2009-2010 SUNY Upstate Application Thread

[Bernoull]

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thx for the advice man. i actualy had 2 other interviews... stony waitlisted me (i just got word on the downlow that VERY few get off the waitlist), and I don't hear back from cornell till march 15.

i'll prob get other invites... but thx for your advice dude.

i mean, for what its worth, i'm not antisocial.... i swear my friends love me 😉.... i'm just not good at 'interviewing', lol.

hey theres always DO next season. lol. i personally respect DO, lol.

Hey, keep ur head up, don't get discouraged or be hard on urself. First off, it's not over yet, things can still turn out in ur favor at Cornell and/or Stony. Regardless or the outcome, be proud of urself for getting all these interviews.

I know from my exp and talking to others there's a tendency to be selfcritical of one's performance post-interview even though in reality, u may have done well. I know it was the same after the MCAT also. Anyway give yourself credit for the hardwork u've put in to get to this point and stay hopeful. Some schools interview to end of March so it's not over.

I wish u the best of luck man..

 

[Bernoull]

Hey,
The Pros are: 1. Only one class to worry about, so there was plenty of socializing/ night life type things (other than the few days immediately prior to an exam). 2. I felt the small anatomy lab was helpful for me to get the professors attention and made it possible for the whole group of us (between 30-40 usually) to socialize. By the end, we all knew each other very well because there were only 40 and we spent all day in lecture and lab together. 3. The free time during the first 4 units (from August-November) while the rest of the class takes anatomy was awesome. Personally, I shadowed every week in three different specialties. Some set up research in the spare time and others just took it easy. 4. The best part for me was the fact that I got to focus my studying time on the Biochem/genetics course. I hadn't taken these in 2 years, so I appreciated the extra time to spend on re-learning the wonderful world of biochem.

The Cons: 1. When the rest of the class comes, you tend to continue to hang out with the summer anatomy group simply because you know them well and know what you have in common. That said, we are all grown adults, no one was 'outcast' because they were in summer anatomy. When we made the effort to meet everyone from our class, there was no problem at all. 2. You do lose a large chunk of your summer. There are three weeks between anatomy ending and the orientation, during which I went on vacation and many others did as well. If you are coming straight from undergrad, you might feel differently about losing your summer.

I took time off between undergrad and med school, so I felt summer anatomy was a great way to get back into the swing of things. Given the chance, I would undoubtedly do it again, just for the extra time when the rest of the classes start and the smaller anatomy lab group.

Also, remember- medical school is not a death sentence. You will continue to have a life and have time to yourself. If you don't have outside interests and choose to spend 100% of your time on medicine, you aren't benefiting yourself or your future patients. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your patients.

Hope this helps a little. Let me know if you're curious about anything else re Upstate.

I really appreciate ur insights, having a reduced schedule is definitely desirable in the Fall. I'm wrapping up grad school and it's been tough last semester and this one may even be crazier, so I'll definitely need some downtime for my sanity. I think i'll end up foregoing it, just so I have enough time to rest, move and settle in etc..

Thanks again.

 

[imnastywitit]

Hey, keep ur head up, don't get discouraged or be hard on urself. First off, it's not over yet, things can still turn out in ur favor at Cornell and/or Stony. Regardless or the outcome, be proud of urself for getting all these interviews.

I know from my exp and talking to others there's a tendency to be selfcritical of one's performance post-interview even though in reality, u may have done well. I know it was the same after the MCAT also. Anyway give yourself credit for the hardwork u've put in to get to this point and stay hopeful. Some schools interview to end of March so it's not over.

I wish u the best of luck man..

thx for the encouragement. i'm still 'alive' at 5 schools, and three of them interview through april, so I def got a shot to turn this around.

my cornell interview was my most recent, and it was definitely a step in the right direction.

but honestly the biggest thing was this: i had the four suny's first, and i was nervous as all hell for them. heart pounding, sympathetic nervous system fully activated, limbs twitching, my mind thought 'well this is important, so time to get pumped'

and then i went in there and talked a ton, gave interesting answers, but moved my body and head a ton, looked nervous, and displayed a ton of energy and anxiety. And essentially crucified myself because of that.

