2011-2012 Stony Brook Application Thread

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Originally Posted by Pichuhunny

I didn't get invited to an interview yet and they are interviewing up to mid April I think. Is it safe to assume that I got rejected?

I think so. I got a rejection letter via snail-mail today

Originally Posted by mac316

+1
will be 10 weeks tomorrow.
Spoke to the office today, they said there is at least 1 more day of interviews left, but, they hope to have decisions real soon.

I really have no idea what to make of this . Lol. Are they waiting til interviews are done , ranking everyone , then sending out decisions ? This would , in theory limit the number of waitlists . I could go on and on with the hypotheses lol.

Originally Posted by mac316

+1
will be 10 weeks tomorrow.
Spoke to the office today, they said there is at least 1 more day of interviews left, but, they hope to have decisions real soon.

Hmm.... it has been over 4 months since I interviewed... i am hoping for the best but it's hard to remain hopeful at his point. I guess they are waiting for the interview days to be over.

Originally Posted by 2BDR

Hmm.... it has been over 4 months since I interviewed... i am hoping for the best but it's hard to remain hopeful at his point. I guess they are waiting for the interview days to be over.

woww... i thought the group of ppl posting on here that had been waiting 10 weeks had been waiting the longest.... yea i guess they have a bunch of people lumped together that they will be ranking all at once once interviews are over... i.e. everyone left.... which again in theory could limit the number of waitlists. maybe stony has too many people holding acceptances... so they are slow playing it like this..... i'm sure they have their reasons lol.

but how about this for a question. for anyone who has interviewed recently, lets say march 1 or later, or better yet people who interviewed in april, how long did they say you'd have to wait for a decision?

Originally Posted by 2BDR

Hmm.... it has been over 4 months since I interviewed... i am hoping for the best but it's hard to remain hopeful at his point. I guess they are waiting for the interview days to be over.

let's put it this way though. i doubt they filed away your app and and forget about it. they probably have evaluated you, at least once, and are holding your evaluation. so what i mean is dont be discourage...

My guess is they were just not ready for the increased number of suitable applicants they got this year. I know that many schools both MD and DO have had vast increases in the number of applications. Blame it on the economy or whatever! End result, people with decent stats who would have had a much easier time getting into school previous years are struggling.

i called the admissions office yesterday and the receptionist told me they're trying to get all the final results out by the end of this week or the next. so keep your hopes up everyone!!!

I called on Monday and got the same response. I also got the same response two weeks ago though... haha

Eek, So I guess they won't be taking very many people off the waitlist this year...

Originally Posted by hellocubed

Eek, So I guess they won't be taking very many people off the waitlist this year...

Lol why do u infer that ??

Can any students confirm if the estimated cost of attendance (link below) is close to the actual costs? I know the numbers are overestimated in some schools (room, books, fees, transportation) and I'm trying to establish better estimates of true costs. In this case, the room estimate looks a tad low at $7755 for the area if it's meant to include rent+utilities+internet for 12 months (or is it a 10-month estimate?). I saw room postings for about $800/month+utilities when I was there.

http://medicine.stonybrookmedicine.e...ancialaid#cost

Lol why do u infer that ??

Or the waitlist will be a lot bigger this year.
I have my fingers crossed though

Originally Posted by ghostman

Can any students confirm if the estimated cost of attendance (link below) is close to the actual costs? I know the numbers are overestimated in some schools (room, books, fees, transportation) and I'm trying to establish better estimates of true costs. In this case, the room estimate looks a tad low at $7755 for the area if it's meant to include rent+utilities+internet for 12 months (or is it a 10-month estimate?). I saw room postings for about $800/month+utilities when I was there.

http://medicine.stonybrookmedicine.e...ancialaid#cost

800/month+utilities would get you a huge room with your own bathroom in a house very close to school/the hospital. you can find nice rooms that are way cheaper, especially if you rent a house with a group. studio apartments are not reasonably priced and run >1000/month. It should not be too hard to find something for 600/month + utilities if you share a house 10-15 minutes away from school

Originally Posted by CHOIBOY

i called the admissions office yesterday and the receptionist told me they're trying to get all the final results out by the end of this week or the next. so keep your hopes up everyone!!!

yea if you think about that it's kinda ambiguous. I'm just hoping I hear back by May 1st at this point, since I do need time to weigh stony against other schools by the may 15th deadline........ lol it's all good though.

