2014-2015 SUNY Downstate Application Thread

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I'm having a really hard time deciding between Hofstra and Downstate. If any Downstate student could answer some questions here or via PM that would be so helpful! Thank you!

1) Is there a sense, at least among some students, of engagement with the community (such as service, working with community organizations, etc)? I was really drawn to Downstate due to the patient population served at Kings County in particular, their center on health disparities, and their free clinic. I'm really interested in access/quality of healthcare for underserved populations; are there students/faculty who are passionate about these issues?

2) What is it like living in this part of Brooklyn? If living off campus, how long are students' commutes typically? How much time do you spend on campus every day in the first two years?

3) Due to how spaced out the exams are at Downstate, how do you motivate yourself to keep up with the material? Are there quizzes or other assignments more frequently?
 
toska said:
I'm having a really hard time deciding between Hofstra and Downstate. If any Downstate student could answer some questions here or via PM that would be so helpful! Thank you!

1) Is there a sense, at least among some students, of engagement with the community (such as service, working with community organizations, etc)? I was really drawn to Downstate due to the patient population served at Kings County in particular, their center on health disparities, and their free clinic. I'm really interested in access/quality of healthcare for underserved populations; are there students/faculty who are passionate about these issues?

2) What is it like living in this part of Brooklyn? If living off campus, how long are students' commutes typically? How much time do you spend on campus every day in the first two years?

3) Due to how spaced out the exams are at Downstate, how do you motivate yourself to keep up with the material? Are there quizzes or other assignments more frequently?
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Will PM you. 🙂
 
HFS today, interviewed first week of March. Now I'm on two waitlists and this psuedo-waitlist. Tough to accept but hopefully one comes through..
 
I'd be happy to answer any questions as well, although I'm sure that @Keladry will do a fantastic job! Feel free to PM me if you'd like another perspective.
 
Halgene said:
I'd be interested to hear about numbers 2 and 3 from those above questions.
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Ok, to copy what I wrote:

2) What is it like living in this part of Brooklyn? If living off campus, how long are students' commutes typically? How much time do you spend on campus every day in the first two years?
Meh. I live right by Downstate. I have pepper spray on my keys, as I would if I lived literally anywhere in NYC. I feel comfortable running on my own during the day. It's not a fun area - there's not much to do around here - but it's cheap, it's convenient, and that's what subways are for. People's commutes vary widely. I'd say most live within 20-30 minutes, but I know some who live farther (Long Island, Queens, parts of Manhattan). You can definitely live wherever you want/can afford - people really do live all over. How much time you need to be on campus varies daily. Lectures aren't mandatory, so frequently there's nothing required in the mornings. Usually there's at least 1 day per week that has no mandatory class. Other days there might be 1 thing (for 2-4 hours), or it could be all day mandatory stuff. Check out the online calendar PDF (just google 'downstate medicine calendar' or something, I'm being really lazy attachFull191306 ) and you can see what's lecture (not mandatory) vs. what isn't (yes mandatory)

3) Due to how spaced out the exams are at Downstate, how do you motivate yourself to keep up with the material? Are there quizzes or other assignments more frequently?
I had a hard time with that last unit, and it came back to bite me in the butt. Remembering the awful amount of stress I felt has been an excellent motivator this unit to stay on top of things! There are weekly formative quizzes, which don't count (i.e. you need to take them, and it counts toward 'medical professionalism,' but the grade you get on them doesn't matter at all), but they can help you stay on top of things. In the beginning, people took them more seriously, so that motivated some people, but by now no one really cares about them. I like seeing if I can get a passing grade without doing extra studying, so that helps me stay on top of things.
 

