Downstate vs GW?

[SS01]

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Any thoughts? Clearly the cost is a big difference but cost aside, do you think one school has an advantage over another?

 

[FIREitUP]

Go to GW. I don't want a classmate who would even consider GW over DS.

 

[SoyRicoSuave]

Go to GW. I don't want a classmate who would even consider GW over DS.

Lol, go to the cheaper one

 

[anbuitachi]

Go to GW. I don't want a classmate who would even consider GW over DS.

lol DS >>>>>> GW unless you got a huge scholarship from GW

 

[SS01]

lol DS >>>>>> GW unless you got a huge scholarship from GW

I did receive 20k from GW

 

[SS01]

Go to GW. I don't want a classmate who would even consider GW over DS.

Thanks for the super valuable comment? I guess this is what gives Downstate the bad vibe everyone keeps talking about- I thought it was just the run down facilities but nope- its also students like you!

 

[FIREitUP]

Thanks for the super valuable comment? I guess this is what gives Downstate the bad vibe everyone keeps talking about- I thought it was just the run down facilities but nope- its also students like you!

Yeah, bro I'm terrible. Go to GW.

 

[ryuuzaki]

Any thoughts? Clearly the cost is a big difference but cost aside, do you think one school has an advantage over another?

Are you a NYS resident?

 

[FIREitUP]

Are you a NYS resident?

either way he's saving at least 60k. 60k more for a school that until a short time ago was under probation, and whose students leave with some of the highest indebtedness in the country.

 

[ryuuzaki]

either way he's saving at least 60k. 60k more for a school that until a short time ago was under probation, and whose students leave with some of the highest indebtedness in the country.

Certainly didn't know about their probationary status. It's legit a 2 grand difference at this point depending on his circumstances. Even if that's the case, if OP has family near GW, might be wiser to go to GW. It really depends on his happiness. On the other hand, if he has a support structure in NY, he might as well go to Downstate.

If he/she is NYS resident, that would've made the above clear.

I'd say go to Downstate--it's definitely the better school IMHO. If you want to chill in DC, go ahead. Seems like you'd end up paying the same. I doubt he'd be in more debt than an IS DS student at 28K a year.

Go where you're happy.


Things you'd pass up by not going to Downstate:
1. NYC
2. Diverse and unique clinical rotation experience

Things you'd gain by going to GW:
1. Get to see DC.
2. Can't think of anything else.

 

[anbuitachi]

Is the scholarship guaranteed for 4 yrs? If not, go to downstate, the instate tuition is not going to suddenly jump up 20k. Even if it is, downstate is a better school in my opinion

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

Go to GW. I don't want a classmate who would even consider GW over DS.

Thanks for the super valuable comment? I guess this is what gives Downstate the bad vibe everyone keeps talking about- I thought it was just the run down facilities but nope- its also students like you!

Hey you guys! Play nice! I never got a bad vibe from Downstate studnets during the two times I went there. Old, run down facilities (or the perception of such) is to be expected from large, state-run institutions. If you're not happy with it, then you can certainly choose another school that suits you better.

Anyway, a lot of the above posters have already said what I was going to say:

Finances: Choose what is "wiser" financially speaking--C.O.L. is high in both cities and it sounds like tuition is about the same with the 20K scholarship, so the deciding factor will be based on other criteria.

Quality of Eduation: I *think* Downstate has an edge on GWU..and I don't think you can beat the clinical diversity at Downstate.

Surrounding area of each school: Downstate is definitely in a poor area, which translates to great experiences for us clinically!

Career Goals: You know what you want to do with your life, and you'll need to see which school will give you the most resources to get you there...

Good luck in your decision!

 

[synthase]

I did receive 20k from GW

With $ from GW, I would seriously consider it. It comes down to what you want out of your education and where you will be happy. Downstate is a great school known for diverse patients and good clinical exposure. Definitely a better experience if you are interested in primary care. If you are interested in health policy, global health, international work, GW and DC in general would certainly have the advantage. GW has nicer facilities and has done well to get in better graces with the LCME. DC is a very cool city and GW serves a large metropolitan population.

Best of luck.

 

[FireTop]

Go to GW. I don't want a classmate who would even consider GW over DS.

You mad because people outside of the SDN community don't respect your school? 😉

Thanks for the super valuable comment? I guess this is what gives Downstate the bad vibe everyone keeps talking about- I thought it was just the run down facilities but nope- its also students like you!

+1

 

[insued]

i think ds is prob going to be a better choice, aside from that one disrespectful troll. City-wise, ny provides a much wider spectrum of diversity. It also have much more hospital affiliation that are within the city that covers every specialty so your third and fourth year would not need a car and still have great transportation. And when students were asked if GW prepare them for the board, they usually said the lecture were more catered for greater understanding of medicine than for the board.

But then again, as everyone mentioned, this is a personal choice and you really shouldn't rely on the forum for the decision. Try e-mailing current students for a better picture. Im sure theres FB group for them

 

[chingster]

I think Downstate is a better choice as well. Facilities shouldn't make or break your decision.

Ignore fireitup, he's just bitter it took him a thousand cycles to finally get accepted. Low blow?

 

[anbuitachi]

i read fireitup's comment as sarcasm. dont take things like that too seriously... lighten up guys

 

[Asyouwereatrio]

i read fireitup's comment as sarcasm. dont take things like that too seriously... lighten up guys

+1...as did I. You guys should relax..don't take everything so personally..it's SDN!

 

[FIREitUP]

Premed gunner mode activated. There's no way those readings can be right...it's over 9000!