Space reserved for prompt.

Please PM the essays or lack thereof to me when the secondary is available and I will update this.

Good luck to everyone applying! :luck:

Is SUNY Upstate still on probation?

Is SUNY Upstate still on probation?

Probation? What happened?:eek: Geez... turn your back for one second...

Probation? What happened?:eek: Geez... turn your back for one second...

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/upstate_medical_school_put_on_1.html

No idea if the status has changed or not.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/upstate_medical_school_put_on_1.html

No idea if the status has changed or not.

Well it doesn't look like anything they can't fix... I think they should be fine...

How come when I go to select the application I want to complete the only option to chose from is Rural Medicine Supplemental? Anyone else with this problem?

How come when I go to select the application I want to complete the only option to chose from is Rural Medicine Supplemental? Anyone else with this problem?

Yes. I await the gunners who will call the office to tell them to fix it.

Yes. I await the gunners who will call the office to tell them to fix it.

Oh okay, if it's a glitch then the office is probably aware of the situation.

I'll wait till tmrw then to open it up:)

I gunned it. Still waiting for a reply. It seems like a lot of schools have issue with their online apps....

Just got secondary and I'm having problems too. Oh well lol

This is the most expensive secondary I have seen yet! Kinda making me think twice..

I gunned it. Still waiting for a reply. It seems like a lot of schools have issue with their online apps....

well thax then cuz i'm having the same issue!

how come when i go to select the application i want to complete the only option to chose from is rural medicine supplemental? Anyone else with this problem?

+1

This is the most expensive secondary I have seen yet! Kinda making me think twice..

Cuantos?

How come when I go to select the application I want to complete the only option to chose from is Rural Medicine Supplemental? Anyone else with this problem?
Same! Glad I'm not the only one. Hopefully they fix it soon.

how come when i go to select the application i want to complete the only option to chose from is rural medicine supplemental? Anyone else with this problem?

I am wondering the same thing!!

As a Syracuse resident, SUNY Upstate is my first choice. Hoping for some in-city love :p :luck::luck:

I am wondering the same thing!!

As a Syracuse resident, SUNY Upstate is my first choice. Hoping for some in-city love :p :luck::luck:
I went to their open house and I got to admit, the staff, students, and general atmosphere was great, really laid back. :)

It's working now.

Question: For Course Requirements, should we enter ALL courses taken under that subject? Or only fill enough to fulfill the requirements?

i only did the pre-reqs! wooooo one more secondary DONE :)

Note for those applying to the rural medicine program:

The application contains two sections ("Additional Information" and "Rural Medicine Scholars") that basically ask the same questions (with some small differences). I called the admissions office today and we only have to fill out one of those sections.

Anyone know how the fee waiver works for Upstate?

Submitted! :)

I just called them...They said they want you to print out the signature page as well as the AAMC Fee Waiver email and mail it to their office.

I just called them...They said they want you to print out the signature page as well as the AAMC Fee Waiver email and mail it to their office.

Thanks!

Submitted! :)

Is the fee $100 or $110? My email says $110 and the page after I hit submit says $100-- I want to hold off on submitting for a little while otherwise I would just try it myself :)

Is the fee $100 or $110? My email says $110 and the page after I hit submit says $100-- I want to hold off on submitting for a little while otherwise I would just try it myself :)

The application fee is $110 this year.

Is the fee $100 or $110? My email says $110 and the page after I hit submit says $100-- I want to hold off on submitting for a little while otherwise I would just try it myself :)
I emailed Upstate about if I should resubmit since I only paid the $100. They said it was a glitch but that I am fine just paying the $100.

submitted as well.

.

Ok I knew Upstate was a very laid back school (too much so, according to some), but this secondary was amazing. It took me under 10 minutes to complete it, after I spent a couple days each on Miami and NYU. Thank you Upstate.

Am I missing something or has no one posted the secondary? Can you guys either please post it or email gettheleadout so he can update the first post? Thanks a bunch.

I just called them...They said they want you to print out the signature page as well as the AAMC Fee Waiver email and mail it to their office.

Wait, do we still need to mail them that signature page if we paid it online?

Also I paid $100 too :confused:

Am I missing something or has no one posted the secondary? Can you guys either please post it or email gettheleadout so he can update the first post? Thanks a bunch.

There are no essay prompts if that's what you are asking

There are no essay prompts if that's what you are asking

I think last year you were given prompts after the interview invite...I could be wrong.

Got my complete email today

I am divided as to whether I even want to submit my secondary here given the high secondary fee and that the school is allegedly on probation. Thoughts?

I am divided as to whether I even want to submit my secondary here given the high secondary fee and that the school is allegedly on probation. Thoughts?
I don't think the probation is a huge issue, only because I can't imagine this school losing accreditation. It's an established program, and a lot of students from my school go there. Not to say the probation doesn't matter. It'll definitely be a notch against Upstate, if I end up deciding between schools. But, it's not enough to keep me form attending if everything else is good.

-2 cents

Wait, do we still need to mail them that signature page if we paid it online?

Also I paid $100 too :confused:

I also have the same questions!? did you guys print the signature page and mail it in?!

I also have the same questions!? did you guys print the signature page and mail it in?!

I did, but I had the AMCAS fee waiver so I didn't go through with a payment...

wtf?? we have to MAIL in the signature page?

wtf?? we have to MAIL in the signature page?


Not if you paid the fee with credit card

Not if you paid the fee with credit card

Oh phew, I was worried lol. Thanks!

Not if you paid the fee with credit card

yeah, I called this morning and they told me the same thing

Has anyone's letters of rec been posted as received?

They just posted my LOR as received

Just got the complete email

I have a fee waiver as well, and on the "Pay Now" page it says "If you answered “Yes” to the question, “Did you receive a fee waiver from AMCAS?”, click on the Submit link on the bottom of the page instead of the “Pay Now” button."

I do not see a Submit link... I assume my application is not complete until I submit, can any one help if there is actual link to click, and if so can you provide it? Thanks.

I have a fee waiver as well, and on the "Pay Now" page it says "If you answered “Yes” to the question, “Did you receive a fee waiver from AMCAS?”, click on the Submit link on the bottom of the page instead of the “Pay Now” button."

I do not see a Submit link... I assume my application is not complete until I submit, can any one help if there is actual link to click, and if so can you provide it? Thanks.

hey buddy, how can I find application statuses? I have had trouble finding mine. I submitted my secondary yesterday.

I have a fee waiver as well, and on the "Pay Now" page it says "If you answered “Yes” to the question, “Did you receive a fee waiver from AMCAS?”, click on the Submit link on the bottom of the page instead of the “Pay Now” button."

I do not see a Submit link... I assume my application is not complete until I submit, can any one help if there is actual link to click, and if so can you provide it? Thanks.

I'm having the same problem...

EDIT:

woops, should've read more carefully.

I just called them...They said they want you to print out the signature page as well as the AAMC Fee Waiver email and mail it to their office.

Hm, but on the secondary application itself when it asked about the fee waiver it provided us with an email to forward them our approval notification... so we should also mail them a physical copy? And what is the "signature page"? Thanks.

Anybody else get this email? I would like to keep my options open, but I'm not sure what to do here. Since I have a lot of rural experience, it looks like I may have a better chance getting into this program this way. I just don't want to commit to a rural setting at this moment, but I'm not opposed to the idea. If I don't respond back, will it be harder for me to get in?

Dear *******,

Based on information you provided in your AMCAS application, you may be an excellent candidate to apply to our Rural Medical Scholars Program [RMSP]. For additional information on the RMSP program, please visit http://www.upstate.edu/com/special_opps/rmed/scholars.php

In order to be considered for the RMSP program, simply complete the Rural Medicine Scholars supplemental application https://bannerweb.upstate.edu/admissions/ and submit the required essay. If you have already submitted a secondary application and would like to be considered for the RMSP program, simply let me know. There is no need to fill out an additional application.

RMSP applicants who are invited for an interview will have an additional interview with a member of the RMSP/RMED faculty or an RMSP medical student. Those who apply for the RMSP program should be prepared to discuss their interest and commitment for a career in rural medicine.

If you feel that you are a good candidate for the RMSP program, please submit the Rural Medicine Scholars Supplemental Application and RMSP essay as soon as possible. Please contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Welch
Director of Admissions

Anybody else get this email? I would like to keep my options open, but I'm not sure what to do here. Since I have a lot of rural experience, it looks like I may have a better chance getting into this program this way. I just don't want to commit to a rural setting at this moment, but I'm not opposed to the idea. If I don't respond back, will it be harder for me to get in?

