2012-2013 SUNY Downstate Application Thread

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Got an II yesterday for mid-January!
Good luck to everyone else!

I didn't confirm the date they gave me, but I might not be able to make it that day.
Does anyone know if they would be able to give me an earlier date if I asked for one?
 
danp190 said:
Got an II yesterday for mid-January!
Good luck to everyone else!

I didn't confirm the date they gave me, but I might not be able to make it that day.
Does anyone know if they would be able to give me an earlier date if I asked for one?
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Congratulations. When were u complete?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
 
Accepted by snail mail today. Interviewed 11/8, complete early August, IS, yaddayadda etc etc.
 
OwlPower22 said:
Accepted by snail mail today. Interviewed 11/8, complete early August, IS, yaddayadda etc etc.
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Congrats!! I interviewed the week after and I've been obsessively checking my mail. And every time I get an email hoping it's not from Downstate, which is weird...

I'm hoping that since I haven't gotten the email yet that I have a little mail ok the way!! 😀

Do you think you'll take the acceptance?
 
obviouslyteal said:
Congrats!! I interviewed the week after and I've been obsessively checking my mail. And every time I get an email hoping it's not from Downstate, which is weird...

I'm hoping that since I haven't gotten the email yet that I have a little mail ok the way!! 😀

Do you think you'll take the acceptance?
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Very likely. That is, if I don't get accepted into my other Top 10 hehehe. If you get accepted, it's a 3-page letter, so watch out for the not-so-thin envelope! Good luck!!
 
I just got an interview invite here today, complete way back in August so I had pretty much forgotten I applied here. I thought I was completely done and then this one came out of nowhere! I'm really torn about whether to attend the interview or not, since I have a couple of acceptances at other schools that I would rank similarly to SUNY Downstate, but I really don't want to miss out on the opportunity if this could turn out to be the one. Can anyone share any insight into the advantages of Downstate, impressions from the interview day, etc? Thanks!
 
mirimonster said:
I just got an interview invite here today, complete way back in August so I had pretty much forgotten I applied here. I thought I was completely done and then this one came out of nowhere! I'm really torn about whether to attend the interview or not, since I have a couple of acceptances at other schools that I would rank similarly to SUNY Downstate, but I really don't want to miss out on the opportunity if this could turn out to be the one. Can anyone share any insight into the advantages of Downstate, impressions from the interview day, etc? Thanks!
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I interviewed here last month and really enjoyed it, but if you have other acceptances you would prefer and aren't local, it may be worth it to save the money and withdraw. If you're within driving distance and it wouldn't cost much to attend the interview, I would definitely go. If not, here's some info to help you decide.

Advantages: NYC location, impressive match list (mostly in northeast and NYC), new integrated/block curriculum, P/F pre-clinical grades, shortened pre-clinical years (18 months), can get IS tuition years 2-4 (if you're from NY even better), all lectures are put online, no mandatory attendance for lectures, 7 weeks for step 1 prep/vacation, diverse patient population, clinical years are very hands on, 4 weeks of electives in MS3 and 18 in MS4, students were chill, I was impressed by the faculty I met, and they have a decent amount of research going on if thats your thing.

Disadvantages: high cost of living, the facilities are pretty old and some aren't very nice, the area surrounding the school isn't the best/safest (this doesn't bother me personally).

The interview day itself is pretty much all business, as the admissions people don't really try to impress you. However, all the students I met were really excited to show off the school and answer all your questions. Hope that helps and congrats on the interview.
 
MedSchoolSQ said:
Hey do you know where exactly we are supposed to send the transcripts in?
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You don't need to send transcripts in until June or July. It will save you fees if you just do it around then, when you know where you're headed for sure. haha, that was a mistake a made just recently. 😀
 
Got put on hold for Spring yesterday 12/20. Interviewed 11/14.