I had a good talk with my pre-med advisor the other day, and she basically said they want to see you in your relaxed and natural state, and really just that you are able to have a relaxed and easy going conversation in which you can relate to the person across the table.

The whole time I had this performer's mentality, where as in reality they just wanted to see that you can have a clear, pleasent, and relaxed conversation. that you could have with a patient.

 

[285963]

Anybody who's committed to go here started to think about housing yet? I called Jefferson to see what the wait list was like for rooms. It was 25 applications long. I was thinking about submitting an application for a 2 BR apartment. I would need to find a roommate though...

I'm not too ecstatic about the idea of living in Clark because it's kind of pricey for what you get. But I would like to live in a location where there are plenty of other 1st years to meet.

 

[PR405]

Anybody who's committed to go here started to think about housing yet? I called Jefferson to see what the wait list was like for rooms. It was 25 applications long. I was thinking about submitting an application for a 2 BR apartment. I would need to find a roommate though...

I'm not too ecstatic about the idea of living in Clark because it's kind of pricey for what you get. But I would like to live in a location where there are plenty of other 1st years to meet.

I was thinking the same thing. I'll probably send in the application for Clark but Jefferson might be worth a try. The 2 BRs look pretty sweet, especially at a better price than Clark. Check your PM.

 

[smmypnts]

Anyone hear anything about second look weekend yet?

 

[tinery]

Anybody who's committed to go here started to think about housing yet? I called Jefferson to see what the wait list was like for rooms. It was 25 applications long. I was thinking about submitting an application for a 2 BR apartment. I would need to find a roommate though...

I'm not too ecstatic about the idea of living in Clark because it's kind of pricey for what you get. But I would like to live in a location where there are plenty of other 1st years to meet.

I asked to be put on the list for a small 1 BR in Jefferson. I was supposed to go look at the 1 bedrooms over the weekend but the lady didn't show up! The guy at the desk was able to show me an empty efficiency/studio and it was very nice. The building on the outside looks kinda ratty, but the room I saw looked brand new.

 

[tinery]

Does anyone know if Upstate awards any merit scholarships to incoming students? I looked on the page about grants/scholarships on their website and only saw one awarded scholarship (Carol kavanagh & class of 1973) toincoming students.

 

[AKAdemic]

I've been looking to see if my status changes to decision made.

Also, I had my interview already and the system is still allowing me to make another appointment? 😕

 

[yankeedoc33]

Just received an interview at UPSTATE after being put on the dreaded pre-interview hold. Honestly, I'm surprised I got off this list after reading what everyone else said about it last year. For all those pre-interview hold(er)s out there, there is still hope!

 

[zamo28]

Just received an interview at UPSTATE after being put on the dreaded pre-interview hold. Honestly, I'm surprised I got off this list after reading what everyone else said about it last year. For all those pre-interview hold(er)s out there, there is still hope!

Congrats! I also got an interview a few weeks ago after being on pre-interview hold.

 

[lykyamy00]

did you guys get an email that said you got an interview??

 

[lykyamy00]

Congrats! I also got an interview a few weeks ago after being on pre-interview hold.

did you guys get an email saying you got an interview??

 

[zamo28]

did you guys get an email saying you got an interview??

Yes, the invite was via email.

 

[Zona Pellucida]

Just received an interview at UPSTATE after being put on the dreaded pre-interview hold. Honestly, I'm surprised I got off this list after reading what everyone else said about it last year. For all those pre-interview hold(er)s out there, there is still hope!

More good news from this list 👍. C'mon upstate.

 

[softmed]

I've been looking to see if my status changes to decision made.

Also, I had my interview already and the system is still allowing me to make another appointment? 😕

That's normal until your status changes to "decision made"

 

[cardiology88]

Yes, the invite was via email.

I guess they skipped over me again. What dates are they scheduling interviews for?

