2012-2013 SUNY Upstate Application Thread

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nymadison said:
Do any current students know where most MS1s live? I know a bunch of students live in Geneva, & Madison, and Jefferson Towers, but do a good portion of med students also live in the university hill area (or mostly just SU students)? What are other popular neighborhoods within Syracuse?
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most upstate students (and residents) live in geneva, madison, jefferson. Some but not many, live in the SU area (still pretty close to upstate campus, just 5-10min drive). Don't forget to factor in parking fee if you live off campus and have to drive. It'll be $70/month for parking in the garage and $25 (or $30, can't remember exactly) a month for parking in an open lot (R lot). The R lot is a bit of a walk to campus, and there's a shuttle to take you to campus. The shuttle schedule is pretty frequent (could be every 5min, 10min, or 30min, depends on what time of the day it is). The down side of the R lot is that it's outside so could be difficult in the winter, and that you'll need to factor in time for getting from the parking lot to class. Most Upstate employees park in the R lot though.
 
I posted this on the Class of 2017 Facebook group and figured I'd post it here as well:

I live off campus and my landlord is currently looking to fill some of his other houses/apartments. He owns a little cluster of houses near the corner of Oak St and Hawley Ave, and he only rents to medical/law students. It's about a 6 min drive to the R lot (which is about a 10 minute walk to campus, or there's a shuttle). My landlord is super awesome, he fixes everything (including my fiance's car one time!), and keeps the houses up very nicely. He's just around the corner if there's ever a problem. Rent is reasonable, we pay $780/month for a house to ourselves (including water, w/d, and off street parking). If you are interested in more specifics, PM me for his phone number.
 
It took 7 weeks to hear back for me. I got my email on a Wednesday in the early afternoon. Hang tight. At my interview they did mention that they were a couple weeks behind.
 
Still no II and Jennifer Welch said my application would be reviewed by the end of this week...why couldn't she have just told me then that they weren't going to accept me, as I'm assuming that's the news I'm about to receive...sooooo incredibly frustrating.
 
SandsOfTime said:
Still no II and Jennifer Welch said my application would be reviewed by the end of this week...why couldn't she have just told me then that they weren't going to accept me, as I'm assuming that's the news I'm about to receive...sooooo incredibly frustrating.
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No news does not necessarily mean bad news. I waited for about 8 weeks after my interview as did many others on this thread (and surely countless more who aren't on Student Doctor Net). I'm not sure if you want people to side with you or against you when you say these self-deprecating things but that kind of attitude is not really going to take you far and can also be very frustrating. I only say this as I think that it might be a valuable piece of advice for you. Every person on this website (and in general) struggles with feelings of self-doubt, self-pity, patience, etc.--all of which are exacerbated by this process of applying/interviewing/waiting.

I hope this doesnt come off as rude, just thought it could be a learning lesson for all of us.
 
wtr24 said:
no news does not necessarily mean bad news. I waited for about 8 weeks after my interview as did many others on this thread (and surely countless more who aren't on student doctor net). I'm not sure if you want people to side with you or against you when you say these self-deprecating things but that kind of attitude is not really going to take you far and can also be very frustrating. I only say this as i think that it might be a valuable piece of advice for you. Every person on this website (and in general) struggles with feelings of self-doubt, self-pity, patience, etc.--all of which are exacerbated by this process of applying/interviewing/waiting.

I hope this doesnt come off as rude, just thought it could be a learning lesson for all of us.
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+1
 
SandsOfTime said:
Still no II and Jennifer Welch said my application would be reviewed by the end of this week...why couldn't she have just told me then that they weren't going to accept me, as I'm assuming that's the news I'm about to receive...sooooo incredibly frustrating.
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I thought they were done interviewing.
 