Dear *******,

Based on information you provided in your AMCAS application, you may be an excellent candidate to apply to our Rural Medical Scholars Program [RMSP]. For additional information on the RMSP program, please visit http://www.upstate.edu/com/special_opps/rmed/scholars.php

In order to be considered for the RMSP program, simply complete the Rural Medicine Scholars supplemental application https://bannerweb.upstate.edu/admissions/ and submit the required essay. If you have already submitted a secondary application and would like to be considered for the RMSP program, simply let me know. There is no need to fill out an additional application.

RMSP applicants who are invited for an interview will have an additional interview with a member of the RMSP/RMED faculty or an RMSP medical student. Those who apply for the RMSP program should be prepared to discuss their interest and commitment for a career in rural medicine.

If you feel that you are a good candidate for the RMSP program, please submit the Rural Medicine Scholars Supplemental Application and RMSP essay as soon as possible. Please contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Welch
Director of Admissions

Go for it! Have confidence! You will still get admissions to the general M.D program :)

IMPORTANT INFO - CHECK YOUR STATUS ONLINE ON THE SECONDARY APP PORTAL

Hey all,

I was just doing a routine status-check through all of my applications and when I logged into the Upstate secondary application and scrolled to the bottom of the first page (Application Menu), it showed that I had been invited for interview. I have no idea when this happened, and I have checked the junk folder of all my email accounts - no notifications there either.

Just a heads up that they may not be sending an email or phoning for interview invitation. I advise you all to keep an eye on the status page (Application Menu). Good luck, and maybe I'll see some of you there.

Edit: Just for reference, all of my materials were in on 11 July and they sent me the complete application email on 13 July.

IMPORTANT INFO - CHECK YOUR STATUS ONLINE ON THE SECONDARY APP PORTAL

Hey all,

I was just doing a routine status-check through all of my applications and when I logged into the Upstate secondary application and scrolled to the bottom of the first page (Application Menu), it showed that I had been invited for interview. I have no idea when this happened, and I have checked the junk folder of all my email accounts - no notifications there either.

Just a heads up that they may not be sending an email or phoning for interview invitation. I advise you all to keep an eye on the status page (Application Menu). Good luck, and maybe I'll see some of you there.

Edit: Just for reference, all of my materials were in on 11 July and they sent me the complete application email on 13 July.
Yeah I got the same thing too. It says "Congratulations on being accepted for an interview". I hope this is not a glitch because this would be awesome!!!

IMPORTANT INFO - CHECK YOUR STATUS ONLINE ON THE SECONDARY APP PORTAL

Hey all,

I was just doing a routine status-check through all of my applications and when I logged into the Upstate secondary application and scrolled to the bottom of the first page (Application Menu), it showed that I had been invited for interview. I have no idea when this happened, and I have checked the junk folder of all my email accounts - no notifications there either.

Just a heads up that they may not be sending an email or phoning for interview invitation. I advise you all to keep an eye on the status page (Application Menu). Good luck, and maybe I'll see some of you there.

Edit: Just for reference, all of my materials were in on 11 July and they sent me the complete application email on 13 July.
I got the same thing too...It says "Congratulations on being accepted for an interview". I hope it is not a glitch because this would be awesome.

I got this too!! Is it real? Lol

Hi everyone!

Could you tell me please how you can check your status online?

When I log in into my account, I see 1 processed application and 1 "New" in Applications in Progress. When I click on new one, it starts giving me the same questions again and it seems that my previous responses were not saved.

Thanks in advance! And congrats on the interviews!

Hi everyone!

Could you tell me please how you can check your status online?

When I log in into my account, I see 1 processed application and 1 "New" in Applications in Progress. When I click on new one, it starts giving me the same questions again and it seems that my previous responses were not saved.

Thanks in advance! And congrats on the interviews!
You can check you status my clicking on the processed application. It should say Fall 2013. SUNY upstate will send an email when you are complete. It was a three day turnaround for me after I submitted.

it's not letting me choose a date for an interview. anyone else having the same problem?

it's not letting me choose a date for an interview. anyone else having the same problem?
Yeah I'm having the same problem. It says to pick dates that are highlighted in blue but I can't find any dates that are blue.

You can check you status my clicking on the processed application. It should say Fall 2013. SUNY upstate will send an email when you are complete. It was a three day turnaround for me after I submitted.

Thank you!

If you look on the Upstate thread from the last application cycle, this exact same situation happened - people got status changes but couldn't pick interview dates - if it's the same as last year, you should get an official interview invite e-mail on Monday and then you'll be able to pick a date. I believe their adcom meets on Wednesdays, so your status might change mid-week and you might get official e-mails the following Monday.

If you look on the Upstate thread from the last application cycle, this exact same situation happened - people got status changes but couldn't pick interview dates - if it's the same as last year, you should get an official interview invite e-mail on Monday and then you'll be able to pick a date. I believe their adcom meets on Wednesdays, so your status might change mid-week and you might get official e-mails the following Monday.

Thanks for doing the legwork :-)

Has anyone with a fee waiver submitted but not received their complete email? I submitted my secondary 7/11 and mailed in my signature page the same day, but still nada.

DId you guys include non-moving traffic violations when answering the question

"Have you ever been charged or convicted of any offense of the law? (This includes criminal, misdemeanor, or felony charges). A conviction includes a plea, verdict, or finding of guilt, regardless of the sentence imposed by a court of law."

I tried emailing the admissions office but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks!

If you look on the Upstate thread from the last application cycle, this exact same situation happened - people got status changes but couldn't pick interview dates - if it's the same as last year, you should get an official interview invite e-mail on Monday and then you'll be able to pick a date. I believe their adcom meets on Wednesdays, so your status might change mid-week and you might get official e-mails the following Monday.

thanks for the info, I was wondering if it was a problem specific to my application

DId you guys include non-moving traffic violations when answering the question

"Have you ever been charged or convicted of any offense of the law? (This includes criminal, misdemeanor, or felony charges). A conviction includes a plea, verdict, or finding of guilt, regardless of the sentence imposed by a court of law."

I tried emailing the admissions office but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks!

A non-moving traffic violation isn't a criminal, misdemeanor, or felony offense. So no.

Thanks for the clarification.

Is anyone recieving the following error after clicking "Continue" on the Personal Information page of the Rural Scholars app?

"Not Found
The requested URL /isis/bwskaper.P_ProcAppPersonal was not found on this server."

I tried using Chrome, Safari, and Firefox with no luck but it reads like it's an error on Upstate's end.

anybody know a contact number for upstate, the contact us link just opens up an email in outlook and they haven't responded to the emails. I received a complete email on the 18th and the website status looked good and now it's suddenly changed my MD app to an MD/MPH app which is not complete.

Yeah I'm having the same problem. It says to pick dates that are highlighted in blue but I can't find any dates that are blue.

Did anyone who's status changed to interview invite receive an email? Im getting nervous :confused:

Do they send you a complete email when you have everything in? Just wondering because nothing is indicated on my online application even though I've paid online and have my LORs in.

Edit: oops I see my question was answered above

Admissions emailed me that they have not uploaded the interview dates. They will email us when they are uploaded.

I received a complete email on 7/13 and my application menu page hasnt changed since. you think I should be concerned?

Does anyone know the situation with OOS students getting In-state tuition after the first year? I've read conflicting reports that it won't be allowed. Can anyone confirm?

Does anyone know the situation with OOS students getting In-state tuition after the first year? I've read conflicting reports that it won't be allowed. Can anyone confirm?

I can't confirm it, but my understanding is your residency is wherever you were when you first applied to schools, and also requires you to have lived in said state for a certain period (12 months??) of time

The interview dates have been uploaded but I have not gotten the email saying that I can pick interview dates...should I do it anyway????

Edit: Received the interview invite

Got my interview invite via email! I haven't picked a date yet. Is it a big deal to wait a few days to select an interview date?

Also, what do you guys think of their new MMI interview process? (8 stations involving a task, scenario, etc. )

Got my interview invite via email! I haven't picked a date yet. Is it a big deal to wait a few days to select an interview date?

Also, what do you guys think of their new MMI interview process? (8 stations involving a task, scenario, etc. )

More and more schools are looking towards this or a hybrid between it and the "traditional" interview. The way I view it is you have that many more opportunities to make a strong first impression and it will get the adrenaline flowing, but not everyone is comfortable with it. Anyone have solid suggestions for preparation for this style?

I got an interview invite too! I sched my date

Any MSTP applicant here?

Any MSTP applicant here?

Yep. No II for me. In fact, not completed yet (??) Sub'd on 15th.

More and more schools are looking towards this or a hybrid between it and the "traditional" interview. The way I view it is you have that many more opportunities to make a strong first impression and it will get the adrenaline flowing, but not everyone is comfortable with it. Anyone have solid suggestions for preparation for this style?


