patient interview part seems nerve racking but once you are in with the patient, you just have a conversation with them and it's not that bad.
Researched the school's website, drove to the hospital the day before to make sure I knew where to go, looked over my application so I knew what kinds of questions to expect.
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the interview, with many noting that it felt like a conversation rather than an interrogation. They also appreciated the sense of community and passion displayed by both faculty and students, along with the school's impressive facilities and innovative curriculum. Suggestions were made to continue emphasizing the supportive and engaging environment during the admissions process.
The interviewers were so friendly and welcoming. The interview felt more like a conversation than an interrogation.
Almost everything. The school is amazing. It's right in the community, which is great. The facilities are very impressive, including the sim lab and the anatomy lab. Every single student was super friendly and very happy to be there.
The facilities are up to date and the faculty seems like they genuinely care about the students' success. I like how thoroughly they covered their curriculum in the info session. The SIM center is cool.
Organization of the day, how happy students seemed, relaxed and kind environment, faculty support and encouragement throughout the day, facilities. Also no sense of 'you should come here because we are the best.' They really give students all the info objectively and know that the small group/Cooper values may not be for everyone. Faculty also addressed concerns many may have about living in Camden. They made sure to stress the security protocols in place to help students feel comfortable. Really appreciated that part.
The curriculum, the integration of the school into the community, the fact that students said that all of the staff know who they are, all the measures the school is taking to increase student happiness.
Cooper has a very supportive learning environment. I asked several questions about doing different activities that were not currently offered, and was told that everyone would work with me to see that I had opportunities to start these programs.
Incredibly innovative curriculum, in both the "pre-clinical" and "clinical" years, with extensive clinical work starting in week 3. Great facilities. Vivacious faculty.
The interviewers were very engaging and interested to be there. Although they were physicians and not adcom members, they took the interviewer role seriously and I enjoyed our conversation.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the location of the school in Camden, citing limited dining options, safety considerations, and lack of nearby activities. Some applicants also mentioned the school's newness and the absence of certain amenities or established outcomes like a match list, while others highlighted logistical issues such as the format of interviews or financial considerations for out-of-state students. Suggestions included improving the surrounding area, providing more engaging activities, and enhancing communication about the school's development and offerings.
the area surrounding the school is not the nicest. Most people live in philly, but I would want to do that too. it seems not that inconvenient. Having early morning classes.
The area. Although it seems like an interesting/diverse patient population, there isn't much to do outside of the school's main building. It seems like most of the students travel to Philly if they want to do something fun.
Only the fact that they are new, and somewhat unproven. However, I do not foresee any problems with students passing boards or the last stages of certification.
Camden is a difficult area - but Cooper is working to improve it. I almost wish I was interviewing here in 2 or 3 years, as there's some much incredible stuff that is in process and will be finished soon.
Nothing, if you are unfamiliar with Camden you will probably not like the neighborhood but for those of us who are familiar we already knew what to expect.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and conversational nature of the interview, the importance of being formal despite the relaxed atmosphere, and the structure of the interview (such as being 2-on-1 and the strict time limit). They also noted the significance of choosing the school, being prepared for brief interviews, and not stressing too much during the process.
You have a strict 30 minutes (there was a timer) and that you should not succumb to the relaxed nature of the interview; remember that this is a medical school interview and you should still try to be formal
that you are choosing the school as much as they are choosing you. if you get accepted into multiple schools, you have to make a decision. You are allowed to ask them about time off allotted for step studying and what the usmle scores were.
That the interview was going to be 2-on-1 (it was kind of awkward talking to two people at the same time, and tailoring your answers to one person who knows your file, and another who is blinded)
That it would be a relaxed and fun day. And that the patient interview part is SHORT. It flies by and then you're on your way to the next part of the interview.
Applicants commonly shared positive feedback about the friendly and supportive atmosphere at the school, the unique mission and location, and the conversational nature of the interviews. Some mentioned feeling rushed due to time constraints and highlighted the high cost of out-of-state tuition as a concern.
There are 2 interviewers, one has read your application, while the other interviewer has not.
30 minutes goes by so fast; they only asked me 5 or 6 questions. I was definitely over-prepared. Two on one interview with one interviewer open file and one closed file is a little awkward; the closed file interviewer didn't ask me any questions and just sat there quietly staring me down. Other than that everything went perfectly and I love this school :)
this school lets you know immediately (within a week or two what they are doing with your file which was great to know that you've gotten your first acceptance)
Seems like such a kind and supportive environment to go to school in. You'll hear that it is relaxed and just keep that in mind. It really is an enjoyable day where they want to get to know you. Stay calm and try to have fun. Also for the interview- it WAS a conversation where you are given time to talk, as much as you want. Not a speedy Q & A format at all. I think whatever you say kind of directs the conversation/questioning. I would be most prepared for, 'Why Medicine' 'Why Cooper?' and 'Why Camden?' Have fun!
If it weren't for the super-expensive tuition, Cooper would be my number one choice, no question. Their combination of mission and innovative curriculum is just fantastic. But I'm not sure I can justify the OOS tuition when I also have interviews at in state schools that are going to be much cheaper.
The day was relatively short. We had the obligatory tour and information sessions, but the really interesting part was that we had two mini standardized-patient interviews, which required no medical knowledge but were instead an evaluation of interpersonal skills. They also had small ethical dilemmas weaved in as well. The interview itself was a 2 on 1 affair, with one open-file and one blinded interviewer. It was very conversational and quite short -- the blinded interviewer asked 3 questions from her "list", and the open one asked 1, but the rest of them were drawn from my responses. In general, the school impressed me greatly.
Interview is 2:1 with one open file and one closed file at the same time. Makes for some awkward moments and I wished I had treated it more like completely closed file.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should consider reintroducing in-person interviews, shortening the financial aid lecture, and offering tours of relevant facilities like hospitals. They also expressed overall appreciation for the admissions process.
Shorten the 45 min lecture on financial aid to an overview, it is so dull that you made a movie because you were tired of talking about it and giving the lecture.