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Keladry said:
Ok, to copy what I wrote:

2) What is it like living in this part of Brooklyn? If living off campus, how long are students' commutes typically? How much time do you spend on campus every day in the first two years?
Meh. I live right by Downstate. I have pepper spray on my keys, as I would if I lived literally anywhere in NYC. I feel comfortable running on my own during the day. It's not a fun area - there's not much to do around here - but it's cheap, it's convenient, and that's what subways are for. People's commutes vary widely. I'd say most live within 20-30 minutes, but I know some who live farther (Long Island, Queens, parts of Manhattan). You can definitely live wherever you want/can afford - people really do live all over...
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Awesome info thanks!

Just a quick follow-up. Do many students live on campus? Do you have any experience with the on-campus housing?

Thanks!
 
DECO665 said:
Awesome info thanks!

Just a quick follow-up. Do many students live on campus? Do you have any experience with the on-campus housing?

Thanks!
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I'd say that about half of the MS1s live on campus and the majority of the other half that live off, live within a 10-15 minute commute. I personally live in the dorms right now and have found the experience to be great for my MS1 year, although I plan on moving out for next year. The dorms allow easy access to campus and the student center (gym, activities, etc.) - this is especially nice during the units where we have anatomy (musculoskeletal and then, later, head & neck) because you can stay in the anatomy lab as late as you might need and then simply walk across the street. It's also great in the winter. There were many of those freezing days this winter that I was thankful that I spent <2 min outside. I'd be happy to answer any more dorm related questions - feel free to PM me if there are more specific questions that you might have.
 
DECO665 said:
Awesome info thanks!

Just a quick follow-up. Do many students live on campus? Do you have any experience with the on-campus housing?

Thanks!
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So you can see @elprezidente 's response re: the dorms, since he actually lives there. 🙂 There's definitely a decent split, and people are happy either way. A good number of people lived in the dorms this year, and now that they know people, are looking for off-campus housing for next year. A good number of people plan on staying in the dorms as well. I am jealous that they have in-building laundry (I have to trek to the laundromat), though it wasn't really an option for me, being OOS.
 
toska said:
I'm having a really hard time deciding between Hofstra and Downstate. If any Downstate student could answer some questions here or via PM that would be so helpful! Thank you!
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demystifie said:
Can you PM me too? I'm also deciding between these schools.
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@demystifie - I know you followed the thread early on, not sure if you kept following but here's the link in case you missed the notifications.

@toska - Didn't see you on the thread at all, but feel free to check it out on Hofstra vs. Downstate

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/suny-downstate-vs-hofstra.1126289/
 
Has anyone submitted their initial loan form yet? Received a response?
Not sure what the timeline is for these things.
 
Toastayy said:
Has anyone submitted their initial loan form yet? Received a response?
Not sure what the timeline is for these things.
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Yeah they weren't too clear about any deadlines after we received the packages. I haven't yet, so idk lolol
 
lightasday said:
Yeah they weren't too clear about any deadlines after we received the packages. I haven't yet, so idk lolol
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Lol. I was getting ready to fax it right now, but idk wth I'm doing since the loans don't cover the full CoA they quoted..and then other students have told me that initially it won't but after some vague process it will..so..

And then there's the check list..
 
Toastayy said:
Lol. I was getting ready to fax it right now, but idk wth I'm doing since the loans don't cover the full CoA they quoted..and then other students have told me that initially it won't but after some vague process it will..so..

And then there's the check list..
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Lolol the reason why I haven't accepted their offer yet is that they said it's subject to change... So idk

And the checklist.... Ohh the checklist. I didn't know they required the college transcripts even after we graduated. And the link to study styles inventory doesn't work, at least on my computer. Also I'm not 100% sure about how we complete the AAMC Financial Literacy.
 
lightasday said:
Lolol the reason why I haven't accepted their offer yet is that they said it's subject to change... So idk

And the checklist.... Ohh the checklist. I didn't know they required the college transcripts even after we graduated. And the link to study styles inventory doesn't work, at least on my computer. Also I'm not 100% sure about how we complete the AAMC Financial Literacy.
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I didn't know about the transcripts either..of course until I saw the unchecked box on the checklist... I'm assuming they'll be more forward about deadlines after April 30th since they'll have a pretty good idea who will be matriculating.
 