We do MMI in Canada, it's really popular here, it's actually pretty fun. You literally have no time to think though... which makes it really challenging on questions that can potentially flag you!

We do MMI in Canada, it's really popular here, it's actually pretty fun. You literally have no time to think though... which makes it really challenging on questions that can potentially flag you!

correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that Canada is where it started? You don't by any chance know which school is the parent of the creation, do you?

correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that Canada is where it started? You don't by any chance know which school is the parent of the creation, do you?


Yes I do. It was McMaster University (I interviewed there last year, but was unfortunately waitlisted and it seems like wait-lists in both America and Canada barely moved in the 2011-2012 cycle-->super unusual) :)

Is this the first year of MMI at Upstate? I looked through the SDN interview feedback pages but I didn't find any MMI-style questions/scenarios. Does anyone know how long each station will be?

Is this the first year of MMI at Upstate? I looked through the SDN interview feedback pages but I didn't find any MMI-style questions/scenarios. Does anyone know how long each station will be?


If they stick it out like McMaster or Queen's does it, it'll be 7-9minutes per station

If they stick it out like McMaster or Queen's does it, it'll be 7-9minutes per station

That's the same as UBC also .. Still, would be nice to know for sure. I'll probably contact the admissions office sometime soon to find out.

I got an interview invite too! I sched my date

Mind if I ask what the turn-around time was for secondary complete --> interview status?? :)

Mind if I ask what the turn-around time was for secondary complete --> interview status?? :)

complete: 7/13
status change: 7/20

Does anyone know what to put for the LOR section? Because they either ask for individual letters or a committee letter. My institution however does a letter packet. Should I just choose the option of committee letter?

Interview invite! Complete 7/18

I don't know if this was something from a previous year, but are there pre-interview essays?

for those who have submitted their secondaries, does your applicant status page look any different from BEFORE you submitted? O_o

(i.e. i'm looking at mine right now [submitted 7/28] and it looks exactly the same. in fact, it still allows you to create a new application, under the title 'application preference' it still says 'not entered,' etc.)

for those who have submitted their secondaries, does your applicant status page look any different from BEFORE you submitted? O_o

(i.e. i'm looking at mine right now [submitted 7/28] and it looks exactly the same. in fact, it still allows you to create a new application, under the title 'application preference' it still says 'not entered,' etc.)
Mine looked like that.

I don't know if this was something from a previous year, but are there pre-interview essays?

Nope

Nope
Awesome, thanks. :)

for those who have submitted their secondaries, does your applicant status page look any different from BEFORE you submitted? O_o

(i.e. i'm looking at mine right now [submitted 7/28] and it looks exactly the same. in fact, it still allows you to create a new application, under the title 'application preference' it still says 'not entered,' etc.)

Yeah, nothing will change except if you click on the application you submitted and scroll down to the bottom where it will show you which documents they have processed. Interview invitation shows up at the bottom of the applicant status page (just scroll down after you log in). They email you as well, but there may be a delay of a few days.

submitted over a week ago and still no complete email...

submitted over a week ago and still no complete email...

When did you submit? I submitted 7/25 and haven't gotten anything either. I thought these guys sent automatic secondaries. Does any know if they are actually screening?

When did you submit? I submitted 7/25 and haven't gotten anything either. I thought these guys sent automatic secondaries. Does any know if they are actually screening?

I already got the secondary, and submitted it a week ago. I am waiting on a complete file email

Wow. Excuse me while I go crawl back in my hole :meanie:

edit: secondary received at 10am

I already got the secondary, and submitted it a week ago. I am waiting on a complete file email


I submitted like 07/20 or something. WTF? Mine says it's missing LORs though. They're not coming. I emailed the school....

Interview Invite!

interview invite on 7/26

Pal when were u complete?

Sent from my DROID3 using SDN Mobile

Have any Rural applicants gotten interview invites?

Have any Rural applicants gotten interview invites?

Not yet. I was complete on 7/18.

Have any Rural applicants gotten interview invites?

Ha! I totally just got on SDN to ask this! But no, I haven't received an II either... :(

Ha! I totally just got on SDN to ask this! But no, I haven't received an II either... :(

Alright that's a bit of a relief then. I didn't get the complete email until 7/31 but I will be sure to post any updates.

How the F am I still incomplete...this is so weird.

My letters were submitted 1.5 weeks ago. Is it normal that they are still not marked as received?

Just got an email regarding the Binghamton campus option for students.

Just curious, anyone interested in this? I read some stuff on SDN, but I'm not quite sure what to think of it yet.

my letters were submitted 1.5 weeks ago. Is it normal that they are still not marked as received?

this.

Anyone know what Application Preference Not Entered means?

Anyone know what Application Preference Not Entered means?

Don't know, but I have it too. I checked last years thread and others with the same thing listed received interviews and acceptances. So imo, no need to worry.

Don't know, but I have it too. I checked last years thread and others with the same thing listed received interviews and acceptances. So imo, no need to worry.
I think everybody has it

Interview invite via status change!!! SO excited - it's my first interview invite! Everyone check your statuses to see if you got one too!

My Stats:
cGPA 3.5_, sGPA 3.2_
MCAT: P10 V11 B12
In state
Rural Medical Scholars Program applicant
Complete e-mail received 07/18

EDIT: For those of you who were wondering about the "Application Preference - Not entered", mine still says that.

Interview invite via status change!!! SO excited - it's my first interview invite! Everyone check your statuses to see if you got one too!

My Stats:
cGPA 3.5_, sGPA 3.2_
MCAT: P10 V11 B12
In state
Rural Medical Scholars Program applicant
Complete e-mail received 07/18

Congrats! I was complete the same day so hoping for some good news:xf:

Been waiting on them to load my letters for a while now...

Randomly just checked the website - interview invite! Keep checking your status people! :)

Where would you see it?

Interview invite! (also via website). Dreading the new MMI system. Seems like more and more schools are adopting this interview format.

Randomly just checked the website - interview invite! Keep checking your status people! :)



YES SAME HERE!! sooo excited....def one of my top choices!!! :)

Interview invite via status change!!! SO excited - it's my first interview invite! Everyone check your statuses to see if you got one too!

My Stats:
cGPA 3.5_, sGPA 3.2_
MCAT: P10 V11 B12
In state
Rural Medical Scholars Program applicant
Complete e-mail received 07/18

EDIT: For those of you who were wondering about the "Application Preference - Not entered", mine still says that.
Same here!

Where does it say it if you've gotten an interview invite? haha

Where does it say it if you've gotten an interview invite? haha

As soon as you log in you should see this at the bottom of the page:

Congratulations on being selected for an Interview!

"The interview provides a means for both the college and the applicant to learn more about each other. We hope that during your visit you will sit in on classes, talk with current students, visit the medical library, Clark Tower or Geneva Tower our residence halls and the Campus Activities Building, and also learn more about the city of Syracuse. A tour of our campus will be conducted by current students and lunch will be provided".

got an invite via a status update....does anyone know if we can choose a date before they actually send the official email?

Anyone have any suggestions as to how we should prepare for MMI? I'm kinda nervous :(

Anyone have any suggestions as to how we should prepare for MMI? I'm kinda nervous :(
I'm nervous too. I have been reading a book on ethical cases in medicine so I have an idea of the thinking that goes on when deciding any kind of ethical case (medical or non-medical). I am looking at my primary application and personal statement. I am also thinking about the most likely questions that would be asked in an MMI format. These include Why SUNY upstate, why do you want to become a doctor, what are the positives and negatives of medicine, why did you not choose other health professions, health care reform questions. Also, practicing your interview skills will help during stations that one could not prepare for anyway (e.g. acting station)

I'm nervous too. I have been reading a book on ethical cases in medicine so I have an idea of the thinking that goes on when deciding any kind of ethical case (medical or non-medical). I am looking at my primary application and personal statement. I am also thinking about the most likely questions that would be asked in an MMI format. These include Why SUNY upstate, why do you want to become a doctor, what are the positives and negatives of medicine, why did you not choose other health professions, health care reform questions. Also, practicing your interview skills will help during stations that one could not prepare for anyway (e.g. acting station)

im worried about getting a lot of questions on healthcare reform. also I was under the impression that we would be given "scenarios" at each station. can these scenarios be questions like "why upstate"?

im worried about getting a lot of questions on healthcare reform. also I was under the impression that we would be given "scenarios" at each station. can these scenarios be questions like "why upstate"?
Yeah. I am going to learn a decent amount about health reform just because it is a huge topic in the news right now. Some of the stations can be traditional questions like Why upstate. Since they are going to only have a few traditional question stations, my view is that it is going to be those high yield questions that are asked at every interview. The other stations include ethical scenarios, acting, and even group exercise stations.

