2010-2011 New York Medical College Application Thread

[Maxwell7301]

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Im a 2nd yr at NYMC and I think I can offer you some advice. The difference in price adjusted for the different cost of living in brooklyn vs valhalla is about $15,000 per yr, or at least thats what it was when I was applying. That means that unless you get a scholarship to NYMC you will be saving $60,000 over 4 years. Money obviously isn't the only factor, though. You have to think if you'd rather live in a city or a suburb. Valhalla is nice and the trip to NYC is quick and easy but its obviously a completely different atmosphere. The other thing that you must must think about is where you envision you'd be happier. Unfortunately Medical school is very grueling (as I'm sure you already know) so it is imperative that you attend a school where you will be happiest. Lastly I want to say one thing about the "community" made up of students. At downstate there is a much larger proportion of students who commute/live off campus. At NYMC there is a very close knit community among the students since most live on campus for the first 2 yrs. This is important if you find this to be a positive, and most people I know do. It's not for everyone though and I know many people who prefer to live in NYC and are fine with being separated from the student body.

A couple quick pros about NYMC
-Professors are really helpful
-Very good preparation for the boards
-Facilities are relatively new
-Student body is very close (as I alluded to above)
-good amount of early (before 3rd yr) clinical experience
-Cheap on campus housing
-ability to do most (75%+) of 3rd and 4th yr rotations in NYC

A couple cons
-long academic yr 1st yr (beg of Aug to basically end of Jun)
-Uncertainty about touro (not necessarily a con but It'd be nice to know what will eventually happen)
-Price

This will probably be helpful to anyone interested in attending NYMC. One quick side note, I was very worried I wouldn't be happy here and thus far it has turned out to be a great experience...well as good an experience you could expect in Med school since the commitment and dedication needed to succeed can be overwhelming at times.

I have an interview coming up soon, and this is very good to know, thanks. For me, the price difference for SUNY Buffalo vs. NYMC would be huge, because I can live at home for free in Buffalo. NYMC does seem like a great school though, and I'm really looking forward to the interview.

 

[biobossx99]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to give some tips\help back to the community, for those who will be interviewing at NYMC soon.

Overall, I felt NYMC was the most organized and most considerate of my NY schools that I interviewed. I interviewed at SUNY Downstate, Einstein, and NYMC all in 4 days, and I have to say, I enjoyed my NYMC interview day the most. They print you a nice ID tag (which I still use as a bookmark) and they do a much better job presenting the school. They had more information brochures and the students gave more of their time talking about their school and presentations. The students seemed really happy and the facilities and campus more well kept than Downstate (the campus at Downstate was very old and seemed run down). The student housing is very nice but a huge downside is that Valhalla and White Plains NY is desolate and located in the middle of nowhere. There is literally only a small shopping mall, and a tiny movie theatre nearby. However, if you're a runner, there is plenty of beautiful roads and scenery to run around.

Also, the schedule for the medical students seem pretty chill. I think at most they take two classes at once.

During your third and fourth year, there is a lottery system to see where you do rotations, which is kind of a bummer. Some of the locations require you to move to New York City for a few months.

My interviewer was a PhD in their pharmacology department. He was pretty laid back and basically went through my entire AMCAS right in front of me. He didn't press me or go in depth with my application and basically wanted 1-2 sentence responses from me. He cut me off several times when I tried going in depth. He then proceeded to ask me several standardized questions that I found on the SDN interview feedback. He didn't press me further and seemed satisfied with my responses. It was pretty conversational and chill.

Note: I discovered from my interviewer that NYMC is under going the process of switching to the Touro medical educational system. Currently, I think NYMC is currently funded by some Catholic church organization and many of the faculty there aren't too pleased with their financial support. I think eventually NYMC will be Touro NYMC and be their flag ship medical school. This probably also means that NYMC will have to start serving koscher food.

I think to prepare for the interview, just know your application well. Have talking points and be ready to talk about it. Look into the SDN interview feedback and have ready responses to the commonly asked interview questions. Other than that, it's pretty chill!

Good luck

 

[dragon529]

@ biobossx99
Have you thought about which NY schools you would want to attend if you were accepted to all three? Maybe you're not at this stage yet... but I'm just wondering if you already had one you would be excited to go to and why.

