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II today! IS. Complete 8/8.
2013-2014 SUNY Downstate Application Thread
- Thread starter JJMrK
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I completed my app and paid the fee and even got a confirmation email, but when I try to log back into the site it just asks me if I want to pay again. Is anyone else having this problem 😕
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It takes a few days for the payment to get processed and this message to go away
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Hello SDNers, I'm a first year at Downstate with backpackstrap (who is a 2nd year now according to the earlier post, never met him/her) undergoing the new curriculum. We just finished our first week so I'm back checking the forums for the first time in many months. If you guys got any questions, feel free to private message me. I'll get back to you as soon as I can as I'm not an overly active on SDN forums.
The first week of school was a piece of cake as it's mainly introductions to the cardiovascular system and kidneys. In the 2nd day and 3rd day of school, we already learn to take blood pressure and do chest examinations, respectively. Small group PBLs and small sessions are fun to be in since you get to work together with other students to solve problems.
The first week of school was a piece of cake as it's mainly introductions to the cardiovascular system and kidneys. In the 2nd day and 3rd day of school, we already learn to take blood pressure and do chest examinations, respectively. Small group PBLs and small sessions are fun to be in since you get to work together with other students to solve problems.
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got a quick question. I grew up most of my life in NYC, but I do not live technically in NYC now. Do i answer that question or just leave it alone. When they say are you from there do they mean living there right now?
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say exactly what you just told us but more concise. The admissions staff will understand your situation, I'm sure it's common.
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As in grades for this current fall semester/quarter? It's not uncommon to ask for updated grades but it seems like it might be a little early for that haha. I would just call/email the admissions office to clarify.
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Congrats! The interview process at Downstate is pretty casual so there's not much to be worried about. I actually used the SDN Interview feedback to prep, which was really useful:
http://studentdoctor.net/schools/school/suny-downstate/survey/26
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Just got a response from my in the area request to downstate. Got a response saying they couldn't accommodate for October, but it is a weird mix of copy and pasted info and said something about me applying to Vermont? Which I'm not, so it must be an old response to someone else. Weird.
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Anyone else have an issue paying after submitting their secondary?
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I also got a request for fall grades, but school just started for me. Someone else posted that it might be a pre-interview hold (in 2007). Really hope this isn't the case as I would love to go here 🙁 Also they sent me this just now (Sunday).
Anyone else can confirm?
Edit: Just found this on their website:
The Admissions Committee may request additional information from you to assist in the evaluation of your credentials. It is your responsibility to submit the requested information. The preferred method to submit any requested information is by email sent to [email protected]. After the additional information is received, the Admissions Committee will re-review your application.
After an initial review of your application, if the Admissions Committee has asked you to submit additional information (e.g., fall grade report, more detailed information, etc.), we prefer that you submit these items by email to [email protected], for faster processing.
Make certain you include your name and AAMC ID on any items that are submitted. If you have been asked to submit a fall grade report, it is not necessary to send an official transcript but make certain that the fall grade report includes course number, department abbreviation or name, the title of the course (not just a course number), the number of credit hours, and grade received. If your grade report does not provide this information, include a statement from you which explains the abbreviations on your grade report.
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Applicants,
I have heard all of your complaints to my post and I have given it some thought. The other students are right that the curriculum is not as bad as I made it out to be. Just know that it's very different than what you might expect.
I admit that I overreacted in my previous post and I want to apologize for upsetting everyone. If you are considering going to Downstate, find out what it's like for yourself and then make your decision.
I have heard all of your complaints to my post and I have given it some thought. The other students are right that the curriculum is not as bad as I made it out to be. Just know that it's very different than what you might expect.
I admit that I overreacted in my previous post and I want to apologize for upsetting everyone. If you are considering going to Downstate, find out what it's like for yourself and then make your decision.
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lmao, if this is what you have to resort to in order to feel confident about getting an acceptance...then wow! I wish you the best of luck in life. Seriously.
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I'm also a first year student and The above rant is just absurd and childish.
However, should anyone want a balanced pros and cons presentation of the new curriculum situation at Downstate, here ya go:
There is some (a lot, for some) discontent among my classmates but overall we are doing the best we can to cope and rise to the challenge. The administration is responsive but as with any change, it is a struggle. We knew this coming in. We knew there would be issues. Nothing is perfect the first time around. However, I am generally happy with my experience here and am enjoying my medical education thus far. Be warned applicants, the new curriculum preaches adult learning and self-directed learning (something the above poster takes issue with). You are expected to read. You are expected to self-assess on what you don't know and then go fix it.Thats part of being an adult and that is hopefully how will continue to learn for the rest of your career. There are obviously resources other than Wikipedia available to you. If this is not appealing to you and you want to be lectured at for 6-8 hours a day, then go somewhere else. You can choose how you want to be taught medicine. Could the administration/faculty/curriculum sone a better job easing us into this style of learning? Yes. And they're working on that as we speak. But keep in mind, the transition to medical school is tough no matter what, old curriculum or new so four weeks into med school I don't think any of us are in a position to pass judgement on an entire curriculum or institution. I don't even know if the above poster is a really first year student or not but I thought is provide a more adult perspective on the situation.