 

[zamo28]

I got February 24th

 

[cardiology88]

I got February 24th

oh thats good, I thought they would be in late march or early april by now like most other schools

 

[zamo28]

oh thats good, I thought they would be in late march or early april by now like most other schools

They even had Feb 8th and 10th available. Be careful with their website if you get an interview cause I first selected feb 8th and then when I logged back in, the site said that I hadn't scheduled an interview yet. At that point, Feb 24th was the only date left.

 

[chooka]

Anybody planning on taking summer anatomy?

 

[softmed]

Anyone on the alternate list get the health form email today?

I'm on the bad alternate list, so I'm not sure why they want me to do this. It seems rather odd. The interesting thing is, it reveals how many alternates they have so far: 45. But I'm not sure if that's both lists combined, or just the bad alternate list.

EDIT2: Actually I think they just want us to fill these out if we get accepted. Hence the FYI in the subject.

 

[NEWHER]

🙁 It was probably asked before, just not in the mood going thru all the posts. Does anyone know what are the chances of getting accepted from HPA(high priority alternate list)??

I'm really upset today - got rejected in Commonwealth and waitlisted in SUNY Upstate. Don't have any acceptances yet. I'm loosing hope already 🙁🙁🙁


Sorry - just have noone to talk to.........................

 

[DntStopBelievin]

🙁 It was probably asked before, just not in the mood going thru all the posts. Does anyone know what are the chances of getting accepted from HPA(high priority alternate list)??

I'm really upset today - got rejected in Commonwealth and waitlisted in SUNY Upstate. Don't have any acceptances yet. I'm loosing hope already 🙁🙁🙁


Sorry - just have noone to talk to.........................

Aww don't lose hope... during my interview at upstate they explained how they choose from the waitlist. They choose from the waitlist based on the preference you put for the syracuse campus or binghamton campus. they said that most students in the entering class choose the syracuse campus so those who chose "syracuse campus but dont mind binghamton" are more likely to come off the waitlist. the explanation was a bit confusing. Also, they have accepted ppl from the waitlist all the way up until orientation day. So don't lose all hope just yet...did u have any other interviews? Did u get an email about HPA or was it via snail mail?

 

[NEWHER]

Aww don't lose hope... during my interview at upstate they explained how they choose from the waitlist. They choose from the waitlist based on the preference you put for the syracuse campus or binghamton campus. they said that most students in the entering class choose the syracuse campus so those who chose "syracuse campus but dont mind binghamton" are more likely to come off the waitlist. the explanation was a bit confusing. Also, they have accepted ppl from the waitlist all the way up until orientation day. So don't lose all hope just yet...did u have any other interviews? Did u get an email about HPA or was it via snail mail?

Got email today.
Yes, I had 2 more interviews, but I was really hoping for UPSTATE.

 

[DntStopBelievin]

Oh no, i just got the email too...im on HPA list. That means some more waiting for us...lets hope for the best!

 

[NEWHER]

Oh no, i just got the email too...im on HPA list. That means some more waiting for us...lets hope for the best!

Lets hope for the best

 

[BRRF]

Lets hope for the best

When was your interview?

 

[PR405]

Aww don't lose hope... during my interview at upstate they explained how they choose from the waitlist. They choose from the waitlist based on the preference you put for the syracuse campus or binghamton campus. they said that most students in the entering class choose the syracuse campus so those who chose "syracuse campus but dont mind binghamton" are more likely to come off the waitlist. the explanation was a bit confusing. Also, they have accepted ppl from the waitlist all the way up until orientation day. So don't lose all hope just yet...did u have any other interviews? Did u get an email about HPA or was it via snail mail?

I'm pretty sure they give the WL/HPA person a choice by phone when an acceptance spot opens up. IE, they call and say, "We have a spot open for an acceptance if you would be willing to take 'Campus X.'" Basically they said no one would be accepted or rejected for their campus choice.

Anybody planning on taking summer anatomy?

Hey, yep, I am. 😀

 

[softmed]

I'm pretty sure they give the WL/HPA person a choice by phone when an acceptance spot opens up. IE, they call and say, "We have a spot open for an acceptance if you would be willing to take 'Campus X.'" Basically they said no one would be accepted or rejected for their campus choice.