 

[biobossx99]

@ biobossx99
Have you thought about which NY schools you would want to attend if you were accepted to all three? Maybe you're not at this stage yet... but I'm just wondering if you already had one you would be excited to go to and why.

Given an acceptance to all three (which I don't have at all), I'd rank them the following:

1. Einstein
2. NYMC
3. Downstate

For personal reasons, Einstein is my top choice. They have bomb student housing located in these apartment complexes (with koscher vending machines!), I have tons of friends who go to Einstein, there's a boxing gym located two blocks away and they have enough opportunities to do research and volunteer at a variety of different places. It's close enough to the major parts of new york that you can do weekend trips by taking the 5 train.

NYMC, though expensive, seems to have the better curriculum. The housing there is pretty awesome and the people there are very laid back. It's like a nice town. I think you definitely get your money's worth. However, it's 2-3 hours away from NYC. There would be no distractions. And their match list is pretty competitive for a smaller medical school.

Downstate was rundown, poor and didn't seem like a place people was happy there. Felt like a commuter medical school. The biggest plus is that you get in-state tuition after 1 year.

hope that helps!

 

[whoknows2012]

Given an acceptance to all three (which I don't have at all), I'd rank them the following:

1. Einstein
2. NYMC
3. Downstate

For personal reasons, Einstein is my top choice. They have bomb student housing located in these apartment complexes (with koscher vending machines!), I have tons of friends who go to Einstein, there's a boxing gym located two blocks away and they have enough opportunities to do research and volunteer at a variety of different places. It's close enough to the major parts of new york that you can do weekend trips by taking the 5 train.

NYMC, though expensive, seems to have the better curriculum. The housing there is pretty awesome and the people there are very laid back. It's like a nice town. I think you definitely get your money's worth. However, it's 2-3 hours away from NYC. There would be no distractions. And their match list is pretty competitive for a smaller medical school.

Downstate was rundown, poor and didn't seem like a place people was happy there. Felt like a commuter medical school. The biggest plus is that you get in-state tuition after 1 year.

hope that helps!

Valhalla is a 35 minute drive and train ride from NYC. Also in your post above about your interview experience(which I'm sure will be very helpful for potential matriculants) there were a couple things that weren't exactly correct. While there is a lottery for 3rd yr rotations, you choose a preferred location (suburbs or NYC) and they place you as best they can. For the most part people who want to remain around Valhalla or only at WMC they get that opportunity. The people who have issues are usually the people who want to be in NYC for all their rotations, which got much tougher once we lost St. Vincents. We have however, gained Lenox Hill as a rotation site so while it doesn't make up for it, it definitely helps. Also contrary to what you may have been led to believe, White Plains isn't so bad and there is a pretty big mall along with basically anything you could possibly want in terms of shopping (clothes, food, electronics etc) and it is only a 10 minute drive. There is also some decent nightlife over there, however, I prefer the city since its close enough.

 

[actoutfit]

Accepted 1/24. Interviewed 11/15. Really liked my interviewer here.

E-mail came around 10 am. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Kchen22]

Hey guys, so apparently admissions told us that decisions take 8-10 weeks post interview, but I've been noticing that those waitlisted typically find out right when the 8-week mark hits, and those accepted have had to wait the entire ten weeks...has anyone else noticed this? has anyone gotten accepted after just 8 weeks? I've haven't heard from them for over nine weeks...praying this is a good sign for some nymc love next week...

 

[juliedi]

Does anyone know if NYMC has a second look day? I've been accepted and I'd like to visit the school before I make a final decision on where to attend, but idk if I just have to make plans on my own. Thanks!

 

[dragon529]

@juliedi, May I ask what schools are you deciding between? I'm in a similar scenario so I'm just curious 🙂

 

[juliedi]

@juliedi, May I ask what schools are you deciding between? I'm in a similar scenario so I'm just curious 🙂

sure, I'll PM ya

 

[gplex86]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to give some tips\help back to the community, for those who will be interviewing at NYMC soon.