If you specific questions, feel free to message me.
Also this dude has one post and joined today so there's that...
Now I feel dumb for having responded but still had to say something.
Bottom line is med school isn't a bed of roses. Grow a pair. Do you want to be a doctor or not?
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L.M.A.O @ "I would go so far as to say that I'd go the Caribbean route before coming here."
Caribbean schools allow students to begin in the spring - so I guess it's never too late to drop out of a US medical school and attend the vastly superior medical schools of the Caribbean.
Hello, my name is YankeeBean, and I'm calling your bluff.
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Amen. Receiving a medical education is a BLESSING and if you are complaining about it, you need to seriously reevaluate what you want to do with your career. Despite what loony toons over here has to say about the curriculum, I would be very happy to interview at Downstate.
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Hey guys,
I interviewed here today and thought I'd give the run-down on my experience in case it can be of help to anyone else 🙂
I had an afternoon interview, so I got there at 11:30 to check-in. The dean of admissions gave us a quick little info session, during which she mostly talked about the new curriculum and how it is scheduled out. Then we had a tour and lunch with M2 students. Unfortunately, since they were M2, they couldn't really speak about the new curriculum (only M1s are doing it right now), but overall they were very enthusiastic and helpful. They really made an effort to answer everyone's answers comprehensively and honestly. I wasn't SUPER impressed with the facilities, but they have everything that you could really need, so it's not much to complain about. I was really impressed with how much the students talked about how collaborative their class is, always sending each other review sheets and helping teach each other concepts.
My actual interview was after that, and it was super chill. We basically had a really relaxed conversation for the first half hour or so, talking about my research, my interest in living in NYC, other hobbies/interests of mine. My interviewer told me a lot about her particular field of medicine, which was really cool and informative. And then she mentioned that there were some questions that they have to ask us, so she went down the list and asked me those questions. Note: If you use the Interview Feedback tool on this website, you'll be doing yourself a big favor. Overall it was a great experience! Really glad that this was my first interview, because it was so chill and seems like it was good way to start the whole process!
I interviewed here today and thought I'd give the run-down on my experience in case it can be of help to anyone else 🙂
I had an afternoon interview, so I got there at 11:30 to check-in. The dean of admissions gave us a quick little info session, during which she mostly talked about the new curriculum and how it is scheduled out. Then we had a tour and lunch with M2 students. Unfortunately, since they were M2, they couldn't really speak about the new curriculum (only M1s are doing it right now), but overall they were very enthusiastic and helpful. They really made an effort to answer everyone's answers comprehensively and honestly. I wasn't SUPER impressed with the facilities, but they have everything that you could really need, so it's not much to complain about. I was really impressed with how much the students talked about how collaborative their class is, always sending each other review sheets and helping teach each other concepts.
My actual interview was after that, and it was super chill. We basically had a really relaxed conversation for the first half hour or so, talking about my research, my interest in living in NYC, other hobbies/interests of mine. My interviewer told me a lot about her particular field of medicine, which was really cool and informative. And then she mentioned that there were some questions that they have to ask us, so she went down the list and asked me those questions. Note: If you use the Interview Feedback tool on this website, you'll be doing yourself a big favor. Overall it was a great experience! Really glad that this was my first interview, because it was so chill and seems like it was good way to start the whole process!
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Just got my MCAT--29, very disappointed. I have 3.8cGPA and good ECs, shadowing, research.
I am instate, from long island so SB and downstate are my top choices
I know the AVG is 32. am I SOL with a 29?
I am a junior and definitely have time for a retake. Should I do it?
I am instate, from long island so SB and downstate are my top choices
I know the AVG is 32. am I SOL with a 29?
I am a junior and definitely have time for a retake. Should I do it?
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Thanks, for trying to help. I have seen that several times. What I am looking for is people who have got secondaries or interviews with a 29 specifically from downstate. Trying to get a feel for my likelihood of getting in without a re-take.
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Go to http://mdapplicants.com/search.php and click More Search Options. Then input stat ranges, URM status and interviewed/accepted status to a medical school of your choosing. In this case, Downstate.
