Hi everyone, current MS1 here. I am very sorry for the position that you guys are in. I was in the same boat last year: Despite my OP stats (MCAT 520+ and I will just leave it at that) and 5 interviews at very competitive schools, by March all I had was 3 Rs and 2 WLs. I didn't get my Downstate acceptance until mid June (interviewed in Jan), AFTER I already submitted my reapplication. I was also scared ****less due to all the negative comments on here last year, but I didn't really have another choice but to go here.
But guess what, I am thriving here. The school's community is incredibly supportive. The neighborhood is one of the most diverse in America, which is great for people who doesn't just want to treat white privileged patients (one of my friends literally said this as their reason for choosing Downstate). Admin is admin, that's not changing wherever you go, but we have been able to create constructive discourse with them and achieved great solutions. They are also people, and once our differences are resolved, they are also very understanding. It is annoying that we need to fight for things that are common sense, but I have learned how to advocate for myself and my classmates in ways I never have before.
The admission team is always a little messy. But - and I say this with 100% certainty - the behaviors that you guys described in your interviews ARE NOT TOLERATED here, so PLEASE REPORT THEM. We are an incredibly diverse class and community, so you will never hear those opinions here because they know we will go. to. town on them. If there is any whiff of intolerance whatsoever, I have seen my classmates and our community shut. it. down. Maybe they are doing it to test you guys (which is stupid), or they feel like they can say it in your interviews because you guys can't fight back like we can. Either way, please report them. Bigotry has no place here (or anywhere for that matter).
The experience in medical school is what you make of it. Seek out opportunities and advocate for yourself. After 4 years, my MD is just as good as that from any other school. If you have an A in your backpocket, congratulations! If you don't, I know how stressful it is and I understand, and I'm sorry. There is usually a lot of WL movement at Downstate, so even if you get WL you still have a great chance of getting in. I just thought you guys should know that there are students who are happy and thriving at Downstate, who will be your upperclass mentors and care greatly about your success.
I'm happy to chat about my experience here if you guys want, but please know that I have zero involvement with admissions. Good luck!
xo
P/s: And stop checking here so much, it's really bad for your mental health (trust me, I was in your shoes last year - it's true).