I just received my acceptance email today! interviewed march 6th. Good luck everyone, hope to see you there next year!

I got accepted today as well. Interview also March 6th.

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

I got accepted today as well. Interview also March 6th.

do you mind sharing who you interviewed with? and what was the time stamp of the email?

I interviewed March 13 and haven't heard back yet, is it too late for a letter of intent to have any effect?

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

I got accepted today as well. Interview also March 6th.

4:25 PM today was the time,

Dr. David Cohen, MD. and Dr. Nisson Schechter, PhD interviewed me.

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

I got accepted today as well. Interview also March 6th.

since i interviewed feb 7, and haven't heard back, this really makes me think i've been placed on some sort of post interview hold... :/ oh well really hoping i hear something this week....

Originally Posted by nastyspice

since i interviewed feb 7, and haven't heard back, this really makes me think i've been placed on some sort of post interview hold... :/ oh well really hoping i hear something this week....

+1

Hey guys,

Is there some sort of high priority waiting list? Or just a regular wait list. Sorry if this is a repeat question.

I was waitlisted today I interviewed late March (second to last interview date I believe) and no word of a HPWL - does anyone know if this is still in existence this year?? I would love to go here and am wondering what kind of chance I will have.

.....

Just got put on the regular waitlist, after 10 weeks of waiting.

I'm not mad about it, I have other acceptances. It's just that stony was my first choice, and after going through the whole admissions cycle, waiting so long for a decision from my first choice was emotionally exhausting . Hence all of my complaining and anxiety, haha. Def a weight lifted off of my shoulder to hear an answer.

And I guess..... We won't know if there is a high priority waitlist.... Until someone posts on here saying they are on it.

Waitlisted
Interviewed 1/31

How are people hearing about waitlists? E-mail? Regular mail?

Originally Posted by elementnumber50

How are people hearing about waitlists? E-mail? Regular mail?

I received an E-mail this morning.

Can someone please post what the waitlist email says?

.....

Originally Posted by archer57

I am writing to inform you that the Committee on Admissions has completed its evaluation of your candidacy for admission to the 2012 entering class and we think you sux, but we would like to put your name on our waiting list of those to whom admission will be offered as places in our entering class become available.
Each year there are a certain number of people who decide to go elsewhere after originally reserving a place here, and we shall be in a position to offer acceptances to some applicants on our waiting list as this attrition takes place. I realize that you too may already hold a place at another medical school. Nonetheless, I ask that if your interest in Stony Brook remains sufficiently great and if you are interested in having your name placed on our waiting list that you please email us back within 15 days of receipt of this email. If you have already decided to attend medical school elsewhere, I also ask that you inform us within this period.
Please accept my good wishes and I thank you for the interest you have shown in Stony Brook

Ur too funny.

Originally Posted by archer57

I am writing to inform you that the Committee on Admissions has completed its evaluation of your candidacy for admission to the 2012 entering class and we think you sux, ...

Originally Posted by NastySpice

Ur too funny.

A bit of humor is the only way to stay sane through this process!

Is there a laptop minimum specs requirement? Does it have to be purchased through the school? Windows, Mac? Software that I'll need?

I already have an older laptop. Not sure if I need to purchase another one.

Originally Posted by ghostman

Is there a laptop minimum specs requirement? Does it have to be purchased through the school? Windows, Mac? Software that I'll need?