The other stations include ethical scenarios, acting, and even group exercise stations.

group exercises? you mean like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK3xihWndxk

Dang, checked status and no II for me yet. Really want an MD interview!

Interviewing September 12!

Is anyone else interviewing Sept 19?

when were you complete?

Interviewing September 12!
Sept 12 too. see you then!

Sept 12 too. see you then!
Me too! =D

I have the same question...when I finished filling everything out I clicked "application complete" (or sth like that) on the checklist page. I didn't see a "submit" button anywhere. I am using the FAP waiver, so I'm assuming I have to print out the signature page. What exactly is the signature page? I didn't sign anything. Is it just the "Application Summary" page? The bottom of that page says my Supplementary application has not be received yet...

I have the same question...when I finished filling everything out I clicked "application complete" (or sth like that) on the checklist page. I didn't see a "submit" button anywhere. I am using the FAP waiver, so I'm assuming I have to print out the signature page. What exactly is the signature page? I didn't sign anything. Is it just the "Application Summary" page? The bottom of that page says my Supplementary application has not be received yet...

I believe you have to e-mail them a copy of your fee waiver e-mail. I did that and they accepted it, and I was complete shortly thereafter.

Is anyone else interviewing Sept 19?

interviewing Sep 19th

nice..we should meet up beforehand. my flight gets in the afternoon of the 18th

Me too! =D

and you're at buffalo on the 5th too? looks like we're going to be best friends by the end of this interview season. i just need downstate to invite me.

Stiiiiiillllll incomplete, for no reason. OK then.

and you're at buffalo on the 5th too? looks like we're going to be best friends by the end of this interview season. i just need downstate to invite me.
Yup I'm at Buffalo on the 5th too. :D
We should get in touch once September rolls around.

I'm nervous too. I have been reading a book on ethical cases in medicine so I have an idea of the thinking that goes on when deciding any kind of ethical case (medical or non-medical). I am looking at my primary application and personal statement. I am also thinking about the most likely questions that would be asked in an MMI format. These include Why SUNY upstate, why do you want to become a doctor, what are the positives and negatives of medicine, why did you not choose other health professions, health care reform questions. Also, practicing your interview skills will help during stations that one could not prepare for anyway (e.g. acting station)
Do you mind sharing the title of that book on ethical cases in medicine? I've just been researching situations specifically but that has not been too helpful.

Thanks!

Do you mind sharing the title of that book on ethical cases in medicine? I've just been researching situations specifically but that has not been too helpful.

Thanks!
Its called Doing Right by Philip C Hebert (2nd edition). Its a really good book because it helps you approach how to tackle any kind of ethical dilemma using four basic principles.

Its called Doing Right by Philip C Hebert (2nd edition). Its a really good book because it helps you approach how to tackle any kind of ethical dilemma using four basic principles.

Highly recommend this book. I used it to prep for ethical questions last year and it helped immensely!

Anyone got an ebook or Google link?

Still no word.

Something weird happened with my interview date. I signed up for the 12th when I noticed the status changed, then got the email a couple days later. I checked it again today, and it said I hadn't selected a date yet. I looked at the 12th, and that date and the 19th were no longer available options. They didn't even have the red highlight to show that they were full. Anyway, now I'm signed up for the 26th barring anymore changes. Has anyone else had this issue?

Something weird happened with my interview date. I signed up for the 12th when I noticed the status changed, then got the email a couple days later. I checked it again today, and it said I hadn't selected a date yet. I looked at the 12th, and that date and the 19th were no longer available options. They didn't even have the red highlight to show that they were full. Anyway, now I'm signed up for the 26th barring anymore changes. Has anyone else had this issue?


Yea happened to me too, I just re-signed up again. My interview day I picked was October 15th though so it was still available. I think it happened because we didn't wait for the official e-mail

You're right, I sent them an email and that's exactly what they said. Still not sure why those two dates were unavailable though...

I got an email saying I am a great candidate for the Rural program - anyone know how this works? Will this hurt or increase my chances of getting into the school if I apply to it?

Hi guys. I was applying to Upstate last year and I'm an MS1 now. Process is lengthy but fun. Anyhow, a few things I wanna say.

- When you get an interview invite, wait for the official email invite before scheduling your interview date. If you just check the My Upstate website and saw your interview invite, and schedule your interview date, it will not go into the system and will be wiped ==> you'll have to schedule it again. I made the same mistake last year. Luckily, I called their office and was able to get the date I want even though it was no longer available on the calendar.

- On your application status (or something like that) where it says "Preferred campus is not selected" or something like that... It means you have not selected Syracuse or Binghamton for your clinical years. Don't worry about it. You will be given a form on your interview date to specify which campus you want to apply for. You can fill it out and turn it in right after your interview (recommended), or bring that form home and mail it in. Choosing Syracuse or Binghamton is not mutually exclusive. You have options of "Only Syracuse" or "Only Binghamton" or "Prefer Syracuse" or "Prefer Binghamton". If you don't care which campus, but have preference of one over the other, then choose one of the "Prefer" options. If you are adamant about going to a specific campus, then choose "Only" option.

- This year is the first that we're rolling out MMI (multiple mini interviews) interview format. There will be 8 stations. Each station is a room with a monitor outside at the door. You will read the question on the monitor, perhaps have a minute to think about it. Then you walk into the room and meet your interviewer (either a student or a faculty member). You then will have 5 minutes to answer your question. After that, you go outside and wait for 2 minutes while the interviewer fill out the evaluation sheet about you. Then you move on to the next station. One of the 8 stations will be an essay station where you will answer a prompt (computer-based). It seems like this is kinda replace the prompts for the secondary essay. You will be asked to sign an affidavit not to share the content of your interview questions with anyone else. Please follow that. After all, it'll be to your disadvantage that others competing against you have more time to prepare for questions that you only have a minute to prepare for.

- It seems like this year interview day will finish earlier than last year. You should be done around 1:30pm. After that you're free to sit in any lecture or lab that's going on (i recommend the anatomy lab if it's it's available). Otherwise go to MLC lecture. By the way, this year interviews are gonna be done around January instead of March like last year because the new interview process allows it to be done faster.

- Utilize the student host if you can. It'll save you $.

- Upstate is under probation as of right now. LCME will come back to visit us in March 2013 and we think that they'll lift the probation by then because we have fixed all the issues that we were cited for.

- If you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them.

Congrats to those who got interviews. Good luck! :luck:

Edit:

I forgot to mention that there are some special Wednesdays when there will be 2 interview sessions: morning and afternoon. You can choose to do the morning one (9:30-10:45am) or the afternoon one (1:30-2:45pm), hopefully when you schedule your interview date. For the morning session, the MMI will be done from 9:30-10:45pm, followed by Q&A session with the admission director, then campus tour and reception, and finishes at 1:30pm. For the afternoon session, MMI will be done from 1:30 - 2:45pm, followed by Q&A session, then campus tour and reception. I'm not sure when the afternoon session will conclude, but my guess is 5:30pm.

I have got a complete email Jul 27, and nothing since. I am OOS.
My status online is blank and they keep doing periodic uploads of LORs

Does it mean I am not really complete? Shall I call them?

thanks

I have got a complete email Jul 27, and nothing since. I am OOS.
My status online is blank and they keep doing periodic uploads of LORs

Does it mean I am not really complete? Shall I call them?

thanks

If you already received an email from the school saying you are "complete", then just sit tight and wait for an interview invite. If you have any doubt whether or not you are really complete, you can either call or email admiss@upstate.edu an inquire about the status of your application. It's better to be proactive and perhaps annoying than missing something important. :)

i have got a complete email jul 27, and nothing since. I am oos.
My status online is blank and they keep doing periodic uploads of lors

does it mean i am not really complete? Shall i call them?

Thanks

+1

MMI scares the crap out of me...

Hi guys. I was applying to Upstate last year and I'm an MS1 now. Process is lengthy but fun. Anyhow, a few things I wanna say.

- When you get an interview invite, wait for the official email invite before scheduling your interview date. If you just check the My Upstate website and saw your interview invite, and schedule your interview date, it will not go into the system and will be wiped ==> you'll have to schedule it again. I made the same mistake last year. Luckily, I called their office and was able to get the date I want even though it was no longer available on the calendar.

