2011-2012 SUNY Downstate Application Thread

[physicsisfun]

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Did you get an email or you called?

i actually got a letter in the mail dated april 3rd

 

[Snikkers]

urgh. rejected D:

 

[bamboozle4]

urgh. rejected D:

Shoot, i'm sorry to hear that. 🙁 Did you find out by snail mail?

 

[Snikkers]

Shoot, i'm sorry to hear that. 🙁 Did you find out by snail mail?

yeap. in a very small and sad little envelope

 

[kpcrew]

yeap. in a very small and sad little envelope

🙁((

 

[nyc1718]

yeap. in a very small and sad little envelope

That sucks 🙁 sorry. I'm sure mine is on the way also. Is all post-interview correspondence via snail mail?

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you guys. We had two tests this week--one on Monday and one on Thursday (today)...so now that Spring Break is around the corner, I'm here to answer more questions. Good luck to everyone who has interviewed and is awaiting decisions---we hope you join us at Downstate next year! To those who did not receive favorable news from Downstate, chin up! It'll all turn out well in the end! 🙂

once they send us the loan offer forms, when are we supposed to send them back? can i just wait til july when I know exactly where Im going to med school?

You just send them back, but your loans won't be disbursed if you're not a student there...I would fill out the loan accept form now, but I think you can wait til after May 15 (which is when you should only have accepted one med school). Call the Fin Aid Office to double check, just to make usre, but my thought is that you'll be fine if you submit later..as long as it's before the term starrts in August.

Ah, okay. Do you know if it's only the Grad Plus that can be increased? I actually turned that one down because the amount of money was so small and the interest rate is higher than the Direct Med Unsubsidized (which made up the bulk of my aid offer). I was wondering if we can increase our Direct Med Unsubsidized instead, or if the amount they gave us is final. I'm hoping to pay the interest on all my loans while I'm in school because if I allow it to capitalize, I will end up owing like more than twice as much money haha. I don't think it will be possible to do so all four years, but that's my plan for year one until I drain my bank accounts!

And thanks for your detailed responses! But yes, I did submit the institutional aid app in February and I mailed in the loan acceptance form and perkins form... but thanks for the reminder because I still need to follow the online instructions that were on the yellow paper!

To take out loans on the entire amount, you'll have to max out your Perkins, Direct Unsub, then Grad Plus...in that order. Since the entire COA cannot be covered with just Direct UnSub and Perkins, unless you have extra non-loan soruces of income, you'll have to take out a little (or a lot) of Grad Plus. There are legal requirements that cap the Direct Unsub at 34 or 42K (whatever number is written there). The bottom line is that the school will automatically max out your "lower interest loans". I know it's a lot of money to loan out, but it's not that bad in the big picture--gotta take loans to get your education!

wait we have to submit another form to get non Loans? i thought we just put parents info in FAFSA to be considered?

Ya, gotta fill out the Institional Aid App too. They didn't announce it in our packet this year for continuing students, just gotta remember to do it yourself lol.

 

[Snikkers]

That sucks 🙁 sorry. I'm sure mine is on the way also. Is all post-interview correspondence via snail mail?

yup. post-interview. which kind of makes me wonder what I did wrong
best of luck to you though! I really hope you get better news 🙂

 

[anbuitachi]

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you guys. We had two tests this week--one on Monday and one on Thursday (today)...so now that Spring Break is around the corner, I'm here to answer more questions. Good luck to everyone who has interviewed and is awaiting decisions---we hope you join us at Downstate next year! To those who did not receive favorable news from Downstate, chin up! It'll all turn out well in the end! 🙂



You just send them back, but your loans won't be disbursed if you're not a student there...I would fill out the loan accept form now, but I think you can wait til after May 15 (which is when you should only have accepted one med school). Call the Fin Aid Office to double check, just to make usre, but my thought is that you'll be fine if you submit later..as long as it's before the term starrts in August.



To take out loans on the entire amount, you'll have to max out your Perkins, Direct Unsub, then Grad Plus...in that order. Since the entire COA cannot be covered with just Direct UnSub and Perkins, unless you have extra non-loan soruces of income, you'll have to take out a little (or a lot) of Grad Plus. There are legal requirements that cap the Direct Unsub at 34 or 42K (whatever number is written there). The bottom line is that the school will automatically max out your "lower interest loans". I know it's a lot of money to loan out, but it's not that bad in the big picture--gotta take loans to get your education!




