2008-2009 SUNY Downstate Secondary Application Thread

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Hi Fuzzywuz is ur Q directed towards me or someone else? Plus I dont think they have any space to list EC

To MZchristee
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! when were you completed , I am waiting to hear frpom them as they asked for more additional info which i submitted almost 2 weeks ago, hope to hear something GOOD
 
um...i had to wait a long time before they received my amcas paper too, around a month, but they just updated it without me calling them. Eventually I got a snail mail from them saying I was complete and under review (a week after they said I was complete online). I used VirtualEval so I don't know about the letters. It probably takes longer for them to go through snail mail stuff than anything online but a month is a long time. I guess it doesn't hurt to call.

Thanks poohbear and fuzzywuzz. It took 3 calls to Downstate and 1 to AMCAS to get it fixed.
 
Hi Fuzzywuz is ur Q directed towards me or someone else? Plus I dont think they have any space to list EC

To MZchristee
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! when were you completed , I am waiting to hear frpom them as they asked for more additional info which i submitted almost 2 weeks ago, hope to hear something GOOD

complete aug. 26 !
 
any suggestions about whats the best area in NYC to get a decent affordable hotel????
 
hmm for DOwnstate i would just stay with a student i think.. or get a hotel somewhere on the 2/3 line... in manhattan would be better i think.
 
hey guys, how long does it usually take for them to email secondary invites out after adding them to AMCAS? just wondering because I added the school on 9/23. Thank you!!!!
 
its online.. you can just fill itout, print it, and mail it in
 
I just got a complete letter by snail mail. I almost flipped when i saw it cause i thought it was a rejection.
 
probably if they can't make a decision. Under the interview invite thread, there are people who have gotten an invite

i got that too. i'm taking biochem and bio fall quarter because I'm not done with my prereq's. are you in the same boat?
 
my online checklist disappeared, I was complete, and now it is gone, anyone elses do the same?
 
OH SNAP... same thing here...

EDIT: I checked several hours ago and it was still up..

Maybe updating server or something... No way someone works this late in admissions..
 
my online checklist disappeared, I was complete, and now it is gone, anyone elses do the same?

ohhhh, okay. good...i'm not the only one! i just saw that, too, thinking "****! did I never check if I was complete here???" I just got off the phone with them and she said I was complete. i'm not sure what happened with the status pages haha
 
ohhhh, okay. good...i'm not the only one! i just saw that, too, thinking "****! did I never check if I was complete here???" I just got off the phone with them and she said I was complete. i'm not sure what happened with the status pages haha

I just checked and my status page is blank as well and I've been complete since 9/11. Anyone think this means our applications were reviewed?
 
I just checked and my status page is blank as well and I've been complete since 9/11. Anyone think this means our applications were reviewed?

i was too when i logged in this morning. i called them and they said i was complete but did not say anything about the website. i don't know if this means that we are being reviewed since i have been complete since 8/12 but i just checked now and my checklist is back up again.
 
I wouldnt think too much. Probably just updating stuff. Mine is back up too.
 
I got the same letter that said I was complete..........did any of you guys that got the other letter saying they need more information, get the complete letter too? I'm wondering because my mailbox got full about a week ago and I wasn't able to get the mail back from the post office and If this letter was sent to my house, I want to know if they need that information. I am graduating in the fall too....

Also, mzchristy how did they give you your interview invite?? Was it snail mail or email?
 
I got the same letter that said I was complete..........did any of you guys that got the other letter saying they need more information, get the complete letter too? I'm wondering because my mailbox got full about a week ago and I wasn't able to get the mail back from the post office and If this letter was sent to my house, I want to know if they need that information. I am graduating in the fall too....

Also, mzchristy how did they give you your interview invite?? Was it snail mail or email?

I got a letter dated 9/22 that said I was complete, then I got a letter 9/24 stating that they needed my MCAT scores which should have been submitted automatically. So who knows what is going on.
 