This guy got an interview:
http://mdapplicants.com/profile.php?id=25920
Hope that helps 🙂
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This comment is INAPPROPRIATE and NOT TRUE. I am a Downstate student who took a leave in January, thus I have been here for the new AND old curriculum during MS1. The new curriculum has an amazing emphasis on clinical skills - we are doing exams that MS1s from last year are not going to do for a while as MS2s. They're all so jealous whenever I say "today I'm going to perform a cardiac exam!"
The curriculum is actually cleverly planned where you are learning the anatomy and basic science behind the clinical skills at the same time as the exams.
There is a little bit of disorganization, but it WILL be sorted out about by next year. Also, THIS IS THE FIRST MONTH. The person who wrote this post is obviously VERY bitter about the fact that they actually have to try in medical school, and insecure about their career path and choices. Med school will be difficult and different wherever you are.
Honestly, going to Downstate was the best decision of my life (and I went to an Ivy League school for undergrad), and I am receiving a higher quality education at downstate than I would at any other school, and compared to last year.
DO NOT LISTEN TO THE MINORITY OF STUDENTS that have their own issues to deal with. Almost all students are HAPPY and THRILLED to be here. We are a very strongly knit community and very proud to be here (we are ALL pissed off from the above post, and you will be hearing from many of us im sure). There are always that minority of students that are dissatisfied - check any thread in the forum. But downstate gives you an unprecedented basic science and clinical education. Point blank.
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You know...you are very free to drop out and apply again. None of us would mind.
Pretty cowardly to voice your complaints on an online message board from behind a computer screen. If you don't like the way things are going here then GTFO. I am also a first year student here and what the original poster failed to comment on during his little rant were all of the positives about downstate. The curriculum has its kinks, as would any brand new curriculum. The faculty is very responsive to our comments, questions, and complaints. The student body here has made the experience for me at Downstate so amazing that I would not want to be anywhere else. We are learning a lot--during anatomy tutor two nights ago, one of the MS2 tutors was shocked how much we know and commented that we were way ahead of where he was during his first tutoring session as an MS1 tutoring attendee. There are a lot of great things about the curriculum, and the kinks will work themselves out, but I would recommend Downstate to anyone. To whomever made the original post--if you thought that med school was going to be a cakewalk and the faculty would hold your hand as you skipped across the meadow then it time to sack up. If you have a problem with something, then voice it to the med council or to the faculty. But coming onto an undergrad premed forum to bitch to try and deter other students from taking advantage of a tremendous opportunity that you have taken for granted is as ***** as it gets.
Breaking news for all applicants:
Medical school is hard.
The new curriculum at Downstate is like that of any other school, it requires hard work, dedication and camaraderie. And if you didn't know this already, then I'm a little confused as to why you are applying. The new curriculum is cool. We start learning clinical skills the first week. Downstate is a good place to be. Great people, great location, great education. I'll admit that I am a bit disappointed at that there is a distinct lack of free beer. So if its free beer you want, you may not be happy here cause you're gonna have to pay for it (unless you are pretty and a woman). I heard they might have free booze at St. Georges SOM.
Medical school is hard.
The new curriculum at Downstate is like that of any other school, it requires hard work, dedication and camaraderie. And if you didn't know this already, then I'm a little confused as to why you are applying. The new curriculum is cool. We start learning clinical skills the first week. Downstate is a good place to be. Great people, great location, great education. I'll admit that I am a bit disappointed at that there is a distinct lack of free beer. So if its free beer you want, you may not be happy here cause you're gonna have to pay for it (unless you are pretty and a woman). I heard they might have free booze at St. Georges SOM.
Just when I thought I couldn't love downstate more... My classmates are incredible! Applicants, these positive voices reflect the attitude here 1000x more than the rantings of one disgruntled student. Whatever the issues are, they pale in comparison to the camaraderie here.
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It's hard to say. Were you doing better on the practice tests? If you have the time and energy, I would recommend it. Were you planning on applying next cycle or are you applying now?
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I stopped reading after this. This person clearly doesn't know what he/she is smoking. A cursory search on the subject would reveal that pretty much any US allopathic school is vastly superior to Caribbean schools when it comes to matching. That alone would be enough of a reason for me to at least be satisfied with this school, assuming that this was my only US MD acceptance and that I hated the curriculum as much as you did. Is the current curriculum really great? Of course not, I think most people in our class would agree with me when I say that sometimes it feels like there is no real direction from the faculty. However like some of our classmates have mentioned, this is the first year that they're doing this curriculum and they are at least responding to our concerns (for example, the dissection instructions are much clearer now than they were before). I wholeheartedly believe that most of the serious issues will be worked out for the class of 2018, so the current applicants will have a much better idea of what's expected of them.