Ya, gotta fill out the Institional Aid App too. They didn't announce it in our packet this year for continuing students, just gotta remember to do it yourself lol.

is that grant for need based. I asked someone and he said you have to be super super needy to get it.. is there another grant? i remember they said we have to do financil aid by 3/1 to be considered. were they referring to this useless grant?

 

[vcn3333]

yup. post-interview. which kind of makes me wonder what I did wrong
best of luck to you though! I really hope you get better news 🙂

sorry to hear that 🙁 my fellow NYCer. What date did you interview? I'm as scared as hell right now. Damn!

 

[MegMurry]

called, no more interview invites.

thanks for the heads up! silent rejections 👎

 

[nyc1718]

So basically acceptances, waitlists and post interview rejections all go out via snail mail?

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

is that grant for need based. I asked someone and he said you have to be super super needy to get it.. is there another grant? i remember they said we have to do financil aid by 3/1 to be considered. were they referring to this useless grant?

The Institional Aid Application is for any institutional grants/loans..wahtever DS has to offer. I received a loan, not a grant...so I have no idea. Fill it out if you want to be considered for it...see what it can get you. It got people in our class who were not "super super needy" interest free loans...

 

[Whoaz]

haven't seen any accepts in a while... i'm kind of expecting a wait list ?

According to the alternate list letter dated April 2, the class is currently full so I believe just wait lists/holds/rejections are being handed out..

As a reminder, Downstate requires all incoming students to be certified in "BLS for Health Care Providers" by a certain date - forgot if it was 7/1 or 8/1. But they are pretty easy to obtain.

 

[Colloquialism]

According to the alternate list letter dated April 2, the class is currently full so I believe just wait lists/holds/rejections are being handed out..

As a reminder, Downstate requires all incoming students to be certified in "BLS for Health Care Providers" by a certain date - forgot if it was 7/1 or 8/1. But they are pretty easy to obtain.

That's certainly disheartening. So that means everyone post-decision after your date is most likely given an alternate/hold/rejection?

 

[ryuuzaki]

That's certainly disheartening. So that means everyone post-decision after your date is most likely given an alternate/hold/rejection?

Even if you get an Alternate, that's pretty good in my books.

 

[angleslam08]

Seems like a lot of ppl on fb group are looking for off campus housing, although I was thinking for M1 at the least would be wise to live in the dorm and also since it doesn't seem that expensive (double studio is ~700/month). Is it likely to find living OCH that much cheaper overall? I am looking to save as much money as possible though 😕....

 

[vcn3333]

Received the rejection letter today. NYC resident, interviewed 1/25. The very best of luck to those of you who're still waiting.

 

[anbuitachi]

Seems like a lot of ppl on fb group are looking for off campus housing, although I was thinking for M1 at the least would be wise to live in the dorm and also since it doesn't seem that expensive (double studio is ~700/month). Is it likely to find living OCH that much cheaper overall? I am looking to save as much money as possible though 😕....

generally cheaper off campus. remember on campus means only within downstate dorms, while off campus means anywhere not on campus, so technically you can find a very cheap apartment off campus depending on size and location.. In the long run, the few thousand $ wont matter much. but most Out state people live off campus first year. most instate live on campus

 

[mac316]

Letter arrived yesterday. Interviewed 2/2

 

[epouvante]

Interviewed early Feb, got my "hold for spring" notice in the mail today.
I was at least hoping to be on the alternate list 🙁

sigh, the search for my first acceptance continues...

 

[FL1234]

That's certainly disheartening. So that means everyone post-decision after your date is most likely given an alternate/hold/rejection?

I am kind of upset about this. I hate waitlists/alternate list/holds/ whatever you want to call it. It puts me in this crazy limbo where I can't make decisions about my schools! Ugh!

 

[yankeefan18]

I am kind of upset about this. I hate waitlists/alternate list/holds/ whatever you want to call it. It puts me in this crazy limbo where I can't make decisions about my schools! Ugh!

It's a nice problem to have. Congrats on the (already) successful application cycle! And if last year's thread is any indication, there's a fair amount of movement -- particularly off the alternate list -- to be expected within a month or so

 

[bamboozle4]

I was put on hold this weekend and withdrew my application.

 

[painterly]

Put on hold as well.