I already have an older laptop. Not sure if I need to purchase another one.

no to all of the above though you do have to have a reliable laptop since you'll be taking some tests/quizzes on it. they're through the internet browser though so no special software required.

hey guys,

i called the admissions office two days ago and the staff told me that there is no HPWL. Specifically, she said there might be one as time goes by, but as of now it is too early to know, and thus she is not aware of any HPWL as of now.

Originally Posted by CHOIBOY

hey guys,

i called the admissions office two days ago and the staff told me that there is no HPWL. Specifically, she said there might be one as time goes by, but as of now it is too early to know, and thus she is not aware of any HPWL as of now.

Sigh of relief. Thanks for the update.

Hey everyone,

would you mind posting your stats? (GPA, MCAT)

Second look day was Yesterday. Pretty Much the entire class was there. Class size is roughly 124 and it seemed like most were there. I know a few people who couldn't come, but it wasn't like 50 or 75 people.

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

Second look day was Yesterday. Pretty Much the entire class was there. Class size is roughly 124 and it seemed like most were there. I know a few people who couldn't come, but it wasn't like 50 or 75 people.

To be fair though, couldn't there have been students there that showed up but may not end up matriculating? Still some time before May 15th.

Originally Posted by effjay

To be fair though, couldn't there have been students there that showed up but may not end up matriculating? Still some time before May 15th.

I was thinking the same thing.

Originally Posted by effjay

To be fair though, couldn't there have been students there that showed up but may not end up matriculating? Still some time before May 15th.

Of course, 2nd look days has always been a situation where the tables have turned. The School is now trying to get people to chose them. Students are relaxed, many have multple acceptances and use it as a way to see more of the school, meet more of the staff, meet possible incoming students, and in some cases, set up potential roommate/housing situation.

I for one have a couple of acceptances and depending on the final financial situations, may or may not be matriculating.

One thing I'll say though, the area looks nice as far as to raise a family, or to plop yourself at home to study, but it is quite dead.

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

Of course, 2nd look days has always been a situation where the tables have turned. The School is now trying to get people to chose them. Students are relaxed, many have multple acceptances and use it as a way to see more of the school, meet more of the staff, meet possible incoming students, and in some cases, set up potential roommate/housing situation.

I for one have a couple of acceptances and depending on the final financial situations, may or may not be matriculating.

One thing I'll say though, the area looks nice as far as to raise a family, or to plop yourself at home to study, but it is quite dead.

With regard to the area, the immediate surroundings of the school is Long Island's gold coast (where guys like Rockerfeller built their estates, not the hamptons). To be perfectly honest as a Long Islander you're spoiled beyond belief in things to do/see. Just about every type of shopping, sport, music, nightlife, outing event can be found year round. However, you do need a car (public transportation isn't the best). So its the best of both worlds: peace/quiet and fun/adventurous.

but that is the thing, see, these schools always try to identify relatively far places as easy access. Stony Brook for example tries to emphasize their closeness to NYC, but the truth is, it is an hour away by car, longer depending on where in the city you want to go and if there is traffic. SUNY upstate for example tried to claim they are close to NYC, Boston and tons of other areas, but they would say things like within 5 hours from many major cities, that is cool and all, but that isn't close. If that is the case then just about any school can claim closeness to some other city. For example, Robert Wood Johnson can claim a hour away from NYC, 30 min from Newark, 30 min from Garden state mall and other areas in Bergen, an hour and 15 min from philadelphia and so forth.

I guess my point is, If you are Hofstra, or NY medical college and truly just outside of NYC, then that is fine, when you are in the middle of no where and over a hour away, it isn't convenient anymore other than a "planned" trip to the city. There is no spur of the moment trips possible.

