2014-2015 SUNY Downstate Application Thread

[partypantss]

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Does anyone still have a red x next to Downstate Supplemental Processing Fee under "Initial Review" on their checklist? Pretty sure I already paid that when I applied over a year (!!!) ago and I don't think I would be in this current position if it hadn't been paid.

I would just email them. Probably an error on their end.

 

[partypantss]

Not to sound too negative, but looking at last years thread, I see only one reported acceptance from the alternate list (on August 1st) for the entire month of July. Same with the year before that (only one acceptance reported the entire month of July.) Who knows, there could be more movement this time but it's not looking too promising for the majority of us on alternate list.

 

[smooki]

Not to sound too negative, but looking at last years thread, I see only one reported acceptance from the alternate list (on August 1st) for the entire month of July. Same with the year before that (only one acceptance reported the entire month of July.) Who knows, there could be more movement this time but it's not looking too promising for the majority of us on alternate list.

It does feel like that. It's so strange to have them email you and accept your checklist submissions and then school starts and....nothing for you! I had no idea how blatantly strange applying to medical school is this time last year. Hoping for some more acceptances from here for us though, we shall see!

 

[GoodStuff]

It does feel like that. It's so strange to have them email you and accept your checklist submissions and then school starts and....nothing for you! I had no idea how blatantly strange applying to medical school is this time last year. Hoping for some more acceptances from here for us though, we shall see!

You know what's really grinding my gears with this alternate list…BLS Certification is costing me $102.00. Could really use that for secondary app funding if not accepted this summer.

 

[skysong7]

You know what's really grinding my gears with this alternate list…BLS Certification is costing me $102.00. Could really use that for secondary app funding if not accepted this summer.

My class was $50, with $15 for the book, and I got the certificate the same day. May look around for another program cuz that seems excessive...

 

[smooki]

You know what's really grinding my gears with this alternate list…BLS Certification is costing me $102.00. Could really use that for secondary app funding if not accepted this summer.

Yea I mean mine was 80$ minus an 8$ student discount since I took it at downstate lol And they said same day certification but was really after 2 days

 

[partypantss]

Well, I mean it's not really a waste of money since even if you don't get in this cycle, if you reapply and get in somewhere next year you will still be able to use the certification you got this summer. Unless you wait a few years before reapplying or don't reapply at all, it's not really a waste.

 

[partypantss]

What bothers me though is why they can't be more transparent about the list.. like, why not give info about how many people have been previously added to the list, and how many are accepted off of it? Also why not let people know their ranking on the list so they have an idea of their chances? This way if you were towards the top at the beginning of the summer you would know your pretty much guaranteed to get in, while if your on the bottom you know that your almost guaranteed not to get in... I feel like this would make the whole wait a lot better.

 

[smooki]

What bothers me though is why they can't be more transparent about the list.. like, why not give info about how many people have been previously added to the list, and how many are accepted off of it? Also why not let people know their ranking on the list so they have an idea of their chances? This way if you were towards the top at the beginning of the summer you would know your pretty much guaranteed to get in, while if your on the bottom you know that your almost guaranteed not to get in... I feel like this would make the whole wait a lot better.

Have you tried calling them?

 

[partypantss]

Have you tried calling them?

To ask them about chances of getting accepted off the alternate list? No, but everyone keeps saying that they keep all of the info about the alternate list hush hush... Current students have said that they still have never been able to find out exactly how the list works, how many people are placed on it or anything like that. They keep it secret.

 

[smooki]

To ask them about chances of getting accepted off the alternate list? No, but everyone keeps saying that they keep all of the info about the alternate list hush hush... Current students have said that they still have never been able to find out exactly how the list works, how many people are placed on it or anything like that. They keep it secret.

Ohhhh that's kinda quirky. Well i don't like to stress over things I can't control, like the waitlist lol, even though I fail at times. It's been a longggggg road, we should celebrate just for getting to the end of the cycle alive mannnn!!!

 

[partypantss]

Ohhhh that's kinda quirky. Well i don't like to stress over things I can't control, like the waitlist lol, even though I fail at times. It's been a longggggg road, we should celebrate just for getting to the end of the cycle alive mannnn!!!

Yep, that's really the only positive thing to do at this point!

 

[NYCdude]

So no recent movement, huh? Have you guys at least been getting check marks? I submitted everything and only have a checkmark for transcript.

 

[NYCdude]

@Keladry quick question, if I submit a letter of intent, does it just go to the office of admissions or should I send it to the dean? If I do send it to the dean, do I send it to the dean's personal email address or just to the admissions office with it being addressed to the dean? Thanks.