 

[painterly]

Can any current Downstate students speak about what they like the most about Downstate, and what kinds of things the school does best? What could it improve on? I've heard a lot about the great clinical education, and it is very appealing, but does the bell-curve grading of the first two years foster competition or unhappiness among students? Is there a strong sense of community among students at the school, or does the living situation of having students somewhat scattered around Brooklyn take a toll on this?
I didn't get a really happy vibe from the school on interview day, despite going in very much in love with the idea of going to a small, hands-on school in Brooklyn. What brought you to Downstate, and are you happy there?

 

[Dr Roboto]

Can any current Downstate students speak about what they like the most about Downstate, and what kinds of things the school does best? What could it improve on?

I'm a fourth year student so I'll let my classmates give you a better and probably more up to date answer. I imagine that the question has already been answered in some form in this long thread. But I will say the student community here is what I like most and will miss the most.

I've heard a lot about the great clinical education, and it is very appealing, but does the bell-curve grading of the first two years foster competition or unhappiness among students?

Grades are not curved so no competition whatsoever. I think the students do a great job of supporting each other.

Is there a strong sense of community among students at the school, or does the living situation of having students somewhat scattered around Brooklyn take a toll on this?

Brooklyn, or NYC in general, is fairly easy to travel around in. So I personally don't think there's much of a difference but of course the folks who live or lived on campus have a stronger sense of community since they've been neighbors. There's a decent amount of small group work and the school mixes students for those groups so you'll get to know a good portion of your classmates just attending class.

I didn't get a really happy vibe from the school on interview day, despite going in very much in love with the idea of going to a small, hands-on school in Brooklyn. What brought you to Downstate, and are you happy there?

I'm a big proponent of going with your guts, but if you're up for it, come by for a second look. I believe after seeing/working with an underserved community that if I were still passionate about medicine, then I could practice anywhere and achieve a sense of fulfillment from my career. But not everyone wants to do that nor do I recommend that everyone try it. It can be a taxing experience and I would hate for someone to hate themselves or medicine after having gone through it.

 

[anbuitachi]

Can any current Downstate students speak about what they like the most about Downstate, and what kinds of things the school does best? What could it improve on? I've heard a lot about the great clinical education, and it is very appealing, but does the bell-curve grading of the first two years foster competition or unhappiness among students? Is there a strong sense of community among students at the school, or does the living situation of having students somewhat scattered around Brooklyn take a toll on this?
I didn't get a really happy vibe from the school on interview day, despite going in very much in love with the idea of going to a small, hands-on school in Brooklyn. What brought you to Downstate, and are you happy there?

Grades are not curved. It's solely based on what you get so if the entire class gets 100s, we all get Honors.

I say in general ppl are pretty happy here. There are many tests so you generally don't see as many happy faces during those times but that goes for every medical school.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Can any current Downstate students speak about what they like the most about Downstate, and what kinds of things the school does best?

I like all of my classmates and our school environment as a whole. The students are friendly and the faculty are supportive and make an effort to help us learn.

What could it improve on? I've heard a lot about the great clinical education, and it is very appealing, but does the bell-curve grading of the first two years foster competition or unhappiness among students?

Some professors are inevitably better than others, but with all of the resources you have (lecture notes, handouts, etc), you learn what you need to learn one way or another. We are not on a bell-curve (and boy am i glad we're not)...our individual grades are based on our own individual performance. In general, >68% is Pass, >85% is High Pass, >90% is Honors. If everyone gets >90%, Honors will be given to all of those people. As such, the class is very non-competitive--we all strive to do well and help each other along the way!

Is there a strong sense of community among students at the school, or does the living situation of having students somewhat scattered around Brooklyn take a toll on this?

There is a strong sense of community at the school; the on-campus students are close and the off-campus students are close to each other. That isn't to say the on and off campus students don't mingle. Inevitably, off campus students end up studying on campus in the library or something, or hang out with friend who live on campus. As another poster said, Brooklyn and DS are accessible by train, so we're never really that far from one another.

I didn't get a really happy vibe from the school on interview day, despite going in very much in love with the idea of going to a small, hands-on school in Brooklyn. What brought you to Downstate, and are you happy there?

Honestly, it depends on when you came to visit. If you caught us before a test, it's inevitable that we're going to be quieter and tamer than usual..and with the way our schedule has been since January, we've been testing every two weeks, so you likely came around a time when we were either studying for a test or just finished. DS attracted me because of its location in NYC--it's in an area where I knew I'd get great clinical training, compared to my choices in other urban parts of the country, and I am very happy to have chosen it. You can't really go wrong with NYC, unless you don't like urban areas.