The facts are, this is coming straight from the students I met yesterday and the day before. "It is dead out here" is a direct quote, "great place to live and raise family" is a direct quote. If yo u like beaches, then in the summer it isnt' to far away. If you like small town bar scene then there is a few spots to go. If you like wineries and a few similar stuff then again that is fine. If you are very social and you know some folks in the Hamtons, for which I know some people who do and therefore travel there for events/party and the scene then fine but this is No NYC, it isn't smaller cities like Boston or Philly, it isn't Richmond (VCU) or DC and people should understand that. What you are getting is quintessential suburbia. None of the upper classmen houses I saw is located in a place where you could even down the street for a pack of gum or a ham sandwich. You simply need a car as it is much more residential than commercial. (this is not necessarily a bad thing like I said, it gives you plenty of opportunity to focus, and as long as you have a car, you can get what you need, and the houses the students were living in were like full houses that families would settle in. Great stuff)

I'm not sure what you meant by sport, if that means other things like hiking or horseback riding or golf then that is possible. If it means professional sports like Yankees (hour and 10 min away (no traffic), Mets ( an hour away no traffic), islanders (almost an hour away), Giants (probably an hour and a half or an hour 45 mins away) then these things aren't exactly spur of the moment close. Stony Brook U itself is 1AA in most sports so it isn't like you are going to be watching them much.

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

but that is the thing, see, these schools always try to identify relatively far places as easy access. Stony Brook for example tries to emphasize their closeness to NYC, but the truth is, it is an hour away by car, longer depending on where in the city you want to go and if there is traffic. SUNY upstate for example tried to claim they are close to NYC, Boston and tons of other areas, but they would say things like within 5 hours from many major cities, that is cool and all, but that isn't close. If that is the case then just about any school can claim closeness to some other city. For example, Robert Wood Johnson can claim a hour away from NYC, 30 min from Newark, 30 min from Garden state mall and other areas in Bergen, an hour and 15 min from philadelphia and so forth.

I guess my point is, If you are Hofstra, or NY medical college and truly just outside of NYC, then that is fine, when you are in the middle of no where and over a hour away, it isn't convenient anymore other than a "planned" trip to the city. There is no spur of the moment trips possible.

The facts are, this is coming straight from the students I met yesterday and the day before. "It is dead out here" is a direct quote, "great place to live and raise family" is a direct quote. If yo u like beaches, then in the summer it isnt' to far away. If you like small town bar scene then there is a few spots to go. If you like wineries and a few similar stuff then again that is fine. If you are very social and you know some folks in the Hamtons, for which I know some people who do and therefore travel there for events/party and the scene then fine but this is No NYC, it isn't smaller cities like Boston or Philly, it isn't Richmond (VCU) or DC and people should understand that. What you are getting is quintessential suburbia. None of the upper classmen houses I saw is located in a place where you could even down the street for a pack of gum or a ham sandwich. You simply need a car as it is much more residential than commercial. (this is not necessarily a bad thing like I said, it gives you plenty of opportunity to focus, and as long as you have a car, you can get what you need, and the houses the students were living in were like full houses that families would settle in. Great stuff)

I'm not sure what you meant by sport, if that means other things like hiking or horseback riding or golf then that is possible. If it means professional sports like Yankees (hour and 10 min away (no traffic), Mets ( an hour away no traffic), islanders (almost an hour away), Giants (probably an hour and a half or an hour 45 mins away) then these things aren't exactly spur of the moment close. Stony Brook U itself is 1AA in most sports so it isn't like you are going to be watching them much.

Sadly I have to agree with you. I went to Stony for undergrad. There wasn't much going on, both on campus and off. On weekends some people party in Port Jeff which is about 15-20 mins away by car. Other than that most people went home on the weekends or just did low-key things. I personally found the Stony Brook area extremely dead, but I've lived in NYC my entire life so I guess I'm a bit spoiled.

I have a question that I'm struggling with. I received a Fulbright ETA for the 2012-2013 school year, so that means I would need to defer. However, I'm also on the wait list for Stony Brook. Is the prestige of the Fulbright worth updating Stony Brook about? I've read that schools do not like students who would defer off the wait list. Ideally, I'd like to get an acceptance from Stony Brook AND defer for the Fulbright. Any help would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by ndino43

Sadly I have to agree with you. I went to Stony for undergrad. There wasn't much going on, both on campus and off. On weekends some people party in Port Jeff which is about 15-20 mins away by car. Other than that most people went home on the weekends or just did low-key things. I personally found the Stony Brook area extremely dead, but I've lived in NYC my entire life so I guess I'm a bit spoiled.