When I called in, they told me that any additional loans a person would require for housing, etc. is up to that person, ie I would have to ask for a larger GRAD Plus loan, and then indicate how much more I wanted on the award form and then send it in. She stressed that I should send it in as soon as possible, but there isn't a date to send it in by. So that's what I'm doing. As for the study styles inventory, the admissions person I spoke to said that wouldn't be available until later...? That and the aamc financial literacy.

Hope that helps.
 
Becksncookies said:
When I called in, they told me that any additional loans a person would require for housing, etc. is up to that person, ie I would have to ask for a larger GRAD Plus loan, and then indicate how much more I wanted on the award form and then send it in. She stressed that I should send it in as soon as possible, but there isn't a date to send it in by. So that's what I'm doing. As for the study styles inventory, the admissions person I spoke to said that wouldn't be available until later...? That and the aamc financial literacy.

Hope that helps.
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Thanks for the info. I'll go ahead and send it in and see what happens after.
 
To who do you address the letter of intent? And do i email it or should I mail it?
 
Interviewed early March, haven't received news yet. Has anyone with a late interview heard back from admissions? Do all decisions have to be finalized by April 30th (excluding waitlists)?
 
It's a tale as old as time I know... but can anyone PLEASE give me some new perspective on Downstate vs NYMC. I am currently trying to pick one and I only have 9 more days! 🙁

I have also received a 20,000 dollar scholarship from NYMC so Tuition is sort of even. Thanks Guys!
 
Savanna said:
It's a tale as old as time I know... but can anyone PLEASE give me some new perspective on Downstate vs NYMC. I am currently trying to pick one and I only have 9 more days! 🙁

I have also received a 20,000 dollar scholarship from NYMC so Tuition is sort of even. Thanks Guys!
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I interviewed at both and REALLY liked Downstate better. This is coming from an OOS student so for me they'd both be super expensive, but imo being in NYC and having the clinical experience Downstate has to offer puts it far ahead of NYMC
 
Thank you! I think I'm leaning more towards downstate as well. Facilities/environment - NYMC wins (hands down) but I loved the student energy I got from downstate. Everybody seemed super chill.

If anybody else wants to share an opinion with me please send me a PM. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks guys!
 
Downstate MS2 -> MS3 here. Just took step I two weeks ago and am beginning clinicals. For those who are interested, one of our deans sent out an email to our class yesterday saying that Downstate's Step I average in 2014 was 233 (national average 229). I know many people have asked about that in the past, so there it is. Remember too, this was on the old curriculum. No telling how us new curriculum folk will do! 🙂
 
lightasday said:
To the Downstate students here: what did you wish you knew about Downstate/medical school before you started?
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Not all of your third/fourth year rotations will be at downstate. A few will be off campus at sites such as Brooklyn VA, Staten Island University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Hospital, and Lenox Hill on the upper west side and Coney Island Hospital. While you CAN get away with not having a car for these, you may be looking at public transportation times of upwards of 1.5 hours (downstate to Staten Island) for your medicine and surgery rotations. These of campus sites are decided by lottery, so it may or may not be an issue for you, but everyone has at least one of campus rotation for a month of medicine. By car, most of these locations are about 30 mins away from campus, except for lenox hill. Check clinical site locations at all schools you are considering. This was something not a single person told me when I was on the interview trail.
 
agolden1 said:
Not all of your third/fourth year rotations will be at downstate. A few will be off campus at sites such as Brooklyn VA, Staten Island University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Hospital, and Lenox Hill on the upper west side and Coney Island Hospital. While you CAN get away with not having a car for these, you may be looking at public transportation times of upwards of 1.5 hours (downstate to Staten Island) for your medicine and surgery rotations. These of campus sites are decided by lottery, so it may or may not be an issue for you, but everyone has at least one of campus rotation for a month of medicine. By car, most of these locations are about 30 mins away from campus, except for lenox hill. Check clinical site locations at all schools you are considering. This was something not a single person told me when I was on the interview trail.
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Yeah, the MS2 who took our group on the tour mentioned that, and I don't have a problem with that because I'm from the city and I have a car, fortunately.