 

[ryuuzaki]

Can any current Downstate students speak about what they like the most about Downstate, and what kinds of things the school does best? What could it improve on? I've heard a lot about the great clinical education, and it is very appealing, but does the bell-curve grading of the first two years foster competition or unhappiness among students? Is there a strong sense of community among students at the school, or does the living situation of having students somewhat scattered around Brooklyn take a toll on this?
I didn't get a really happy vibe from the school on interview day, despite going in very much in love with the idea of going to a small, hands-on school in Brooklyn. What brought you to Downstate, and are you happy there?

Going to break this down as best as I can, hopefully I don't miss anything.

Firstly, the best thing about downstate is the student community. Hands down. As a first year, that to me is probably the best feature of Downstate. Everyone is very amicable and approachable, and also our class works together a lot.

The clinical education is impressive. For further clarification about you stand to gain and experience at Downstate, see this post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=12087322#post12087322

What could be improved on? I mean like my classmate above me mentioned, some faculty are better than others, but you have everything you need. Some of the technological issues are frustrating but they are taking care of that. When I first got here, the internet was abysmal and recently they made a lot of service improvements. There are frustrations here or there still but I think the school is pretty committed to addressing these issues, which they have shown.

There is no sense of competition between classmates at our school. Our class collectively tries to do the best it can. I would describe our class as pretty laid back, but serious when it needs to get serious. I don't know how better I could put it. We're pretty interactive with each other, and pretty supportive of each other.

I think we have a decent sense of community even though theres a sizable chunk of us that live away from campus. A good deal of us live in the dorms and people do hang out and interact with each other. We're pretty close I'd say. I would go as far as to say that I think the community is way better here than at a school like Stony Brook, for example given their situation (no one really lives in campus there; this is from what friends who are there have told me about the community--grain of salt, as always).

I think the surrounding area may have made Downstate seem like a unhappy place, but hands down it's the people that make Downstate what it is. The area won't really bother you when you start school--you tend to make of it what you can. I went to Downstate because it was the only school I got into, and I would be lying if I said that I didn't have any reservations about Downstate because of a few judgements that I had made about the school due to the area. All of those judgements are long gone, and I am more than pleasantly surprised with my experiences here.

Med school is med school, on any given day you'll see people relaxed and happy, and on another day people will show the toll that med school takes on an individual when an exam is coming around.

At the end of the day, I think 10/10 times I'd come back to Downstate given the chance. But that's just me and what I looked for in a medical school (pocket friendly, close to home, overall education).

Do you have any specific questions?

 

[painterly]

Thanks for the detailed responses! I think I should definitely set up a "shadow a student" day and revisit the school with all these things in mind. Downstate sounds like a really wonderful place to learn, especially in the clinical years. I think my only other question would be, why do so many Downstate students stay at the medical center for residency?
Thanks again for all the responses!

 

[anbuitachi]

Thanks for the detailed responses! I think I should definitely set up a "shadow a student" day and revisit the school with all these things in mind. Downstate sounds like a really wonderful place to learn, especially in the clinical years. I think my only other question would be, why do so many Downstate students stay at the medical center for residency?
Thanks again for all the responses!

This happens everywhere. You will see more medical school graduates doing residency at the same place. Downstate has most of the residencies so many people stay and do it here and we also have lots of different types of patients so it's good experience as well. As for the competitive specialties, Downstate like every other medical school, gives advantage to students from its own institution. I heard that the Ophthalmology residency program here gives every downstate applicant an interview. Another reason people stay is that connections is important and students here tend to be better connected to faculty and director of their specialty of interest which helps them get admitted.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Thanks for the detailed responses! I think I should definitely set up a "shadow a student" day and revisit the school with all these things in mind. Downstate sounds like a really wonderful place to learn, especially in the clinical years. I think my only other question would be, why do so many Downstate students stay at the medical center for residency?
Thanks again for all the responses!

As with our clinical years, you're going to get a lot of working experience during residency, which is where you get a lot of additional clinical training before you're a full-fledged attending. As my classmate above said, we have a lot of different types of experience, so it's a good experience. One of my cousins who rotated and did his residency in NYC said that he learned the most during residency, and it was because of the diverse patient population of Brooklyn that helped him learn...you see a lot here!

 

[GreyOwl]

Has anyone on the alternate list heard back yet? I interviewed 1/26 and was placed on the list 3/14.

 

[member19]

Hi,

I'll most likely be attending SUNY Downstate starting this fall. I'd like to do research but didn't do any during my undergraduate career. Any suggestions from current students on how students go about finding research positions?