Overall, I felt NYMC was the most organized and most considerate of my NY schools that I interviewed. I interviewed at SUNY Downstate, Einstein, and NYMC all in 4 days, and I have to say, I enjoyed my NYMC interview day the most. They print you a nice ID tag (which I still use as a bookmark) and they do a much better job presenting the school. They had more information brochures and the students gave more of their time talking about their school and presentations. The students seemed really happy and the facilities and campus more well kept than Downstate (the campus at Downstate was very old and seemed run down). The student housing is very nice but a huge downside is that Valhalla and White Plains NY is desolate and located in the middle of nowhere. There is literally only a small shopping mall, and a tiny movie theatre nearby. However, if you're a runner, there is plenty of beautiful roads and scenery to run around.

Also, the schedule for the medical students seem pretty chill. I think at most they take two classes at once.

During your third and fourth year, there is a lottery system to see where you do rotations, which is kind of a bummer. Some of the locations require you to move to New York City for a few months.

My interviewer was a PhD in their pharmacology department. He was pretty laid back and basically went through my entire AMCAS right in front of me. He didn't press me or go in depth with my application and basically wanted 1-2 sentence responses from me. He cut me off several times when I tried going in depth. He then proceeded to ask me several standardized questions that I found on the SDN interview feedback. He didn't press me further and seemed satisfied with my responses. It was pretty conversational and chill.

Note: I discovered from my interviewer that NYMC is under going the process of switching to the Touro medical educational system. Currently, I think NYMC is currently funded by some Catholic church organization and many of the faculty there aren't too pleased with their financial support. I think eventually NYMC will be Touro NYMC and be their flag ship medical school. This probably also means that NYMC will have to start serving koscher food.

I think to prepare for the interview, just know your application well. Have talking points and be ready to talk about it. Look into the SDN interview feedback and have ready responses to the commonly asked interview questions. Other than that, it's pretty chill!

Good luck

I appreciate your comments on the school but I have to clarify the Touro part. The school is NOT currently transitioning to Touro. That whole idea is in limbo. It may happen, it may not.

Also, we're 30 miles from NYC. I can have you in the Bronx in 15 minutes by car if there's no traffic. I've done it - there's a White Castle there. Don't try it at night.

I'm not sure you saw much of White Plains. There are two large malls (the Gallaria and The Westchester), an IMAX movie theatre, and the most off-the-hook Buffalo Wild Wings I've ever seen. CNN ranked it as the 53rd best place to live http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/snapshots/PL3681677.html

 

[Hammergin]

Has anyone received confirmation back from the admissions office that they were actually placed on the waitlist?

 

[biobossx99]

I am obviously not a NYMC student so I can only comment on my impressions! As for transportation, it seemed like that via train (I took a train to grand central station and then a taxi, obviously a car is faster!)

Thanks for the clarifications!

Allen

I appreciate your comments on the school but I have to clarify the Touro part. The school is NOT currently transitioning to Touro. That whole idea is in limbo. It may happen, it may not.

Also, we're 30 miles from NYC. I can have you in the Bronx in 15 minutes by car if there's no traffic. I've done it - there's a White Castle there. Don't try it at night.

I'm not sure you saw much of White Plains. There are two large malls (the Gallaria and The Westchester), an IMAX movie theatre, and the most off-the-hook Buffalo Wild Wings I've ever seen. CNN ranked it as the 53rd best place to live http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/snapshots/PL3681677.html

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Hey guys, so apparently admissions told us that decisions take 8-10 weeks post interview, but I've been noticing that those waitlisted typically find out right when the 8-week mark hits, and those accepted have had to wait the entire ten weeks...has anyone else noticed this? has anyone gotten accepted after just 8 weeks? I've haven't heard from them for over nine weeks...praying this is a good sign for some nymc love next week...

I haven't noticed that--on my admissions decisions release day, it was emailed waitlists/acceptances and "nothingness" meant a snail-mail rejection a few days later. It may vary from day to day, but that was my experience. I was rejected, so I know the pain of a rejection letter here...well, the "pain" I experienced at least.