I think everyone can easily agree, there is only one NYC. Nothing compares to it. So if its NYC life you want then go to SUNY Downstate, AE, NYU, Columbia, etc. SBU doesn't really want to sell itself on the basis of its proximity to NYC, it doesn't have to. They consistently mention its 60 miles from Manhattan and never try to take credit as it being "down the road". Thus do with that info as you wish. Remember the reasons why you're going to med school too.

With regard to people telling you "the area is dead" then those are some very unfortunate student(s) you spoke to b/c there are hundreds of events happening all over Long Island - and that's exactly it, all over. You need a car. You need to time manage and plan accordingly to attend events that may be happening 50 miles away in Montauk or Mineola (its called LONG Island for a reason) ... check out http://events.longisland.com for example. BTW, by sport I mean sports you play: synthetic turf fields everywhere (if you're into field sports then you know that's a big deal), water sports goes without saying, etc. etc.

Originally Posted by powerincarnate

The facts are, this is coming straight from the students I met yesterday and the day before. "It is dead out here" is a direct quote, "great place to live and raise family" is a direct quote. If yo u like beaches, then in the summer it isnt' to far away. If you like small town bar scene then there is a few spots to go. If you like wineries and a few similar stuff then again that is fine. If you are very social and you know some folks in the Hamtons, for which I know some people who do and therefore travel there for events/party and the scene then fine but this is No NYC, it isn't smaller cities like Boston or Philly, it isn't Richmond (VCU) or DC and people should understand that. What you are getting is quintessential suburbia. None of the upper classmen houses I saw is located in a place where you could even down the street for a pack of gum or a ham sandwich. You simply need a car as it is much more residential than commercial. (this is not necessarily a bad thing like I said, it gives you plenty of opportunity to focus, and as long as you have a car, you can get what you need, and the houses the students were living in were like full houses that families would settle in. Great stuff)
.

i've lived in the stony brook area (well closer to the expressway) most of my life and this is all pretty much true. the social scene/party scene here is actually great IF you know people. this is not a place like new york city with square miles upon square miles of bars and stores and venues and food places where you can just go walk to place after place and have fun with random people. and yes, unlike new york city, nothing is walking distance from where you live. and yes you hit the nail on the head, you will have a lot more fun here if you happen to know people who live in the hamptons or are well connected to the scene down there. if the only people you know are your classmates, then it might feel more dead. the social scene at sbu undergrad seems to be getting more vibrant? but i dont know how much the med students are around them whatsoever.

I have been accepted to SB, and received a match list from the admissions office today. I was pretty underwhelmed by the 2012 match. There was a ton of internal medicine, but no general surgery matches. Can any current students comment on this?

Originally Posted by bumblebee3

I have been accepted to SB, and received a match list from the admissions office today. I was pretty underwhelmed by the 2012 match. There was a ton of internal medicine, but no general surgery matches. Can any current students comment on this?

You're reading it wrong. The choice of specialty is completely dependent on personal preference. There are rare exceptions where people do not match into a competitive specialty and end up in gen surg/internal medicine/EM/etc which they applied to as a backup but that is certainly the exception not the rule. The way to judge a match list is by the strength of the programs at which students matched within their chosen specialty. The distribution of specialties is meaningless.

PM me if you want my thoughts about the match list you referenced in particular.

Originally Posted by skinMD

The distribution of specialties is meaningless.

Although I agree with the rest of your comment, the distribution of specialties is not totally meaningless. It does show that Stoney Brook's students have a strong tendency to go into primary care. This however is no surprise as SB prides itself on this fact!