2014-2015 SUNY Downstate Application Thread

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Mayamarvelous said:
It may have been an automatic system engineered email after I changed my app from md to md/mph maybe
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Jeez don't scare me like that. Was starting to think I was just waiting on some good news at this point and your checklist post gave me a heart attack lol
 
So I just got my financial aid package.. it says my need is ~$68k and I got the max federal loans. But then grad plus was only ~$5k. Am I expected to take out private loans for whatever else? I was under the impression that Grad Plus was more and that you could get it to cover the total cost of attendance...
 
CoffeeBean1 said:
So I just got my financial aid package.. it says my need is ~$68k and I got the max federal loans. But then grad plus was only ~$5k. Am I expected to take out private loans for whatever else? I was under the impression that Grad Plus was more and that you could get it to cover the total cost of attendance...
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When did you file for financial aid?
 
lightasday said:
When did you file for financial aid?
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A day before the March 1 deadline...
Can any current students help explain this? I haven't looked thoroughly into loans yet, but I've heard before that you should be able to get Grad Plus loans up to the cost of attendance. I didn't think you'd have to get private loans for that.
 
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CoffeeBean1 said:
A day before the March 1 deadline...
Can any current students help explain this? I haven't looked thoroughly into loans yet, but I've heard before that you should be able to get Grad Plus loans up to the cost of attendance. I didn't think you'd have to get private loans for that.
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You definitely should be able to. Did they list a contribution for you and/or your parents? That could explain it. I'd suggest calling/emailing the financial aid office - I'm really not an expert on loans, and have come to them multiple times with questions, and each time they've been really wonderful. But the bottom line is that no, you should not need to get private loans.
 
Keladry said:
You definitely should be able to. Did they list a contribution for you and/or your parents? That could explain it. I'd suggest calling/emailing the financial aid office - I'm really not an expert on loans, and have come to them multiple times with questions, and each time they've been really wonderful. But the bottom line is that no, you should not need to get private loans.
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Mine/my parents' total contribution was only like $900, so that's why I was confused. I did call quickly and they said I could take out Grad Plus up to the COA.... I just don't understand why only a random small amount was listed as being "awarded".
 
CoffeeBean1 said:
Mine/my parents' total contribution was only like $900, so that's why I was confused. I did call quickly and they said I could take out Grad Plus up to the COA.... I just don't understand why only a random small amount was listed as being "awarded".
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Oh yeah, I think what they do is "award" you enough to cover tuition but not really living expenses, but then you can request more for whatever. Or something like that? Now that you mention it, I remember having to go there to up my grad plus. No idea why they do it like that, but yeah, as long as you can get it all paid for.
 
May be a dumb question, but how does the Grad PLUS loan work? Or I guess that and the Unsubsidized loan? Do we have to apply for these now that they have been awarded? Like complete a separate application? Like with the PLUS there's the credit check so is that a separate process I need to go through?

Sorry, I've never gotten federal aid so I'm not sure what the process is like.

Thanks!
 
BurbyPrep89 said:
May be a dumb question, but how does the Grad PLUS loan work? Or I guess that and the Unsubsidized loan? Do we have to apply for these now that they have been awarded? Like complete a separate application? Like with the PLUS there's the credit check so is that a separate process I need to go through?

Sorry, I've never gotten federal aid so I'm not sure what the process is like.

Thanks!
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Your financial aid package should detail what to do, but if you have any questions, definitely give the fin aid office a call/email/visit. I met with Ms. Bolton over the summer while apartment-hunting because I was totally clueless, and she answered all my questions in 20 minutes or so. I'm really only marginally less clueless than you, so I'd recommend you talk to an expert. 🙂
 
Is there a link or could someone kindly tell me the steps I need to take to obtain in state residency for the 2nd year?
 
blubearzangel said:
Does anyone know if Downstate's need-based aid is only federal loans? There are no institutional scholarships or loans?
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There are some institutional loans and scholarships for sure - I got one of each, but only for one year (I think), and it's definitely the minority of my funding (the scholarship especially is teeeeensy tiny - more a nice gesture than anything). I wouldn't count on them, but they are a possibility, at least in part.
 
vwong said:
Is there a link or could someone kindly tell me the steps I need to take to obtain in state residency for the 2nd year?
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http://sls.downstate.edu/admissions/est_residency.html

Basically, what I did was:
1. Get an apartment with my name on the lease and one of the utility bills. Put this address as your mailing/permanent address for Downstate - they ask for multiple addresses, and I think they determine residency based off one of them, but I'm not certain, and I figured it was safest to just have my only address that they know of be in NY.
2. Change my license & voting registration at the DMV (make an appointment online in advance - I was in and out in half an hour, whereas otherwise you'll be waiting for hours).
3. In a few months, when I have to clear my account for the start of MS2, I'll be filling out the application form and handing in the proof from #1 & #2, and then voila, I'm officially a New Yorker. 🙂
 
CoffeeBean1 said:
Mine/my parents' total contribution was only like $900, so that's why I was confused. I did call quickly and they said I could take out Grad Plus up to the COA.... I just don't understand why only a random small amount was listed as being "awarded".
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I had this same question. But I spoke with someone in the office and she said they only award up the cost of attendance (and not housing) to prevent students from taking out more loans than they actually need. When they give packages like this, students have to personally decide how much additional loan money they want to take out for other expenses including housing. Hope that helps.
 
