Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
-
The 2026-2027 MD School Specific Threads are now live in the School Specific Discussions forum. The 2025-2026 cycle threads can be found here. -
Scholarship Access: Becoming a Student Doctor course
Free access to comprehensive medical school prep. Eligible students include AAMC FAP recipients and HS graduates from underserved areas. Apply today.
2015-2016 SUNY Downstate Application Thread
Started by Ismet
That is excessive. You should contact them.
Admissions told me it depends on how quickly your interviewer sends your file to the committee.
Did they tell you how often the committee meets?
I have. They keep telling me it takes 12-14 weeks and that the committee only meets once a week
Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
You aren't too far out of that mark yet...
Every Wednesday
Am totally hoping that my interviewer liked me so much that they submitted my assessment very promptly
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Thats amazing congrats!! When did you interview?
Just received an interview invitation this week for mid/late April (in case anyone is still wondering if they're sending invitations out). Anyone have an idea if I still realistically have a shot at admission, or will I pretty much be interviewing for the waitlist at that point? Downstate is far and away my first choice so finally hearing back was amazing!
just go for it! Please don't let SDN keep you away from your dream school. We're not admin...a lot of what is said here is speculation. Just go!!! And congrats 🙂
While it's obviously harder to get in when you have a late interview, it's definitely not impossible. You have as good a shot as any, and if it's really one of your top choice schools and you can show your interviewer that...then you DEFINITELY have a shot. Forget about how late it is in the season, have fun with it and rock your interview and the rest will follow.
@Emt2md23 Hey bud. Do you know how the adcom here feels about updates/letters of interest for those on HFS? Thanks!
@Keladry @elprezidente Can you chime in as well, please? Thanks!
@Keladry @elprezidente Can you chime in as well, please? Thanks!
They do accept them; I have no idea if it makes any difference or not. I was on HFS and sent an update letter, no idea if the letter helped, but don't think it hurts.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I stayed at the comfort inn for like 89 one night? It was acceptable lodging, and convenient because it is down the street from the school.
I was on hfs, sent a professional letter detailing the reasons I felt I was a good fit for the school, why I wanted to go there, and what I wanted to accomplish at the school. Got accepted 5 days after they received the leader. Do I know if it played any real role in getting me accepted? Not a clue. Did it hurt? Absolutely not.
OMG! Thank You!
I hope so too!
Last edited:
That's encouraging! Did you simply send the letter to the admissions email?
Believe it or not, I addressed the letter to the dean of admissions and sent it straight to their office.
Downstate is a SUNY. State schools don't give much, if any, institutional aid. You will most likely only get loans.
Call the financial aid office and they'll talk to you about everything. It's a bit confusing But yeah, it's often all loans =\
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
II. Complete early July. This is the first I have heard from Downstate all cycle!
I will be declining my II however. I hope it goes to someone here! Good luck everyone!
I will be declining my II however. I hope it goes to someone here! Good luck everyone!
Same, withdrew my acceptance today.
Wa wa wee wa what a bad deal. Will be withdrawing. Good luck everyone!
Your MDapps profile gives me hope that I can hear back in a reasonable time rather than 16 weeks like they said! 🤣
Is the interview as scary as portrayed by SDNers?
Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
That's dependent on who interviews you and if you have any applicant red flags.
My interview was too comfortable. I felt really relaxed with my interviewer, she was really nice, and I felt like she would be a great mentor. She brought up the topic of money and how she has trouble making ends meet trying between loan payments and having 3 kids. Then I vented about my anxiety with the outrageous cost of med school and the state of education. And I think the convo went back to that too many times. I don't really know many doctors and she was the first person I met who was willing/knowledgeable enough to talk openly about the topic. I know it wasn't good interview conversation, but hopefully I didn't completely screw myself, hahaha (interviewed ~2months ago and no response yet).
Tl;dr: No, not all interviewers will grill you, but don't get too comfortable!
Can corroborate what @DKMA said. I had a very comfortable interview with a ED doctor who really made me feel at ease and positively sold the school to me. Shared about things such as family and kids, which I felt helped sell downstate as a more laid back environment (though of course this may not be the case). Interview lasted significantly longer than 60 minutes, and I did not feel attacked or probed about red flags in my application. You should know where your weaknesses are of course, since that is common sense in any interview.
Is the class full yet, or are upcoming interviews in April for an actual spot in the class?
A lot of accepted students, like myself, will withdraw. I'm sure you have a good chance of an actual spot (and not just the waitlist) if your interviewing in April.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Just curious what are the reasons people are withdrawing from Downstate?
Going to BU with a 15K a year merit scholarship!
It was a year ago, so I honestly do not remember if I got a confirmation, but I doubt that I did, as I sent the letter directly to the deans office instead of the email.
The financial aid package ($60k in loans) is a good reason to withdraw. My family isn't rich, either.
Just got in off the HFS list (snail mail)! It really hurts me to say this because SUNY was def one of my top choices but I've already committed another one of my tops! I'm going to step aside let you guys have this one.
Good luck all!
Good luck all!
When did you interview? And congrats!!!
Congrats! Did you send a letter of interest or any updates after being put on the HFS list?
I interviewed back in October lol Initial decision was made in January.
I sent a letter of interest BEFORE I received a decision and was actually waitlisted later the same week that I sent the letter hahaha
Received my financial aid information - 0 EFC and 0 student contribution - and have been offered a "Direct Med Unsubsidized" loan for ~$42k. I completed the modules they told me to complete online (MPN, Counseling), and am now confused about funding the rest of my education.
How do I get another $10-20k in loans? How quickly can I get it approved and disbursed to me, especially if I end up under-estimating my cost throughout each semester? I have very minimal savings ($5k) and my parents are up to their eyes in debt, so they will not be able to help at all.
How do I get another $10-20k in loans? How quickly can I get it approved and disbursed to me, especially if I end up under-estimating my cost throughout each semester? I have very minimal savings ($5k) and my parents are up to their eyes in debt, so they will not be able to help at all.
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