This was pretty much my only chance to get into a school, guess I'm done for.
 
mirimonster said:
I just got an interview invite here today, complete way back in August so I had pretty much forgotten I applied here. I thought I was completely done and then this one came out of nowhere! I'm really torn about whether to attend the interview or not, since I have a couple of acceptances at other schools that I would rank similarly to SUNY Downstate, but I really don't want to miss out on the opportunity if this could turn out to be the one. Can anyone share any insight into the advantages of Downstate, impressions from the interview day, etc? Thanks!
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I had that same attitude and I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't think I'd like Downstate but I really did (I wrote about it in a little more detail if you scroll up). I definitely think it is worth the visit. It is now one of my top choices.
 
mirimonster said:
I just got an interview invite here today, complete way back in August so I had pretty much forgotten I applied here. I thought I was completely done and then this one came out of nowhere! I'm really torn about whether to attend the interview or not, since I have a couple of acceptances at other schools that I would rank similarly to SUNY Downstate, but I really don't want to miss out on the opportunity if this could turn out to be the one. Can anyone share any insight into the advantages of Downstate, impressions from the interview day, etc? Thanks!
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Congrats!! Come check DS out. Sure, the neighborhood is very urban and not the prettiest in the city, but it's a great school. I have a lot of friends who now go to DS, and they love it. The school and interview are very "no frills" - sure, the facilities are a little dingy, but if you're looking to someday practice in a diverse and large urban area, DS is a great place to learn (better if you live in-state, so tuition is muy cheapo). This school is definitely my second-choice out of all my other interviews. Of course, my alma mater ranks first kekeke
 
Accepted today via snail mail, wooop wooop!! So excited, my first acceptance!
 
Interview Invite for January! Complete all the way back in July and IS.
 
Thanks so much for all the responses, they were really helpful! I'm very interested in urban med and downstate seems like a good place for that, so I've decided to attend the interview. We'll see how it goes! Thanks again!
 
mirimonster said:
Thanks so much for all the responses, they were really helpful! I'm very interested in urban med and downstate seems like a good place for that, so I've decided to attend the interview. We'll see how it goes! Thanks again!
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Yayy!! Good luck! Check out the interview feedback on SDN - practically all my interview questions came from that list (besides my interviewer's 15 minute rant about the healthcare system, haha). To further pique your interest, check out DS's match list. Many of the students go onto practice in NYC, if that's what you like. Many end up in NY-Presby's which is NYC's best hospital (totally tooting our own horn).
 
Sorry I have a really stupid question... This pink form that comes in the acceptance packet asks if I would like to accept or decline the offer. If I accept the offer, is this a binding situation? Or would I be able to withdraw any time after I "accept" it? Thanks.
 
rockyDoctora said:
Sorry I have a really stupid question... This pink form that comes in the acceptance packet asks if I would like to accept or decline the offer. If I accept the offer, is this a binding situation? Or would I be able to withdraw any time after I "accept" it? Thanks.
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I don't think it's binding. You haven't even placed a deposit yet. I signed it and I'm waiting for other acceptances.
 
Ill be withdrawing my acceptance today, hopefully it goes to one of you in waiting!!
 
Was Accepted to Downstate late last week!!! Interviewed last week of October. Good luck to you guys who are still waiting, and Happy Holidays!!
 
aihouse said:
hold for spring consideration, interviewed 11/21
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+1 I thought my interview went pretty well, but I also heard from a lot of people that the SUNYs waitlist a lot of their incoming class!
 
Interviewing in 2 weeks, What should I expect?
Details appreciated
 
Check the interview feedback page. The same questions were asked during my interview -- which was very laid back and conversational.
 
Just wanted to let you guys know, they've started sending out acceptance letters for those who interviewed on 11/19. I live on Long Island and I received it today via USPS.
 
AcutelyObtuse said:
Just wanted to let you guys know, they've started sending out acceptance letters for those who interviewed on 11/19. I live on Long Island and I received it today via USPS.
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Thanks for posting! I hope I get mine today too... I haven't gotten an email yet so I'm hoping that means some mail is on the way!
 
Any prospective mudphuds out there interview at Downstate? If so, what should I expect?
 
I had my interview recently (not going to get specific) and I left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I felt that the interviewer was a bit rude and I honestly wasn't impressed with much of what was presented to us on the tour. Funny thing is, I thought I was going to love this school. I can only imagine what they thought of me if I left with such a bad impression of the university! Guess I'll just be waiting for the email haha
 
Random5678 said:
I had my interview recently (not going to get specific) and I left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I felt that the interviewer was a bit rude and I honestly wasn't impressed with much of what was presented to us on the tour. Funny thing is, I thought I was going to love this school. I can only imagine what they thought of me if I left with such a bad impression of the university! Guess I'll just be waiting for the email haha
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Would you care to elaborate? I'd like to know what happened if you don't mind sharing. Thanks
 
Does anyone else keep getting requests for additional information from Downstate? I was complete in early July...no II, just more and more requests for additional letters, additional details of my activities. Is this normal?
 