- On your application status (or something like that) where it says "Preferred campus is not selected" or something like that... It means you have not selected Syracuse or Binghamton for your clinical years. Don't worry about it. You will be given a form on your interview date to specify which campus you want to apply for. You can fill it out and turn it in right after your interview (recommended), or bring that form home and mail it in. Choosing Syracuse or Binghamton is not mutually exclusive. You have options of "Only Syracuse" or "Only Binghamton" or "Prefer Syracuse" or "Prefer Binghamton". If you don't care which campus, but have preference of one over the other, then choose one of the "Prefer" options. If you are adamant about going to a specific campus, then choose "Only" option.

- This year is the first that we're rolling out MMI (multiple mini interviews) interview format. There will be 8 stations. Each station is a room with a monitor outside at the door. You will read the question on the monitor, perhaps have a minute to think about it. Then you walk into the room and meet your interviewer (either a student or a faculty member). You then will have 5 minutes to answer your question. After that, you go outside and wait for 2 minutes while the interviewer fill out the evaluation sheet about you. Then you move on to the next station. One of the 8 stations will be an essay station where you will answer a prompt (computer-based). It seems like this is kinda replace the prompts for the secondary essay. You will be asked to sign an affidavit not to share the content of your interview questions with anyone else. Please follow that. After all, it'll be to your disadvantage that others competing against you have more time to prepare for questions that you only have a minute to prepare for.

- It seems like this year interview day will finish earlier than last year. You should be done around 1:30pm. After that you're free to sit in any lecture or lab that's going on (i recommend the anatomy lab if it's it's available). Otherwise go to MLC lecture. By the way, this year interviews are gonna be done around January instead of March like last year because the new interview process allows it to be done faster.

- Utilize the student host if you can. It'll save you $.

- Upstate is under probation as of right now. LCME will come back to visit us in March 2013 and we think that they'll lift the probation by then because we have fixed all the issues that we were cited for.

- If you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them.

Congrats to those who got interviews. Good luck! :luck:

Edit:

I forgot to mention that there are some special Wednesdays when there will be 2 interview sessions: morning and afternoon. You can choose to do the morning one (9:30-10:45am) or the afternoon one (1:30-2:45pm), hopefully when you schedule your interview date. For the morning session, the MMI will be done from 9:30-10:45pm, followed by Q&A session with the admission director, then campus tour and reception, and finishes at 1:30pm. For the afternoon session, MMI will be done from 1:30 - 2:45pm, followed by Q&A session, then campus tour and reception. I'm not sure when the afternoon session will conclude, but my guess is 5:30pm.

Thanks for the info!

MMI scares the crap out of me...

+1 but 5 mins doesn't seem so bad...

It can be when you have no idea what to talk about.

Also, still literally no communication. At all.

Is this school open to LOIs?

Is this school open to LOIs?

I sent one recently, and they were literally just like, "Kthx." So maybe, maybe not. haha :lame:

Interview Invite. Saw it on status page today. Not sure how long it has been there

Edit: Complete 8/3

Interview Invite. Saw it on status page today. Not sure how long it has been there.


when were you complete?

Interview Invite. Saw it on status page today. Not sure how long it has been there

Edit: Complete 8/3

Interview Invite via status change yesterday. Complete 8/8. I guess we should wait to schedule the interview until we receive the official email?

Do they do silent rejections?

I was complete Jul 27 :(

Interview Invite via status change yesterday. Complete 8/8. I guess we should wait to schedule the interview until we receive the official email?

I think you can go ahead an book an interview spot. I think the status page is supposed to be your only source for updates (i.e. they may not be sending emails).

ANY MSTPers, anyone, get anything?

congrats to those who got interviews, mind sharing stats?

Interview invite! Holy ^@@*!!!!

IS (actually live in Syracuse), 3.6, 32. Complete 8/8

Interview invite! Holy ^@@*!!!!

IS (actually live in Syracuse), 3.6, 32. Complete 8/8

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

II today. Complete 8/15. I think we are supposed to wait for the official email or else the reservation doesn't go through...

Pre-interview hold :confused:

pre-interview hold :confused:


+1

:( :(:(

+1

:( :(:(

same :(

Me too. Just got the hold email. 3.4/3.2/34R in state

on hold, OOS, complete 7/13

Also on hold. :(

also on hold. :(

+1

+1... chances getting off hold? also OOS, wasn't sure what last yrs class chances were

How the **** am I not even complete yet?

+1... chances getting off hold? also OOS, wasn't sure what last yrs class chances were

idk but they relook at the apps in Dec/Jan and there were some ppl (counted 3 ppl!!) that got interviews, while others rejected!

i got the pre-interview hold, anyone know if that really means rejected lol

+1... Chances getting off hold? Also oos, wasn't sure what last yrs class chances were


+5 :(.

I'm on hold as well

Woohoo Interview Invite via the status page!
IS cGPA 3.6 sGPA 3.58 MCAT 33Q

E-mail was pretty clear, hold and/or pre-interview, seems like Upstate is willing to take a second look...I'm hopeful, I used to transport patients there and their hospital is pretty sweet...good luck to the other holds....

.

Same. Pre interview hold. Way to be decisive upstate!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using SDN Mobile

Thanks for the info!

Will each of the mini-interviews literally be 5 minutes of the candidate speaking? or will it be more of a discussion with the interviewer?

Will each of the mini-interviews literally be 5 minutes of the candidate speaking? or will it be more of a discussion with the interviewer?

+1

BTW, did anyone get the II email yet?

I guess I'm out of the running forever from Upstate considering I'm not even complete.

GL to the rest of you guys.

- Upstate is under probation as of right now. LCME will come back to visit us in March 2013 and we think that they'll lift the probation by then because we have fixed all the issues that we were cited for.

- If you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them.

Hey Inphan, thanks for all the great info. I was looking into the probation, and wanted to know your take on it. It seems like it was due to 3 factors: lack of a central committee, cheating among 4th year students, and lack of consistency between the Binghamton and Syracuse campuses.

Do you have any more info on the last issue? What is your take on Binghamton vs. Syracuse? Thanks!

Got put on hold here as well. Not looking too optimistic..

I guess I'm out of the running forever from Upstate considering I'm not even complete.

GL to the rest of you guys.

They made a decision on you before you were complete? What happened?

On hold as well :(

On hold email today (OOS)

Anybody else having trouble scheduling an interview. I schedled for October 3rd a week ago but my status still says no date has been selected.

Anybody else having trouble scheduling an interview. I schedled for October 3rd a week ago but my status still says no date has been selected.
Did you get an official email inviting you to interview yet? Supposedly your reservation doesn't go through until you have received this email, even though you status on their website says you have been selected to interview. I am personally still waiting for this email after my status changed on Friday. I figure it'll come some time this week...

+1

BTW, did anyone get the II email yet?

Nope still waiting

Did you get an official email inviting you to interview yet? Supposedly your reservation doesn't go through until you have received this email, even though you status on their website says you have been selected to interview. I am personally still waiting for this email after my status changed on Friday. I figure it'll come some time this week...

Yeah I was told not to schedule a date before I get the email, which I still didn't get btw :(

Yeah I was told not to schedule a date before I get the email, which I still didn't get btw :(

Where did you hear this? I was never told about waiting for an email.

Where did you hear this? I was never told about waiting for an email.

Look at the previous page in this thread. Multiple people including a current student said that that's what you're supposed to do or else there is trouble processing the request.

Just received the email. Scheduled! :)

Just received the email. Scheduled! :)

Me too, although it still says no date selected on the main page. I guess someone needs to change it manually?

Me too, although it still says no date selected on the main page. I guess someone needs to change it manually?

After you've scheduled it? Mine changed immediately..

just received the email. Scheduled! :)

+1
OOS, (Canadian)

just received the email. Scheduled! :)

+2

+2


for the people with II, congrats!

do you mind sharing stats, and if IS/OOS?

I was put on hold yesterday (OOS) :(

II yesterday 8/27
Secondary complete 8/15

3.6/35 in state.

II Invite!

Complete 8/15

II yesterday (first one!!)
Complete 8/15
OOS 3.6/3.7/35

If there are any current students on this thread, I would like to ask you about the Binghamton campus. I know that SUNY claims that Binghamton campus would give students the same opportunities, but I would like to know the behind-the-scenes opinions on the Binghamton campus.

If there are any current students on this thread, I would like to ask you about the Binghamton campus. I know that SUNY claims that Binghamton campus would give students the same opportunities, but I would like to know the behind-the-scenes opinions on the Binghamton campus.

+1

just got the email about the Binghamton campus

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I'll try it. I scheduled an interview for Sept 12th and I was wondering if there is anyone else from NYC that would like to carpool? I don't have a car nor do I really drive, but I will split the cost of gas and help with navigation. Any takers?

