2014-2015 SUNY Downstate Application Thread

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Hi guys, does anyone know if Downstate accepts update letters/letters of interests? Haven't heard anything for a while and was hoping to boost my application. Thanks!

@Geniuskuest :
I emailed an Update letter a few weeks ago and they emailed me back saying it was added to my file. As long as you have some significant updates that you think help your chances, I would recommend going for it.

http://sls.downstate.edu/admissions/com/amcas_faq.html
From their FAQ:
8. I would like to send an updated transcript and as well as activity updates. Should I do so as an e-mail attachment or as a hard copy?
We recommend that all applicants complete their AMCAS application completely, and very carefully. During the fall semester, you should only submit additional information if you are asked to do so by the Admissions Committee. During the spring semester, applicants who have been interviewed are encouraged to submit a copy of their fall semester grade report and any updates since they submitted their AMCAS application.

Interpret as you will, but it appears Thrylos77 had success(?) with an update.
***you guys are post-interview? then it appears updates are good to go.
 
wow! seven weeks! I am 2 1/2 weeks in and I am so anxious. Have you tried calling admissions?
They said that we'll hear back in 6 to 8 weeks. So, I am considering calling by the end of the 8th week.
 
Its generally between 7-8 weeks, lately. Calling wont help as they would ask you to wait.
 
I called on week 7 and all they told me was that a decision had been made, but they were not allowed to give decisions over the phone. The person who answered sounded pretty annoyed even thought I tried to be as polite as possible, I wouldn't recommend it. Just try and be patient.
 
@Geniuskuest :
I emailed an Update letter a few weeks ago and they emailed me back saying it was added to my file. As long as you have some significant updates that you think help your chances, I would recommend going for it.

http://sls.downstate.edu/admissions/com/amcas_faq.html
From their FAQ:
8. I would like to send an updated transcript and as well as activity updates. Should I do so as an e-mail attachment or as a hard copy?
We recommend that all applicants complete their AMCAS application completely, and very carefully. During the fall semester, you should only submit additional information if you are asked to do so by the Admissions Committee. During the spring semester, applicants who have been interviewed are encouraged to submit a copy of their fall semester grade report and any updates since they submitted their AMCAS application.

Interpret as you will, but it appears Thrylos77 had success(?) with an update.
***you guys are post-interview? then it appears updates are good to go.

Crap, now idk. I was going to do it pre-interview. Did you send in your update pre or post interview @Thrylos77?
 
The wait is killing me. Did anyone who interview 11/17 or later hear back yet?
 
very laid back, conversational. the day itself is surprisingly short.

does the interview start right at the time indicated in the email or is it a presentation/admissions officer speaking and then the interview?
 
does the interview start right at the time indicated in the email or is it a presentation/admissions officer speaking and then the interview?
It depends on when your interview is. I had an afternoon interview, so it happened after the tour/brief presentation. I think I arrived at 11:30? Most people on my interview had had morning interviews, so they were there before me. I emailed the admissions office the day before to clarify my arrival times--they're very friendly and helpful.
 
Congrats on the II's, guys. Are there any interview spots left?
 
Anyone with mid November interviews hear anything yet or should we expect 8 weeks or longer to hear?
 
I'm so glad I'm not the only one freaking out. I interviewed the third week of November and I haven't heard anything yet.
Anyone with mid November interviews hear anything yet or should we expect 8 weeks or longer to hear?
 
Did anyone who interviewed the third week of November or later hear back yet?
 
Question for any current students living in the residence halls: is a one bedroom difficult to get as a first year?
 
for people who have already interviewed: when they say your interview is scheduled to be at 9:30am, they mean your day starts with the interview and there are no more activities before that right?
 
for people who have already interviewed: when they say your interview is scheduled to be at 9:30am, they mean your day starts with the interview and there are no more activities before that right?

Most people get there early and they tell you to use that time to do the writing assignment. But yeah, there are no planned activities prior to your interview slot.
 
I have a feeling this might be the week!!! fingers crossed.
 
I have a feeling this might be the week!!! fingers crossed.
I hope so. I'm quickly losing hope.. I've interviewed on 11/20 and haven't heard anything yet
 
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I hope so. I'm quickly losing hope.. I've interviewed on 11/21 and haven't heard anything yet

Don't lose hope yet. It seems to me, according to this thread, that all applicants that interviewed around mid-November to just before the holidays have been bunched together. As mentioned before I predict there will be a huge batch of decisions in the very near future. I'm hoping for this week!! Good Luck to all that are still waiting! :smug:
 
Can any current students or those who have already interviewed comment on the feel of the school? I'm not referring to the interviews but more so the atmosphere of the faculties, students, courses, and clinical opportunities. In particular, I know Downstate has been going through some financial restructuring lately not to mention some closing of hospitals. Did anyone get a sense of whether and how this has affected the educational aspects of Downstate or was it largely unnoticeable for student purposes? Thanks!
 
Can any current students or those who have already interviewed comment on the feel of the school? I'm not referring to the interviews but more so the atmosphere of the faculties, students, courses, and clinical opportunities. In particular, I know Downstate has been going through some financial restructuring lately not to mention some closing of hospitals. Did anyone get a sense of whether and how this has affected the educational aspects of Downstate or was it largely unnoticeable for student purposes? Thanks!

Interviewee here... Super chill among the students, who said that the clinical experience is still pretty great.
 
Can any current students or those who have already interviewed comment on the feel of the school? I'm not referring to the interviews but more so the atmosphere of the faculties, students, courses, and clinical opportunities. In particular, I know Downstate has been going through some financial restructuring lately not to mention some closing of hospitals. Did anyone get a sense of whether and how this has affected the educational aspects of Downstate or was it largely unnoticeable for student purposes? Thanks!

MS1 here, I got here after the closing of LICH so I can't report on how things have changed with and without it, but it doesn't seem to have affected my experience thus far. We are still placed in a clinical setting starting in October for preceptorships, and get some amazing hands-on clinical experience very early on. The third years that I've spoken to do not seem affected in their rotations - there are a bunch of different hospitals that students rotate through, but a majority of all rotations are at Downstate and Kings County. From a classroom and faculty perspective, the school is still very well staffed with knowledgable faculty, many of whom have been around for many, many years. The student body is really diverse but everyone is really laid back and people genuinely enjoy helping one another.
 
Anyone who interviewed in December hear back ?
 
Interviewed 11/10 and still waitin...
 
I guess it takes awhile maybe even longer because of the holidays 🙁
 
MS1 here, I got here after the closing of LICH so I can't report on how things have changed with and without it, but it doesn't seem to have affected my experience thus far. We are still placed in a clinical setting starting in October for preceptorships, and get some amazing hands-on clinical experience very early on. The third years that I've spoken to do not seem affected in their rotations - there are a bunch of different hospitals that students rotate through, but a majority of all rotations are at Downstate and Kings County. From a classroom and faculty perspective, the school is still very well staffed with knowledgable faculty, many of whom have been around for many, many years. The student body is really diverse but everyone is really laid back and people genuinely enjoy helping one another.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to reply and shedding some light on this matter. I really appreciate it.
 
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