Sure, I'll elaborate a little bit. The tour was just so... badly thought out honestly. I got the impression that there wasn't a plan, the guides would just bring us from place to place and occasionally not have a very good reason for bringing us there. They almost seemed lost on their own campus. They didn't hesitate to say how great the program is, but they failed to convince. Maybe I'm just spoiled from my other interview experiences, but I was expecting a coherent interview day agenda. As for the interview itself, I can't go into that.. Wouldn't want to incriminate myself. You know how it is. Over a beer, sure I'd tell you. However, the forums are open for everybody to see. Anyway, I hope I clarified things a bit; even if just partially.
 
Random5678 said:
I had my interview recently (not going to get specific) and I left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I felt that the interviewer was a bit rude and I honestly wasn't impressed with much of what was presented to us on the tour. Funny thing is, I thought I was going to love this school. I can only imagine what they thought of me if I left with such a bad impression of the university! Guess I'll just be waiting for the email haha
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Mavii said:
Would you care to elaborate? I'd like to know what happened if you don't mind sharing. Thanks
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I don't know about the individual interviewer experience, but it seems like many people end up feeling "unimpressed" with DS--the hospital/buildings look old, facilities look run down--and the area can be very off-putting. I had a similar experience so I wanted to elaborate. I went to DS for my interview in September and initially LOVED it--I live in an urban neighborhood now, so the prospect of being in Brooklyn/NYC was exciting.

But then I started comparing the facilities at DS with other schools. In my mind, a medical school needed to have the high-tech bells and whistles and make me feel like I was "special" and in "professional school". I began to question my interview experience, and started comparing my interview day with other schools. I ranked DS low on my list because the school seemed "unimpressive" compared to the bigger, more resourced institutions. The school felt small, weak, and I grew concerned about the school's ability to train me well. (and, I'll be honest, I really thought the DS gym was super lame...)

However, as I attended other interviews, I started to look past my obsession with "lay-reputation" and my need for impressive facilities. I tried to imagine myself as a student at each of the schools, and DS shot back up my list. DS students are SUPER enthusiastic and will not hesitate to share why they . Of my OOS interviews, I felt the most comfortable with students at DS. For me, the prospect of living in an urban environment like NYC is SO important. Other factors about DS started to stick out to me: P/F, 1.5 yr pre-clinical, no mandatory attendance, increased PBL, strong clinical training, solid match lists...and again the idea of living in NYC!

Yes DS may have its issues. It's not going to be swimming in money or NIH research funding, and the SUNY's are struggling financially--but they're making an effort to modernize their curriculum to train their students well, and for me I know this is the type of school/environment where I am most comfortable, and consequently do well. The students I met were all super supportive, and I can totally see myself there. Don't discount the school because of it's facilities!
 
imcanadaian said:
I don't know about the individual interviewer experience, but it seems like many people end up feeling "unimpressed" with DS--the hospital/buildings look old, facilities look run down--and the area can be very off-putting. I had a similar experience so I wanted to elaborate. I went to DS for my interview in September and initially LOVED it--I live in an urban neighborhood now, so the prospect of being in Brooklyn/NYC was exciting.

But then I started comparing the facilities at DS with other schools. In my mind, a medical school needed to have the high-tech bells and whistles and make me feel like I was "special" and in "professional school". I began to question my interview experience, and started comparing my interview day with other schools. I ranked DS low on my list because the school seemed "unimpressive" compared to the bigger, more resourced institutions. The school felt small, weak, and I grew concerned about the school's ability to train me well. (and, I'll be honest, I really thought the DS gym was super lame...)

However, as I attended other interviews, I started to look past my obsession with "lay-reputation" and my need for impressive facilities. I tried to imagine myself as a student at each of the schools, and DS shot back up my list. DS students are SUPER enthusiastic and will not hesitate to share why they . Of my OOS interviews, I felt the most comfortable with students at DS. For me, the prospect of living in an urban environment like NYC is SO important. Other factors about DS started to stick out to me: P/F, 1.5 yr pre-clinical, no mandatory attendance, increased PBL, strong clinical training, solid match lists...and again the idea of living in NYC!