SandsOfTime said:
Still no II and Jennifer Welch said my application would be reviewed by the end of this week...why couldn't she have just told me then that they weren't going to accept me, as I'm assuming that's the news I'm about to receive...sooooo incredibly frustrating.
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I agree with the other poster that this process is frustrating for many people. At one school, I was in one of the first groups of interviewees, and didn't hear back until after others who interviewed weeks after me were accepted. I was deferred as well. I was obviously very frustrated, and wondered if the school knew to defer me, why didn't it tell me earlier and save me days/weeks of nervous anxiety. But I learned that these schools have their procedures whether you agree with them or not. There are schools who are done offering interviews, but have not sent out rejections. That is just the way they do it. Similarly, maybe Jennifer Welch couldn't tell you that they're not going to accept you because it's not time yet. In any case, this whole process is nerve-wrecking, and it's almost over. If I were you, just focus on the positives whether it be finding ways to improve your application for next cycle or waiting positively to hear back from schools.
 
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bbedi82 said:
Hey are you going to be living at home since I know you live in Syracuse or are you going to find a place close to campus? I am thinking about the apartment complex that is attached to school
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I signed a lease in January for an apartment that's literally at a 5 minute walking distance from the campus. I was thinking of living at one of the towers initially but decided not to in the end.
 
cwrig14 said:
Does anyone know where to park for the second look day?
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You can park at Crouse Hospital's parking lot. Not sure how much it costs but it's literally right next to Upstate so it's very convenient
 
pup113 said:
I agree with the other poster that this process is frustrating for many people. At one school, I was in one of the first groups of interviewees, and didn't hear back until after others who interviewed weeks after me were accepted. I was deferred as well. I was obviously very frustrated, and wondered if the school knew to defer me, why didn't it tell me earlier and save me days/weeks of nervous anxiety. But I learned that these schools have their procedures whether you agree with them or not. There are schools who are done offering interviews, but have not sent out rejections. That is just the way they do it. Similarly, maybe Jennifer Welch couldn't tell you that they're not going to accept you because it's not time yet. In any case, this whole process is nerve-wrecking, and it's almost over. If I were you, just focus on the positives whether it be finding ways to improve your application for next cycle or waiting positively to hear back from schools.
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Yeah I know...thanks for being understanding pup113, rather than lecturing me.

I've been out of college and working in the real world for two years I don't need advice from someone on SDN who thinks I need an attitude adjustment. I'm not trying to get anyone to argue with me or agree with me, I just want answers. And anyway, OF COURSE I don't have a good attitude right now...I never even received a single II. Hurts a little bit. So get off your high horse and let me state my frustration a few times without jumping down my throat. But yes, I have hope for my future and I'm going to be fine. But people on this site should be free to express their frustrations...especially when it has to do with these absurd notification policies. The system is messed up and I don't mind speaking up about it. #endrant
 
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SandsOfTime,

I can tell you are frustrated. This process can be very depressing, especially for those of us who have not had the best of cycles (*raises hand*). This may sound ridiculous to you, and feel free to disregard the advice from a perfect stranger, but you should really just try to let it go a bit and have some fun with the process. I know it can get you down, and I have one of those days because of it every few weeks, but now I just try to laugh about it, because it is truly out of our control. You can't do anything about it, so why let it control your life in such a negative way? If I have to reapply (with some probable app improvements, and/or SMP program), as unfortunate as it will be, I'll deal with it. I'm in my late 20s and a career changer, so believe me when I say I think I can relate to the pressure you are feeling. If that's my fate, when I do finally get accepted, I will appreciate it that much more.

Anyway, so apparently today is the day the post-interview decisions come out, if the info in this thread is accurate. Anyone else keep hitting refresh on this thread?
 
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Couldn't make it to the 2nd look today, so if someone who attended can let us know how it went I would greatly appreciate it 🙂
 
Ochempwnsme said:
SandsOfTime,

I can tell you are frustrated. This process can be very depressing, especially for those of us who have not had the best of cycles (*raises hand*). This may sound ridiculous to you, and feel free to disregard the advice from a perfect stranger, but you should really just try to let it go a bit and have some fun with the process. I know it can get you down, and I have one of those days because of it every few weeks, but now I just try to laugh about it, because it is truly out of our control. You can't do anything about it, so why let it control your life in such a negative way? If I have to reapply (with some probable app improvements, and/or SMP program), as unfortunate as it will be, I'll deal with it. I'm in my late 20s and a career changer, so believe me when I say I think I can relate to the pressure you are feeling. If that's my fate, when I do finally get accepted, I will appreciate it that much more.