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I got the same letter that said I was complete..........did any of you guys that got the other letter saying they need more information, get the complete letter too? I'm wondering because my mailbox got full about a week ago and I wasn't able to get the mail back from the post office and If this letter was sent to my house, I want to know if they need that information. I am graduating in the fall too....

Also, mzchristy how did they give you your interview invite?? Was it snail mail or email?

email invite
 
I've been complete (all green checkmarks) since mid August, but when I went back to check the status this morning, there was a new box with a red X next to it that says:

'Additional Information Received' (under requirement) and 'fall 08 sem grade report' (under comment). Does this mean I've been put on hold? It sure seems like it...

Sorry if this is answered later... but I got a letter from Downstate that said this is what I'm missing, but that I am not on hold (there was another place that said something like "a check here means that the information missing here will affect your application status and put your on hold, and I didn't have a check next to it; so you're in the clear).
 
Sorry if this is answered later... but I got a letter from Downstate that said this is what I'm missing, but that I am not on hold (there was another place that said something like "a check here means that the information missing here will affect your application status and put your on hold, and I didn't have a check next to it; so you're in the clear).

this is not what other people said. read a little above. i think that if they are waiting for your fall semester grades you are on hold until they come out then you are reviewed again. but i'm not completely sure. just wondering when were you guys complete?
 
Odd...I just received snail mail today with that form saying that they need more information on my medical experiences...and the "Hold without this information" box is not checked.

Does this mean I'm complete, even if I don't send anything? I'm planning to send more information, of course, but I'm wondering what's up with this.
 
this is not what other people said. read a little above. i think that if they are waiting for your fall semester grades you are on hold until they come out then you are reviewed again. but i'm not completely sure. just wondering when were you guys complete?

I got a letter saying they needed my fall grades without putting me on hold--I got this letter after the interview invite. So who knows how they're doing this...
 
this is not what other people said. read a little above. i think that if they are waiting for your fall semester grades you are on hold until they come out then you are reviewed again. but i'm not completely sure. just wondering when were you guys complete?

I'm echoing what P31woman said... I was told to send in my grades but that I wasn't put on hold until they got them (in fact, I interviewed there), which I believe is exactly what everyone else was asking, though perhaps my response was unclear.
 
I'm echoing what P31woman said... I was told to send in my grades but that I wasn't put on hold until they got them (in fact, I interviewed there), which I believe is exactly what everyone else was asking, though perhaps my response was unclear.

sorry, i think i gave the wrong info!
 
I am writing this from the JFK airport. I just finished my interview at Downstate.

My impression:

Pro:
I really like the amount of clinical exposure students get here at downstate.
The anatomy lab looks new.
Students look happy.

Con:

Slow elevator
Old building
Doesn't really feel like a school.
Gym is a joke.

I enjoyed the interview, we talked mainly on what is on my application. I got nervous at the end because he was asking me whether if I have more question for him. I ran out of things to say. I asked some random questions but I feel I might have ended badly... Oh well...first interview 🙂
 
I am writing this from the JFK airport. I just finished my interview at Downstate.

My impression:

Pro:
I really like the amount of clinical exposure students get here at downstate.
The anatomy lab looks new.
Students look happy.

Con:

Slow elevator
Old building
Doesn't really feel like a school.
Gym is a joke.

I enjoyed the interview, we talked mainly on what is on my application. I got nervous at the end because he was asking me whether if I have more question for him. I ran out of things to say. I asked some random questions but I feel I might have ended badly... Oh well...first interview 🙂
Mind commenting more on the gym? I'll withdraw my application if the gym is terrible. Considering you will live in NYC, and running outside isn't very convenient, a good gym is a must.
 
its really a weight room, a basketball court and er.. i think a track above the court... i dont remember but i think there is also a pool and a room with treadmills and ellipticals?
 
its really a weight room, a basketball court and er.. i think a track above the court... i dont remember but i think there is also a pool and a room with treadmills and ellipticals?

I'm a 2nd year at DS - the gym has 6 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, i think 3 stair masters, pretty much your standard assortment of strength training machines, weights, etc.