I'd find out if they've released decisions for your day and figure that out from there. Good luck! 🙂

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

To be honest, I don't know at this point. I'll probably look at the fin aid package and read up more about the schools to decide. Feel free to give me your inputs 🙂

I'd be glad to give you my input about NYMC/AECOM/Downstate--having interviewed at all three and receiving a decision of each type from each of them. We can chat about it some time if you want. In short though I'd go:

1) AECOM
2) Downstate
3) NYMC

Part of that is based on "rankings" (yes I know Downstate is unranked, but their match list is AECOM-comparable and beats NYMC's list) and the overall atmosphere/advantages of each school.

That being said, I am looking for a city-life experience and a school that will give a very diverse, urban clinical experience and that is something AECOM and Downstate can provide. There's also the financial aspect, which I think makes Downstate most advantageous since it's cheapest overall in terms of COA once you're in-state. However, I loved NYMC's "homely" atmosphere bc it was in a suburb and a quick express train trip into the city. The student body seemed diverse, tolerant, and fun too! Anyway, I can go into more detail if you're interested.

Congrats on the acceptance and good luck with your decision making! 🙂

 

[Kchen22]

Has anyone who interviews in 12/8/10 receive a decision yet?

 

[3rice]

snail mail rejection letter today 🙁
interviewed 11/20

 

[Kchen22]

3rice, what are your stats if you mind me asking?

 

[3rice]

You can read my stats on my MDApps, but I think people need to start realizing that above a certain point they become irrelevant. Life's not fair, and different schools are looking for different types of people.

 

[dragon529]

@3rice, I'm sorry to see that but that is really unfortunate. Could it be a problem that you're not selling yourself well enough during interviews? Maybe coming off as too arrogant or not giving the correct vibe to adcoms? I'm totally speculating here but with that many interviews and all waitlisted... there has to be something wrong. However, don't lose hope yet and keep sending LOIs to those schools. All you need is 1 acceptance and there is a high chance for you to get off those waitlists if you show adcoms your interest.

 

[Maxwell7301]

You can read my stats on my MDApps, but I think people need to start realizing that above a certain point they become irrelevant. Life's not fair, and different schools are looking for different types of people.

I agree with the others here that your cycle has been way more difficult than you possibly could have expected. I'm sure you will get in somewhere. One of those waitlists has to end up being an acceptance. 🙂

 

[Maxwell7301]

XXXXX! This is XXXXX, did you interview at NYMC? How did things go?

Assuming these are real names, you may want to edit your post. Revealing actual names on SDN isn't usually recommended.

 

[Longshanks]

Assuming these are real names, you may want to edit your post. Revealing actual names on SDN isn't usually recommended.

And I believe revealing other members without their permission is against the TOS.

 

[BullDog4Eva]

Assuming these are real names, you may want to edit your post. Revealing actual names on SDN isn't usually recommended.

Even if he edits it, he won't be able to edit something that was quoted....

Someone revealed my name on another thread... I didn't appreciate it at all.

 

[Maxwell7301]

Even if he edits it, he won't be able to edit something that was quoted....

Someone revealed my name on another thread... I didn't appreciate it at all.

I just realized that I quoted it. Mine edited just fine.

 

[dbeast]

Withdrew my spot today. Good luck all!

 

[purplesky89]

Although it was slightly careless... give the poor guy a break! He probably didn't think about it. 😛

And good job Maxwell with the edit, haha.

 

[aliblack]

Interviewed here last week and seriously loved it. Waiting at least 8-10wks will not be easy.

 

[Maxwell7301]

Interviewed here last week and seriously loved it. Waiting at least 8-10wks will not be easy.

Cool, I'm really looking forward to my interview here. My last interview was over 3 months ago, so it will be nice to attend another one. Most people have said that NYMC is laid back and conversational. 8-10 weeks is a long wait, and it definitely won't be easy.

 

[dragon529]

the interview was pretty cool.... I got to talk with the dean of admissions for 45 mins. 🙂

 

[noz]

Anyone interviewing on 2/28 driving from nyc? I'll help pay for gas/parking if you can offer a ride.

 

[synthase]

Has anyone received any word from the school after the intial acceptance packet? (regarding second look or the financial aid process) Thanks.

 

[sothisisit]

I just declined my spot here, I hope it goes to one of you still waiting for an acceptance! NYMC seemed like a great school 🙂

 

[moneymill4569]

Has anyone received any word from the school after the intial acceptance packet? (regarding second look or the financial aid process) Thanks.

