2019-2020 SUNY - Downstate

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Medschoolbelle said:
Can someone help me with the question why downstate? I have searched far and wide on their website for special aspects of their program that stand out but they really don't have a very informative website. I have my personal convenient reasons to attend downstate but I was looking for something special about their program that I can speak of in my interview. Any ideas?
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Their biggest sell is probably their patient population and clinical training - very diverse patients and difficult cases that will make you a better caregiver. They have some videos on the accepted students page on their website where students describe why Downstate. Strong match as well
 
Medschoolbelle said:
Can someone help me with the question why downstate? I have searched far and wide on their website for special aspects of their program that stand out but they really don't have a very informative website. I have my personal convenient reasons to attend downstate but I was looking for something special about their program that I can speak of in my interview. Any ideas?
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truly couldn't find anything special about their program lol, but it was okay because they didn't really seem to care. if you're from NYC, that is a perfectly good enough reason to want to attend. just emphasize your familiarity with living/working in an urban environment. and I guess downstate produces really good doctors who match into good residencies.
 
Just wanted to chime in with some feedback for any future interviewers.

Personally I had a very pleasant interview experience today. There's definitely a lot of sitting around as others have mentioned, but it does give you time to get to know your fellow candidates. My interviewer was also 👍👍👍 . He was very chill, funny and informative. My 'interview' was really just a 90 minute conversation. The office staff and the rest of the faculty I interacted with were all very laid back and chill, definitely matched my vibe.

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask 😀
 
Hi, is there any current student whom I can ask about housing/dorms options and when people starting to look for roommates/rent? I'm pretty sure I will be attending Downstate in the fall and planning to travel over the summer (hopefully Covid calms down by the summer..). Wondering when I should be back in the states. Thanks!
 
AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson said:
Just wanted to chime in with some feedback for any future interviewers.

Personally I had a very pleasant interview experience today. There's definitely a lot of sitting around as others have mentioned, but it does give you time to get to know your fellow candidates. My interviewer was also 👍👍👍 . He was very chill, funny and informative. My 'interview' was really just a 90 minute conversation. The office staff and the rest of the faculty I interacted with were all very laid back and chill, definitely matched my vibe.

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask 😀
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Did they say anything about decisions being released?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
NewPatek said:
I was supposed to interview here today. They sent an email out at 11:30 PM last night. Kinda unprofessional imo
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To be fair, they announced that all SUNY and CUNY schools would switch to off-campus yesterday evening. I imagine there was a lot of fumbling around to get everything in order, there's not much precedence to this.
 
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AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson said:
To be fair, they announced that all SUNY and CUNY schools would switch to off-campus yesterday evening. I imagine there was a lot of fumbling around to get everything in order, there's not much precedence to this.
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how do you think this will affect decisions? Will they extend the cycle or can they do this remotely?
 
snickers1212 said:
how do you think this will affect decisions? Will they extend the cycle or can they do this remotely?
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I could only speculate, as I have no more info than anyone else.

While the interview day does have more than the interview itself going on, the only part that really affects your application is the interview itself. Whether the interview is remote or not shouldn't have any impact on your application. However, you could argue that some people interview better in-person and are able to get more personable.

The other question is whether this impacts committee meetings. If so, I imagine decisions would be delayed. Though I also see no reason why they couldn't meet virtually.

The biggest impact honestly is the inability to see the school. Most people want to tour and get a feel of the faculty, facilities, and students on campus. This is the hardest thing to remedy and mainly affects your decision over theirs.
 
How long did it take most of you guys to hear from your peer-to-peer student post-interview? I know you're supposed to wait up to 2 weeks but hoping on average they get back earlier than that.

Thanks! <3
 
aeling said:
Same here. I was supposed to interview here on Monday.
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Funny story is that my interview was supposed to be in person on campus today but I got the email by mistake at 1130 pm last night. They called me asking me where I was lol we ended up having the interview on skype. Hopefully, the decision is not affected by this.
 
AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson said:
How long did it take most of you guys to hear from your peer-to-peer student post-interview? I know you're supposed to wait up to 2 weeks but hoping on average they get back earlier than that.

Thanks! <3
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I heard back pretty close to the two week mark! My student was studying for exams, but he was sure to reach out before the 2 weeks were up.
 
Are there any OOS current students who would be willing to talk to me about OOS tuition and establishing NY residency?
 
71650 said:
Are there any OOS current students who would be willing to talk to me about OOS tuition and establishing NY residency?
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Not an OOS student but just in case no one else chimes in I believe you become a resident after 1 year. Youd have to be living off campus (so a normal apartment), and definitely keep receipt of your bills such as utility to prove you've been living here for those 12 months.
 
AnonymousDoctorGuyPerson said:
Not an OOS student but just in case no one else chimes in I believe you become a resident after 1 year. Youd have to be living off campus (so a normal apartment), and definitely keep receipt of your bills such as utility to prove you've been living here for those 12 months.
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Yup! I heard this vaguely from the Financial Aid office on my interview day as well. Was hoping a student could give me any more details in the application process / other things to know etc. Thanks and good luck to you!
 