The clinical site rotations was actually the biggest turn-off from NYMC. They rotate in Westchester, Manhattan, Connecticut, and New Jersey. It was scattered all over the place.
 
Hi, everybody! Long time lurker, first time poster –
I’ve been preliminarily approved for a fantastic 3 BR/2BTH apartment in Crown Heights. It’s about a 10 min walk to Downstate. I’m a 23 year old female looking for 2 other MS1 female roommates. I’m clean, organized, and from Long Island, looking to explore what Brooklyn has to offer.

Please PM me if you’d be interested and for more information (pictures, etc)!
 
KAM_18 said:
Hi, everybody! Long time lurker, first time poster –
I’ve been preliminarily approved for a fantastic 3 BR/2BTH apartment in Crown Heights. It’s about a 10 min walk to Downstate. I’m a 23 year old female looking for 2 other MS1 female roommates. I’m clean, organized, and from Long Island, looking to explore what Brooklyn has to offer.

Please PM me if you’d be interested and for more information (pictures, etc)!
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If you're unfamiliar with it, you might also want to try the Downstate marketplace group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DownstateCOMMarketplace/ 🙂
 
So does anyone know what the general flow of the wait list is like once we hit May 1st? Do acceptances AND rejections start going out in large batches to people on the wait list or what? Do most people find out in May or do a lot of people have to actually wait during the summer?
 
partypantss said:
So does anyone know what the general flow of the wait list is like once we hit May 1st? Do acceptances AND rejections start going out in large batches to people on the wait list or what? Do most people find out in May or do a lot of people have to actually wait during the summer?
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Looking at last year's thread, when the deadline date was may 15th (instead of april 30th), there were a series of acceptances off of WL that went out may 20-22.....perhaps the trend will continue this year with the corresponding dates being may 5-7....just comparative speculation on my part, though.
 
pinkPEACE said:
Looking at last year's thread, when the deadline date was may 15th (instead of april 30th), there were a series of acceptances off of WL that went out may 20-22.....perhaps the trend will continue this year with the corresponding dates being may 5-7....just comparative speculation on my part, though.
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I definitely don't think they're sending out decisions on May 1st- they'll at least take the weekend.
 
The Helpful Aye Aye said:
I definitely don't think they're sending out decisions on May 1st- they'll at least take the weekend.
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Thank you for the insight. So what about rejections? Do they reject people during this process as well or do they string everyone on wait list along until the end of summer?
 
Really hard decision for me as well, but I will be withdrawing. Good luck to all on the WL.
 
Is there an alternative list? Or is this developed later, after May 15th?
 
I was one of the super late Downstate interviewees (late March/early April) and haven't heard anything. I had nightmares about being rejected last night-- it wasn't a normal rejection either, the dean was personally coming up to me in public to tell me how bad of an applicant I was, lol.

Good luck to everyone making their choices right now!
 
Iridescent said:
Is there an alternative list? Or is this developed later, after May 15th?
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Alternate list is decided later in May. Once spots open, they re-review those on the hold list and you could either get accepted off hold or become an alternate
 
This may not be the place for this, but I'd still like to ask. Any current/matriculating Downstate students mind giving their two cents on laptops? I'm due for a new laptop, and I'm debating a few features. Do you guys think 13" is enough? The Downstate laptop guide says to get a 15" because you guys take exams on your laptops and stuff... Also, don't want to start the whole PC vs Mac debate, but has anyone had any issues with programs not working on Macs? Thanks.
 
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