In addition, there are 2 full size basketball courts (the floor was just resurfaced last year), a heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, 2 squash/raquetball courts, and i think 2 tennis courts outside.

It might not be as flashy as a gym in Manhattan that you pay exhorbitant membership fees at, but it gets the job done and if you live in the res halls (which I think most first years should), it's ultra-convenient.
 
Whoohoo! I just received the interview invite this afternoon. This is #2 for me, so keep em coming! For those curious, I submitted the secondary on 8/14 and was marked complete on 9/11. I'm scheduled for 10/30 in the afternoon, anyone else?

For those who have already interviewed, any tips or things to be aware of? All feedback is much appreciated!
 
I am writing this from the JFK airport. I just finished my interview at Downstate.

My impression:

Pro:
I really like the amount of clinical exposure students get here at downstate.
The anatomy lab looks new.
Students look happy.

Con:

Slow elevator
Old building
Doesn't really feel like a school.
Gym is a joke.

I enjoyed the interview, we talked mainly on what is on my application. I got nervous at the end because he was asking me whether if I have more question for him. I ran out of things to say. I asked some random questions but I feel I might have ended badly... Oh well...first interview 🙂

Hey we interviewed on the same day. I pretty much agree with all those pros and cons. I also didnt like how my interview was later in the day so I had 2 hours between the end of the tour and my interview. The interview was pretty conversational. There is a list of questions that they are required to ask but it is all very standard ie (What is your favorite class, why medicine, tell me about a stressful situation and how you handled it, what clinical experiences do you have etc etc.)
 
Interview invite! It's going to be a pain to schedule flights, though...now I have two New York interviews within two weeks of each other, and I already bought a non-refundable ticket for the other one. Oh well, I've had worse problems 😛
 
I just interviewed there today. This was my 2nd interview first was at cornell. The facilities and buildings might not have been state of the art but there were pros as others said.

The students seem down to earth and not nerdy as they did at cornell
The clinical expierence you get working at kings county and affiliated hopsitals is sweet. You work in underserved communities and really will provide some great stuff
Our tour guides genuinley took us everywhere and really seemed happy as did the students. They really enjoyed downstate, and it was a much better experience than I had at cornell, but one day could be different than the next.
They have a cool transcript service which is better than student note taking. they get the lectures verbatim word for word.
Brand new anatomy lab which looked very nice.

The negatives obviously is that this school is in flatbush brooklyn the hood. I am a native new yorker who grew up in washington heigts over by columbia for those who dont know so I know what its like.
The school has a shuttle service to take you to and from the train and there is not much to do around the area. So location aint great.
The dorms are concrete slabs but heh nothing is perfect.
So basicially if u wanna go out or what not you gota cab it home from either park slope, or manhattan. Other than that I had no negative experience. If you are not from the city or cant handle a real urban area, then dont bother going here. What people forget is that some of the top hospitals are in the HOOD. Look at hopkins, and columbia. Those are my two cents.
 
Has anyone had to reschedule an interview with DS? I got an interview invite a week or so ago but the interview coordinator hasn't replied with an alternate date. Anyone else have to do this and how long did it take for them to reschedule you?
 
Do they email you back after you send a confirmation for the interview? I want to make sure they know I'm coming before I book the flight.
 
yeah they sent me a confirmation email after I responded to the interview invite.
 
it's oct 15th. anyone know if we can call to find out the decision?
 
they said aaround the 15th when i interviewed... 🙁 🙁 🙁
 
Has anyone had to reschedule an interview with DS? I got an interview invite a week or so ago but the interview coordinator hasn't replied with an alternate date. Anyone else have to do this and how long did it take for them to reschedule you?

i had to reschdule... give them a call. it shouldn't be a problem. ms levine is really nice.
 
i really really thought downstate would let us know today... my interview was 9/11 and i really wanted to know 🙁
 
i really really thought downstate would let us know today... my interview was 9/11 and i really wanted to know 🙁

i interviewed 9/20 and they told us they would try to notify "everyone" by christmas time. 👍

just sit tight and be patient.
 
hey i was thinking of suny downstate sort of. so is it too late to apply now?

and is the school located near williamsburg? how about the hospital? thanks
 
I just interviewed there today. This was my 2nd interview first was at cornell. The facilities and buildings might not have been state of the art but there were pros as others said.