Anyway, so apparently today is the day the post-interview decisions come out, if the info in this thread is accurate. Anyone else keep hitting refresh on this thread?
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Hey...yeah, thanks...you probably understand where I'm coming from more so than some others have, and you don't sound ridiculous at all, but let me clarify: my point was that, yes I am frustrated...but also that it is NOT ruining my life at all, and I wish people didn't automatically jump to that conclusion. But apparently that does tend to be the conclusion people come to when frustrations are vented on SDN. I do in fact let the frustration go and get on with my day...and yes I do find the whole thing quite laughable and ridiculous, so it's been easy enough for me to brush off the occasional feelings of angst. I just got blustered when people saw me airing out a grievance and basically used it as an excuse to assume that I was a troubled premed in a downward spiral whose life had ended and had lost all hope for the future. I am not in a place even remotely like that right now. Sure, I'm disillusioned and bitter about the past year, but I'm also excited to see what the future has in store for me now...something new...a clean slate.
 
I guess my comment rubbed you the wrong way. My apologies. Let it be known that nowhere in my comments did I make any assumptions about your satisfaction in life, a troubled premed spiral, or that you had no hope for the future--all of these things you mentioned came from...well, somewhere else. No one has jumped to any conclusions about you.

That being said, I by no means was trying to lecture you ( or anyone), and I am sorry if that is how my post came across. The internet can be pretty ambiguous as far as tones/connotations.


This whole process is pretty awful and definitely wears on pretty much everyone who participates in it. By no means am I on any sort of high horse, as college senior and traditional applicant I havent hade any experience in the "real world" to contribute. (That is sarcasm, to avoid ambiguity), I was simply trying to offer advice that I think other people can echo as being important, patience and a positive attitude amidst frustration. And the fact that we all look/post here does indicate that we do want feedback and conversation, so it should be no surprise that you are getting 'advice from someone on SDN.' Do with my comments what you will, its worked for me and for my peers.
 
mishaob said:
Did they mention anything about LCME accreditation status?
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Yes, the dean talked extensively about this. Upstate had a visit from the LCME last week and it was very positive. The LCME will make a final decision in June, but everyone seems extremely optimistic that Upstate will be off of probation at that time. However, there are no guarantees.
 
Mdtichen said:
Yes, the dean talked extensively about this. Upstate had a visit from the LCME last week and it was very positive. The LCME will make a final decision in June, but everyone seems extremely optimistic that Upstate will be off of probation at that time. However, there are no guarantees.
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mainly this, thanks! I know some schools have a "housing weekend" did they mention anything about that?
 
Mdtichen said:
It was a great day! Anything you would like to know in particular?
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Was there anything that was discussed or seen during second look that was not shown during interview day. Anything that really stood out to you???
 
wtr24 said:
I guess my comment rubbed you the wrong way. My apologies. Let it be known that nowhere in my comments did I make any assumptions about your satisfaction in life, a troubled premed spiral, or that you had no hope for the future--all of these things you mentioned came from...well, somewhere else. No one has jumped to any conclusions about you.

That being said, I by no means was trying to lecture you ( or anyone), and I am sorry if that is how my post came across. The internet can be pretty ambiguous as far as tones/connotations.


