Downstate (A) vs. Stony Brook (HPWL)

[lawnmower101]

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Hi! I was recently accepted to SUNY Downstate (first A of the cycle) and was also recently put on the HPWL at Stony Brook. They made it clear that they think it is very likely I will receive an acceptance from them as the cycle progresses and people give up their seats. I am pretty stuck on which one to choose (given I get an A at stony brook) even through the differences between each school. I think its pretty obvious that stony brook is a more competitive school to get into and more prestigious, and has the added benefit of having a hospital that is not on the brink of bankruptcy. That being said, downstate's location is much more appealing to me, I have an incredibly close friend who would be in the incoming class with me, and many close friends that live in brooklyn as well. I'm not really sure which I would choose if I were to receive an A from stony brook as well. Any advice would be great, especially if any current students have insight to give on their experiences at their respective schools. Thanks!

Downstate:
Pros:
Brooklyn location
Friends/family nearby and in class

Cons:
Older facilities
Hospital funding issues
Admin has been super flaky this cycle with communications

Stony Brook:
Pros:
State of the art facilities
Stable hospital system
More prestigious
Interview experience was much friendlier and admin has been communicative

cons:
would have to live on long island with no support system

Obviously, Stony brook has more pros but I think that the downstate pros list might be more important in terms of my overall happiness. both schools are p/f for the first two years and there is a negligible difference between their tuition. would love any advice!

 

[secondariesftw]

A few things to consider. Downstate didn't have a great match this year. Stony Brook's match is consistently good and they reported a 98% step 1 pass rate and a 257 average step2. Downstate uses both in house and NBME, Stony Brook just NBME.

I know it seems like it's a good idea to go to Downstate with a friend, but I would choose SB over Downstate.

 

[syrupedbacon]

I would go to Stony Brook. Can still very easily go back to Brooklyn/NYC when you have time on weekends and breaks.

 

[Bowel-Plumber]

A few things to consider. Downstate didn't have a great match this year. Stony Brook's match is consistently good and they reported a 98% step 1 pass rate and a 257 average step2. Downstate uses both in house and NBME, Stony Brook just NBME.

I know it seems like it's a good idea to go to Downstate with a friend, but I would choose SB over Downstate.

I'm a current student at Stony Brook. Highly agree with this^^

 

[sweetstyle]

As someone who is in a very similar position to you, I would choose SB bc of their very high pass rates and match rates. 30 students did not match this year at downstate and that number is concerning to me. It is pretty easy to travel to NYC from SB with the LIRR so i'm sure you could see your friends often!