I am accepted into Downstate and NYU. Which school is better? Your inputs please
If you're going to be heavy into research, then go to NYU. NYU has a slight edge in prestige factor and has a much better medical center than Downstate.
Downstate has all these things going on, except you'll probably get a much better clinical education thanks to that area of Brooklyn being really underserved.
If NYU gives you no financial aid, I would go to Downstate if cost was my main priority. Otherwise, NYU > Downstate.
They're all in the city, so location should mean nothing. Commuting is a way of life, albeit the area NYU is in is more desirable than Downstate.
nyu is a really nice location in manhattan while downstate is in flatbush, very different areas.
I went to school in Manhattan and worked in Brooklyn. I'm very familiar with both. In this case, location means nothing because you can live anywhere in New York City and get around. Commuting is a way of life. I don't think location should shape his decision here.
We're not comparing an NYC school to University of Vermont. We're talking about schools literally a 30-45 minute subway ride apart.
my analysis goes down like this: NYU's research edge is a given, but i'll probably do some research in the next 4 years, so it's worth noting. more importantly, from my experience during interview day, it just felt like NYU "cared more" about supporting its students throughout their medical school journey. they revamped the curriculum, they have a variety of dual-degree options, there are some pretty cool international opportunities, they go out of their way to do a lot of technology integration, they have some good housing options in a crazy location. also, i like the P/F system for preclinical work. at Downstate, it was more like, "this is medical school...go do it. we can talk when it's over."
Just saying it's a totally different atmosphere in both locations, harlem is 30 minutes from times square and I'd hardly call them equivalent. in this case location is a differentiating factor.
i'm considering these schools, among some others. FWIW, i've spoken with three practicing docs that went to Downstate; two said they thought NYU was the better option, and the other said "you can't go wrong with either." additionally, i know a residency program director--with no affiliation at either school-- and he said that NYU graduates consistently demonstrated better clinical preparedness and were more successful in residency applications to his program. i realize that this is only N=4, but the point-of-view of a residency director is pretty substantial.
If you are interested in primary care maybe downstate is a good option. if you will get instate tuition, maybe downstate is cheaper, although big budget privates (ie NYU) have money to spread around to the students.
Other than those considerations, NYU is certainly the better school. Their match list is better, especially if you are interested in more competitive specialties. Their new curriculum (18month pre-clinical vs. 2 yrs) is attractive since one starts rotations earlier, giving more time to sample different fields before applying to programs. The location is ideal if you like city living. Downstate isn't in the best hood and though there are cool/nice places around, you'd definitely be commuting.
All that said, you'd be crazy to pass up on NYU unless Downstate is MUCH cheaper or of course if you just don't think NYU will be a good fit.
Downstate has a great match list-- with a lot of specialization. I don't know how you can just say NYU's match list is better than Downstate. Match lists are not as important as match list trends, and even then there's a lot of nuances that go into deciphering a match list.