Medicalhockey said:
Hope you did well on your Skype interview! How did the interview feel? Did it feel any different than an in-person interview?
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It was more comfortable in a way. I thought it would feel impersonal but my interviewer was great. I feel like we were still able to connect. But tbh I just felt a lot more relaxed than at other interviews cuz I have already been accepted to 2 other schools. Even though Downstate has been my first choice, I fell like now the pressure is off. Not completely but for the most part is. Just be yourself and hope that they like jt.

Good luck.
 
Medschoolbelle said:
It was more comfortable in a way. I thought it would feel impersonal but my interviewer was great. I feel like we were still able to connect. But tbh I just felt a lot more relaxed than at other interviews cuz I have already been accepted to 2 other schools. Even though Downstate has been my first choice, I fell like now the pressure is off. Not completely but for the most part is. Just be yourself and hope that they like jt.

Good luck.
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That's awesome to hear, I'm glad people aren't feeling disadvantaged by these unfortunate circumstances.
Best of luck!
 
AmyDell said:
Hi, is there any current student whom I can ask about housing/dorms options and when people starting to look for roommates/rent? I'm pretty sure I will be attending Downstate in the fall and planning to travel over the summer (hopefully Covid calms down by the summer..). Wondering when I should be back in the states. Thanks!
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I currently live in NYC and go to Downstate for my MPH/will be starting MD in the fall. I personally used facebook groups to find an apartment in the city and reached out to friends to find a new roommate for the summer. A lot of places rent by room or subletting, so you may not need to find your own roommates. I didn’t need to for my current apartment. My biggest advice is to try and vet the person advertising the apartment as much as you can. Websites like streeteasy are also a good option and can give you an idea of the average rent in certain neighborhoods. There may also be an opportunity for med students to move in together when they have a facebook group or listserv or something.
 
Mine is also giving me invalid credentials even when I type it in...
 
Just got an email from Downstate about applying to an MPH degree, where they referred to me as "a former applicant to the College of Medicine", even though they haven't even sent me a single email about a decision since I interviewed in the fall. What a slap in the face. I guess this means an R?
 
Gastrula44 said:
Just got an email from Downstate about applying to an MPH degree, where they referred to me as "a former applicant to the College of Medicine", even though they haven't even sent me a single email about a decision since I interviewed in the fall. What a slap in the face. I guess this means an R?
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Same here, devastated
 
Gastrula44 said:
Just got an email from Downstate about applying to an MPH degree, where they referred to me as "a former applicant to the College of Medicine", even though they haven't even sent me a single email about a decision since I interviewed in the fall. What a slap in the face. I guess this means an R?
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Received the same email... puzzled by this too.
 
Have any accepted students received the MPH consideration email?
 
Gastrula44 said:
Just got an email from Downstate about applying to an MPH degree, where they referred to me as "a former applicant to the College of Medicine", even though they haven't even sent me a single email about a decision since I interviewed in the fall. What a slap in the face. I guess this means an R?
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same, so sad 🙁
 
Gastrula44 said:
Just got an email from Downstate about applying to an MPH degree, where they referred to me as "a former applicant to the College of Medicine", even though they haven't even sent me a single email about a decision since I interviewed in the fall. What a slap in the face. I guess this means an R?
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I got the same email, idk for sure if it's a rejection just yet (although I wouldn't be surprised if it is). Two reasons: 1) I haven't done my peer-to-peer yet. (2) The email also reads "Admissions to the MPH does not guarantee admissions to the College of Medicine", so this means they haven't kicked us out yet!
 
Does anyone else think Downstate has handled this whole process extremely poorly compared to other schools? Zero correspondence/updates since fall interviews, which were weird enough with them grilling us on GPA/MCAT, etc. and now this annoying email on top of all the ambiguity/inconsistencies with what they are telling us. Like we all would love to just get into one med school, but if I was in the lucky position to be choosy, Downstate would be at the bottom of the list. I just hope for their sake and all the students that go there that they get their stuff together for the future. You guys all deserve better.
 
Gastrula44 said:
Just got an email from Downstate about applying to an MPH degree, where they referred to me as "a former applicant to the College of Medicine", even though they haven't even sent me a single email about a decision since I interviewed in the fall. What a slap in the face. I guess this means an R?
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I interviewed Wednesday and got this email. Havent even been contacted about my peer to peer. It isnt an R folks.

I know applying is stressful but I think everyone needs to take a step back for a breather.
 
Also, the fact that the email shows up on the portal under the communication status means that this was actually sent through CoM office, not like that advertisement from the Master's program office. Not sure what it means but it is super annoying that this is the only email we get after the interview confirmation
 
why_not said:
Glad to hear. weird that nobody else who has been accepted has confirmed this as I'm sure at least a few more people accepted people would've checked SDN.
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I was also expecting somebody else to chime in about being able to get into the financial aid package but everyone’s been quiet on that front too. :laugh:
But you’re right, my first thought was “oh **** somebody on SDN is pissed about that email right now.”
 
tinfoilforests said:
I was also expecting somebody else to chime in about being able to get into the financial aid package but everyone’s been quiet on that front too. :laugh:
But you’re right, my first thought was “oh **** somebody on SDN is pissed about that email right now.”
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you're the hero we need, but don't deserve
 
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