This whole process is pretty awful and definitely wears on pretty much everyone who participates in it. By no means am I on any sort of high horse, as college senior and traditional applicant I havent hade any experience in the "real world" to contribute. (That is sarcasm, to avoid ambiguity), I was simply trying to offer advice that I think other people can echo as being important, patience and a positive attitude amidst frustration. And the fact that we all look/post here does indicate that we do want feedback and conversation, so it should be no surprise that you are getting 'advice from someone on SDN.' Do with my comments what you will, its worked for me and for my peers.
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It did rub me the wrong way, sorry. As far as "let it be known"...I know you didn't SAY those things: it was what you implied by what you said. I was taken aback and didn't want to be seen as the poor whiny annoying poster that needs motivation and advice. I was venting a single frustration and your tone was that of an elder consoling a child with temper issues. Or at least it came off that way to me. But defending yourself with subtle jabs at the validity of my comments isn't helping your case any, and neither is the passive-aggressiveness. Oh, and I wasn't trying to say anything negative about you because of my experience in the working world...that was all about defending where I personally was coming from.

Oh, and I didn't want other posters to think that I was not in support of a positive attitude in the midst of frustrations. Optimism is the cat's me-ow, br0.
 
jshei0625 said:
Was there anything that was discussed or seen during second look that was not shown during interview day. Anything that really stood out to you???
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Umm the only things that stood out to me was how much the faculty realllllly wants the best for their students and seems to do everything they can for their students. Also, the amount of activities that are available on campus.

But I am extremely familiar with the school since I have been affiliated with it for over 3 years (did my undergrad at SU). Maybe someone who is less familiar with the school can give you a better answer as to what stood out for them.
 
Mdtichen said:
Umm the only things that stood out to me was how much the faculty realllllly wants the best for their students and seems to do everything they can for their students. Also, the amount of activities that are available on campus.
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+1

It's apparent that the faculty really cares about their students. During the entire presentation they talked about the opportunities on campus and how students can make the best out of their med school experience by taking advantage of various counseling, support and advising groups. I know all med schools have such student services but I feel like here in Upstate it is the faculty that reaches out to you, instead of the other way around. I hope that makes sense
 
SU1989 said:
+1

It's apparent that the faculty really cares about their students. During the entire presentation they talked about the opportunities on campus and how students can make the best out of their med school experience by taking advantage of various counseling, support and advising groups. I know all med schools have such student services but I feel like here in Upstate it is the faculty that reaches out to you, instead of the other way around. I hope that makes sense
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Thats really good to know. Thanks for the info guys!
 
Mdtichen said:
Yes, the dean talked extensively about this. Upstate had a visit from the LCME last week and it was very positive. The LCME will make a final decision in June, but everyone seems extremely optimistic that Upstate will be off of probation at that time. However, there are no guarantees.
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Thank you!
 
Also, their match list from last Friday was impressive.
 
I would also like to add that there is a proposal to change preclinical grades to strictly P/F. They said the vote would be either this month or next.
 
I withdrew my acceptance from here earlier. Best of luck to the deserving individual who gets my spot 🙂
 
Mdtichen said:
I would also like to add that there is a proposal to change preclinical grades to strictly P/F. They said the vote would be either this month or next.
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I really hope they make the change. Although I wonder if it's going to be strictly P/F as they said during second look. I am guessing they will still have a high pass or honors grade in addition to pass and fail
 
SU1989 said:
I really hope they make the change. Although I wonder if it's going to be strictly P/F as they said during second look. I am guessing they will still have a high pass or honors grade in addition to pass and fail
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What is the grading system now?
 
I believe its H/HP/P/F on a curve

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
 
pup113 said:
I agree with the other poster that this process is frustrating for many people. At one school, I was in one of the first groups of interviewees, and didn't hear back until after others who interviewed weeks after me were accepted. I was deferred as well. I was obviously very frustrated, and wondered if the school knew to defer me, why didn't it tell me earlier and save me days/weeks of nervous anxiety. But I learned that these schools have their procedures whether you agree with them or not. There are schools who are done offering interviews, but have not sent out rejections. That is just the way they do it. Similarly, maybe Jennifer Welch couldn't tell you that they're not going to accept you because it's not time yet. In any case, this whole process is nerve-wrecking, and it's almost over. If I were you, just focus on the positives whether it be finding ways to improve your application for next cycle or waiting positively to hear back from schools.
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Yes, each school has their own process. For Upstate, as far as I know, although it's a rolling process, the applications are downloaded from AMCAS in batches, meaning a bunch of applications will be received by the school periodically. Say in one batch, after interview, there'll be pre-screen process, which would put applications in either a sub-committee review, or a large-committee review. Sub-committee review is for apps that's clear cut (either really good or really bad) and fast to process. Large-committee review is for general typical apps that require closer look to evaluate. The committee meetings (especially large committee review) cannot scheduled as frequently as we want because the # of members (doctors/faculty/administration...) are larger. So, even when you interviewed earlier, your application may be reviewed after the people who interviewed before you. It's not that the school already have the decision and decide to sit on it without telling you.

