Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 6/27/24
Discover top-ranked medical schools in New Jersey, offering cutting-edge education for aspiring healthcare professionals. Explore admission requirements today!
If you’re looking at medical schools in New Jersey, the state has much to offer.
NJ medical schools offer numerous research opportunities for aspiring medical students. We’ll discuss each medical school in New Jersey and provide tips to help you gain acceptance. We’re here to make your medical school journey a little easier.
New Jersey has five medical schools. The state also has 43 teaching hospitals, providing numerous potential career options for students after graduation. Whether you’re interested in small-town living or the bustle of city life, New Jersey offers both.
Below you’ll find more information about each school in our New Jersey medical school list.
From neuroscience research to cancer oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers several opportunities for future doctors. Located in Newark, this school provides an excellent medical education.
As a bonus, you can enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms native to the state as you study.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School also requires an MCAT score for prospective students. Though the medical school doesn’t set a minimum MCAT score or GPA, the most recent class had a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0 and an average MCAT score of 510.
This school also requires two letters of recommendation from science faculty members and one letter of recommendation from a non-science faculty member of the student’s choosing.
Note: College-level intensive writing courses may be substituted for English
Offered Courses
With 34 hospital affiliates, as a student at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, you’re sure to obtain an exceptional medical education. This school offers a plethora of residency programs and offers 21 basic science and clinical departments.
The class of 2024 had an average of a 3.72 GPA and an average score of 514 on the MCAT. This school also requires students to submit three letters of recommendation.
Offered Courses
In 2012, the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University served as the first new medical school in New Jersey in over 35 years. Cooper Medical provides a wealth of research opportunities and is ranked number 10 in medical schools with the lowest acceptance rates, showing just how competitive the program is.
This school also requires prospective students to have an MCAT score. Though they don’t have a minimum GPA or MCAT score requirement, they’re interested in accepting students who show a greater chance of success with their curriculum.
Low GPAs or MCAT scores don’t necessarily count you out, but the admissions team is less likely to take on students with low grades and scores because these students are more likely to struggle. This school also requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation.
Offered Courses
This school offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students who qualify. For students in the armed forces, this school offers an Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship Program that provides full tuition coverage. This school also offers the National Medical Fellowship Program for students who qualify for this type of financial assistance.
For over 40 years, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine has generated a variety of competent and compassionate physicians. This university also offers a number of research opportunities for prospective students as well as residencies and fellowships.
This university has a GPA requirement of at least 3.67 and an MCAT score of 506 or higher. Students must also provide two letters of recommendation from any science faculty member of their choice.
Offered Courses
While tuition may seem high, this university offers scholarship and loan opportunities to help cut the cost of tuition. It also provides medical association scholarships and other scholarships for students who qualify for financial assistance.
With an emphasis on medical education as well as the importance of community, the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine affords students an excellent medical education. This school also offers research opportunities for both medical education and the local community.
Students must also take the MCAT and provide three letters of recommendation. One letter must come from a healthcare professional. One letter must come from a professor familiar with your academic performance. The final letter can come from a physician, another professor, or a supervisor familiar with your abilities.
Offered Courses
Here are some things to consider before choosing a medical school in New Jersey:
Choosing the right medical school in New Jersey involves careful consideration of these factors. The best school for you should not only meet your academic and professional goals but also support your personal growth and well-being.
If you’re still having a hard time narrowing down your options, try your hand at our quiz to help you make a decision.
Applying to medical schools in New Jersey requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the specific requirements and opportunities offered by each institution. Here’s what you need to know before applying to medical schools in NJ:
Prerequisites and GPA Requirements: Ensure you meet the prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements for each school. Common prerequisites include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some schools may also require courses in English and social sciences. Aim for a competitive GPA, as medical schools in New Jersey have high standards.
MCAT Scores: Your MCAT score is also a critical component of your application. Aim to score within or above that range to increase your chances of acceptance.
Application Timeline: Start early and be aware of application deadlines. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) typically opens in May, and many schools have rolling admissions. Applying early can improve your chances of securing an interview and admission.
Personal Statement and Secondary Essays: Be prepared to write secondary essays for each school, addressing specific questions about your interest in their program and how you align with their mission and values.
Clinical and Research Experience: Accumulate clinical and research experience to show your commitment to medicine and your ability to thrive in a medical environment. Volunteer work, internships, and shadowing physicians are excellent ways to gain relevant experience.
Letters of Recommendation: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, physicians, or supervisors who can attest to your academic abilities, work ethic, and suitability for a career in medicine. Most schools require at least three letters, so choose your recommenders wisely.
Interviews: Prepare for the interview process by practicing common medical school interview questions and participating in mock interviews. Be ready to discuss your application in detail and to demonstrate your interpersonal and communication skills.
Diversity and Inclusion: Consider the diversity and inclusiveness of each medical school. A supportive and diverse environment can enhance your educational experience and prepare you to serve a diverse patient population.
Each step of the application process is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and commitment to a career in medicine. Remember to always find the program that best fits your academic and career aspirations.
Medical schools are known for their selectivity: med schools in NJ are no exception.
If you’re ready to apply to any medical school in New Jersey, these tips can improve your chances of acceptance.
While only New Jersey’s DO school sets minimum requirements, this doesn’t mean you can expect to get in with any GPA or score. Looking at the class profile data of every NJ med school, you should aim for a 3.7 GPA and 514 MCAT score to meet or exceed averages.
If you have a low MCAT score, consider retaking the test. You can also remediate a lower GPA by retaking courses or enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program after graduation.
Two of the above mission statements directly reference commitment to the NJ community. Ensure you show your commitment to the NJ community in your application: don’t skip over your local volunteer activities or other ways you’ve gotten involved.
You can show your involvement in your AMCAS activities section, personal statement, or secondary applications.
Unless a school specifically states they give no preference to in-state students (and even then), residents are generally more likely to get accepted than non-residents with the same qualifications. If you’re an out-of-state student applying to a medical school in NJ, be sure to:
Although it may or may not be more challenging to get into these schools as a non-resident, spending more time on your application boosts your chances.
Do you still have questions about NJ medical schools? Then read on for answers!
There are five medical schools in New Jersey.
U.S. News World and Report ranks the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as the best medical school in New Jersey for research.
It depends on your goals and needs. Evaluate offerings and see which aligns best with your professional and educational goals. DO hopefuls should apply to Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Future MDs can apply to any of the other four schools.
While most NJ schools don’t have a GPA cutoff, you should aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher to be competitive at every school.
Only one school has an MCAT cutoff. However, you should strive for a high MCAT score: 514 or higher makes you a more competitive applicant at any NJ med school.
Rutgers isn’t considered a top medical school, but it is one of the highest-ranked schools in New Jersey.
There is no minimum GPA requirement, but you should aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher to be a more competitive applicant.
Applying to medical school can be intimidating. Now that you know more about New Jersey medical schools, you can choose one (or more) to apply to.
Each school has plenty of research and fellowship opportunities for aspiring physicians. Wherever you decide to go for medical school, work hard, study hard, and you’ll succeed. Good luck!
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