The students seem down to earth and not nerdy as they did at cornell
The clinical expierence you get working at kings county and affiliated hopsitals is sweet. You work in underserved communities and really will provide some great stuff
Our tour guides genuinley took us everywhere and really seemed happy as did the students. They really enjoyed downstate, and it was a much better experience than I had at cornell, but one day could be different than the next.
They have a cool transcript service which is better than student note taking. they get the lectures verbatim word for word.
Brand new anatomy lab which looked very nice.

The negatives obviously is that this school is in flatbush brooklyn the hood. I am a native new yorker who grew up in washington heigts over by columbia for those who dont know so I know what its like.
The school has a shuttle service to take you to and from the train and there is not much to do around the area. So location aint great.
The dorms are concrete slabs but heh nothing is perfect.
So basicially if u wanna go out or what not you gota cab it home from either park slope, or manhattan. Other than that I had no negative experience. If you are not from the city or cant handle a real urban area, then dont bother going here. What people forget is that some of the top hospitals are in the HOOD. Look at hopkins, and columbia. Those are my two cents.

no offence but "urban" and "in the hood' are very different. like central park or soho is urban. yeah you can walk a few blocks and end up in the hood. but right in the hood, daaaamn.
 
hey i was thinking of suny downstate sort of. so is it too late to apply now?

and is the school located near williamsburg? how about the hospital? thanks

you can still apply. one of the interview tour guides applied in january.
 
no offence but "urban" and "in the hood' are very different. like central park or soho is urban. yeah you can walk a few blocks and end up in the hood. but right in the hood, daaaamn.

it literally is "in the hood". no doubt.

i google mapped the location when i got the interview, and there's this hot dog/food cart in front of the school with a bunch of loiterers around it.

and guess what? i interviewed at the school and google maps did not lie.


loved the school, btw, and the interview gave me a very positive impression. 👍
 
it literally is "in the hood". no doubt.

i google mapped the location when i got the interview, and there's this hot dog/food cart in front of the school with a bunch of loiterers around it.

and guess what? i interviewed at the school and google maps did not lie.


loved the school, btw, and the interview gave me a very positive impression. 👍

I'm a first-year at Downstate. The school's immediate neighborhood isn't great (it's a bit lacking in amenities), but there are plenty of really nice neighborhoods a short subway ride away from campus--check out Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Prospect Heights, etc. Williamsburg is a hike, however.

My little plug for the school is that the students are very friendly and down-to-earth (read non-competitive), the clinical opportunities are amazing, and we have these awesome brand-spanking-new anatomy labs with gi-normous flat screen TVs for projecting dissections.

P.S. Every corner in NYC worth its salt has a "street meat" cart replete with loiterers--some of whom are impoverished medical students.
 
Just received an invite. Super excited about this especially because it is in NYC.

I'm very nervous because this would also be my very FIRST interview (11/3). I was actually hoping use my top choice schools later in the season, but Downstate is too hard to pass up... If I didn't take this November date, it would probably be in December.


I have had no prior experience with interviewing at a med school. I have done two mock interviews...those went fine..

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
I'm a first-year at Downstate. The school's immediate neighborhood isn't great (it's a bit lacking in amenities), but there are plenty of really nice neighborhoods a short subway ride away from campus--check out Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Prospect Heights, etc. Williamsburg is a hike, however.

My little plug for the school is that the students are very friendly and down-to-earth (read non-competitive), the clinical opportunities are amazing, and we have these awesome brand-spanking-new anatomy labs with gi-normous flat screen TVs for projecting dissections.

P.S. Every corner in NYC worth its salt has a "street meat" cart replete with loiterers--some of whom are impoverished medical students.
First year at DS also. And I totally approve of this message.
 
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