As always, good luck!

p.s.: my interpretation of the process at Upstate is entirely of my own interpretation. I cannot claim its entire accuracy, but that's the best i can extrapolate.
 
Inphan, would you recommend buying books for class? There were quite a few students that felt that the books were not worth it. One even adamantly told me not to buy any books. Any thoughts? Obviously some people learn better from reading the books, but would you say they are necessary?
 
Mdtichen said:
Inphan, would you recommend buying books for class? There were quite a few students that felt that the books were not worth it. One even adamantly told me not to buy any books. Any thoughts? Obviously some people learn better from reading the books, but would you say they are necessary?
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No need to buy books. The school will give you stacks and stacks of lecture notes. And the syllabus may list required books, but in the end the notes will be all you need. The lecture slides are available online and you'll have space to annotate in your notes while going through lectures. The upper class members will also sell their books for super cheap so you won't need it. Oh, one book I think you'll need is Lange Symptom to Diagnosis. That one isn't available and has some required readings. It's available in the library but it's a good book and you may want a copy for yourself. That's the only one I can think of.

Another book that I recommend (just because it's really good, but you don't need to have it) is BRS Physiology.
 
lnphan said:
No need to buy books. The school will give you stacks and stacks of lecture notes. And the syllabus may list required books, but in the end the notes will be all you need. The lecture slides are available online and you'll have space to annotate in your notes while going through lectures. The upper class members will also sell their books for super cheap so you won't need it. Oh, one book I think you'll need is Lange Symptom to Diagnosis. That one isn't available and has some required readings. It's available in the library but it's a good book and you may want a copy for yourself. That's the only one I can think of.

Another book that I recommend (just because it's really good, but you don't need to have it) is BRS Physiology.
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Would you recommend buying an anatomy atlas? If so, what would you recommend?
 
SU1989 said:
Would you recommend buying an anatomy atlas? If so, what would you recommend?
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Oh, specifically don't buy anatomy atlas because the Alumni office will give you one for free (Netter's Atlas), summer anatomy and fall class.
 
lnphan said:
No need to buy books. The school will give you stacks and stacks of lecture notes. And the syllabus may list required books, but in the end the notes will be all you need. The lecture slides are available online and you'll have space to annotate in your notes while going through lectures. The upper class members will also sell their books for super cheap so you won't need it. Oh, one book I think you'll need is Lange Symptom to Diagnosis. That one isn't available and has some required readings. It's available in the library but it's a good book and you may want a copy for yourself. That's the only one I can think of.

Another book that I recommend (just because it's really good, but you don't need to have it) is BRS Physiology.
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Thank you so much!!
 
Hey guys! Just wanted to drop in and say hi. Upstate M3 here, and hope to see some of you next year! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Congrats to the people accepted and good luck to anyone still waiting.
 
Does anyone know what kind of supplies we need to buy i.e. stethoscopes and the like for school?
 
I think they give you a list during orientation, but there are probably things on it that you dont need at all. But definitely a stethoscope. Other things on there are probably a BP cuff, reflex hammer, and pen light. They'll probably suggest you get an opthalmoscope/otoscope, and I think some Welych Allen people come by to take orders for the if you want one. I didn't buy one, probably wouldn't suggest buying one since there are wall mounted ones in the hospital and it costs some ridiculous amount of money, but it's up to you.
 
Does anyone know if letters of Intent from waitlistees hold any weight at Upstate.?
 
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