 

[Keladry]

@Keladry quick question, if I submit a letter of intent, does it just go to the office of admissions or should I send it to the dean? If I do send it to the dean, do I send it to the dean's personal email address or just to the admissions office with it being addressed to the dean? Thanks.

I sent mine to the office of admissions, but addressed it the dean, and they confirmed that they added it to my file, so I'd suggest going with that.

 

[NYCdude]

I sent mine to the office of admissions, but addressed it the dean, and they confirmed that they added it to my file, so I'd suggest going with that.

Thanks! Do you mind me asking what you included in your letter? Did you just mention that you would attend if accepted and gave reasons for why you were a good match at the school?

 

[Keladry]

Thanks! Do you mind me asking what you included in your letter? Did you just mention that you would attend if accepted and gave reasons for why you were a good match at the school?

I had a (short) paragraph with those things, saying why I wanted to go/why I'd be a good fit, but mine was mainly an update letter that I sent in late spring. The body of it was a paragraph updating them on my academic progress (i.e. "I am currently on track to receive A's in these classes"), and then a paragraph updating them on my research. For a letter of intent, rather than an update letter, the things you've mentioned are fine. If you can, though, I'd say something about what else you're doing (even if it's just a continuation of research/work/volunteering/whatever).

 

[NYCdude]

I had a (short) paragraph with those things, saying why I wanted to go/why I'd be a good fit, but mine was mainly an update letter that I sent in late spring. The body of it was a paragraph updating them on my academic progress (i.e. "I am currently on track to receive A's in these classes"), and then a paragraph updating them on my research. For a letter of intent, rather than an update letter, the things you've mentioned are fine. If you can, though, I'd say something about what else you're doing (even if it's just a continuation of research/work/volunteering/whatever).

Thanks! One final question (sorry to bug you) but do you know if it'll be a problem if I'm out of the country until the end of this month and get accepted at some point within it(hopeful thinking of course lol)? Can I submit the white coat form and acceptance response form via email (and receive it via email as well)? Much appreciated again, thanks.

 

[Josepk2]

Thanks! One final question (sorry to bug you) but do you know if it'll be a problem if I'm out of the country until the end of this month and get accepted at some point within it(hopeful thinking of course lol)? Can I submit the white coat form and acceptance response form via email (and receive it via email as well)? Much appreciated again, thanks.

I was recently accepted off the alternate list and all of the things you were asking about are able to be filled out and submitted via email, everything including my acceptance was sent via email as well minus the financial aid packet

 

[NYCdude]

I was recently accepted off the alternate list and all of the things you were asking about are able to be filled out and submitted via email, everything including my acceptance was sent via email as well minus the financial aid packet

Thanks!

Also, anyone do a study abroad at a different institution and now require a transcript from "Unknown Prior College?" on their checklist?

The transcript was exempt on AMCAS so I don't have one to give to Downstate.

 

[smooki]

Thanks!

Also, anyone do a study abroad at a different institution and now require a transcript from "Unknown Prior College?" on their checklist?

The transcript was exempt on AMCAS so I don't have one to give to Downstate.

If it was exempt on AMCAS then you don't need to send it to them. I had that on my checklist and emailed them asking them about it (studied abroad 3 times) and they said if AMCAS didn't need it, they most likely don't and will remove it. You just gotta bring their attention to it. Don't worry, email them and they will remove the requirement!

So no recent movement, huh? Have you guys at least been getting check marks? I submitted everything and only have a checkmark for transcript.

They are really quick down at that office, everything besides the acceptance and white coat form is checked for me. They do it within 24 hours of sending you a confirmation to the email you sent to them.

 

[Keladry]

Thanks! One final question (sorry to bug you) but do you know if it'll be a problem if I'm out of the country until the end of this month and get accepted at some point within it(hopeful thinking of course lol)? Can I submit the white coat form and acceptance response form via email (and receive it via email as well)? Much appreciated again, thanks.

Not bugging at all, happy to answer any questions. But yeah @Josepk2 got this one.

Thanks!

Also, anyone do a study abroad at a different institution and now require a transcript from "Unknown Prior College?" on their checklist?

The transcript was exempt on AMCAS so I don't have one to give to Downstate.

I don't remember if mine showed up that way on the checklist, but mine was also exempt on AMCAS and I know I never gave Downstate one, so I'd go with @smooki's advice.

 

[Stawk]

To the current students, which stethoscope do you recommend? Also, do we have to buy the Welch Allyn Diagnositc Kit? It's a little spendy at $500...

 

[Keladry]

To the current students, which stethoscope do you recommend? Also, do we have to buy the Welch Allyn Diagnositc Kit? It's a little spendy at $500...