TL;DR – I’m a 4th year at Upstate who was Binghamton Campus. They are very different experiences, but equal opportunity to excel in both. Binghamton campus has people going for Derm, Rad Onc, Neurosurgery, Surgery, Anesthesia, and Ortho this year; so you are not limited to primary care. And remember you can come back to Syracuse for 4th year.

This got long, I tried to give my general impression of the experiences. If you have specific questions that interest you, ask away and I will try not to write a novella again.

While the school would like to claim the Binghamton and Syracuse campuses are the same, and the LCME would like to force the issue, the truth is they are not and honestly should not be. This is not to say that the differences are negative, it simply reflects the reality of having your clinical training occur in a community hospital setting rather than an academic hospital setting. I can provide some insight, however there are major curriculum overhauls occurring over the next couple years. Contrary to what a previous poster said about having met all the LCME requirements, we are not there; however the school is well on track to being there (at least on paper). As such, my experience may not exactly reflect what the next few years will bring.

1) Research – Syracuse wins. Traditionally if you wanted to conduct research you needed to stay in Syracuse. This is changing. A new dean was hired this past year at the Binghamton campus who has put an emphasis on opening opportunities for students to do research and she is actively seeking collaborations with physicians in the community and at other institutions. This year saw a number of students provided the opportunity to participate in research across multiple specialties and I would expect the opportunities to continue to expand. That said, Syracuse still offers more opportunities at the moment by virtue of being an academic center.

2) Family medicine – Binghamton wins. Family Medicine at Binghamton is a longitudinal course where you are in the office one afternoon a week for the entire year. Additionally, once a month you get together for some of the longest, least efficient lectures you will ever experience. The grading is based on in house exams and assignments. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great experience and I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to follow a single attending for an entire year for anything (excellent way to learn and to get a LOR); but the lectures are a tragedy (but easy so most of us read other material during them). Traditionally Syracuse just had one block of family medicine, and is just 8 weeks of outpatient medicine. Not better or worse, just different. I like the continuity of the year long course though.

3) Internal Medicine – I’m really not sure and think it is mostly who your residents are. In Binghamton we have traditionally rotated through Robert Packer hospital in Sayre, PA; a local hospital in Binghamton, and an outpatient office. In Syracuse I think you just spent the entire time in a single hospital. This rotation is hit or miss and really determined by who your residents are, to a degree who your attending are, and very much by how motivated you are. You might see more complicated cases at Syracuse; but this won’t actually prepare you better for your shelf exams and you will have less time to actually learn the basics (more scut, more rushing to cover case load, more attitudes from what I hear).

4) Surgery – Depends on your goals. If you want to be a surgeon, Syracuse is probably best with Sayre next. If you just want to get through the rotation, Binghamton is the place. The rotation can be done at Binghamton, Sayre, or Syracuse. In Binghamton, you will mostly stand in a corner for 40 hours a week watching one or two specialties. In Sayre, you will be exposed to all specialties, be actively involved, and the surgeons are really nice people; but you will work no less than 60-70 hours a week (I often hit 90, but it was my own doing rather than being made to). Syracuse, I think they get you more involved, again more along the 60-70 hours a week, moderate exposure to specialties but may have to work to see something that interests you; however more traditional malignant surgical personalities exist here.

5) Ob/gyn – Very different experiences. I have heard extremely negative feedback from the Syracuse campus because of the physicians involved. That said, there is a new course director and you will gain more clinical experience. So, it may get better. In Binghamton, you need to explicitly request specific physicians if you want clinical experience as many are private practice and do not want to force students on their patients. This is particularly true if you are a male student, in which case you can go days without being let in a room. That said, I am a male, did learn a lot, did well on my shelf, and obtained extra experience by hanging around the hospital after office hours. So no real reason to complain about it. Not sure which campus has the advantage here.

6) Neuro – Syracuse wins. No further discussion needed. The neurosurgeons in Binghamton are great; but the neurologists want absolutely nothing to do with us. It will provide you the opportunity to study for your shelf for 2 weeks, but you will gain no clinical experience at all.

7) Pediatrics – Syracuse wins again. With Golisano hospital there is a drastically higher case load and dedicated pediatric faculty. In Binghamton, it is run by family medicine (with a number of malignant personalities involved) and depending on time of year there may be fewer than 2 pediatric patients in the hospital.

8) Psych – Binghamton wins. Literally, on day one you will be put into clinical situations. It is a shock to the system, but in retrospect it was amazing learning. The faculty is very supportive and time is carved out every day for dedicated lecture and case discussion. In Syracuse, they traditionally spent several weeks doing nothing but lecture. And after that they still had minimal clinical exposure. A new course director is in charge and this may change, but from last year, I did not hear one good review of the course including from students going into Psych.

9) Emergency Medicine - Syracuse wins. They have much higher case load, with faculty and residents that are used to teaching. In Binghamton, it is still very new and they were still figuring out how to handle it all this year. Nice guys, mean well, not a worthwhile experience.

10) Support Staff – Binghamton wins. Hard to explain, but once you’ve been in Syracuse for a while you will understand why they post the motto “Life is a do it yourself project”. In contrast, Binghamton expects you to be self sufficient, but actively works to streamline the process and remove unnecessary complications from your path.

TL;DR – I’m a 4th year at Upstate who was Binghamton Campus. They are very different experiences, but equal opportunity to excel in both. Binghamton campus has people going for Derm, Rad Onc, Neurosurgery, Surgery, Anesthesia, and Ortho this year; so you are not limited to primary care. And remember you can come back to Syracuse for 4th year.

This got long, I tried to give my general impression of the experiences. If you have specific questions that interest you, ask away and I will try not to write a novella again.

While the school would like to claim the Binghamton and Syracuse campuses are the same, and the LCME would like to force the issue, the truth is they are not and honestly should not be. This is not to say that the differences are negative, it simply reflects the reality of having your clinical training occur in a community hospital setting rather than an academic hospital setting. I can provide some insight, however there are major curriculum overhauls occurring over the next couple years. Contrary to what a previous poster said about having met all the LCME requirements, we are not there; however the school is well on track to being there (at least on paper). As such, my experience may not exactly reflect what the next few years will bring.

1) Research – Syracuse wins. Traditionally if you wanted to conduct research you needed to stay in Syracuse. This is changing. A new dean was hired this past year at the Binghamton campus who has put an emphasis on opening opportunities for students to do research and she is actively seeking collaborations with physicians in the community and at other institutions. This year saw a number of students provided the opportunity to participate in research across multiple specialties and I would expect the opportunities to continue to expand. That said, Syracuse still offers more opportunities at the moment by virtue of being an academic center.

2) Family medicine – Binghamton wins. Family Medicine at Binghamton is a longitudinal course where you are in the office one afternoon a week for the entire year. Additionally, once a month you get together for some of the longest, least efficient lectures you will ever experience. The grading is based on in house exams and assignments. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great experience and I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to follow a single attending for an entire year for anything (excellent way to learn and to get a LOR); but the lectures are a tragedy (but easy so most of us read other material during them). Traditionally Syracuse just had one block of family medicine, and is just 8 weeks of outpatient medicine. Not better or worse, just different. I like the continuity of the year long course though.

3) Internal Medicine – I’m really not sure and think it is mostly who your residents are. In Binghamton we have traditionally rotated through Robert Packer hospital in Sayre, PA; a local hospital in Binghamton, and an outpatient office. In Syracuse I think you just spent the entire time in a single hospital. This rotation is hit or miss and really determined by who your residents are, to a degree who your attending are, and very much by how motivated you are. You might see more complicated cases at Syracuse; but this won’t actually prepare you better for your shelf exams and you will have less time to actually learn the basics (more scut, more rushing to cover case load, more attitudes from what I hear).

4) Surgery – Depends on your goals. If you want to be a surgeon, Syracuse is probably best with Sayre next. If you just want to get through the rotation, Binghamton is the place. The rotation can be done at Binghamton, Sayre, or Syracuse. In Binghamton, you will mostly stand in a corner for 40 hours a week watching one or two specialties. In Sayre, you will be exposed to all specialties, be actively involved, and the surgeons are really nice people; but you will work no less than 60-70 hours a week (I often hit 90, but it was my own doing rather than being made to). Syracuse, I think they get you more involved, again more along the 60-70 hours a week, moderate exposure to specialties but may have to work to see something that interests you; however more traditional malignant surgical personalities exist here.

5) Ob/gyn – Very different experiences. I have heard extremely negative feedback from the Syracuse campus because of the physicians involved. That said, there is a new course director and you will gain more clinical experience. So, it may get better. In Binghamton, you need to explicitly request specific physicians if you want clinical experience as many are private practice and do not want to force students on their patients. This is particularly true if you are a male student, in which case you can go days without being let in a room. That said, I am a male, did learn a lot, did well on my shelf, and obtained extra experience by hanging around the hospital after office hours. So no real reason to complain about it. Not sure which campus has the advantage here.

