COWA: Any other opinions?

[Jesse]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to COWA next year. I applied because of its strong reputation. A recent post by Emma Shawcross has me a little concerned; she feels the course quality is poor.

Just wondering if anyone else has any negative or positive experiences to share?

Thanks.

Jess

[drbeaumont]

It's your ticket to med school if you are prepared to work very hard and have a good application! I am now in my first year at Leeds and did COWA last year. And Helen McGarry is a fantastic person!
Exhausted at moment so won't post much detail I'm afraid, but do pm me if you want to know anything

[Mr Jack]

All I really know is that it's very intensive, but promises very high chances of a successful application afterwards, if you get distinctions. I've not had any direct experience with it though; sorry if this reflection is a little bit redundant!

Good luck for next year!

[Jesse]

To Dr. Beaumont and Mr. Jack,

Thanks for the input. Looking forward to COWA next year.

J

[Maria012]

Is it hard to get a good reference from a cowa tutor? With that many students how can they get to know you well enough?

[Sammyfc]

The references are abit of a joke. The tutors base their reference on what is said in the 2 references you send to the college when you first apply.

[rob09]

Hi Everyone,

I'm going to COWA next year. I applied because of its strong reputation. A recent post by Emma Shawcross has me a little concerned; she feels the course quality is poor.

Just wondering if anyone else has any negative or positive experiences to share?

Thanks.

Jess

Sorry - a little of subject here, but have you actually been awarded a place yet? I'm asking because I am waiting to apply, but the application cycle for 2010 entry hasn't yet started (unless I'm missing something...)? Or, did you defer from last year?

Thanks

[MW52]

Hello,

I got a place in both COWA and Sussex Downs Access course. A friend of mine initially recommended Cowa as that was his pathway to medical school. I know how I study best and it just so happened that the smaller, more dedicated classes at Sussex Downs (18 in all) suit me far better than the set up at COWA.

This is of course a personal choice, but with 100% success rate I felt far more secure going with Sussex Downs. I commute everday from London which so far has been great because I have two unadulterated study hours per day (on the train) which really keeps me on top of things.

More and more unis are accepting the newer Access course at sussex downs and several of our class have already received linked places to BSMS.

Either course will mean a huge amount of work, but the staff are absolutely dedicated to ensuring that the whole class passes with distinction.

Can't rate Sussex Downs high enough.

[navdeepdunn]

Right I know most people on the course this year but I have no idea who Emma Shawcross is. I have no idea why she hates the course so much - did she expect a walk in the park. I reckon COWA's alright. They give you the stuff you need to know. You have to go and make sure you know it. If you want to be a doctor you're going to get through this course. And Helen is lovely!!

[Sammyfc]

I agree with Navvy D. The course is brilliant!