There are four choices:

1. Syracuse preferred, Binghamton if available
2. Syracuse ONLY
3. Binghamton preferred, Syracuse if available
4. Binghamton ONLY

If you pick the options ONLY that campus, they won't give you the choice. In that way, you could get rejected based on preference. But if you picked the "preferred" option, they'll call you if either campus opens up.

 

[metalambience]

Anyone on the alternate list get the health form email today?

I'm on the bad alternate list, so I'm not sure why they want me to do this. It seems rather odd. The interesting thing is, it reveals how many alternates they have so far: 45. But I'm not sure if that's both lists combined, or just the bad alternate list.

EDIT2: Actually I think they just want us to fill these out if we get accepted. Hence the FYI in the subject.

I got the same email. I'm on the HPA list and also counted 45 people. Maybe that's the total for both lists (are you HPA or normal?). The first 3 addresses on the email I got start with "au", "te", and "al"....if they match yours it must be only 45 people total but interviews go for 2 more months so it could swell considerably.

 

[PR405]

There are four choices:

1. Syracuse preferred, Binghamton if available
2. Syracuse ONLY
3. Binghamton preferred, Syracuse if available
4. Binghamton ONLY

If you pick the options ONLY that campus, they won't give you the choice. In that way, you could get rejected based on preference. But if you picked the "preferred" option, they'll call you if either campus opens up.

I remember Jenn Welch explaining that they will call the wait-listed person whenever his/her name comes up, regardless of campus choice. Someone sitting around in July with no acceptances would have to be nuts not to attend just because they got a non-preferred campus! You can call if you want.

 

[softmed]

I remember Jenn Welch explaining that they will call the wait-listed person whenever his/her name comes up, regardless of campus choice. Someone sitting around in July with no acceptances would have to be nuts not to attend just because they got a non-preferred campus! You can call if you want.

Then what's the purpose of the "ONLY" option? I was told that if you pick that option, they won't call you unless an opening happens on that campus. It doesn't really matter to me though, because I'm on the regular alternate list and I picked "Syracuse Preferred".

I got the same email. I'm on the HPA list and also counted 45 people. Maybe that's the total for both lists (are you HPA or normal?). The first 3 addresses on the email I got start with "au", "te", and "al"....if they match yours it must be only 45 people total but interviews go for 2 more months so it could swell considerably.

The regular alternate list and my email starts out the same way. So there's probably 45 people on both alternate lists right now. So there's only 2.5 months left, I'm guessing their final list will be around 60 or 70.

 

[JmanDO]

Just fyi, (and to next year's kids who will look back at this):

For anyone interested in MD/PhD @ Upstate, they don't ask your preference of campuses, they auto stick you with Syracuse, because of your research commitments, you won't have the freedom to travel much.

 

[metalambience]

The regular alternate list and my email starts out the same way. So there's probably 45 people on both alternate lists right now. So there's only 2.5 months left, I'm guessing their final list will be around 60 or 70.

I guess that's not too bad. I think we have a reasonable chance, but we won't know until at least the end of May going by last year.

PS I noticed you mentioned you go to UB on the UB forum- there are a lot of kids at upstate from our undergrad so I think we can still have some hope.

 

[softmed]

I guess that's not too bad. I think we have a reasonable chance, but we won't know until at least the end of May going by last year.

PS I noticed you mentioned you go to UB on the UB forum- there are a lot of kids at upstate from our undergrad so I think we can still have some hope.

They haven't gotten to the regular alternate list in 8 years 🙁

It's possible, and I think Upstate is expanding its class size, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[NEWHER]

when was your interview?

01/20

 

[lovemesomeTJ]

Interview Feedback? Anyone? On the Interview Feedback site? No one's posted since 2009. It'd be reallllllllllly helpful. Thanks! Peace out! 👍

 

[softmed]

Interview Feedback? Anyone? On the Interview Feedback site? No one's posted since 2009. It'd be reallllllllllly helpful. Thanks! Peace out! 👍

They've had 10 questions they've been using for every single interview. They don't really deviate from that.