Keladry said:
Your financial aid package should detail what to do, but if you have any questions, definitely give the fin aid office a call/email/visit. I met with Ms. Bolton over the summer while apartment-hunting because I was totally clueless, and she answered all my questions in 20 minutes or so. I'm really only marginally less clueless than you, so I'd recommend you talk to an expert. 🙂
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Was apartment hunting difficult when you were looking last summer?
 
Becksncookies said:
Was apartment hunting difficult when you were looking last summer?
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It was a bit of a pain, but not hard. I spent some hours digging through craigslist and calling agents, with a few days of seeing apartments in person. Found a place, submitted the application, found roommates, signed the lease, moved in, actually met my roommates (in that order).
 
Got the "hold for Spring consideration" email. This is worse than being waitlisted, right?
 
Thanks alot keladry, I really appreciate your it.
Do you have to get an apartment a bit beforehand? Say in July or something? Because the guidelines say you need to be a resident for over a year when you apply, and "The deadline for change of residency by matriculated students with appropriate documentation is one month prior to the registration date for your college for the next semester"
 
Halgene said:
That is the wait list - I got it too.
AFAIK, they hold for spring then tell you you're on the wait list.
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Oh okay, so does that mean I won't be rejected outright after this point? Thanks for the info.
 
people who were recently notified of HFS, when did ya'll interview if you dont mind sharing?

also, is the consensus that HFS is announced by email and accept/reject is announced via hard copy letters?
 
I wonder what are the chances of getting admitted from the waitlist. I guess it varies a lot year to year too.

SUNY downstate does reject people right?
 
Keladry said:
Oh yeah, I think what they do is "award" you enough to cover tuition but not really living expenses, but then you can request more for whatever. Or something like that? Now that you mention it, I remember having to go there to up my grad plus. No idea why they do it like that, but yeah, as long as you can get it all paid for.
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Keladry, would you mind expanding? I'm a bit confused - are you saying Downstate does NOT include housing as part of COA? How do students finance their living situation then? Thanks for any insight you can shed.
 
Are they doing this chronologically at all? Interviewed 9 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. No news is good news? I'm honestly going crazy.
 
Emt2md23 said:
Are they doing this chronologically at all? Interviewed 9 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. No news is good news? I'm honestly going crazy.
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My inbox is as clear as day... and I interviewed around the same time as everyone else finding out. The wait is torture.
 
Emt2md23 said:
Are they doing this chronologically at all? Interviewed 9 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. No news is good news? I'm honestly going crazy.
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drmak89 said:
My inbox is as clear as day... and I interviewed around the same time as everyone else finding out. The wait is torture.
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Maybe you guys got the snail mail 🙂
 
I hope it works out too. Now on to more waiting... Ahhhhhhhh this sucks
 
vwong said:
Thanks alot keladry, I really appreciate your it.
Do you have to get an apartment a bit beforehand? Say in July or something? Because the guidelines say you need to be a resident for over a year when you apply, and "The deadline for change of residency by matriculated students with appropriate documentation is one month prior to the registration date for your college for the next semester"
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The "deadline" is July 24 this year (I believe, or very close to it), but I've heard they're not very strict. My lease started in August technically (although I moved in end of July), and I don't anticipate it will be an issue, based on what I've heard from other students. You can't move in past August anyhow - orientation is at the start of the month - so you'll be fine.

Iridescent said:
I wonder what are the chances of getting admitted from the waitlist. I guess it varies a lot year to year too.

SUNY downstate does reject people right?
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It does vary, and they do reject people, but lots do get in off the waitlist, myself included.

EndoAdduct said:
Keladry, would you mind expanding? I'm a bit confused - are you saying Downstate does NOT include housing as part of COA? How do students finance their living situation then? Thanks for any insight you can shed.
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Nononono it DEFINITELY is included - otherwise I'd be on the street 😛 They just don't include it in the initial loan award thing - they're basically recommending you take out less (so you're not maxing out your loans if you don't need to) by writing it the way they do. You will absolutely have enough to live on and then some. If you're confused, seriously, just talk to the fin aid people. They're wonderful and much more knowledgeable than me.

Emt2md23 said:
Are they doing this chronologically at all? Interviewed 9 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. No news is good news? I'm honestly going crazy.
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In general, they do a lot of admissions stuff non-chronologically, unfortunately.
 