Thanks!

 

[anbuitachi]

Hi,

I'll most likely be attending SUNY Downstate starting this fall. I'd like to do research but didn't do any during my undergraduate career. Any suggestions from current students on how students go about finding research positions?

Thanks!

it's super easy to find research here. Downstate provides a huge list of names and projects that you can contact to do research. you can also contact ppl not on the list and ask them about their projects. Easy way to get research is to ask your faculty advisor to hook you up. you don't need research experience since they will teach it to you. I notice that a lot of students are going to be working with ppl who lectured us so that's another way to find research.

For me, I asked my faculty advisor and he told me he will tell the research director of his department to contact me. She did, and we set up a meeting and she gave me a list of projects going on in her lab and told me to pick one. I picked one that's suitable for MS1 and I will be working on it over the summer..

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Hi,

I'll most likely be attending SUNY Downstate starting this fall. I'd like to do research but didn't do any during my undergraduate career. Any suggestions from current students on how students go about finding research positions?

Thanks!

In addition to what my classmate said above, for summer research (or research during the year), we have a faculty member whose tasked with helping us find faculty mentors based on our research interests. You'll be given this information during orientation, but the answer to your question is "it is very easy-almost easier than undergrad I would say"

 

[anbuitachi]

In addition to what my classmate said above, for summer research (or research during the year), we have a faculty member whose tasked with helping us find faculty mentors based on our research interests. You'll be given this information during orientation, but the answer to your question is "it is very easy-almost easier than undergrad I would say"

It is definitely easier to find than undergrad research for me..

 

[posterpulp]

Just got put on hold for spring consideration, interviewed 2/14. I'll probably be withdrawing!

 

[wanderer]

In addition to what my classmate said above, for summer research (or research during the year), we have a faculty member whose tasked with helping us find faculty mentors based on our research interests. You'll be given this information during orientation, but the answer to your question is "it is very easy-almost easier than undergrad I would say"

I disagree. Downstate is not a major research powerhouse. In the field I wanted to do research in, there weren't too many good opportunities. Only neuro has a lot of opportunities. The funding is alright at Downstate, certainly not great.

That isn't to say you won't find anything. You probably will, but may need to compromise more than at some other schools.

 

[uclabruins2011]

I disagree. Downstate is not a major research powerhouse. In the field I wanted to do research in, there weren't too many good opportunities. Only neuro has a lot of opportunities. The funding is alright at Downstate, certainly not great.

That isn't to say you won't find anything. You probably will, but may need to compromise more than some other schools.

The biggest problem with downstate is the fact that it doesnt participate in the ranking of medical schools. If it did, obviously it would give the faculty more impetus to raise the research ranking, thus establishing it more as a research school

 

[capn jazz]

I disagree. Downstate is not a major research powerhouse. In the field I wanted to do research in, there weren't too many good opportunities. Only neuro has a lot of opportunities. The funding is alright at Downstate, certainly not great.

That isn't to say you won't find anything. You probably will, but may need to compromise more than some other schools.

a friend of mine who is an m4 at ds said the same thing.

 

[wanderer]

The biggest problem with downstate is the fact that it doesnt participate in the ranking of medical schools. If it did, obviously it would give the faculty more impetus to raise the research ranking, thus establishing it more as a research school

Perhaps. The fact is that Downstate isn't affiliated with any highly specialized tertiary care center and isn't part of a research university so that isn't going to change anytime soon. It's possible there is a decent amount of basic science research going on, but that is not my area of interest.

 

[uclabruins2011]

Do downstate students ever have the opportunity or choice of doing research at any of the manhattan schools?

 

[wanderer]

Do downstate students ever have the opportunity or choice of doing research at any of the manhattan schools?

I don't see why not. I know it happens occasionally but I don't think it's too common. I limited myself to Downstate because I will be living in brooklyn for the summer and I suspect many did the same. I also want to continue doing research later on so that factored into my decision as well.

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

The biggest problem with downstate is the fact that it doesnt participate in the ranking of medical schools. If it did, obviously it would give the faculty more impetus to raise the research ranking, thus establishing it more as a research school

While we're definitely not a research powerhouse compared to california public schools, for some reason, we are number two behind Stony Brook in terms of NIH dollars funded to the school. I think we annually for last year brought in somehwere like $25M? It was something our Dean announced to us last year. Quick google search reveals the actual trends:

NIH dollars for Downstate

Do downstate students ever have the opportunity or choice of doing research at any of the manhattan schools?