6) Neuro – Syracuse wins. No further discussion needed. The neurosurgeons in Binghamton are great; but the neurologists want absolutely nothing to do with us. It will provide you the opportunity to study for your shelf for 2 weeks, but you will gain no clinical experience at all.

7) Pediatrics – Syracuse wins again. With Golisano hospital there is a drastically higher case load and dedicated pediatric faculty. In Binghamton, it is run by family medicine (with a number of malignant personalities involved) and depending on time of year there may be fewer than 2 pediatric patients in the hospital.

8) Psych – Binghamton wins. Literally, on day one you will be put into clinical situations. It is a shock to the system, but in retrospect it was amazing learning. The faculty is very supportive and time is carved out every day for dedicated lecture and case discussion. In Syracuse, they traditionally spent several weeks doing nothing but lecture. And after that they still had minimal clinical exposure. A new course director is in charge and this may change, but from last year, I did not hear one good review of the course including from students going into Psych.

9) Emergency Medicine - Syracuse wins. They have much higher case load, with faculty and residents that are used to teaching. In Binghamton, it is still very new and they were still figuring out how to handle it all this year. Nice guys, mean well, not a worthwhile experience.

10) Support Staff – Binghamton wins. Hard to explain, but once you’ve been in Syracuse for a while you will understand why they post the motto “Life is a do it yourself project”. In contrast, Binghamton expects you to be self sufficient, but actively works to streamline the process and remove unnecessary complications from your path.
Very helpful, thanks a bunch!

Hey all. How do we designate our campus preference? (ie binghamton or Syracuse)

Hey all. How do we designate our campus preference? (ie binghamton or Syracuse)

You select your preference after your interview within two weeks.

Is anyone planning on going to the Binghamton open-house?

Is the campus u choose a factor in admissions? If I select only Syracuse is that a bad thing?

Campus choice is not considered unless you are on the wait list. At that point it just becomes an issue of which campus has slots left for students.

Campus choice is not considered unless you are on the wait list. At that point it just becomes an issue of which campus has slots left for students.

Thanks for the help!:)

Upstate just sent me an email telling me I was still incomplete.

At this point in the game I don't even think it's worth it.

A NYS school robbed from me, **** life.

I just got an II and the earliest date available was late October and I selected it. Is it worth calling to tell them I would rather an earlier date if one comes available?

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Done interview! MMI was pretty interesting. For each station you get 2 min to prepare, 5 min to talk, and plenty of time to relax in between. Very low stress and lots of smiling people.
:xf:

Done interview! MMI was pretty interesting. For each station you get 2 min to prepare, 5 min to talk, and plenty of time to relax in between. Very low stress and lots of smiling people.
:xf:

What kind of questions? Ethical? about your app? about news?

Done interview! MMI was pretty interesting. For each station you get 2 min to prepare, 5 min to talk, and plenty of time to relax in between. Very low stress and lots of smiling people.
:xf:

Glad to hear it went well for you! I have a logistical question - did the admissions office let you leave your bag somewhere at the school while you're interviewing? That would certainly make things more convenient for me ..

Hope you hear some good news from them in October!

What kind of questions? Ethical? about your app? about news?

I prepared for this MMI just as I would for a regular interview, and it worked for me. Sorry I'm not allowed to tell you any more specifics. ;)

Glad to hear it went well for you! I have a logistical question - did the admissions office let you leave your bag somewhere at the school while you're interviewing? That would certainly make things more convenient for me ..

Hope you hear some good news from them in October!

Thank you! So all of you will meet up in a conference room where you can leave your belongings. They'll lock the door for you while the interviews take place.

Thanks for your input, I was wondering what interviews were like here. Low stress = greatly preferred.

I prepared for this MMI just as I would for a regular interview, and it worked for me. Sorry I'm not allowed to tell you any more specifics. ;)
I just got back from two years abroad and have my interview in less than a week. Any tips on how to prepare?

I just got back from two years abroad and have my interview in less than a week. Any tips on how to prepare?

your two years abroad was all the preparation you'd ever need, i'd imagine. peace corps?

your two years abroad was all the preparation you'd ever need, i'd imagine. peace corps?
yepp, unfortunately it's left me with no filter (since no one in my village understood english) and broken english. I haven't had to answer questions about myself beyond "have you eaten rice yet?" and "why aren't you married?" in a long time. So, I'm a little nervous about coming face to face with intelligent native English speakers whose primary job is to judge my worthiness.

II invite! Complete 8/24

I also interviewed yesterday and it was a great and stress-free experience. I was nervous during my first two stations, but eventually got the hang of it and started to enjoy the whole MMI experience. The interviewers were also really nice and made sure not to make you feel uncomfortable. After the interview, we sat in on a class, had lunch and then had a short presentation and tour. Really great school and would love to go here

yepp, unfortunately it's left me with no filter (since no one in my village understood english) and broken english. I haven't had to answer questions about myself beyond "have you eaten rice yet?" and "why aren't you married?" in a long time. So, I'm a little nervous about coming face to face with intelligent native English speakers whose primary job is to judge my worthiness.

sounds like a cool experience though, looking forward to meeting you next week. i would just go over a few bioethics topics, a little info on the healthcare system, etc.

from the sound of it, it doesn't seem like they are really going to grill us on anything.

Very helpful, thanks a bunch!
Totally agree with the summations of Syracuse and Binghamton...I went to SUNY Binghamton for undergrad and worked there (as an EMT) for an agency in the city of Binghamton (not Vestal where the actual campus is located). Psych is huge there and I always heard a lot about the Syracuse campus, but I am not sure how good they are about teaching...the nursing program was always huge, but otherwise the physicians and staff did not seem very excited about teaching....I would think OB/GYN would be huge in Syracuse as Wilson Regional Medical Center (Johnson City - Binghamton) often shift high-risk pregnancies up there often...

also had my interview here...i thought i did pretty well lol but we'll see. everyone was really nice including the other interviewees. Would be really happy here I think.

On hold :scared:

Thank you! So all of you will meet up in a conference room where you can leave your belongings. They'll lock the door for you while the interviews take place.

Perfect, that's exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks!

.

.

Does anyone know if sending an update/letter of interest after being put on hold will help out your application?

So I'm going to sound stupid for asking...but how did you guys check your statuses? Did you just sign in to the same page as the secondary?

So I'm going to sound stupid for asking...but how did you guys check your statuses? Did you just sign in to the same page as the secondary?

Yes. If you have an interview invite, it will be at the very bottom of the first page you see after login (page where you select your application year).

I have a struggle. I live in the pioneer valley in western mass, which makes it REAL HARD to go anywhere other than NYC or Boston on public transportation. I was going to go the same day as my fiance because he has a car and can drive, but Nov. 5th closed up before I got my invite:confused:. Any ideas on what I should do? Now the earliest open date is in December.

zzzz

So is there a link on the status page that shows up if you're on hold, or does that just mean you haven't heard anything back yet?

Can someone please post the secondary questions. It would be super appreciated! =)

Can someone please post the secondary questions. It would be super appreciated! =)

there are none

on hold gg =/

there are none
Thanks =)!

Just got the invite for Rural medicine. Anyone have info on this? Is there any financial support? I couldnt find any numbers on this program I am OOS far away in Mississippi and trying to decide if I should submit the app. Thanks

Anyone doing or did this?

anyone interviewing this wednesday 9/19 want to meet up tomorrow, the night before the interview?

pre-interview hold...

I logged into the SUNY Upstate application website, and I got an interview invite. I didn't get an email or anything though. Just found out now. IDK how long the status has been like that.

I was fortunate enough to get an interview spot on 10/3. Most other spots are filled until December.

Stats: 3.56/3.57/39R.

Hi, just posting to ask if anyone who interviewed here either today or before, what was the interview experience like? I have my first interview next week, and I am super nervous about this MMI experience? Is it a relaxed atmosphere? Any input is appreciated :)

Hi, just posting to ask if anyone who interviewed here either today or before, what was the interview experience like? I have my first interview next week, and I am super nervous about this MMI experience? Is it a relaxed atmosphere? Any input is appreciated :)
Yeah I thought it was pretty chill. I'm not a fan of MMI, but my Upstate interviewers and proctors were all very nice and guided us through the whole thing.

Yeah I thought it was pretty chill. I'm not a fan of MMI, but my Upstate interviewers and proctors were all very nice and guided us through the whole thing.