Keladry said:
The "deadline" is July 24 this year (I believe, or very close to it), but I've heard they're not very strict. My lease started in August technically (although I moved in end of July), and I don't anticipate it will be an issue, based on what I've heard from other students. You can't move in past August anyhow - orientation is at the start of the month - so you'll be fine.


It does vary, and they do reject people, but lots do get in off the waitlist, myself included.


Nononono it DEFINITELY is included - otherwise I'd be on the street 😛 They just don't include it in the initial loan award thing - they're basically recommending you take out less (so you're not maxing out your loans if you don't need to) by writing it the way they do. You will absolutely have enough to live on and then some. If you're confused, seriously, just talk to the fin aid people. They're wonderful and much more knowledgeable than me.


In general, they do a lot of admissions stuff non-chronologically, unfortunately.
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Damn. I was hoping it was chronological. Cause it seems as though acceptances find out 9/10 weeks later and wait lists about 6/7 from this thread. Was hoping I was just waiting on a letter lol
 
Emt2md23 said:
Damn. I was hoping it was chronological. Cause it seems as though acceptances find out 9/10 weeks later and wait lists about 6/7 from this thread. Was hoping I was just waiting on a letter lol
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It's possible! Don't give up! But also don't count on them going in a logical order 😛
 
drmak89 said:
My inbox is as clear as day... and I interviewed around the same time as everyone else finding out. The wait is torture.
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It took me 9 weeks before I got my acceptance letter so I know the wait is killer. I ran to my mail box everyday and almost accosted my mail man- so just hang in there!

From my own experience I noticed that the people I interviewed with that were HFS heard back a few weeks before me since it was just an email. If you didn't get an email it's very possible you have a nice letter for you in the mail. Of course this is all anecdotal so take it with a grain of salt! Just relax and wait as hard as that may be 🙂
 
rratsa said:
It took me 9 weeks before I got my acceptance letter so I know the wait is killer. I ran to my mail box everyday and almost accosted my mail man- so just hang in there!

From my own experience I noticed that the people I interviewed with that were HFS heard back a few weeks before me since it was just an email. If you didn't get an email it's very possible you have a nice letter for you in the mail. Of course this is all anecdotal so take it with a grain of salt! Just relax and wait as hard as that may be 🙂
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I've been monitoring the thread and it certainly seems that there is a relationship with time, in that acceptances hear back later than hfs. Just trying to keep my head up and wait it out
 
Keladry said:
It was a bit of a pain, but not hard. I spent some hours digging through craigslist and calling agents, with a few days of seeing apartments in person. Found a place, submitted the application, found roommates, signed the lease, moved in, actually met my roommates (in that order).
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That sounds better than I expected, makes me feel a little better about apartment hunting even though I know the area well. thanks!
 
Any opinions on letters of intent for someone on HFS?
 
MCNC718 said:
Any opinions on letters of intent for someone on HFS?
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This has been asked a few times, and there's no official word from admissions, but I did send an update letter and later got accepted, although I don't know that it really had any bearing on it. It didn't seem to hurt, at least.
 
I interviewed here last week (very late, I know). It is my top choice school. I sent out my thank you/follow up email, but should I send in something else, like a letter of intent? Is that weird?

I just feel like I only have a few short weeks in which to communicate my interest in the school. I want to show them how much I loved Downstate and think it could be a great fit, but I don't want to come across as pushy....

Anyone have any advice? I know normal turn around time after interviews has been 6-8 weeks for Downstate, but I am assuming it will be a bit quicker since people need to make decisions by May 1st.
 
RWTL said:
I interviewed here last week (very late, I know). It is my top choice school. I sent out my thank you/follow up email, but should I send in something else, like a letter of intent? Is that weird?

I just feel like I only have a few short weeks in which to communicate my interest in the school. I want to show them how much I loved Downstate and think it could be a great fit, but I don't want to come across as pushy....

Anyone have any advice? I know normal turn around time after interviews has been 6-8 weeks for Downstate, but I am assuming it will be a bit quicker since people need to make decisions by May 1st.
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In my opinion, don't send anything else yet. They're the one school that has actually expressed a desire to keep the emails sent to them to a minimum. If you love the school as much as it sounds like, that should have been apparent in the interview. Just try to relax and join the wait. I would think they would be moving quicker now but I'm on my 10th week of waiting so just try not to watch the calendar lol
 
Emt2md23 said:
In my opinion, don't send anything else yet. They're the one school that has actually expressed a desire to keep the emails sent to them to a minimum. If you love the school as much as it sounds like, that should have been apparent in the interview. Just try to relax and join the wait. I would think they would be moving quicker now but I'm on my 10th week of waiting so just try not to watch the calendar lol
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Thanks for the response. You're probably right. Good luck and hope you get in!
 
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