Littmann cardiology III is probably the most common, plenty of people with the classic II as well. There's a link to the bulk order in your class's FB group, so you get a slight discount (I think) + free engraving.
And nope. You can get whatever the cheapest otoscope/ophthalmoscope is. Not everyone has to get one - there was a lot of sharing. Plus you won't need it til unit 3, so you can hold off buying that for now. You should get a stethoscope soon, though.
ETA: I got an oto/ophthalmo set from amazon for ~$110, which has worked fine.

 

[Emt2md23]

Littmann cardiology III is probably the most common, plenty of people with the classic II as well. There's a link to the bulk order in your class's FB group, so you get a slight discount (I think) + free engraving.
And nope. You can get whatever the cheapest otoscope/ophthalmoscope is. Not everyone has to get one - there was a lot of sharing. Plus you won't need it til unit 3, so you can hold off buying that for now. You should get a stethoscope soon, though.
ETA: I got an oto/ophthalmo set from amazon for ~$110, which has worked fine.

Is the cardio III THAT much better that it's worthh the price tag? I've been using the same classic on my ambulance for 2 years and, even though it's a gift from my ex and part of me wants to get rid of it, I can't justify dropping the $150 for a new one lol

 

[Keladry]

Is the cardio III THAT much better that it's worthh the price tag? I've been using the same classic on my ambulance for 2 years and, even though it's a gift from my ex and part of me wants to get rid of it, I can't justify dropping the $150 for a new one lol

If you have one that works, definitely not worth buying a new one. Various people in the medical field recommended the III, and even though currently I couldn't hear a murmur if it smacked me in the face, I'm hoping I'll still be using this one in a decade.

 

[smooki]

Alternates, did anyone get a certiphi background check?

 

[AJacobs]

Alternates, did anyone get a certiphi background check?

I got one today as well. (I'm on the upstate HPA as well, so I'm not sure which one its from or if it has any significance). I know in the past it has meant that you will be accepted in a few days, but maybe they sent it out to all the waitlisters this time?

 

[RHL ONE]

I got one today as well. (I'm on the upstate HPA as well, so I'm not sure which one its from or if it has any significance). I know in the past it has meant that you will be accepted in a few days, but maybe they sent it out to all the waitlisters this time?

im an alternative and I haven't received any background check email. So not all of us received it. Maybe you will get accepted soon.

 

[smooki]

I got one today as well. (I'm on the upstate HPA as well, so I'm not sure which one its from or if it has any significance). I know in the past it has meant that you will be accepted in a few days, but maybe they sent it out to all the waitlisters this time?

I'm on that HPA list as well at upstate...but I called last week and they got back to me in an email saying the list is moving slowly and they told me to consider reapplying. So I have a feeling it is not upstate for me...

 

[Mekail441]

I haven't received any background check either, and I am also an alternate. Ugh... I had hopes of getting into this school to stay closer to my family.

 

[AromaticOreo]

I'm on the wait list, and I completed the AAMC Certiphi background check awhile back for another school. Is it different for every school?

 

[AJacobs]

I haven't received any background check either, and I am also an alternate. Ugh... I had hopes of getting into this school to stay closer to my family.

The background check email was actually for everyone who was still on the upstate HPA waitlist. It had nothing to do with downstate so don't worry about it.

 

[lightasday]

Does anyone else have outstanding items left to be checked off on the checklist? I've personally submitted everything in more than a week ago and they still haven't checked it off.

 

[skysong7]

Does anyone else have outstanding items left to be checked off on the checklist? I've personally submitted everything in more than a week ago and they still haven't checked it off.

Same, I have a transcript and the background check not completed on the checklist despite having done both more than a week ago. The transcript may never have arrived, but the background check should be done so I don't know if I should wait for an update before resending the transcript.

 

[Josepk2]

For any medical students currently attending, does the school have recorded lectures available?

Also, I noticed that people are saying that they have some items not checked off yet. I completed the Admissions Study Styles Inventory over a month ago and have yet to get it checked off. Is anyone else seeing the same thing?

 

[skysong7]

For any medical students currently attending, does the school have recorded lectures available?

Also, I noticed that people are saying that they have some items not checked off yet. I completed the Admissions Study Styles Inventory over a month ago and have yet to get it checked off. Is anyone else seeing the same thing?

My study styles took about 3 weeks to get checked off, so I think you're fine; they're probably just swamped with the new app cycle. I called today to ask about my still unchecked background check, and they said that they receive data in batches each week from AAMC, and probably just haven't gotten to it yet.

 

[Keladry]

For any medical students currently attending, does the school have recorded lectures available?

Also, I noticed that people are saying that they have some items not checked off yet. I completed the Admissions Study Styles Inventory over a month ago and have yet to get it checked off. Is anyone else seeing the same thing?