Thanks for your input! I am just hoping this goes well, my first and only interview so far

Does anyone have any good MMI tips?

Does anyone have any good MMI tips?

only one. chillax.

Hey. Does anybody no any good hotels near the interview site for the school? I am looking at priceline,kayak, fly.com, and other sites to find something. Thanx.

Hey. Does anybody no any good hotels near the interview site for the school? I am looking at priceline,kayak, fly.com, and other sites to find something. Thanx.

Yeah I booked one, its called Red Carpet Inn North Syracuse, it was reasonably cheap, its not that far from the school and I will be renting a car, so it should only take my 5 to 10 mins to drive there.

Yeah I booked one, its called Red Carpet Inn North Syracuse, it was reasonably cheap, its not that far from the school and I will be renting a car, so it should only take my 5 to 10 mins to drive there.

Thank You so much!!! So the hospital is closer to North Syracuse. I was about to book an east Syracuse hotel!!! :love:

Thank You so much!!! So the hospital is closer to North Syracuse. I was about to book an east Syracuse hotel!!! :love:

No worries, when is your interview, mine is for this wednesday the 26th

No worries, when is your interview, mine is for this wednesday the 26th
My interview is the 29th of october. And good luck on you interview!!!! :thumbup::luck:

My interview is the 29th of october. And good luck on you interview!!!! :thumbup::luck:

Thanks, good luck to you too!!

No worries, when is your interview, mine is for this wednesday the 26th

I will be there on the 26th too! I fly out later today! See you there and best of luck! :)

At what time does the interview day end?

I will be there on the 26th too! I fly out later today! See you there and best of luck! :)

Awesome, ill see you there I have to be there @ 8:45, so I guess we will be doing the morning interview

Had my interview yesterday. It was my first one. I got there around 8:30, and all but one of the15 other interviewees were already there (gunners). MMI wasn't too bad. I obviously cant talk about the stations, but overall the system was efficient and quick. Five minutes each, for a total of 40 minutes. The rest of the day included a tour given by students, a presentation, and lunch. We finished at 1 PM, except for the rural med and MSTP students, who had further interviews after 1. I like the school more than I thought I would, probably because I noticed that there are several pretty girls there =]

Hello All! MS2 here at Upstate. I am involved in the E-board and can tell you a little about the Probation details because it seemed to be plaguing a lot of the interviewees I met the other day.
Bottom Line:
PROBATION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ACTUAL CURRICULUM!

Unfortunately when the media got hold of it, they perceived it that way.
The best part is that the people who really count know that it was an administrative problem that has since been almost completely remedied by the earlier calendar start (we used to be one of four of the latest starting schools) now allowing for way more time for exploring electives and specialties before residency applications.

What do I mean when I say the people that really matter?
Our 4th years last year had NO PROBLEMS matching. You heard right. Zero. Why? because their average board scores and other exposure in clinical situations is still ABOVE AVERAGE compared to the nation.

The people that matter most to us students are the health care professionals in the area and the residency programs. They have access to the LCME findings and they know why it happened too. And you know what? They all still have faith in our abilities based on the fact that we are constantly offered and entrusted with clinical duties and we are all still matching with no issue.

The great part about this was it fixed a problem I had thought about when I was applying with friends. Why the late start? Basically this and some other scheduling and timing issues were the main communication foundations of the probation.

I am happy that it happened because now I will not be rushing like some 4th years had to to complete my applications. I will be able to get them in early and know I explored many more specialties.

So hope that put your mind at ease. The public and media unfortunately do not have access to the LCME so they inferred and incorrectly painted the issue as we were not trained properly.

I love it here.
I love that I saw patients my second week here because of fantastic volunteer and shadowing opportunities.
I am happy about the calendar change and the communication lines that were opened up because of this.
Probation and the lifting of it in March are the best thing that could have happened I think.

Happy Travelling and Applying!

-MS2

P.S. Crowne Plaza is a close hotel. And if you are going to do Kayak, search around East Adams St. or Upstate Hospital. It is not North Syracuse or East Syracuse as some people have thought.
My advice is e-mail about a student host. We love when you guys come and want to show you everything we can and make you feel relaxed, not stressed, before your interview.

How long does the interview day last? I'm trying to make travel arrangements, and knowing the time we should be done by would help. Thanks!

I emailed the admissions office, and they said it would be done by 3.

Hmm I got a ticket already to leave at 4.. I thought it ends at least by 2, whether the interview starts on 8 or 10..
Also is anyone having a stay at the geneva tower? or have stayed before?

Hmm I got a ticket already to leave at 4.. I thought it ends at least by 2, whether the interview starts on 8 or 10..
Also is anyone having a stay at the geneva tower? or have stayed before?

I might be staying at the Geneva Tower. Just waiting to hear back from a student host.

Does anyone know what would be the best, cheapest way to get to the campus from the Syracuse Airport?

Pretty sure the Crowne Plaza runs free shuttles to and from the airport, though if you intend on staying there you should call and check how that runs. Not sure about any other hotels. Worth a call to where ever you intend on staying to ask.

Other than a shuttle, I'm not sure what options exist other than rent a car or get a taxi.

Edit: Just looked at the Syracuse Airport website. Says there are no buses from the airport to downtown. However it also says several hotels do run shuttles and courtesy phones exist in the airport to call your hotel for a shuttle. Definitely worth asking your hotel if they have a shuttle and a courtesy phone at the airport.

What's the consensus on sending in a letter of interest to Upstate before an interview invitation? My grades are below the matriculant average, but what I have to say might convince them! It's unfortunate that Upstate doesn't have secondary application essays, so that applicants can't express themselves beyond AMCAS... As OOS, this is one of my top choices, primarily due to location and network, so I REALLY want to interview here.

Anybody going to the MD/PhD interview in December?

asking for a friend applying here- does Upstate send out Rejection emails or do they do silent rejections?

i interviewed here a few weeks ago and I really liked it. i thought my interviews went decent too so I am really hopeful I get in.

i interviewed here a few weeks ago and I really liked it. i thought my interviews went decent too so I am really hopeful I get in.

How did you prepare for the MMI format? I am interviewing there next week and I am kinda freaking out lol

For anyone who drove, how was the parking situation? I go to school about an hour away and am driving up that morning.

II today. IS 3.7 33O. Earliest dates are in dec so ill probably pick one of those.

For anyone who drove, how was the parking situation? I go to school about an hour away and am driving up that morning.

I really wasn't sure where to park, so I just parked in the hospital parking lot for 14 bucks and walked. Its a short block away.

I really wasn't sure where to park, so I just parked in the hospital parking lot for 14 bucks and walked. Its a short block away.
OK cool so it was just one of those two parking garages?

OK cool so it was just one of those two parking garages?

I think he means the parking lot of Crouse Hospital.

I think he means the parking lot of Crouse Hospital.

i just prepared as if it was a regular interview and I thought it went fine

I think he means the parking lot of Crouse Hospital.

I did in fact mean the Crouse parking lot. Again, guys, very laid-back atmosphere. I didn't prepare at all for the interviews here, since you really can't. Be relaxed - it is all about finding how you respond under time constraints and without preparation.

Anyone knows how many upstate interview and accept for both in state and oos?

I did in fact mean the Crouse parking lot. Again, guys, very laid-back atmosphere. I didn't prepare at all for the interviews here, since you really can't. Be relaxed - it is all about finding how you respond under time constraints and without preparation.

+1

I interviewed at Upstate recently and it was really chill. No need to stress (although I myself did stress before going there lol) because everyone's really friendly and definitely trying to help. Like the above poster said, there is no real way to prepare for the MMI. Just know that they won't make you do stupid tasks like "do a blindfold origami", "explain how to tie your shoelaces without using your hands"

For anyone who drove, how was the parking situation? I go to school about an hour away and am driving up that morning.
It was pretty easy to work out parking, I just went to parking garage (I think it was across from the Children's Hospital) and then walked across the street.

this is going to sound stupid but whatever

when asked for which term you are applying for (when making the payment) did you select Summer or Fall?

pre-interview hold just now... 3.65/32 in state

For those who have interviewed already,

so If it's MMI, does that mean that we ever have one-on-one interview? As far as I know MMI tests your capability of certain tasks, rather than answering or conversing with interviewers. Is this correct? Or should I still be prepared for typical questions like why upstate or why medicine? :)

Thanks for the help!

For those who have interviewed already,

so If it's MMI, does that mean that we ever have one-on-one interview? As far as I know MMI tests your capability of certain tasks, rather than answering or conversing with interviewers. Is this correct? Or should I still be prepared for typical questions like why upstate or why medicine? :)

Thanks for the help!
Prepare for the standard questions.