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Newsflash buddy, medical school is HARD. Period. You have to bust your ass while you're here, you have to find your own system of learning regardless if professor hands you material on a silver platter, because at the end of the day, self studying carries you through school. It's about how much work you put in. Let that seep in.
Seriously? Go to the Caribbean before coming to Downstate? And you want to have credibility to your post? How dare you slander our school? How'd you get in here in the first place? You should be grateful for the PRIVILEGE for coming to this school.
TLDR; poster is bitter he has to endure a rough patch with his classmates. Medical is not easy.
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Downstate is a family. We are a close knit tight community. Of course this is the first year the new curriculum is being run, but this first year class is bearing with whatever inconveniences are being raised, and working with a faculty that is open and committed to providing help in any way they can to make their learning experience as best as possible.
No one will deny to you that the faculty is accommodating and that they're working with the class to better their situation. They are. You can ask them.
There are some kinks and bumps. And by the time you (the applicant for the class of 2018) enters Downstate, all of those "kinks" and bumps will be smoothed out. That's what a good medical school does, and that's what's happening.
The LCME is always recommending new changes to how medical schools should be teaching future student doctors of this country. Of course there will be some issues because the faculty are not students themselves going through the curriculum itself.
Is it annoying for the first year class? Probably. Are they getting through it? Yes. Camaraderie? Yes. Do they work together? Yes. Will they still learn the material? Yes. Will they be prepared to be good doctors? Yes. Prepared for step 1? Yes. Graduate and get matched? Absolutely.
Here are some positives as a third year medical student that I'll share about Downstate, because the pre-clinical aspect is a fraction of what this medical school has to offer.
1. For the past however many of years, inter-classmate competition among Downstate is virtually non-existent. In all of the classes for the past four or so years, no one "guns" each other down. We all work together. Upperclassmen help out the newer students throughout the entirety of medical school. This is a big selling point, mainly because you want as little stress as possible while you're in a stressful environment like medical school, and the last place you want extra stress is from your classmates.
Classes work together. They work hard, and they have fun.
2. The class of 2014 had a 100% pass rate on Step 1.
3. Downstate and Kings County are probably the most underserved hospitals in Brooklyn. That means there is more for you to do as a third and fourth year. More autonomy for you in terms of doing procedures like blood draws, IVs, ABGs, more patients to carry on your own, having a hand in their management, not only having the opportunity to come up and carry out your own A/P. Most other hospitals you go to won't let you do more than taking vitals. AND you still have didactic teaching on the floors.
When you go off to residencies, PDs recognize the Downstate name and know off hand that they know what they're getting from a Downstate student: a learned future doctor who can handle more or less anything residency throws at them.
One of my newly minted doctor friend has said it best (who's doing EM at UMass)--we hit the ground running. And I've seen it first hand working with Downstate grads doing at my clerkship sites.
That's how prepared you are during the clinical years. The newer classes have longer clerkships.
4. Best tuition out of all of the NYC medical schools. Med school is expensive. If I had to choose, I'd come to Downstate 9/10 times. The only time I wouldn't was if I got into an ivy league medical school with a decent scholarship.
My advice to anyone applying to Downstate (asides from ignoring the person above), is to continue to apply. Come to the interview, talk to the students here, and come up to your own conclusion. Don't let a sour mouth individual hiding behind the veil of anonymity trick you into thinking they're doing you a favor with their so called "warning".
I respond to PMs if you have questions.
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Thank you for all of your informative and encouraging responses. I can tell that the majority of you current students are very happy for the opportunity to study at Downstate.
I wanted to know what your thoughts are on commuting to Brooklyn. Do you guys have any classmates that commute daily on the LIRR from Long Island? Is it manageable with the medical school workload?
I wanted to know what your thoughts are on commuting to Brooklyn. Do you guys have any classmates that commute daily on the LIRR from Long Island? Is it manageable with the medical school workload?
So far, I only know of one classmate commuting from LI by car and is approx. 1 hour away, I wouldn't recommend if your everyday commute is over 1 hour long (2 hours plus roundtrip). I don't think it would be beneficial to commute by LIRR. The transit system is very convenient and usually not a problem if you live near campus.
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Hey there, I'm an MS3...I know someone from Five Towns who is commuting in by LIRR...it takes her about 1.5 hours door to door (maybe a little less). From her place to Atlantic Ave then down to Winthrop on the 2/5.