 

[lovemesomeTJ]

They've had 10 questions they've been using for every single interview. They don't really deviate from that.

Interesting...

But if anyone has had questions outside of the 10, feel free to post.

 

[softmed]

Interesting...

But if anyone has had questions outside of the 10, feel free to post.

I guess I'll go ahead:

My interviewer started with the questions and I did something very stupid. I told the interviewer that these were the same questions I had just answered. He then gave me ethical questions and I wasn't prepared at all for them. It sucked. I went on the low priority waitlist. Don't be an idiot like myself.

 

[lovemesomeTJ]

I guess I'll go ahead:

My interviewer started with the questions and I did something very stupid. I told the interviewer that these were the same questions I had just answered. He then gave me ethical questions and I wasn't prepared at all for them. It sucked. I went on the low priority waitlist. Don't be an idiot like myself.

Oh no!! So sorry to hear that, softmed. I've been reading your other thread. First off I hope you DO get in this year! And if by some crazy chance you don't, I hope you stick it out for another round.. Good luck with everything.

 

[baxtheman]

The first interview was the regular 10 questions. My second interview was more political, I guess you could say ethical questions. He asked how I felt about illegal immigration and medical care. We ended up getting along really well and he drove me back to the medical school (this interview was about 5 blocks away). In the end I got placed on the HPA list. Not really sure if i'm gonna hold onto it though so hopefully someone else will get it!

 

[Bernoull]

I don't know which 10 questions are being referred to here. Both of my interviews were very conversational.

The first one asked a couple standard questions (tell me about urself, medical career objectives/interest) and after that, it was all about global health & MPH (his interest/specialty). I have an international background so I was quite comfortable with the ensuing discussion.

My 2nd interviewer really didn't interview me AT ALL!!! She was very moved by one of my essays to the point that she teared up while reading it (no kidding). It was really awkward, she essentially spent about an hour convincing me to come to Upstate as if acceptance was a foregone conclusion. She talked at length about how great the curriculum, the support services, cultural & social life, housing, her family, professional exp, the courses she teaches etc etc. Definitely the easiest "interview" I've ever had. I did get accepted.

I interview last 11/09 and I don't recall my the other interviewees having 10 standard questions, so I guess it's varies...

My preparation for interviews have already been:
1. Why medicine?
2. Why school XYZ?
3. Why should they accept me?
4. Prepare elaborate on how I've prepared for med school & medicine..
5. Read up on current health affairs and ethics stuff.


Goodluck to everyone waiting.

 

[zamo28]

Are interviews conducted by one faculty member and one student or two faculty members?

 

[DntStopBelievin]

Are interviews conducted by one faculty member and one student or two faculty members?

its conducted both ways. tuesday interviews usually have 2 faculty and the other days have 1 faculty and 1 student.

 

[BRRF]

Does anyone how some insight on the post-interview turn around time?

I interviewed 3 weeks ago and I don't have "Decision made" yet. Someone who interviewed a week before me, heard back last thursday, so should I expect something tomorrow? ie do they meet weekly?

Does it depend on when you handed back your campus preference form? I faxed mine in about 10 days after my interview...a little longer than most people take I'm sure.

 

[smmypnts]

I just learned that I'm going to be denied NYS residency for my first year and that I need to sign a 12 mo lease to get it for my second year.

Am I missing out by not living in the dorms? Do you think the Madison Towers apartments would already be full (just put in a request today)? Could I save a lot of money by living farther from campus? About how much would rent cost farther from campus, and how much does it cost to park near campus?

 

[jtink]

looks like they might be close to done.. i was on pre-interview hold and got my rejection letter via snail mail yesterday. good luck to everyone else!! lets hope some other pre-interview holds get interview offers!

 

[Dr Pepp3r]

looks like they might be close to done.. i was on pre-interview hold and got my rejection letter via snail mail yesterday. good luck to everyone else!! lets hope some other pre-interview holds get interview offers!

Yup, they are currently re-reviewing and making final decisions on all applications that are on hold.