The audio (no video) is recorded & posted online, plus students are paid to transcribe lectures (if they want to), so transcripts are also available.

 

[imFeman]

For any medical students currently attending, does the school have recorded lectures available?

Also, I noticed that people are saying that they have some items not checked off yet. I completed the Admissions Study Styles Inventory over a month ago and have yet to get it checked off. Is anyone else seeing the same thing?

The Study Styles Inventory is outsourced to a separate company so, as it was explained to me when I went to Downstate and asked, the company sends the school the responses of the students, which takes time. Also, they cautioned me to NOT take it more then once (which I had already done, woops) because then they have multiple reports for the same student. As a result, it is not an automatic update and does take some time.

 

[Sidewalk_Salsa]

Wow, finally got everything checked except for "Other" in the student health section. However, in the comments they say my health clearance is completed, so I am confused. Anyone in the same boat?

The Study Styles Inventory is outsourced to a separate company so, as it was explained to me when I went to Downstate and asked, the company sends the school the responses of the students, which takes time. Also, they cautioned me to NOT take it more then once (which I had already done, woops) because then they have multiple reports for the same student. As a result, it is not an automatic update and does take some time.

Yeah, it took me forever to get things checked off as well. I guess you just have to wait.

 

[Mekail441]

About how many people are still on the wait list? I called downstate and apparently the movement for the wait list is really slow this year . Did anyone get an acceptance this month? I wish they would rank us instead of making us anxious all summer long

 

[skysong7]

Does anyone know how financial aid gets distributed? I know it goes straight to the school for tuitions and fees first, but when do we receive the left over portion? Kind of worried about how much money I need to have on hand to survive... I called financial aid but they hung up without explaining fully, must be a busy day.

 

[Sidewalk_Salsa]

Does anyone know how financial aid gets distributed? I know it goes straight to the school for tuitions and fees first, but when do we receive the left over portion? Kind of worried about how much money I need to have on hand to survive... I called financial aid but they hung up without explaining fully, must be a busy day.

Wondering the same thing. Also, I was accepted at the end of May, but haven't heard a peep from financial aid. Should I be worried? Maybe give them a call to see what's up?

 

[partypantss]

.

 

[partypantss]

About how many people are still on the wait list? I called downstate and apparently the movement for the wait list is really slow this year . Did anyone get an acceptance this month? I wish they would rank us instead of making us anxious all summer long

At this point, unless your a minority female, it is likely a lost cause. If any more spots do open up they will probably be used to balance out their class composition.

 

[Emt2md23]

Does anyone know how financial aid gets distributed? I know it goes straight to the school for tuitions and fees first, but when do we receive the left over portion? Kind of worried about how much money I need to have on hand to survive... I called financial aid but they hung up without explaining fully, must be a busy day.

All I was told from the financial aid office was that refund checks are distributed in early August and early January for each half of the year. And that we don't have to really hand in our financial aid stuff until August. Still kinda confused on it as well, all she kept saying was "August and January"

 

[skysong7]

All I was told from the financial aid office was that refund checks are distributed in early August and early January for each half of the year. And that we don't have to really hand in our financial aid stuff until August. Still kinda confused on it as well, all she kept saying was "August and January"

Mid- August and January sounds good, I thought I heard her say "mid-semester" which freaked me out!

 

[skysong7]

Wondering the same thing. Also, I was accepted at the end of May, but haven't heard a peep from financial aid. Should I be worried? Maybe give them a call to see what's up?

I was accepted mid June, completed FAFSA as soon as I could, then got the financial aid package in the mail. Did you submit your FAFSA yet? If you did and still haven't heard from them then I would definitely call.

 

[Sidewalk_Salsa]

I was accepted mid June, completed FAFSA as soon as I could, then got the financial aid package in the mail. Did you submit your FAFSA yet? If you did and still haven't heard from them then I would definitely call.

Got it, thanks. Will give them a call.

 

[lightasday]

Does anyone know how financial aid gets distributed? I know it goes straight to the school for tuitions and fees first, but when do we receive the left over portion? Kind of worried about how much money I need to have on hand to survive... I called financial aid but they hung up without explaining fully, must be a busy day.

So after you complete your fafsa, financial aid will send you a letter to your address with your financial aid package. I got a total of 50k in loans and no scholarships/grants. There's a form in the letter that asks you to either accept or decline your loans. Sign that and submit it to financial aid. The cost at downstate is approx 68k so you can request an increase in loans to cover any gaps you feel are present.

Then financial aid forwards the amount of money you accepted in loans to the bursar. The bursar will use money towards tuition and fees. The rest of the money is given to you as a check.

Hope this helps!