2019-2020 SUNY - Downstate

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Did you receive a rejection last week during the wave? I’m assuming if you didn’t, then you are still in the running. No explicit rejection is always a good sign, one way or another.. Like someone mentioned MD and MPH are two diff. ADCOMs.
I did not receive a rejection last week (interviewed in Feb), but I am worried because other folks who applied MD/MPH and were rejected from the MD program have the same Admission Decision tab right now.

There's also a line in the MPH offer (which was NOT in the original offer I got in March) that says "Note: Since you are accepted only to the MPH program, your financial aid budget and package will be for the MPH program only." But again, the offer response is worded "Offer Response- MD/MPH". And why wouldn't they have rejected me last week?

A single iota of transparency on the ADCOM's end would be helpful with all this uncertainty!!
 
I did not receive a rejection last week (interviewed in Feb), but I am worried because other folks who applied MD/MPH and were rejected from the MD program have the same Admission Decision tab right now.

There's also a line in the MPH offer (which was NOT in the original offer I got in March) that says "Note: Since you are accepted only to the MPH program, your financial aid budget and package will be for the MPH program only." But again, the offer response is worded "Offer Response- MD/MPH". And why wouldn't they have rejected me last week?

A single iota of transparency on the ADCOM's end would be helpful with all this uncertainty!!

Oof I imagine this is very stressful for you. Really sucks you can't call right now, crossing my fingers for a speedy e-mail response!
 
And why wouldn't they have rejected me last week?

My thought exactly. Hence, why I previously assumed that last week’s rejection was a big post-II wave for all applicants up until April interviews. Unless ofc they review apps at random instead of chronological order. ~~Again speculating~~
 
Do you email the school or click withdraw on the portal for declining the a?
 
Response from them was "Thank you for your email update and continued interest in SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. A decision has not yet been rendered on your medicine application. You will be notfiied in writing once a decision has been made on your application."

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You've got to be kidding me
 
Response from them was "Thank you for your email update and continued interest in SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. A decision has not yet been rendered on your medicine application. You will be notfiied in writing once a decision has been made on your application."

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You've got to be kidding me

Well at least it's better than the alternative haha!
 
Has downstate posted their 2020 Match results?

They've only posted certain statistics


If I recall correctly from checking in previous years, they don't post a more in-depth breakdown (specialty and location together) until I think it was the summer.

Either way, they historically match very well especially in NYC (a mixture of reputation and also a lot of people who attend Downstate plan to stay in NYC, so statistically more likely).
 
Response from them was "Thank you for your email update and continued interest in SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. A decision has not yet been rendered on your medicine application. You will be notfiied in writing once a decision has been made on your application."

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You've got to be kidding me

You must be shaking right now!!! Better than a rejection ! I wish they told you when decisions will be made as compensation for the confusion and angst they caused ya. :/
 
My thought exactly. Hence, why I previously assumed that last week’s rejection was a big post-II wave for all applicants up until April interviews. Unless ofc they review apps at random instead of chronological order. ~~Again speculating~~
I have a strong feeling that was the final rejection wave. The reason being is rejecting people post II at this point runs the risk of having open med school spots. You would have at least placed those candidates on an alternate list in case the yield is not high enough. Of course, if the first acceptance wave included 2x the number of seats then we’re all screwed. But that too doesn’t make sense either because the AMCAS rules state schools need to give out 1x the number of seats by March 15.

skipping over candidates doesn’t make sense either because wouldn’t that be a waste of time? Wouldn’t the adcoms want to decrease the number of times they meet?

These are all speculations. Let me know what you guys think. I hope we hear good news soon. I’m really counting on it. This seems to be my last chance.
 
I have a strong feeling that was the final rejection wave. The reason being is rejecting people post II at this point runs the risk of having open med school spots. You would have at least placed those candidates on an alternate list in case the yield is not high enough. Of course, if the first acceptance wave included 2x the number of seats then we’re all screwed. But that too doesn’t make sense either because the AMCAS rules state schools need to give out 1x the number of seats by March 15.

skipping over candidates doesn’t make sense either because wouldn’t that be a waste of time? Wouldn’t the adcoms want to decrease the number of times they meet?

These are all speculations. Let me know what you guys think. I hope we hear good news soon. I’m really counting on it. This seems to be my last chance.
I'm leaning towards believing that as well but mostly because its already middle of April. Why would they give out all but a month's worth of rejections rather than giving them all at once? Obv this is all speculation and I'm probably biased with wishful thinking but that's where my mind is at right now.
 