You do during the summer, as long as you put in the leg work to find a mentor at another university and can manage to make the trip during the summer (or during the schoolyear). I know a few student who are going to be doing that this summer.

Perhaps. The fact is that Downstate isn't affiliated with any highly specialized tertiary care center and isn't part of a research university so that isn't going to change anytime soon. It's possible there is a decent amount of basic science research going on, but that is not my area of interest.

You're right on this point, but the funny thing is I didn't have trouble finding a clinical project that I actually was interested in. I felt there were an abundance of options, but that might have been because I'm used to chasing down PIs for positions and getting rejected bc they don't have any room vs. Downstate's situations where professors announce openings and take everyone that applies.

Just my POV...I've talked to a few students who have told me "research is so big at downstate..blah blah blah, there are million dollar clubs--professors who bring in over 1M NIH dollars to Downstate in grants." Just depends on your perspective. I still think that if you're not looking for very specific "niche research", you'll find it at DS in one way or another.

 

[FIREitUP]

I think one should be mindful that not all research opportunities are equal. Many of the PI's here are not big names in the field of research, subsequently they lack funds and their projects may not be as promising (i.e., yield publications). Just because it's easy to find research projects doesn't mean that they will be research opportunities that will pay dividends. Furthermore, while there is research there may not be much going on in your area of interest; I just found this out first hand myself. I forsee this being an issue for me since the research I'm aiming to do is very specific and the specialty is very research oriented. I would advise that you if you wish to get into a research heavy field, you may want to weigh that into your consideration when choosing between schools (if you're lucky enough to have a choice, of course).

 

[anbuitachi]

If you can't find something here, just find one at another school. The process is the same, look up their research and email them directly. Some ppl here chose not to do research here b/c either of location, or they couldn't find the project that they are interested in so they find those ppl who are working on projects they like and ask if they can work with them. There are many research power houses in NYC and Downstate is not that far away to them. (Though I do recommend if you get into research power houses in Manhattan, that you'd attend them instead... like Mt Sinai/Cornell/Columbia)

Downstate does very well for its size. It has the 2nd most funding out of the 4 SUNYs and it doesn't even have a undergrad connected to it. Schools like SUNY buffalo has many schools, like pharmacy and undergrad, etc. Stonybrook has undergrad, dentistry, etc, while Downstate is pretty much a building in Brooklyn.

If you look at the link that Trio has posted, Stony research has been on a steady decline, while Downstate showed the opposite.

 

[FIREitUP]

If you can't find something here, just find one at another school. The process is the same, look up their research and email them directly. Some ppl here chose not to do research here b/c either of location, or they couldn't find the project that they are interested in so they find those ppl who are working on projects they like and ask if they can work with them. There are many research power houses in NYC and Downstate is not that far away to them. (Though I do recommend if you get into research power houses in Manhattan, that you'd attend them instead... like Mt Sinai/Cornell/Columbia)

Downstate does very well for its size. It has the 2nd most funding out of the 4 SUNYs and it doesn't even have a undergrad connected to it. Schools like SUNY buffalo has many schools, like pharmacy and undergrad, etc. Stonybrook has undergrad, dentistry, etc, while Downstate is pretty much a building in Brooklyn.

If you look at the link that Trio has posted, Stony research has been on a steady decline, while Downstate showed the opposite.

My sole point is that we are not a research heavy institution in any way, shape, or form. The school undoubtedly has a culture that de-emphasizes research in the favor of the more clinical aspects of medical education. With regard to my dilemma in particular, perhaps I should try to contact other institutions, but for obvious reasons, it is always easier to obtain research in your own school, and if you want to continue the research into the academic year, it is magnitudes times more convenient to do it at the school you are currently attending.

 

[CartoonDiva]

Hello everyone,

Do any of you know whether having a co-signer on your lease (e.g. parent) will prevent you from being considered "financially independent" for financial aid or state residency (for those whose parents live out-of-state)? I'm hoping I will not be required to have one, but I'm not sure if I will be required to or not.

Also, this is a little random, but I was wondering if anyone has an estimate for the cost of textbooks/specifically required class supplies for the first year...

Last question: I know I'm thinking a little ahead, but I'm planning to have my lease end around the end of June next year and was wondering if I will have the option of living in the dorm starting during the summer if I end up staying to do research and decide to leave my apartment.