Yes DS may have its issues. It's not going to be swimming in money or NIH research funding, and the SUNY's are struggling financially--but they're making an effort to modernize their curriculum to train their students well, and for me I know this is the type of school/environment where I am most comfortable, and consequently do well. The students I met were all super supportive, and I can totally see myself there. Don't discount the school because of it's facilities!
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Wow, this is EXACTLY how I feel about Downstate as well.
 
bluecalx said:
Does anyone else keep getting requests for additional information from Downstate? I was complete in early July...no II, just more and more requests for additional letters, additional details of my activities. Is this normal?
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I wish i was in your position...ive been complete since the end of october....and im still praying for an interview here
 
Interviewed 11/19. Got my mail yesterday!!! my first acceptance!

Letter was dated 12/18/2012.
 
Sorry to bring up a question again which someone posted a while back, but for those who were accepted, did you send in update letters of any sort between the date you interviewed and the date you received your acceptance letters?
 
405 said:
Sorry to bring up a question again which someone posted a while back, but for those who were accepted, did you send in update letters of any sort between the date you interviewed and the date you received your acceptance letters?
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I sent an update stating I had begun work on an honors thesis and about a full time summer job I held right after my interview.
 
imcanadaian said:
I don't know about the individual interviewer experience, but it seems like many people end up feeling "unimpressed" with DS--the hospital/buildings look old, facilities look run down--and the area can be very off-putting. I had a similar experience so I wanted to elaborate. I went to DS for my interview in September and initially LOVED it--I live in an urban neighborhood now, so the prospect of being in Brooklyn/NYC was exciting.

But then I started comparing the facilities at DS with other schools. In my mind, a medical school needed to have the high-tech bells and whistles and make me feel like I was "special" and in "professional school". I began to question my interview experience, and started comparing my interview day with other schools. I ranked DS low on my list because the school seemed "unimpressive" compared to the bigger, more resourced institutions. The school felt small, weak, and I grew concerned about the school's ability to train me well. (and, I'll be honest, I really thought the DS gym was super lame...)

However, as I attended other interviews, I started to look past my obsession with "lay-reputation" and my need for impressive facilities. I tried to imagine myself as a student at each of the schools, and DS shot back up my list. DS students are SUPER enthusiastic and will not hesitate to share why they . Of my OOS interviews, I felt the most comfortable with students at DS. For me, the prospect of living in an urban environment like NYC is SO important. Other factors about DS started to stick out to me: P/F, 1.5 yr pre-clinical, no mandatory attendance, increased PBL, strong clinical training, solid match lists...and again the idea of living in NYC!

Yes DS may have its issues. It's not going to be swimming in money or NIH research funding, and the SUNY's are struggling financially--but they're making an effort to modernize their curriculum to train their students well, and for me I know this is the type of school/environment where I am most comfortable, and consequently do well. The students I met were all super supportive, and I can totally see myself there. Don't discount the school because of it's facilities!
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As a current student, I think this is a good assessment. I had ~10 interviews when I was applying and I thought that Downstate's facilities and admissions staff were among the worst I encountered. At the end of the day though, you need to look past the petty stuff and focus on the big picture, which is NYC, a good reputation, and tuition savings (even for OOS students after 1 year).

It doesn't matter how nice the facilities are, because you are learning the same exactly crap regardless of where you go. As for the bells and whistles of the admissions process, applicants need to get over themselves because once you start medical school you are at the bottom of the pyramid regardless of where you are. Lastly, Downstate has a new hospital president who is in the process of making long overdue changes to make the school and the hospital more efficiently run places.
 
405 said:
Sorry to bring up a question again which someone posted a while back, but for those who were accepted, did you send in update letters of any sort between the date you interviewed and the date you received your acceptance letters?
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I actually did, but it turned out that my letter was already in the mail by the time I sent it, lol.
 
II this afternoon! I had almost given up on Downstate, I've been complete since mid July, and have sent 2 LOIs. I'm IS but have mediocre stats...so maybe that's why they've taken their sweet time to get to me.
 
scrubulous said:
II this afternoon! I had almost given up on Downstate, I've been complete since mid July, and have sent 2 LOIs. I'm IS but have mediocre stats...so maybe that's why they've taken their sweet time to get to me.
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Congrats! GL with the interview =]

Anyone know if there's a Downstate C/O 2017 fb group yet?
 
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