You must be shaking right now!!! Better than a rejection ! I wish they told you when decisions will be made as compensation for the confusion and angst they caused ya. :/
Yeah I asked some pointed questions specific to my portal which they just chose not to answer. Not the response I was hoping for but better than an R
 
I have a strong feeling that was the final rejection wave. The reason being is rejecting people post II at this point runs the risk of having open med school spots. You would have at least placed those candidates on an alternate list in case the yield is not high enough. Of course, if the first acceptance wave included 2x the number of seats then we’re all screwed. But that too doesn’t make sense either because the AMCAS rules state schools need to give out 1x the number of seats by March 15.

skipping over candidates doesn’t make sense either because wouldn’t that be a waste of time? Wouldn’t the adcoms want to decrease the number of times they meet?

These are all speculations. Let me know what you guys think. I hope we hear good news soon. I’m really counting on it. This seems to be my last chance.

Makes sense however, I think the March 15th deadline was for schools to accept at least 1x the number of seats, so 2x is possible. However, when I had the chance to call Admissions (this was in late Feb. I believe) they told me that the first round of acceptances was just a small batch since they were testing out a new system/software and figuring out if it works.

Edit: Also, someone reported an A last week so def. had to have been another batch of As given last Thursday... Hence, why I doubt they filled 2x of seats in Feb... April 30th will be the best indicator of what is going on..
 
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Anyone have any history with financial aid discussions and requests? I have a family/personal contribution of $0 but I wasn't offered any scholarships or grants, only loans. This is probably normal. But I'm wondering if there's any way to potentially request more aid. I don't have another acceptance with lower CoA so I might be screwed.
 
Anyone have any history with financial aid discussions and requests? I have a family/personal contribution of $0 but I wasn't offered any scholarships or grants, only loans. This is probably normal. But I'm wondering if there's any way to potentially request more aid. I don't have another acceptance with lower CoA so I might be screwed.
when I asked the fin aid rep during interview day, he said no institutional scholarships. it never hurts to email admissions or finaid tho
 
Does anyone have a definite answer for the cost of attendance? Some places I'm seeing 21k others im seeing like 40k.
 
I saw that we need a BLS certification, but I feel like given the circumstances it may be difficult to complete before verification. Same goes for the health forms. Does anyone know how that will be handled?
 
I saw that we need a BLS certification, but I feel like given the circumstances it may be difficult to complete before verification. Same goes for the health forms. Does anyone know how that will be handled?

Health forms can be completed at urgent cares
 
Is there a deadline to accept loans in the financial package?
 
Is there a deadline to accept loans in the financial package?
Wondering that too, also if you accept the loans can you lower the amount requested later or do we need to actually calculate how much of the loans/grad plus we need before hand?
 
Anyone know if the MPH deposit is refundable until April 30th?


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Is there a deadline to accept loans in the financial package?
I sent the financial aid office an email, I was told 3-4 weeks before the program starts. I'm still confused about the numbers I'm seeing so I hope I can see them in person soon, I'm not sure why I have a total of 77k for loans.
 
I sent the financial aid office an email, I was told 3-4 weeks before the program starts. I'm still confused about the numbers I'm seeing so I hope I can see them in person soon, I'm not sure why I have a total of 77k for loans.
the amount in loans that they gave you covers the budgeted COA
 
I sent the financial aid office an email, I was told 3-4 weeks before the program starts. I'm still confused about the numbers I'm seeing so I hope I can see them in person soon, I'm not sure why I have a total of 77k for loans.
That's the COA without scholarships and including the housing budget they think it's appropriate which might be more or less depending on where you choose to live. You have the option of adjusting this to the actual amount you're going to use which hopefully it would be less.
 
I sent the financial aid office an email, I was told 3-4 weeks before the program starts. I'm still confused about the numbers I'm seeing so I hope I can see them in person soon, I'm not sure why I have a total of 77k for loans.

Fun fact, if the amount they're giving you is more than you need BUT the loans are at a lower interest rate than other loans you currently hold you can use the extra to "pay off" your old loans, essentially lowering their interest rate. This can also be done through refinancing but that has certain restrictions, and some refinanced loans don't get deferment periods.
 
Current med student here with free time during this quarantine, if you have any question feel free to ask

Thanks!

I guess out of curiosity, how has the COVID-19 response been? How do you feel the shift to purely online has impacted you? I know at most schools shifting the pre-clin to online doesn't have a huge impact, but I know Downstate does a lot of early clinical exposure so was wondering how they're keeping up with teaching those skills virtually.
 
