Downstate/Stony Brook- Going once, going twice....

[BioMedResearch]

Anyone else torn between SUNYs and other private schools in NYC?

It's such a tough call. On one hand I got absolutely NO financial aid from the private so I know that Downstate would save me BIG money. On the other hand, private schools have such a good reputation.

So here's my question:
Who's turning down private schools to attend a state school?

UGGH I want this to all be over!

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[ZekeMD]

I'm the opposite. I turned down Stony Brook and Upstate to attend Rochester. IMHO, Rochester had the best facilities, curriculum, and it just felt like home for me. I didn't let money be a factor in my decision. I went where I was comfortable.

 

[hsouth]

I haven't actually had to turn any down yet, but I am on the waiting list at Buffalo and Rochester (and Upstate) and am having the same issue. The difference in debt is phenominal. I'm still not sure which I'll choose if given the choice. Lots of people say not to let the money worry you because you'll make it back with a better reputation. It does concern me though since I do like the state schools and felt comfortable in both the public and private schools. Good luck!

~H

 

[Heal&Teach]

First of all, congratulations on having this choice to make, b/c there are many folks out there who don't have this opportunity. I do understand your frustration. I'm in a similar situation, except, I've been accepted to the state schools and I'm still waiting to hear from one of the private schools I've applied to.

As a friend of mine told me, "An MD is an MD, no matter where you get it from." I think that what is truly important is the happiness factor and whether a school is going to get you where you need to go. If you feel that you can be happy at a state school, and save some tens of thousands of dollars, then go for it. However, if reputation means a lot to you and you're looking to become a competitive specialist, one that Private School X has a history of producing, then maybe you should attend PSX. Either way, you can still get into the competitive specialty at State School X with hard work and dedication. Don't let money be too much of a factor if you're going to go to the SSX and be miserable because you've missed out on some opportunities. I truly think that you can make the most of your education wherever you go.

Best of luck in making your decision,
H&T

 

[missbonnie]

Anyone else torn between SUNYs and other private schools in NYC?

It's such a tough call. On one hand I got absolutely NO financial aid from the private so I know that Downstate would save me BIG money. On the other hand, private schools have such a good reputation.

So here's my question:
Who's turning down private schools to attend a state school?

UGGH I want this to all be over!

Hey one of my close girlfriends turned down Columbia & NYU for Stony. The overwhelming deciding factor wasn't money though - she was a city girl (went to Barnard ugrad) and just wanted out of NYC.

I really think in the end, you need to go where you think you'll be happy and you just "knew." It's basically a personal decision. If you want to talk to someone at Stony (she's a 3rd year), let me know.

b

 

[Ischemia]

Hey,

I'm a big fan of state school -vs- private school discussions, as I faced the situation coming out of high school and face it again now in deciding which medical school to go to.

The way I have always figured it, it really doesn't matter that much where you go. It was even less of a concern when deciding on college. I had absolutely no problems in getting accepted to "highly ranked" medical schools coming from a state school undergrad. Plus, I'm debt free. It matters a little more now, I think, but still not much, unless you really want an academic position. Still, I think Downstate prides themselves in being #7 in terms of producing clinical faculty members at medical schools (I might have read that wrong, it's been a while since I even looked). If you want to be a clinician, who cares where you go? Go where you'll be happiest.

The only way I can justify going to a private school is if it's for a big name (i.e., Harvard, Hopkins, etc.) because they get the most funding, many of the most prolific professors, are highly respected, etc. But what sense does it make to pay 40k+/year for a private school that is no better than a state school? You're going to earn an MD no matter where you go. And, for what it's worth, both SB and Downstate are considered good state schools. Do well at either and you will have few problems getting into the residencies of your choice.

Conclusion: Unless it's Harvard or Hopkins, go to one of your state schools.

 

[Fumoffu]

I'm in the same situation myself and I would really appreciate input on this. Oddly enough, the publics I got in were Downstate and Stony too!

Ischemia I'm curious. From your post it sounds like you turned down privates for undergrad and went to a public. But for med school you will turn down publics and went to privates. If this is the case...it seems weird that you're arguing the opposite.

 

[Ischemia]

I'm in the same situation myself and I would really appreciate input on this. Oddly enough, the publics I got in were Downstate and Stony too!

Ischemia I'm curious. From your post it sounds like you turned down privates for undergrad and went to a public. But for med school you will turn down publics and went to privates. If this is the case...it seems weird that you're arguing the opposite.

I did, in a manner of speaking, turn down a good private school for a public school. It was not Harvard, but still considered one of the best. I would not pay the expensive tuition.

For med school, I am in a similar position, but will more than likely happily matriculate at a state school. Just taking some time to decide.

 

[raralista]

I was really considering going to Downstate - in terms of their clinical training, you can't go wrong. From all I've heard, they truly produce some terrific doctors. However, one thing to consider is that although Downstate students seem to match really well in the city, the school is less well known outside the metro area. So, if you knew that you really wanted to go to California after med school, it might be more advantageous to be at a school with wider name recognition. That being said, you have to go with happiness - you'll be a better student and then a better doctor for it.