Got my packet the first week of Dec, but have yet to hear back. Also sent a few emails over the past months, have yet to be responded to.

 

[synthase]

Got my packet the first week of Dec, but have yet to hear back. Also sent a few emails over the past months, have yet to be responded to.

Well I'm guessing second look won't be in March if they haven't made it offically known yet, so maybe sometime in April?? As for fin aid, I have no idea what/when we hear next. I hope you hear back from those emails... I never heard back from them after accepting by email and returning the signed terms document in December. Maybe they want that $100 deposit before they take people seriously (jk - mostly).

 

[Kchen22]

Anyone hear back from the 12/08 interview group? Been over 11 frickun weeks and I still haven't heard anything...

 

[Maxwell7301]

Anyone hear back from the 12/08 interview group? Been over 11 frickun weeks and I still haven't heard anything...

That's a long time. I'm interviewing next week, so I probably won't hear back until May or June.

 

[DrCox]

I'll be interviewing on March 21st, which is apparently during spring break, meaning there's no overnight hosting available. Anyone interviewing that day and interested in splitting a hotel room in Valhalla the night before? Related: any good hotel suggestions?

 

[aliblack]

I thought its 8-12 weeks to hear back. So don't you have another 1 week to go before its absolute panic time??

On my interview day they said 8-10 wks. But even so, annoying as it certainly is, it still isn't time to *panic*. one or two weeks delay doesn't mean anything about what kind of decision you'll get 🙂

 

[arl88]

Anyone hear back from the 12/08 interview group? Been over 11 frickun weeks and I still haven't heard anything...

I interviewed 12/06 and still no word as well... does anyone know if they are still accepting or if the class is full and they are deciding between rejection or wait list??

 

[PhynixMed]

I interviewed on 12/13 and still haven't heard back. They told us 8-10 weeks as well, but perhaps they fell behind (or I heard wrong). Has anyone who interviewed on that day heard back yet??

 

[synthase]

Its possible that with all the snow storms a committee meeting was cancelled. Also, as I understand it, your interviewer has to be present at the meeting for your file to be discussed, so maybe your interviewer wasn't available to go to the meeting. But as no one (from what I see posted) has heard from the December interview crowd, I'm sure you'll all hear soon. Good luck.

 

[2chance]

I'll be interviewing on March 21st, which is apparently during spring break, meaning there's no overnight hosting available. Anyone interviewing that day and interested in splitting a hotel room in Valhalla the night before? Related: any good hotel suggestions?

I stayed in LaQuinta, about a minute away from campus. It was nice, clean, and close.

 

[Husbuss]

Oh on the online status page it says 8-12 weeks. So they must have misspoke on your interview day.

They also told me the process would take 8-10 weeks during my interview in late December. It seems that it takes a lot longer than that, so I wouldn't stress too much. The waiting game is only as stressful as you make it!

 

[obgyny]

I've yet to hear from this school. Still says under review since 9/1/10

Me too. Been under review since 8/23.

 

[rpgdude21]

Interview invite today. Complete 8/3. Dates are March and April. Im assuming they are trying to decide on everyone who has yet to be rejected, interviewed etc. GL

 

[Huskie99]

Interview invite today. Complete 8/3. Dates are March and April. Im assuming they are trying to decide on everyone who has yet to be rejected, interviewed etc. GL

Same here! OOS 3.73cGPA 3.65sGPA 32Q

 

[ttn87]

Same here! OOS 3.73cGPA 3.65sGPA 32Q

I got an invite today as well. When I looked, there was only one date in March (3/31) and the rest were in April.

 

[PinkNoise]

Nice!! Are these your first invites?? Congrats!!

Is [EMAIL="[email protected] where"][email protected] where[/EMAIL] I can send my update letter?

 

[Huskie99]

Nice!! Are these your first invites?? Congrats!!

Is [email protected]where I can send my update letter?

Nope, it is my fifth, I have also been accepted to an MD program in Chicago, but since NYMC is so much closer to my home town in CT I figure it is worth it to go on the interview. Also that is where I sent my updates, if it makes any difference to you I sent an update last week. I am not sure if this resulted in my interview but I am sure it didn't hurt. Good luck😀