Thanks!

I guess out of curiosity, how has the COVID-19 response been? How do you feel the shift to purely online has impacted you? I know at most schools shifting the pre-clin to online doesn't have a huge impact, but I know Downstate does a lot of early clinical exposure so was wondering how they're keeping up with teaching those skills virtually.
I should have clarified but I am a third year so I have finished pre-clinicals however, I have heard that the shift to pre-clinicals has not been too difficult. In terms of clinical exposure during the end of first year, I am not entirely too sure but there will be plenty of clinical exposure in second year and current first years should have already had some exposure. I say this because IF there is no current clinical exposure, it should not be a big deal.
 
why did u go to downstate? what is something u love and something you'd change about the school?
I absolutely love NYC and I automatically jumped at the opportunity at Downstate. Looking back, I could not be happier with my decision considering some of my best friends and happiest moments have been at Downstate. Pvt message me for more info because i would light this thread up with the things I love about Downstate. What I would change? Probably some of the administration nuances you have to go thru with getting clearance for sites and stuff.
 
Current med student here with free time during this quarantine, if you have any question feel free to ask
What is your opinion on the shorter pre-clinical curriculum phase? I know it's hard to compare since you only have one experience but any impressions would be great!
 
What is your opinion on the shorter pre-clinical curriculum phase? I know it's hard to compare since you only have one experience but any impressions would be great!
I think the curriculum is great! I think you have ample time to learn everything and I had 0 issues with preparing for boards. What I think most people in your shoes will overlook like I did when deciding is that the way the curriculum is currently structured is that you get tested after each unit with the shortest unit being like 8-9 weeks. This means, you can work on your own time and the flexibility allows you to go to family events or relax etc in say week 4 at long as you can make up the work by the end of the unit which is more than doable.
 
I think the curriculum is great! I think you have ample time to learn everything and I had 0 issues with preparing for boards. What I think most people in your shoes will overlook like I did when deciding is that the way the curriculum is currently structured is that you get tested after each unit with the shortest unit being like 8-9 weeks. This means, you can work on your own time and the flexibility allows you to go to family events or relax etc in say week 4 at long as you can make up the work by the end of the unit which is more than doable.
Amazing thank you!
 
I think the curriculum is great! I think you have ample time to learn everything and I had 0 issues with preparing for boards. What I think most people in your shoes will overlook like I did when deciding is that the way the curriculum is currently structured is that you get tested after each unit with the shortest unit being like 8-9 weeks. This means, you can work on your own time and the flexibility allows you to go to family events or relax etc in say week 4 at long as you can make up the work by the end of the unit which is more than doable.

I love this about Downstate. Only one week or so of exams per unit instead of biweekly tests!! Crossing my fingers for all of us
 
I ended up getting a few pvt messages so I'm deciding to post here:
What I love?
1. NYC - this one is simple
2. Curriculum - already mentioned how much flexibility you have
3. Peers/Classmates - may class is honestly super duper collaborative and has been since day 1 meaning that everyone is sharing their study resources or things they think can be useful for exams and stuff. Besides the collaborative, I have found most of my classmates of being down to earth.
**It will be VERY important to surround yourself with amazing people no matter what school you go to** --> no one does med school alone.
4. Clinical experience - fantastic. You get experience taking blood pressure in the hospital during like the second week of school as a way to sort of get ur feet and it picks up slowly to the point where you are assigned to do patient interviews and presentations to attendings during second year (NOT graded) in preparation for third year.
5. Deans/Professors - love these people. Always available, so nice. can't say enough.
 
are you involved with the community beyond the clinical interactions in the hospital? @medskool2020
There are multiple ways to get involved beyond interactions in the hospital. There is the Brooklyn Free Clinic (BFC), Street Medicine, and a slew of other clubs that are engaged with the community. Sorry that I'm not more specific but I'm having trouble recalling all the other clubs but I promise there are.
 
Current med student here with free time during this quarantine, if you have any question feel free to ask
Thank you for being on here! I would like to ask about clinical and/or biomedical research. I guess I want to know if in your experience research is something you see a lot of Downstate, especially after the first year into second year. Correct me please if I am wrong, but I understand that a lot of students choose to spend time on community and organization work as opposed to research one could get in other academic schools. If you or other students you know are doing projects at Downstate, are faculty accessible to student goals and are students happy and excited about the research they are a part of?
 
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